A trio of Baldwin County high school football teams were recognized in statewide preseason rankings compiled by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

Despite a step up in classification, the defending Class 5A state champion Gulf Shores Dolphins checked in as the No. 4 team in Class 6A with Saraland and Parker atop the list. The defending 6A champions, Clay-Chalkville, sit right above Gulf Shores at No. 3.

On the Class 4A stage, the St. Michael Cardinals start their search for a second-straight playoff berth just outside of the Top 10. St. Michael was one of 10 teams to receive votes from ASWA members and was last ranked in Week 3 of the 2021 season, Philip Rivers’ first as head coach.

In a return to Class 3A, the Bayside Academy Admirals also received votes and will start their season with nine other squads just outside of the Top 10. Bayside Academy returns to the level it competed in from 2008-21 where the Admirals were ranked in seven polls their final season in Class 3A.

All three teams are scheduled to kick off their seasons on Aug. 23 when Gulf Shores hosts the Choctawhatchee Indians from Florida. Although no longer region foes, St. Michael will travel to Bayside Academy to get the season underway.

Baldwin County fans can learn more about their favorite teams in the Fall Sports Preview Magazine that will feature previews, top storylines to follow and top players to watch from Bay Minette to the beach.

Follow @GCMSportsAL on social media for immediate updates from the sidelines and stay tuned to gulfcoastmedia.com/sports for full coverage.

Below are the full preseason rankings from the Alabama Sports Writers Association with first-place votes in parentheses and last year’s records.

Class 7A

1. Central-Phenix City (12): 13-0

2. Thompson (7): 11-2
3. Enterprise: 9-3
4. Auburn: 9-3
5. Hoover: 5-7
6. Dothan: 8-3

7. Mary G. Montgomery: 12-1
8. Hewitt-Trussville: 9-4
9. Vestavia Hills: 9-3
10. Hillcrest Tuscaloosa: 12-1
Receiving votes: Austin (8-3), Carver-Montgomery (7-4), James Clemens (7-4)

Class 6A

1. Saraland (16): 14-1
2. Parker (2): 12-2
3. Clay-Chalkville (1): 14-0

4. Gulf Shores: 15-0
5. Spain Park: 7-3
6. Oxford: 9-3
7. Pike Road: 11-3
8. Muscle Shoals: 11-1

9. Gadsden City: 9-4
10. Mountain Brook: 8-4
Receiving votes: Hartselle (9-3), Helena (9-3), Fort Payne (7-5), Theodore (7-4), Homewood (6-5), Benjamin Russell (10-3)

Class 5A

1. Ramsay (10): 12-3
2. Moody (7): 10-3
3. Guntersville: 11-2
4. Catholic Montgomery (2): 15-0
5. Central Clay County: 10-1

6. Leeds: 9-3
7. Briarwood: 6-6
8. Center Point: 7-4
9. Fairview: 9-2
10. Demopolis: 10-3

Receiving votes: Andalusia (10-2), Eufaula (10-4), Vigor (7-3), Scottsboro (8-3), Headland (10-3), Boaz (6-6)

Class 4A

1. Jackson (11): 11-1
2. Cherokee County (6): 13-2

3. Pleasant Grove (1): 10-2
4. Bibb County: 10-2
5. Madison Academy: 14-1
6. Mobile Christian (1): 15-0
7. Handley: 10-2

8. Dora: 8-3
9. Anniston: 6-4
10. St. James: 11-3
Receiving votes: Deshler (8-4), Brooks (8-5), Oak Grove (6-5), West Morgan (12-1), Opp (4-7), Straughn (10-2), Westminster (11-3), American Christian (8-3), North Jackson (4-7), St. Michael (6-5)

Class 3A

1. Fyffe (19): 14-1
2. Trinity: 11-2
3. T.R. Miller: 8-4
4. Gordo: 10-2

5. Mars Hill: 10-2
6. Geraldine: 12-2
7. Piedmont: 5-7
8. Sylvania: 10-3
9. Houston Academy: 10-2

10. Thomasville: 10-2
Receiving votes: Southside Selma (7-4), Bayside Academy (8-3), Randolph County (10-2), B.B. Comer (13-1), Ohatchee (5-5), Lauderdale County (12-1), Walter Wellborn (7-4), Collinsville (8-3), Westbrook Christian (5-5), Locust Fork (12-1)

Class 2A

1. Pisgah (14): 12-2

2. Coosa Christian (4): 8-6
3. Highland Home: 10-2
4. Tuscaloosa Academy: 10-3
5. Cottonwood: 10-2
6. Clarke County: 7-6

7. Decatur Heritage: 9-2
8. Vincent: 6-5
9. Reeltown (1): 13-1
10. Sulligent: 9-3
Receiving votes: Pleasant Valley (5-6), Goshen (9-3), Cedar Bluff (5-6), West End Walnut Grove (5-6)

Class 1A

1. Elba (12): 13-1
2. Leroy (7): 14-0
3. Wadley: 11-2

4. Sweet Water: 9-2
5. Hackleburg: 11-2
6. Brantley: 8-5
7. Georgiana: 9-3
8. Maplesville: 8-5

9. Spring Garden: 8-3
10. Pickens County: 10-4
Receiving votes: Lynn (10-2), Addison (8-3), Florala (7-4)

AISA

1. Chambers Academy (17): 12-1
2. Banks Academy (2): 11-2
3. Bessemer Academy: 4-7
4. Lowndes Academy: 13-0
5. Fort Dale Academy: 9-3
Receiving votes: Wilcox Academy (10-4), Edgewood (4-7), Clarke Prep (8-5), Jackson Academy (9-3), Patrician (8-4)