The Williamson (Mobile, AL) varsity football team will face Central of Clay County (Lineville, AL) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs, 5A tournament, marking a crucial matchup in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football
Who: Central of Clay County vs Williamson
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 5A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview:Central of Clay County vs. Williamson: An Undefeated Showdown with High Stakes

As the 2024-2025 high school football season heats up, two dominant teams in Alabama’s Class 5A are set to clash in a highly anticipated matchup. Central of Clay County, with a perfect 11-0 record, will face off against Williamson, who enters the game with an impressive 10-1 overall record. This showdown promises to be a thrilling contest, as both teams have demonstrated elite offensive and defensive performances throughout the season.

Team Rankings and Records

Central of Clay County (24-25):

• Overall Record: 11-0
• Region Record: 6-0
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 5-0
• Win Percentage: 1.000
• Region Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points For (PF): 445
• Points Against (PA): 117

Williamson (24-25):

• Overall Record: 10-1
• Region Record: 6-1
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 5-1
• Win Percentage: .909
• Region Win Percentage: .857
• Points For (PF): 392
• Points Against (PA): 62

Central of Clay County has been virtually unstoppable this season, finishing the regular season with an unblemished 11-0 record. Their region play has been flawless, winning all six of their region games with a perfect 1.000 region win percentage. With an impressive 445 points scored and only 117 points allowed, they have showcased an explosive offense and a suffocating defense.

Williamson, while not undefeated, has been equally dominant with a 10-1 record and a strong 6-1 region mark. Their defense has been a particular highlight, allowing just 62 points all season, which ranks them among the best in the state. Their high-powered offense has produced 392 points, and they’ve been equally effective at home and away, boasting a perfect 5-0 home record.

Scoring Averages and Offensive Strategies

Both teams have proven they can light up the scoreboard, but they each have a slightly different offensive rhythm.

Central of Clay County:

• Q1: 15.4 points per game
• Q2: 12.2 points per game
• Q3: 6.8 points per game
• Q4: 2.8 points per game
• Final: 40.5 points per game

Central of Clay County has averaged 40.5 points per game, with their most explosive quarters being the first and second. They typically come out strong, scoring an average of 15.4 points in the first quarter, and maintain offensive pressure through the second quarter, adding 12.2 points. However, their scoring slows down in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they average just 2.8 points. Despite this, their strong start and dominant first-half performances have been enough to secure victories throughout the season.

Williamson:

• Q1: 11.3 points per game
• Q2: 8.7 points per game
• Q3: 8.2 points per game
• Q4: 3.6 points per game
• Final: 35.6 points per game

Williamson has averaged 35.6 points per game, with a more balanced scoring distribution across all quarters. They score 11.3 points in the first quarter and maintain offensive consistency, averaging 8.7 points in the second quarter and 8.2 points in the third. Williamson’s offense, while potent, tends to cool off in the fourth quarter, where they score just 3.6 points on average. However, their ability to score consistently throughout the game has been one of the keys to their success.

Key Matchup: Central of Clay County’s Offense vs. Williamson’s Defense

The most intriguing aspect of this matchup will be the battle between Central of Clay County’s high-powered offense and Williamson’s elite defense. Central of Clay County has been able to score with ease, averaging 40.5 points per game, but Williamson’s defense has been almost impenetrable, allowing just 62 points in their 11 games, an average of only 5.6 points per game. Williamson will need to find a way to slow down Central of Clay County’s potent attack, particularly in the early stages of the game.

On the other hand, Central of Clay County’s defense has been equally impressive, allowing only 117 points in 11 games. Their ability to stifle opponents and limit scoring opportunities will be crucial in containing Williamson’s offense. If Williamson’s offense can execute efficiently and keep the pressure on, they may be able to exploit any potential weaknesses in Central of Clay County’s defense.

Key Players to Watch

Central of Clay County:

• Offense: Central of Clay County has a well-balanced offensive attack, with playmakers capable of scoring in various ways. Their ability to execute early in the game, particularly in the first half, will be crucial against Williamson’s defense.
• Defense: Central’s defense has been one of the best in the state, and their ability to apply pressure and limit scoring will be key to shutting down Williamson’s high-scoring attack.

