The West Morgan (Trinity, AL) varsity football team will face Anniston (AL) in a neutral playoff matchup on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs for the 4A division, where both teams aim to secure their spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Anniston vs West Morgan
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 4A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: West Morgan vs. Anniston

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs continue with a 4A division clash between the undefeated West Morgan Rebels and the resilient Anniston Bulldogs on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both teams bring their unique strengths to this neutral-site matchup, but their paths to this point reveal a stark contrast.

Anniston: Grit and Determination

Anniston enters the game with a 7-5 overall record and a solid 5-2 region mark, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level. Despite mixed results on the road (4-2) and at home (2-3), the Bulldogs have shown resilience in neutral settings, as reflected in their 1-0 record.

The Bulldogs average 29.3 points per game, with their strongest scoring output coming in the fourth quarter (7.7 points). Defensively, they’ve allowed 203 points on the season, an average of 16.9 points per game, which will be tested against West Morgan’s high-octane offense.

Key Stats:

• Overall Record: 7-5
• Region Record: 5-2
• Home Record: 2-3
• Away Record: 4-2
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points For (PF): 352
• Points Against (PA): 203
• Average Points Per Game: 29.3

West Morgan: A Perfect Season

West Morgan has been nothing short of dominant this season, boasting a flawless 12-0 overall record and an unblemished 7-0 region record. The Rebels are undefeated both at home (6-0) and on the road (5-0), showcasing their consistency and versatility. Their balanced attack has earned them a 100% win rate and a reputation as one of the strongest teams in 4A.

The Rebels average an impressive 44.8 points per game, with their highest-scoring quarter being the second (16.9 points), where they often build insurmountable leads. Their defense has been exceptional, allowing only 123 points all season, an average of 10.3 points per game, making them one of the toughest teams to score against.

Key Stats:

• Overall Record: 12-0
• Region Record: 7-0
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 5-0
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points For (PF): 537
• Points Against (PA): 123
• Average Points Per Game: 44.8

Scoring Averages Comparison

• Anniston:
  • Q1: 5.0
  • Q2: 2.7
  • Q3: 4.5
  • Q4: 7.7
  • Final: 29.3
• West Morgan:
  • Q1: 9.0
  • Q2: 16.9
  • Q3: 9.3
  • Q4: 7.5
  • Final: 44.8

As Anniston and West Morgan prepare for their highly anticipated clash, a detailed statistical comparison reveals key insights into the strengths and strategies of these two teams. With contrasting records and styles, this game promises to be a fascinating battle of skill and determination.

Team Performance Comparison

West Morgan has been a dominant force this season, boasting a perfect 12-0 record, including a flawless 7-0 performance in league play. Anniston, while solid, enters the game with a 7-5 record and a respectable 5-2 league showing. Both teams are undefeated against common opponents, with decisive wins over Randolph School. Anniston triumphed 40-12, while West Morgan posted a commanding 31-0 victory earlier in the season.

When it comes to offensive production, both teams have impressive capabilities, but West Morgan edges out with superior consistency:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: West Morgan leads with 212.6 yards, highlighting a dominant ground game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Anniston holds an advantage, averaging 153.3 yards compared to West Morgan’s 105.7.
• Total Yards Per Game: West Morgan averages 365.9 yards, demonstrating a balanced attack that can challenge any defense.

Defensively, West Morgan’s pressure is evident with an average of 3.4 sacks per game, while Anniston relies on a strong tackling unit, recording 52.0 tackles per game.

Individual Standouts

Both teams have standout players who consistently deliver on the field:

• Rushing: West Morgan’s #23 Macarri Johnson shines, leading with 105.7 rushing yards per game and contributing an impressive 12.5 points per game. Anniston’s running attack, while solid, trails in comparison.
• Passing and Receiving: Anniston’s #15 Titan Partlow is the centerpiece of their offense, with 152.3 passing yards per game and a team-leading 151.7 total yards per game. His favorite target, #1 Tyshon Tucker, contributes 50.2 receiving yards per game.
• Defensive Leaders: Anniston’s #8 Ty Jones anchors the defense with 7.9 tackles per game, while West Morgan’s #30 Jackson Webster provides consistent pressure with 0.9 sacks per game.

Record Breakdown

West Morgan’s flawless season is reflected in their dominance across all categories:

• Home and Away: West Morgan is undefeated both at home (6-0) and on the road (5-0), while Anniston has shown resilience away from home with a 4-2 record.
• Playoffs: Both teams are 2-0 in playoff action, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.

Key Matchup Factors

West Morgan’s balanced offense and aggressive defense will test Anniston’s ability to adapt. For Anniston, success will hinge on Titan Partlow’s ability to exploit gaps in West Morgan’s secondary, while the defense must contain Macarri Johnson’s explosive runs.

Conclusion

The upcoming game pits Anniston’s passing attack against West Morgan’s potent rushing offense and disciplined defense. With both teams bringing distinct strengths to the table, this matchup promises high stakes and intense competition. West Morgan’s perfect season and consistent performance give them an edge, but Anniston has the talent to make this a closely contested battle.