The Alcoa (TN) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Gatlinburg-Pittman (Gatlinburg, TN) on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 Tennessee High School Football Playoff Brackets: TSSAA – Division I Class 3A tournament.
Alcoa vs Gatlinburg-Pittman Football Game Info:
What: Tennessee High School Football
Who: Alcoa vs Gatlinburg-Pittman
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Bracket: 2024 Tennessee High School Football Playoff Brackets: TSSAA – Division I Class 3A
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Game preview: Alcoa vs Gatlinburg-Pittman
As the football season progresses, one matchup that has captured the attention of fans across Tennessee is the highly anticipated clash between Gatlinburg-Pittman and Alcoa. Both teams have proven themselves to be formidable opponents, with strong overall records and impressive performances. Here’s a closer look at their stats and head-to-head comparison ahead of their next showdown.
Team Records and Rankings
Gatlinburg-Pittman enters the matchup with a solid 9-3 record, including a strong 4-1 district performance. The team has shown resilience at home, maintaining an undefeated record (5-0), but their away performance has been a bit more inconsistent, posting a 4-3 record. Their overall win percentage stands at .750, with a district win rate of .800.
On the other hand, Alcoa boasts a remarkable 11-1 record, including a perfect 5-0 district performance. The Tornadoes have been dominant at home (6-1), but their away performance (4-0) has been even more impressive. With a nearly flawless win percentage of .917 and a 1.000 district record, Alcoa has proven to be one of the most powerful teams in Tennessee.
Scoring Averages
One of the key differences between these two teams lies in their scoring capabilities. Gatlinburg-Pittman averages 32.6 points per game, with strong performances in the first and second quarters, posting 10.7 and 11.3 points, respectively. However, their scoring tends to dip in the second half, with 4.2 points in the third quarter and 4.7 in the fourth.
In contrast, Alcoa dominates with an average of 40.1 points per game. Their first-quarter performance is especially notable, averaging 13.5 points. While their scoring also drops in the second and third quarters (5.0 and 5.3 points), they remain strong in the fourth quarter, posting 5.8 points to close out games.
Stat Comparison
When it comes to yardage, Gatlinburg-Pittman focuses heavily on the ground game, averaging 193.5 rushing yards per game, while their passing attack averages 134.2 yards. Their total offensive yards per game stands at 327.7, with a solid defensive unit recording 75.2 tackles per game and 2.6 sacks per game.
Alcoa’s offensive stats are equally impressive, with 481 total points on the season. While they haven’t posted specific rushing or passing averages, their offense has been consistently efficient. Defensively, Alcoa has allowed just 158 points, showing their ability to limit opponents’ scoring opportunities.
Player Highlights
Gatlinburg-Pittman’s offense is led by Brayden Maples, who averages 115.2 rushing yards per game, and quarterback Tyson Sutton, who contributes 150.7 passing yards per game. Receiver Ben Reece adds another dimension to their offense, tallying 57.3 receiving yards per game. Defensively, linebacker Craig Huskey leads the team with 10.5 tackles per game, while Evan Allen has been a key disruptor with 0.8 sacks per game.
Alcoa’s standout players include running back Brayden Maples (different from Gatlinburg-Pittman’s), who contributes 12.2 points per game. The Tornadoes’ defense is spearheaded by their ability to stifle opponents and keep their offense on track, with impressive sack and tackle numbers throughout the season.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, with both programs posting perfect records against common foes like Austin-East, Pigeon Forge, and Roane County. Gatlinburg-Pittman defeated Austin-East 24-6, while Alcoa triumphed over them 43-7. Alcoa has been dominant in their matchups, including a 56-21 win over Pigeon Forge and a decisive 49-7 victory over Roane County, proving their superiority in these contests.
The Final Word
While Gatlinburg-Pittman has been competitive, particularly at home, Alcoa’s dominance both in district play and against common opponents gives them the upper hand heading into this game. The Tornadoes’ explosive offense and strong defensive play make them one of the top teams in Tennessee, and they will be looking to continue their pursuit of state championship glory.
For Gatlinburg-Pittman, the key to victory will be executing their game plan effectively, particularly their rushing attack led by Maples. If they can maintain a strong first half and find ways to keep Alcoa’s high-powered offense in check, they may be able to pull off an upset. However, Alcoa’s experience and depth could prove to be too much in what is shaping up to be an exciting showdown.