Prattville Lady Lions Reach Elite Eight; Coach Honored

Prattville capped a season of decisive wins and postseason progress in 2025, advancing to the Class 6A-7A Elite Eight and securing Autauga County recognition for Head Coach Mike Battle. Battle, who had served as offensive coordinator during Prattville’s Final Four run in 2023 and Elite Eight appearance in 2024, took over as head coach this year and led the Lady Lions through a 13-7 regular season and playoff victories of 33-0 against Hueytown and 7-6 against Austin.

The Lions’ 2025 schedule included an extraordinary run of defensive blankings, posting shutout victories against 12 opponents: Wetumpka, Percy Julian, McGill Toolen, Carver, Robertsdale, Dothan, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Opelika, Helena, Hoover, and Hueytown. The sustained performance earned Battle the Autauga County Flag Football Coach of the Year honor, reflecting both on-field results and the program continuity that followed his promotion.

Offense came into sharper focus when sophomore quarterback Abigail Kelley won the starting job two weeks before the season opener and delivered a breakout year, throwing for 2,452 yards and 27 touchdowns. The team faces roster turnover with leading receiver Lanieya Page graduating, but coaches expressed optimism about younger players stepping into larger roles for 2026.

Beyond wins and statistics, Prattville’s season underscores broader community and public health dimensions. High school sports like flag football provide structured physical activity that supports cardiovascular fitness, mental health, and social connectedness for young people. The prominence of a competitive girls team can also advance gender equity in local athletics, creating visible pathways for female athletes and encouraging broader participation across Autauga County.

That visibility, however, places responsibility on school districts and county leaders to ensure safe, equitable programming. Successful programs benefit from access to athletic trainers, consistent medical oversight, and investment in facilities and coaching resources so student-athletes can compete with minimized injury risk and maximum support for academic balance. As the Lady Lions return to offseason training and planning, sustained community backing will influence whether the momentum translates into long-term opportunity for younger players.

For local families, the season is a point of pride and a reminder of the role school sports play in community life. Prattville’s run to the Elite Eight and Coach Battle’s recognition close out a year of competitive achievement while pointing to policy choices ahead: how Autauga County will fund and safeguard girls athletics, expand healthy youth activity, and support student-athletes as they move from high school fields into college and careers.