By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville Christian Academy Baseball Team has been ranked #1 in the state every week of the 2025 season except for one and have finished the regular season with a record of 28-2.
The Panthers recently clinched the Class 3A Area 5 championship with a three-game sweep of the St. James Trojans, who are ranked #4 in Class 3A. The Panthers previously swept Alabama Christian Academy and won two of three games against Montgomery Academy before facing off against the Trojans in a matchup that decided the area winner.
“Winning the area was always going to be tough,” said PCA Coach Tommy Goodson. “We are so close together and everyone gives us their best shot in area play. Winning the area for the past three years is special. St. James is very good and ranked #4 in the state. We played good and had good pitching and got timely hits. We could see them (St. James) again down the road.”
The Panthers were ranked #1 at the start of the season but faced perhaps their toughest test of the year during spring break when they participated in the Gulf Coast Class Tournament in Foley, which hosted almost 60 teams from several different states. The Panthers won their first five games of the tournament before eventually losing their first game of the season in the tournament final.
“I believe our spring break trip really got us together when we played some tough teams,” said Coach Goodson. “A lot of different players have had to step up and help the team. We have embraced the number one ranking.”
With the postseason beginning on Friday, the Panthers hope to make another deep run in the Class 3A playoffs. Their season has ended in the 3rd round the last two seasons. “Our key to victory is being ourselves, throwing strikes, make adjustments at the plate, and play good defense. A little luck every now and then would also help.”
The Panthers start their quest for a Class 3A state title on Friday at 1:00p.m. when they host Childersburg in a doubleheader, with a third game set for Saturday if necessary.
