Four area athletes have been identified for excellence in the classroom as well as the field of play, being named as state finalists for the Wendy’s High School Heisman award.

R.A. Hubbard basketball standout Alex Gholston is a girls finalist, while Muscle Shoals football linebacker and baseball pitcher Blake Logan, Hamilton quarterback Mitch Stults and Lexington cross-country runner Maddy Cross are boys finalists.

The award honors the top scholar-athlete in the country. Ten boys and 10 girls were selected as finalists statewide. The winner will be announced Monday and will be eligible for the national award.

Other state boys state finalists are: James Finlen (UMS-Wright), James Graham (Prattville Christian), Aaron Hess (Vestavia Hills), Billy Johnson (Edgewood Academy), Ashton McQuitery (Daphne), Easton Richardson (Fairhope) and Garrett Wates (Marion County).

Other girls state finalists are: Marion Colvin (Pickens County), Victoria Davis (Cherokee County), Cara Goodwin (Good Hope), Natalie Graham (Plainview), Hannah Leach (Cedar Bluff), Alona Melendez (Bayside Academy), Jacey Scott (Douglas), Kristin Stakely (Montgomery Academy) and Chandler Thornton (Edgewood Academy).

Playoff field set

The playoff field is set, and 22 of the 30 high school football teams in the TimesDaily’s coverage area will advance to the postseason.

The playoffs start Friday in Tennessee, where Collinwood, Loretto, Wayne County and Lawrence County each made the postseason in their respective classification.

In Alabama, where 18 of the TimesDaily’s 26 schools made it, the AHSAA playoffs begin Nov. 9.

In Class 6A, Region 8, Florence is the No. 2 seed.

In Class 5A, Region 8, Muscle Shoals is No. 1, while Russellville’s seeding will be determined Friday.

In Class 4A, Region 8, Brooks is No. 1, Central No. 2, Haleyville No. 3 and Rogers No. 4.

In Class 3A, Region 8, Lauderdale County is No. 2, Deshler No. 3 and Colbert County No. 4

In Class 3A, Region 7, Hamilton is No. 1.

In Class 2A, Region 8, Red Bay is No. 2, Sheffield No. 3 and Lexington No. 4.

In Class 1A, Region 8, Hackleburg is No. 1, Shoals Christian No. 2, R.A. Hubbard No. 3 and Phillips No. 4.

Trojans go for history

In 53 years of football history, Muscle Shoals has never had an undefeated regular season. That could change tonight.

If the Class 5A Trojans can beat Class 6A Bob Jones (7-2) at J.F. Moore Stadium, they would finish 10-0 for the first time.

The 9-0 start already is a program best. In fact, the Oct. 12 win against East Limestone represented the first 7-0 start in school history.

Muscle Shoals started 6-0 in 1988, 1984 and 1969.

The Trojans finished the regular season 9-1 in 1979, 1988 and 2011.

Bryan App can be reached at 256-740-5730 or shoalspreps@gmail.com. Follow @bappster on Twitter.