Arab High School football dominates early in the year — best start to season since 1949

Arab, Alabama, is one of those close-knit small towns where everybody knows everybody — and this 2026 high school football season, everybody has had plenty of reason to be excited.

For the first time since 1949 (77 years), the Arab High School football team has started its season 6-0. Five out of six of the wins have come in dominant fashion, winning by 20 points or more.

• 🏈 August 21: 14-0 win @ Guntersville
• 🏈 August 28: 41-21 win vs. Ardmore
• 🏈 September 4: 35-14 win @ Albertville
• 🏈 September 11: 56-33 win vs. Lee
• 🏈 September 17: 34-12 win @ Columbia
• 🏈 September 25: 35-14 win vs. Decatur

The Knights are led by head coach Kyle Routon, who took over the program in 2024. The offensive line is anchored by Stafford Willis, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound interior lineman who is committed to play football for The University of Alabama.

When asked about what made this year’s team different, here’s what Stafford had to say:

“Definitely the work we put in this offseason and the team chemistry we built… The selflessness and care we all have for each other and that we’ve been through thick and thin together, and [we] are willing to sacrifice for our own.”

_{Stafford Willis, Arab High School football player and Alabama commit}

The Knights look to keep their winning streak alive as they host Fort Payne on Friday, October 2.

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