Prattville Returns Nearly Entire Lineup, Aims to Rise in Area 5

Prattville brings back a veteran core for 2026 after a 12–23 season, banking on continuity and a strong senior class to improve in one of the state’s toughest districts. Coming off a 12-23 campaign in one of the toughest areas in Class 7A, Prattville was forced to grow up fast in 2025. Despite the record, the Lions return nearly their entire lineup, losing only one starter from last year’s team in Mason Piper, who was both the leading hitter and pitcher.

TEAM OUTLOOK

The backbone of this group starts with a strong senior class. Dorsett Jackson (Shelton State CC, 2026) will hit in the middle of the order and brings pop to go with steady defense in the outfield. Aiden Urnis (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC, 2026) anchors the infield with a strong arm and will also be a key run producer in the heart of the lineup. Sean Smith (Itawamba CC, 2026) brings impact potential on both sides of the ball with big pop from both sides of the plate and does a good job handling the pitching staff behind the dish. With that experience now under their belts and a core group of contributors back, Prattville enters 2026 believing it is far better equipped to compete in Area 5 and take a step forward this spring.

Pitching and two-way depth figure to decide how far the Lions can climb. OF/RHP Holt Stovall (2026), a three-year starter, will log important innings and continue to provide experience on both sides of the ball. Paxton Genola (RHP, 2026) gives the Lions a power arm in the back end of games, sitting in the mid-80s. Chris Hardaway (RHP/1B, 2026) is a reliable strike-thrower who will factor into the starting rotation. Andrew Kincaid (RHP, 2027) returns after starting last season and should once again eat up innings. Christian Alexander (UTL, 2027), another three-year starter, gives Prattville versatility all over the field.

Youth and competition behind the veterans could swing tight Area 5 matchups. The preview identifies a promising underclass group that adds depth and competition across the roster: LHP/OF AJ Kramer (2029), 3B/RHP Will McKay (2028), OF Aiden Bradley (2028), OF Tyler Blanchard (2028), C Nick Kramer (2027), #### C Nick Kramer (10/20/24), INF BJ Mangum (2027) and INF Layton Lawrence (2027). Those names give coach and fans options late in games and in case of injury or matchup needs.

For Autauga County residents, the return of so many familiar faces means roster stability and local college connections to follow into 2026. Seniors with junior-college ties could draw scouts and keep home crowds engaged, while the mix of two-way players and reliable arms offers a realistic path out of a rebuilding year. The season-opening lineup card and pitching roles will confirm how the projected rotation and batting order translate to wins, but Prattville’s continuity and senior leadership make this a team to watch as Area 5 play begins.