Aledo’s likely going 6A

Rick Mauch

The time most folks have seen coming for a while now is nigh upon us. This time next year Aledo will probably be competing in the ranks of Class 6A.

It’s been talked about for years. That’s what happens when you have a nice community to which everyone wants to move. With progress comes growth and with growth comes the likes of Southlake Carroll, North Crowley, and other schools that used to be in a larger classification.

Not so any more. Aledo reported 2,404 high school enrollment to the University Interscholastic League recently. While we are still awaiting official cutoff numbers from the UIL, it’s a good bet the Bearcats and Ladycats will be above whatever the lowest number is for 6A when realignment becomes official in early February.

In the 2024-26 realignment, the cutoff for Class 6A was 2,275. It would take quite a hike up in the numbers for Aledo to remain in 5A Division I.

Of course, there used to be a joke concerning Dallas Highland Park that the highest classification was always one above whatever enrollment figure they turned in. Some have made the same jest about Aledo, and while both schools do indeed have clout throughout the state, those are nonetheless jokes.

While going to 6A is certainly not a laughing matter — the competition will indeed be tougher — there’s absolutely no reason to believe Aledo will not continue to be successful across the board.

“With our continued growth, we have been preparing for a move to Class 6A for a while,” Athletic Director Brandi Belk said. “Being one of the smallest 6A schools as opposed to one of the largest 5A schools will definitely provide some challenges, but we are ready for it. I think our student-athletes can compete against anyone in the state as far as talent, skill, athleticism, and competitiveness go, and I look forward to watching our programs continue to succeed.”

Immediately, the bulk focus of attention goes to football. When you’ve won 12 state championships — currently working on a baker’s dozen — it’s understandable.

The Bearcats will still be a force to be reckoned with. The dominance they’ve enjoyed so far will likely disappear, but they’ve consistently shown the ability to win a close game as well as a blowout.

“We will be competing against schools with two to three times more students,” Bearcats football coach Robby Jones said. “We will still be able to compete with the 6A programs. We have shown that by scheduling some tough 6A programs over the last couple of years.”

The Bearcats have indeed proven their worth via their annual showdown with 6A Denton Guyer. The teams have split their six meetings since 2018, with Aledo taking two of the past three, including 21-14 this season.

The difference, as Jones notes, is that each week will bring a tougher opponent. And when the postseason arrives — and Aledo will definitely continue to be a playoff team — it’s highly unlikely there will be any 50-plus points victories.

“Just [two weeks ago] in the first round there was a matchup between Austin Vandergrift and Austin Westlake, two powerhouse programs,” Jones said. “We could see some early playoff matchups like that.

“So there aren’t going to be any guaranteed long playoff runs every year like we are accustomed to. We will continue to work hard and adapt to our new environment and what we need to be successful.”

I seem to recall similar statements being made about Southlake Carroll when they moved to the highest level. They’ve done quite well with a slew of state titles since they did their own adapting.

While there’s no guarantee Aledo will do the same, given their history of winning, would anyone be surprised?

Football isn’t the only activity in which Aledo will remain competitive. All programs already clash with larger schools on a regular basis with success.

“As we prepare to move up to 6A next season, we know we’re stepping into a bigger arena with tougher competition and higher expectations. But this program has never backed down from a challenge,” softball coach Heather Myers said. “We’ve built our success on hard work, resilience, and a belief in each other, and that doesn’t change just because the stage gets bigger.

“We respect the level of play we’re heading into, but we aren’t intimidated by it. In fact, we welcome it. Competing against the best will only make us better, and our athletes are ready to rise to that standard every single day.

“We’re excited for what’s ahead, and we’re committed to representing our school and community with pride, grit, and heart. 6A may be a new chapter, but the identity of this team remains the same: we’re here to work, we’re here to grow, and we’re here to compete.”

Cross country coach Mike Pinkerton said, “I believe it will affect district, regionals and state. It will also affect rankings throughout the season. The meets we normally attend should be no different as they are loaded with 6A teams.”

The rise in classification will not only impact athletics, but all other UIL activities as well. However, once again, Aledo has excelled across the board, as evidenced by making history this past season by winning its first Lone Star Cup.

“Coming off an incredible year with a Class 5A Lone Star Cup championship, we have so many programs performing at a high level that it will be exciting to see them more than likely compete in Class 6A next school year,” Superintendent Dr. Susan Bohn said. “Our students rise to the challenge, and our staff members guide and inspire them to succeed in everything they do, so I see that being no different — in fine arts, academics or athletics — if Aledo moves to Class 6A.”

Yes, folks, 6A is very likely here to stay. As the old saying goes, “adapt or die.”

No one’s planning a wake for Aledo.