The Wadley (AL) varsity football team will face Berry (AL) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 1A tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance to the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Berry vs Wadley
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 1A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Wadley vs. Berry

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 1A tournament are heating up with a thrilling neutral-site game between the Wadley (AL) varsity football team and Berry (AL) on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both teams enter the game with impressive records and high expectations, setting the stage for an exciting postseason showdown.

Berry’s Strong Season

Berry has had an exceptional season, finishing with an 11-1 record and a dominant 6-1 mark in region play. Their offense has been a force to be reckoned with, scoring an average of 49.4 points per game. Berry has racked up 593 points throughout the season, showing their ability to put up big numbers in all four quarters:

• Q1: 18.5 points
• Q2: 16.5 points
• Q3: 9.0 points
• Q4: 9.5 points
• Final: 49.4 points

Their balanced attack, combined with solid defensive play, has allowed them to dominate opponents all season long. The team enters the playoffs with a lot of confidence, looking to continue their success as they face Wadley in this pivotal matchup.

Wadley’s Undefeated Record

Wadley has also had an outstanding season, finishing undefeated with a perfect 10-0 record. Their 5-0 mark in region play highlights their dominance within their division. Wadley’s offense has been equally potent, averaging 53.0 points per game, which includes strong performances throughout the entire game:

• Q1: 28.5 points
• Q2: 13.5 points
• Q3: 10.0 points
• Q4: 8.0 points
• Final: 53.0 points

Wadley’s fast starts have been a key factor in their success, as they have been able to build early leads and maintain their offensive pressure throughout the game. With a defense that has allowed only 138 points on the season, Wadley is as dangerous on defense as they are on offense.

Key Matchups and Strategies

Both teams boast explosive offenses, but the key to this game will be which defense can rise to the occasion. Berry’s high-scoring offense will look to continue their strong play, but Wadley’s defense has been stellar in keeping teams from scoring big. For Berry to win, they will need to match Wadley’s offensive output while slowing down Wadley’s quick-start offense.

On the other hand, Wadley will look to use their strong opening quarters to build a lead and keep Berry’s offense off the field. If they can take control early, Wadley could be poised to move on to the next round of the playoffs.

In what promises to be an exciting showdown, Berry (11-1) will face off against Wadley (10-0), two teams that have been dominant in their respective leagues. Both teams boast impressive records and high-powered offenses, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

Team Stats Comparison

Berry has proven to be an offensive juggernaut this season, leading with impressive yardage numbers across the board. Here’s how the two teams compare:

• Offense:
  • Berry is a highly productive team, averaging 292.6 rushing yards per game and 136.8 passing yards per game, for a total of 429.4 yards per game. Their balanced offensive attack, featuring a strong running game and capable passing game, has been key to their success.
  • Wadley, while not providing specific stats, has been equally successful, with a 10-0 record and high-scoring games across the season. Their performance in previous matchups, including a dominant win against Victory Christian, suggests they are capable of putting up big numbers on offense.
• Defense:
  • Berry’s defense averages 81.1 tackles per game and has a solid sack rate of 3.0 sacks per game. They have shown the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and contain offensive drives.
  • Wadley’s defensive stats are unavailable, but their impressive 10-0 record indicates a defense that has done its job in shutting down opposing offenses.
• Scoring:
  • Berry has averaged 49.3 points per game, showcasing their ability to light up the scoreboard with explosive plays. Their high-scoring offense has been a driving force in their success this season.

Key Players to Watch

Berry features several standout players who have contributed to their explosive offense:

• Ayden Lake Norris: As the team’s top rusher, Norris averages an impressive 175.5 rushing yards per game, providing a dynamic force in the backfield. His ability to break off long runs will be crucial in this matchup.
• Ace Norris: As the quarterback, Norris has been central to the passing attack, averaging 133.0 passing yards per game and contributing 198.0 total yards per game. His versatility in both the air and on the ground makes him a dual-threat to opposing defenses.
• Kemari Hollingsworth: With 45.7 receiving yards per game, Hollingsworth has been a reliable target for Norris, making big plays in the passing game.

Wadley, although their individual player stats are not available, has proven to be a well-coached and well-balanced team. Their 10-0 record is a testament to their ability to execute both offensively and defensively, making them a formidable opponent.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Victory Christian as a common opponent:

• Berry won in a high-scoring affair, defeating Victory Christian 78-47 on 11/1/24.
• Wadley also defeated Victory Christian, but with a much more dominant scoreline, winning 62-7 on 9/20/24.

These results show that both teams were able to handle Victory Christian, but Wadley’s margin of victory stands out as particularly impressive.

Record Breakdown

• Berry: With an 11-1 overall record, Berry has been a dominant force, especially in non-league play where they have a 3-0 record. Their 5-1 league record highlights their strong performance within their division.
• Wadley: Wadley is a perfect 10-0 on the season, including a 5-0 league record and a 3-0 non-league record. Their flawless record shows they are firing on all cylinders and have been highly consistent throughout the season.

Conclusion

This matchup between Berry and Wadley features two high-scoring, well-rounded teams. Berry brings a strong rushing attack and a balanced offensive scheme led by Ayden Lake Norris and Ace Norris. Meanwhile, Wadley, with their perfect 10-0 record, will look to continue their dominance on both sides of the ball.

Both teams have faced similar challenges in their common opponent, Victory Christian, with both securing victories. Berry’s explosive offensive style, combined with their solid defense, will certainly test Wadley, but the Wadley defense and overall consistency this season make them a formidable foe.

Expect an exciting and high-paced game as these two teams battle for supremacy. Berry’s ability to control the game with their powerful offense will face off against Wadley’s well-rounded team in what promises to be a thrilling contest.