The Maplesville varsity football team faces Wadley in a crucial neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs for Class 1A. Both teams are eager to advance, making this an exciting and high-stakes contest as they battle for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama State Football Championship
Who: Wadley vs Maplesville
When: Today, December 05, 2024
Bracket: AHSAA Super 7 Class 1A Championship
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Wadley vs. Maplesville

Wadley vs. Maplesville: A 1A Playoff Battle for the Ages

The 2024 AHSAA Class 1A football playoffs bring together two powerhouse teams, Wadley and Maplesville, in what promises to be an exciting and high-stakes neutral-site showdown. Both teams have had impressive seasons, with undefeated records and explosive offenses, making this game one of the most anticipated in the 1A playoffs.

Wadley: An Unstoppable Force

Wadley enters this playoff game with an undefeated 12-0 record, boasting a perfect 1.000 win percentage. Ranked No. 82 nationally and No. 1 in Class 1A, the team has been dominant on both offense and defense, outscoring their opponents 666 to 195. Wadley’s offense has been particularly potent, averaging 55.5 points per game, with their first-quarter production standing out at an impressive 28.5 points. Their strong start sets the tone, and they’ve continued to build on that lead, averaging 13.5 points in the second quarter, 10.0 in the third, and 8.0 in the fourth.

Wadley’s success has been driven by their explosive start to games, giving them a significant advantage over many of their opponents. Their ability to execute early and often will be a critical factor as they look to carry their undefeated season forward.

Maplesville: A Strong Contender with Impressive Depth

Maplesville enters the game with a solid 12-2 record and an .857 win percentage, earning them a second-place ranking in Class 1A. With a perfect 7-0 regional record and an impressive 3-0 record in neutral-site games, Maplesville has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. They’ve scored 507 points this season while allowing 212, averaging 36.2 points per game.

Maplesville’s offense starts strong but slightly less explosively than Wadley’s, with 12.2 points in the first quarter. Their second-quarter output drops to 8.2, but they remain consistent with 10.5 points in the third and 7.1 in the fourth. Despite being a step behind Wadley in terms of scoring averages, Maplesville has been a balanced and resilient team all season long. They will need to find ways to keep pace with Wadley’s high-powered offense and capitalize on their opportunities throughout the game.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

Wadley’s offense, which averages 55.5 points per game, has been explosive, particularly in the first quarter, where they score 28.5 points on average. In comparison, Maplesville’s offensive numbers are solid but not quite at the same level, averaging 36.2 points per game. While Wadley’s early-game dominance is a significant factor in their success, Maplesville will need to focus on keeping the game close early to avoid falling behind too quickly.

Defensively, both teams have been strong, but Wadley’s ability to dominate in the first half gives them an edge. Maplesville will need to improve their scoring consistency and defense if they are to contain Wadley’s high-scoring offense and keep themselves in the game.

What to Expect

This playoff matchup is a battle of contrasting styles: Wadley’s high-flying offense against Maplesville’s balanced and gritty play. Wadley will look to maintain their high-scoring pace and build a commanding lead early in the game, while Maplesville will focus on staying competitive and capitalizing on any weaknesses in Wadley’s defense.

Given both teams’ remarkable records and their success in neutral-site games, fans can expect a hard-fought, intense contest. The key to victory for Maplesville will be finding a way to slow down Wadley’s potent offense and keeping the game within reach. For Wadley, their task will be to continue executing their game plan and using their fast start to seize control early.

Conclusion

The Wadley vs. Maplesville game is set to be an epic showdown in the 2024 AHSAA Class 1A playoffs. With both teams bringing impressive records and high-powered offenses, this game will undoubtedly be one for the ages. As these two teams battle for a spot in the next round, fans are in for a thrilling and unforgettable playoff experience.