KICKOFF COUNTDOWN: Additions and subractions part of '26 Cramton Bowl schedule
Carver players took part at the recent River Region Sports Prep Media Day at Garrett Coliseum. The Wolverines open the season at Cramton Bowl against P. Julian. (Staff Photo)
By GRAHAM DUNN
There is addition and subtraction involved with the 2026 calendar at Cramton Bowl.
The subtraction includes the loss of the AHSAA Kickoff Classic, which for unknown reasons, has been moved to Phenix City where Thompson will visit Central on Thursday, Aug. 20.
The other missing piece to the otherwise standard bowl schedule is the loss of the annual FCS Classic, which ends its run in Montgomery after 11 years.
The addition is, actually, is not really an addition in that G.W. Carver and Percy Julian will square off at the bowl on Aug. 21. Originally, that was not the case.
“It’ll be great to be back at the bowl,” stated Carver coach Mario White. “My first time coaching the state championship game for AISA was there, and now it's my home field. I love being there, I love the atmosphere, and we're excited.”
Carver was looking for a place to play which had tentatively been scheduled for 17 Springs in Millbrook. But after it was announced that the annual Kickoff Classic would not be played in Montgomery, MPS athletic director Greg Ruffin approached the city to see that the game could be moved to Cramton Bowl, the home of both schools.
It will be the first time since 2024 that Carver plays its opener at the bowl and that was part of the AHSAA Kickoff Classic, against Vestavia Hills.
Technically, Julian has never played an opener at Cramton Bowl but when the school was named Robert E. Lee, the last time was in 2022 when the Generals opened against Sidney Lanier on a Saturday.
Park Crossing, Carver and Julian will be at the bowl a total of six times while JAG will play five times at home. There is just one Saturday game on the schedule when Julian will face Benjamin Russell. There are a total of eight games scheduled for Thursday.
Brewbaker Tech has played flag football games at the bowl for the last two years. The Rams have two games currently scheduled this season.
AHSAA playoffs begin on Nov. 5 and 6.
The AISA championship games return with a tripleheader on Thursday, Nov. 19.
Collegiately, Tuskegee plays twice at the bowl with the annual Red Tails Classic on Aug. 30 against West Alabama. The Golden Tigers return on Oct. 3 to face Morehouse.
The IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl is set for Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 4:30 p.m.
2026 CRAMTON BOWL SCHEDULE (Subject to Change)
Games on Friday will kick off at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise
Aug 21 Julian vs. Carver
Aug. 22 (Sat.) Central Alabama Youth Football League Jamboree
Aug. 25 (Tues) Enterprise at Brew Tech (Flag Football) (5:30 p.m.)
Aug. 27 (Thur) Smith Station at P. Julian
Aug. 28 Albertville at Park Crossing
Aug. 30. Red Tails Classic - West Alabama at Tuskegee (6 p.m.)
Sept. 1 (Tues) Vestavia Hills at Brew Tech (Flag Football) (5:30 p.m.)
Sept. 3 (Thur) Benjamin Russell at Park Crossing
Sept. 4 Auburn at Carver
Sept. 11 Smiths Station at JAG
Sept. 18 Rehobeth at Park Crossing
Sept. 24 (Thur) Parker at Carver
Sept 25 Montgomery Academy at JAG
Oct. 1 (Thur) Park Crossing at P. Julian
Oct. 2 Carver vs JAG
Oct. 3 (Sat.) CFB - Morehouse at Tuskegee (6 p.m.)
Oct. 8 (Thur) Stanhope Elmore at P. Julian
Oct. 9 Enterprise at Carver
Oct. 14 (Wed.) Middle School City Championship
Oct. 15 (Thur) Russell Co at P. Julian
Oct. 16 Stanhope Elmore at Park Crossing
Oct. 20 (Tues) Parker at Brew Tech (Flag Football) (5:30 p.m.)
Oct. 22 (Thur) Dothan at JAG
Oct. 23 Opelika at Carver
Oct. 24 (Sat.) Benjamin Russell at P. Julian (12 p.m.)
Oct. 29 (Thur) Greenville at JAG
Oct. 30 Robertsdale at Park Crossing
Nov. 5/6 AHSAA Playoffs 1st Round
Nov. 19 AISA Championships (TBA)
Dec. 2 (Wed.) AISA All-Star Game
Dec. 15 (Tues) IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl (4:30 p.m.)