The Chambers Academy (LaFayette, AL) varsity football team will face Bessemer Academy (Bessemer, AL) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 Alabama High School Football Playoff Brackets: AISA – AAA tournament, with both teams battling for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Bessemer Academy vs Chambers Academy
When: Today, November 21, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 Alabama High School Football Playoff Brackets: AISA – AAA
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Bessemer Academy vs. Chambers Academy

As the 2024 Alabama High School Football Playoffs heat up, Bessemer Academy and Chambers Academy are set to square off in a pivotal neutral-site game today at 7 p.m. in the AISA – AAA tournament. With contrasting records and styles of play, this matchup promises to deliver plenty of excitement as both teams look to secure their place in the next round.

Bessemer Academy: Seeking Consistency

Bessemer Academy enters the playoffs with a 7-5 overall record, including a 2-2 mark in region play. While they’ve shown resilience, particularly in close games, their overall performance has been mixed, with a win percentage of .583 and a region record of .500. The team has struggled on the road (2-3) but has been solid at home (4-2) and remains undefeated in neutral-site games (1-0).

Offensively, Bessemer Academy has averaged 23.3 points per game, with a strong fourth-quarter performance contributing to their overall scoring. They average 4.7 points in the first quarter, 4.3 in the second, and 2.3 in the third, before finishing strong with 10.3 points in the fourth. While their offense is capable of late-game rallies, Bessemer Academy will need to be more consistent throughout the game to compete with a powerhouse like Chambers Academy.

Chambers Academy: Dominant and Undefeated

Chambers Academy, on the other hand, has had a dominant season, entering the playoffs with an impressive 11-1 overall record. The team went a perfect 4-0 in region play, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion in key matchups. Chambers Academy has been strong across the board, with a near-perfect win percentage of .917. They have been particularly impressive on the road (6-0) and have a solid record of 4-1 in neutral-site games.

Chambers Academy has been explosive offensively, averaging 45.3 points per game. They start strong with an average of 19.2 points in the first quarter, and maintain a solid 14.7 points in the second. Their scoring drops slightly in the second half, with 6.1 points in the third and 4.3 in the fourth, but their early-game dominance often gives them a commanding lead that is difficult for opponents to overcome. With 543 points scored and just 128 points allowed, Chambers Academy has proven to be a juggernaut both offensively and defensively.

Key Factors in the Game

The key to this matchup will be whether Bessemer Academy can slow down Chambers Academy’s potent offense. While Bessemer has shown the ability to finish strong in games, their first-half struggles could put them at a disadvantage against a team like Chambers Academy, which can build an early lead. Chambers Academy’s ability to dominate in the early stages of the game could be a deciding factor.

Looking Ahead

As the two teams prepare for this exciting showdown, Chambers Academy’s undefeated record and high-scoring offense make them the favorite. However, Bessemer Academy’s ability to rally late in games could make them a formidable opponent. This game will likely come down to whether Bessemer can withstand Chambers Academy’s early surge and capitalize on their own scoring opportunities.

As the football season draws to a close, Bessemer Academy and Chambers Academy are gearing up for a highly anticipated showdown that promises to be filled with excitement. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season, with impressive records and standout players ready to make an impact. Let’s break down what to expect from this matchup, looking at team stats, key players, and performance against common opponents.

Team Comparison

Offensive and Defensive Stats

• Bessemer Academy relies heavily on its offensive production, especially in the passing game, with Jacob Rowell leading the way. Rowell has accumulated 137.4 passing yards per game and contributes to a 197.3 total yards per game average. The team also has a solid ground attack, averaging 172.1 rushing yards per game, with Caleb Wheeler leading the charge at 92.1 yards per game.
• Chambers Academy, though not as heavily focused on rushing and passing statistics, has managed to dominate with a balanced offensive approach. Their defense has been notably effective, allowing them to post an undefeated record so far this season. Chambers Academy’s offense has been scoring well, but specific individual stats for rushing, passing, and receiving aren’t available in the data provided.
• On defense, Bessemer Academy averages 40.1 tackles per game, with Joshua Thompson leading with 9.5 tackles per game. They also have a minimal pass rush, with Alex McLaughlin recording 0.3 sacks per game.
• Chambers Academy has shown dominance on both sides of the ball, boasting a 6-0 record against common opponents. While specific individual defensive stats for Chambers aren’t provided, their success against teams like Banks Academy, Monroe Academy, and others reflects their capability to shut down the opposition.

Scoring and Performance

• Bessemer Academy averages 15.6 points per game, a solid total but one that may need to increase if they are to compete with Chambers Academy, who has been consistently dominant. Bessemer’s key offensive leader, Jacob Rowell, contributes 9.8 points per game, showing his importance to the offense.
• Chambers Academy has had an impressive scoring record, posting large victories over teams like Banks Academy and Monroe Academy. Their high-scoring games, including a 56-6 win over Banks Academy, indicate a powerful and explosive offense.

Key Players to Watch

• Bessemer Academy:
  • Jacob Rowell: The dual-threat quarterback, contributing both through the air (137.4 passing yards per game) and on the ground. Rowell’s leadership will be crucial in this matchup, as he averages 197.3 total yards per game.
  • Caleb Wheeler: A powerful rusher, Wheeler has been key to Bessemer’s ground game, contributing 92.1 rushing yards per game.
  • Joshua Thompson: The defensive anchor for Bessemer, averaging 9.5 tackles per game, will need to continue his strong performance against a potent Chambers offense.
• Chambers Academy:
  • Unknown Leaders: While specific player stats aren’t available, Chambers Academy has been extremely effective, particularly in their defense and their ability to control the game. Players on both sides of the ball will need to continue to perform at a high level to maintain their undefeated record.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some similar opponents this season, providing a good benchmark for how they might perform against each other. Here’s how they fared:

• Banks Academy: Bessemer Academy defeated Banks 33-21, while Chambers Academy trounced them 56-6. Chambers Academy’s more dominant victory could be an indicator of their strong defense and efficient offense.
• Monroe Academy: Bessemer Academy lost to Monroe Academy 42-7, whereas Chambers Academy won 52-6, showing a significant difference in both teams’ ability to handle Monroe.
• Edgewood Academy: Bessemer Academy defeated Edgewood 42-0, while Chambers Academy won 37-7, with both teams showing strong defensive performances.
• Fort Dale Academy: Both teams won their matchups against Fort Dale Academy, with Bessemer securing a 19-14 win and Chambers Academy dominating with a 36-7 scoreline.

Record Breakdown

• Bessemer Academy enters the game with a 7-5 overall record, including 2-2 in league play. Their success has come through a balanced offensive attack and solid defense, but they will need to raise their game to overcome Chambers Academy’s explosive offense.
• Chambers Academy has been a force to be reckoned with, posting an 11-1 overall record, including an undefeated 4-0 record in league play. Their perfect record against common opponents, combined with impressive victories, highlights their strength this season.

Conclusion

This upcoming matchup between Bessemer Academy and Chambers Academy promises to be an exciting contest. While Bessemer Academy has a strong offensive leader in Jacob Rowell and a solid rushing game led by Caleb Wheeler, Chambers Academy has been dominant on both sides of the ball, particularly in its defense. The key to this game will likely be Bessemer’s ability to match Chambers’ offensive firepower and break through their strong defense. Given the stakes, this game could be a defining moment for both teams as they look to make a statement on the season. Fans can expect a hard-fought, high-intensity game.