The Athens Academy varsity football team (Athens, GA) is set to take on Aquinas (Augusta, GA) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 PM at Athens Academy. This matchup is part of the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class Private tournament.
Aquinas vs Athens Academy High School Football Game Info:
What: Georgia High School Football
Who: Aquinas vs AA
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00pm.
Bracket: 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class Private
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Aquinas vs Athens Academy
The Athens Academy Spartans (10-0) will host the Aquinas Fighting Irish (7-4) in a highly anticipated neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 PM as part of the 2024 Georgia High School Football Playoff Brackets: GHSA – Class Private tournament. The Spartans, riding an undefeated season, aim to maintain their momentum, while the Fighting Irish look to avenge an earlier season loss and advance to the next round.
Season Records and Rankings
Athens Academy Spartans (10-0)
- State Rank: 86 (Class 6)
- Region Record: 6-0
- Home Record: 5-0
- Points Scored: 413
- Points Allowed: 179
Athens Academy has been unstoppable this season, with a perfect record fueled by a powerful offense averaging 41.3 points per game and a resilient defense allowing just 17.9 points per game. Quarterback Hampton Johnson has been a standout performer, contributing 188.3 passing yards and 222.5 total yards per game.
Aquinas Fighting Irish (7-4)
- State Rank: 180 (Class 25)
- Region Record: 5-3
- Away Record: 2-3
- Points Scored: 313
- Points Allowed: 264
Aquinas enters the playoffs with a solid 7-4 record, showing flashes of brilliance throughout the season. The team averages 28.5 points per game, led by quarterback Jim Franklin, who contributes 176.5 passing yards and 225.8 total yards per game. Their defense has been tested but remains a key component in their playoff hopes.
Season Meeting Recap
The two teams met earlier this season on August 16, with Athens Academy emerging victorious in a commanding 45-22 win. The Spartans dominated the second half, scoring 20 unanswered points in the third quarter. Keyon Standifer shined for Athens Academy, showcasing his explosive receiving ability, while Jim Franklin and Jack Rhodes led Aquinas in a valiant effort.
Statistical Matchup
| Category | Athens Academy | Aquinas |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 41.3 | 27.7 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 453.3 | 371.5 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 191.0 | 176.5 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 262.3 | 195.1 |
| Tackles Per Game | 57.8 | 76.5 |
Athens Academy boasts a balanced offensive attack with strong contributions in both passing and rushing, while Aquinas has relied more heavily on its aerial game. Defensively, both teams have standout players, including Jeremiah Wingfield for the Spartans and Jaden Wuerth for the Fighting Irish.
Key Players to Watch
- Athens Academy:
- Hampton Johnson: 188.3 passing yards/game, 222.5 total yards/game
- Keyon Standifer: 122.2 receiving yards/game, 14.5 points/game
- Jeremiah Wingfield: 12.4 tackles/game
- Aquinas:
- Jim Franklin: 176.5 passing yards/game, 225.8 total yards/game
- Jack Rhodes: 96.4 receiving yards/game, 6.6 points/game
- Jaden Wuerth: 12.7 tackles/game, 1.0 sacks/game
Game Outlook
Athens Academy enters as the clear favorite, with an undefeated season and a dominant performance against Aquinas earlier in the year. However, playoff football often brings surprises, and Aquinas will look to disrupt the Spartans’ rhythm with strong quarterback play and aggressive defense.
The Fighting Irish will need to capitalize on turnovers and sustain long drives to keep Athens Academy’s high-powered offense off the field. Meanwhile, the Spartans will aim to control the game’s tempo with their dynamic offensive balance and disciplined defense.
With both teams eager to advance, this playoff matchup promises to deliver intensity, high stakes, and memorable moments.