Williamson:

• Offense: Williamson’s offensive playmakers will need to step up and create big plays to break through Central’s tough defense. Their ability to capitalize on every possession will be important in staying competitive.
• Defense: Williamson’s defense will face its toughest test yet. Their ability to slow down the fast-paced offense of Central of Clay County will determine the outcome of this game.

Conclusion

This matchup between Central of Clay County and Williamson is a clash of two powerhouse teams that have dominated the 2024-2025 season. Central of Clay County enters the game as the undefeated team with a potent offense and a stifling defense, while Williamson brings a strong 10-1 record, backed by an elite defense that has allowed just 62 points all season.

With Central of Clay County’s high-scoring offense facing off against Williamson’s top-ranked defense, this game will feature a fascinating contrast of styles. Central’s ability to come out strong in the first half will be tested by Williamson’s defense, while Williamson’s offense will need to find a way to break through one of the toughest defenses in the state.

As both teams look toward the postseason, this game serves as a crucial test of their championship potential. Fans can expect an intense, high-stakes game that will showcase some of the best football in Alabama’s Class 5A division.

As the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs continue to heat up, the upcoming neutral-site playoff game between Central of Clay County (Lineville, AL) and Williamson (Mobile, AL) on Friday, November 15, promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams come into the game with strong records, boasting 11-0 and 10-1 overall standings, respectively, setting the stage for an exciting matchup in the 5A tournament.

Team Statistics: A Balanced Battle

Both teams have demonstrated impressive offensive and defensive capabilities throughout the season, but there are key differences in their statistical profiles.

Central of Clay County leads with a balanced offensive attack, averaging 171.9 rushing yards per game and 159.3 passing yards. Their total yards per game stand at 331.2, with 87.2 tackles and 3.2 sacks per game highlighting their solid defensive play. On the scoring front, they average 27.1 points per game, largely driven by standout player Willie Maddox, who leads the team with 76.5 rushing yards and 6.0 points per game. Quarterback Alvin Dinkins also plays a central role, contributing 160.1 passing yards and 171.3 total yards per game.

On the other hand, Williamson offers a dynamic passing and receiving game, averaging 157.2 receiving yards per game. While they’re slightly behind in rushing yards at 20.4 per game, their offense remains potent, particularly through the air. Quarterback Alvin Dinkins shines with 160.1 passing yards and 171.3 total yards per game, mirroring the production seen in Central of Clay County’s quarterback. Keith Donald leads the receiving corps with 73.0 yards per game. Defensively, Williamson has a strong presence, with Ellis McGaskin averaging 15.3 tackles per game and Dontaye Bush contributing 1.2 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

The game will showcase some of the best individual talent in the 5A playoffs. For Central of Clay County, look for Willie Maddox to make an impact both on the ground and as a key point scorer. His 76.5 rushing yards per game have been integral to the team’s success. Alvin Dinkins, the team’s leader in total yards, will be critical to their passing game, with his 160.1 passing yards per game setting up the offense.

For Williamson, Alvin Dinkins (the quarterback, not to be confused with his Central counterpart) brings leadership and versatility, passing for 160.1 yards and accumulating 171.3 total yards per game. On defense, Ellis McGaskin will be pivotal in containing Central’s offensive weapons, while Keith Donald will look to extend his receiving yards and create big plays downfield.

Record Breakdown

In terms of performance, both teams have been dominant in the regular season. Central of Clay County remains undefeated at 11-0, with a perfect 6-0 record in league play. They’ve shown strength both at home and away, with a 5-0 record on the road. Williamson, with a 10-1 record, also enters the game with a strong mix of league success (6-1) and a solid away record (5-1). Both teams have been equally dominant in the playoffs, with Williamson holding a 1-0 playoff record and Central of Clay County also at 1-0.

The Final Showdown

Both teams are coming into this game with momentum, but Central of Clay County’s balanced attack on both sides of the ball will face a tough test against Williamson’s versatile offense and stout defense. The outcome of this playoff game could hinge on the ability of each team’s offense to execute under pressure, and how well their defenses can limit the big plays from their respective star players.

Expect a high-energy, competitive game, with both teams aiming to advance further in the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs. With so much on the line, this showdown is sure to be one for the ages.