The Mars Hill Bible varsity football team takes on Houston Academy in a pivotal neutral playoff matchup today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs for Class 3A. Both teams are prepared for a high-stakes battle as they compete for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama State Football Championship
Who: Houston Academy vs Mars Hill Bible
When: Today, December 05, 2024
Bracket: AHSAA Super 7 Class 3A Championship
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Mars Hill Bible vs. Houston Academy

The 2024 AHSAA Class 3A football playoffs bring together two of Alabama’s most dominant teams, Houston Academy and Mars Hill Bible, in what promises to be a high-octane matchup. Both programs have posted nearly flawless seasons, making this game a defining moment in their championship quest.

Houston Academy: A Season of Dominance

Houston Academy enters the game with an exceptional 13-1 record and a stellar .929 win percentage. Ranked No. 41 in Alabama and No. 1 in Class 3A, they have demonstrated consistency and power on both sides of the ball. With a 6-1 record in regional play and an undefeated 3-0 record in neutral-site games, Houston Academy has shown they can rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations.

Offensively, they’ve been formidable, racking up 597 points this season while allowing just 194. Their scoring averages reflect their offensive firepower, with 12.7 points in both the first and second quarters, followed by 9.7 in the third and 7.3 in the fourth. This early-game dominance has been a key factor in their success, allowing them to control the tempo from the outset.

Mars Hill Bible: Unbeaten in Regional Play

Mars Hill Bible matches Houston Academy’s impressive 13-1 record and .929 win percentage but edges them in regional dominance with a perfect 7-0 record. Ranked No. 52 in Alabama and No. 3 in Class 3A, Mars Hill Bible has proven to be an offensive juggernaut, outscoring opponents 601-191 this season.

Their scoring averages highlight their ability to start fast, with an impressive 15.4 points per game in the first quarter. While their production dips slightly as the game progresses—averaging 10.4 in the second quarter, 7.9 in the third, and 6.9 in the fourth—they consistently put points on the board, finishing with a season average of 42.9 points per game, just ahead of Houston Academy’s 42.6.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Both teams excel on neutral ground, boasting undefeated 3-0 records, which makes this matchup even more compelling. Mars Hill Bible’s slight edge in overall scoring and their ability to strike early could pose a challenge for Houston Academy. However, Houston Academy’s balance across all quarters and defensive consistency make them a tough opponent to overcome.

Defensively, the teams are evenly matched, with Mars Hill Bible allowing just three fewer points than Houston Academy over the season. This balance sets the stage for a game that could be decided by execution in critical moments.

What to Expect

This playoff clash is a meeting of two evenly matched powerhouses, with both teams sharing identical records and elite rankings. The game will likely hinge on which team can capitalize on early opportunities and maintain composure under pressure. Houston Academy’s methodical approach and Mars Hill Bible’s explosive starts will define the narrative.

As the football season heats up, the highly anticipated matchup between Houston Academy and Mars Hill Bible brings two powerhouse teams head-to-head. Here’s a breakdown of the key statistics and team performances that highlight their dominance this season.

Team Stat Comparison

Houston Academy showcases impressive offensive and defensive numbers, underscoring their strength across the field:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 171.8
• Passing Yards Per Game: 224.8
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 224.7
• Total Yards Per Game: 396.6
• Tackles Per Game: 60.5
• Sacks Per Game: 1.7
• Points Per Game: 42.6

Mars Hill Bible’s team statistics were not available for comparison, but their stellar 13-1 record speaks volumes about their consistency and resilience.

Team Leaders

Houston Academy boasts standout players who have been key to their success:

• Rushing Leader: #22 Andrew Gil, averaging 49.6 yards per game, significantly above the national average of 20.0.
• Passing Leader: #2 Kadyn Mitchell, with an impressive 214.2 yards per game, far surpassing the national average of 50.5.
• Receiving Leader: #9 Gabe Glover, contributing 103.6 yards per game compared to the national average of 17.2.
• Total Yards Leader: #2 Kadyn Mitchell, who commands the field with 240.5 total yards per game.
• Defensive Standout: #23 Hughes Williams, leading with 8.0 tackles per game, three times the national average of 2.7.
• Sack Specialist: #50 Miller Rane, contributing 0.3 sacks per game, slightly above the national average of 0.2.
• Points Leader: #9 Gabe Glover, scoring 10.3 points per game, far exceeding the national average of 2.5.

Mars Hill Bible’s team leaders were not specified, but their undefeated league record suggests a balanced and effective roster.

Record Breakdown

Both teams enter the matchup with identical 13-1 records, reflecting their dominance in the 2024 season:

Houston Academy:

• Overall Record: 13-1
• League Record: 6-1
• Non-League Record: 3-0
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 4-1
• Neutral Record: 3-0
• Playoff Record: 4-0
• In-State Record: 13-1

Mars Hill Bible:

• Overall Record: 13-1
• League Record: 7-0
• Non-League Record: 2-1
• Home Record: 5-1
• Away Record: 5-0
• Neutral Record: 3-0
• Playoff Record: 4-0
• In-State Record: 13-1

What to Watch For

• Offensive Firepower: Houston Academy’s Kadyn Mitchell and Gabe Glover bring a dynamic passing-receiving duo that could challenge any defense.
• Defensive Matchup: While Houston Academy’s defensive leaders like Hughes Williams stand out statistically, Mars Hill Bible’s league dominance hints at a formidable defense.
• Home vs. Away Advantage: Houston Academy’s unbeaten home record contrasts with Mars Hill Bible’s flawless performance in away games. This clash of environments will be pivotal.

Final Thoughts

This showdown is a meeting of titans, with both teams exhibiting exceptional talent and strategic depth. Houston Academy’s detailed statistics highlight their strengths, while Mars Hill Bible’s league record demonstrates their reliability under pressure. Fans can expect a thrilling game that could come down to a few key plays.

Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this is a matchup not to be missed.

Conclusion

Mars Hill Bible versus Houston Academy is the epitome of what playoff football is all about—two elite programs battling for glory. With championship aspirations on the line, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with grit, strategy, and big plays. As the two titans of Class 3A collide, only one will emerge victorious and move closer to the ultimate prize.