Now the games really count. The 2003 Alabama High School Athletic Association Baseball Playoffs begin today with all six high school baseball teams from Covington County in the running for a state championship.

In Class 4A, the Andalusia Bulldogs and Opp Bobcats are in the hunt for a state crown.

The Bulldogs finished the season with a 4-2 record in Class 4A, Area 1 play. The Bulldogs earned an area runner-up title and will be on the road in the first round of the playoffs.

Andalusia (16-11) travels to Rehobeth to battle the Rehobeth Rebels (14-11) at 4 p.m. today in first-round playoff action.

The Opp Bobcats earned the Class 4A, Area 3 Championship. The Bobcats capped off the regular season with a 4-1 win against Carroll on Monday. The Bobcats are now 17-8 on the season.

The Bobcats will host a first-round playoff game today when the Bibb County Choctaws (18-11) visit Merchants Field for a 6 p.m. game.

In Class 3A, the Straughn Tigers will represent Covington County after winning the Class 3A, Area 2 Championship. The Tigers (22-2) will host the Francis Marion Rams (3-8-1) at 3:30 p.m. today.

The Red Level Tigers finished the season as the Class 2A, Area 3 Runner-Up and will be on the road in the first round when they battle the Calera Eagles (15-5) at Oliver Park with the first pitch set for 3:30 p.m.

In Class 1A, the Florala Wildcats will host a first-round playoff game as the Class 1A, Area 3 Champion. The Wildcats (10-9) will host the Holy Spirit Catholic Titans (17-8) at 3:30 p.m.

The Pleasant Home Eagles (7-9) will be on the road as the Class 1A, Area 3 Runner-Up. The Eagles travel to Moundville to play the American Christian Academy Patriots (21-5) at 3:30 p.m. on the diamond at Hale County High School.

The winners of first-round games will advance to the second round of the playoffs. The second-round playoff games are slated to be played Saturday, April 26.