Start the Madness: Statewide Showdowns Are Expected in the Alabama High School Softball Postseason

These games are more than simply warm-ups. Everything is on the line in these fierce, double-elimination dogfights. Each top-ranked team receives the honor—and pressure—of hosting their region's bracket at home after being seeded based on regular-season performance.

The goal? The regionals, which will take place in four different locations throughout the state—Gulf Shores, Montgomery, Albertville, and Florence—will take place from May 5–8 if you make it through the bracket. Next up is the AHSAA State Softball Tournament, which will start on May 12 at Oxford's Choccolocco Park.

The little issue of surviving the turmoil comes first, though.

The Spanish Fort Is the Focus of Attention

Class 6A, Area 2 will light up Spanish Fort starting Friday, setting the stage for one of the state's most stacked area tournaments.

This bracket resembles a who is who in Alabama football's top division:

Spanish Fort Toros, ranked first (first seed)

Baldwin County, ranked sixth (second seed)

Gulf Shores, ranked second (third seed)

Toolen McGill (fourth seed)

This bracket resembles a miniature state championship rather than an area tournament because three of the top six teams in Class 6A are competing. Fireworks will be present.

Orange Beach is a Southern powerhouse.

On Monday, Orange Beach High School, the dominant force in Class 4A, will host the Area 1 tournament. The Makos are attempting to protect their territory against No. 8 Satsuma and St. Michael Catholic, who are ranked No. 1 in Class 4A and No. 3 in the country by MaxPreps.

Orange Beach has established a maritime dynasty, and they are striving for national fame in addition to state distinction.

7A Thompson Headlines

On Friday and Saturday, Thompson, ranked first in Class 7A and 15th nationally, will host the Area 5 tournament. As they welcome No.

These are contests between programs that have prepared all year for this moment; they are more than just softball games.

Curry, a national contender, hosts the 4A matchup.

Curry High School, ranked No. 18 in the country and No. 2 in Class 4A, will begin its Area 10 tournament on Monday. Fayette County, Hamilton, and Haleyville will attempt to spoil the fun at Curry's home field, but the Yellow Jackets are focused on one thing and nothing else: a trip to Oxford.

The Oxford Road

Eight areas in Class 7A and 16 areas in Classes 1A through 6A will advance to regional play, along with the champions and runners-up. The best of the best will compete for state crowns at Choccolocco Park after a taxing journey.

In addition to the excitement of winning and the heartbreak of losing, the postseason offers a display of the tenacity, fire, and small-town pride that characterize Alabama high school softball.

Keep an eye out. The madness of brackets is just getting started.