The Ariton (AL) varsity football team will face Clarke County (Grove Hill, AL) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 2A tournament, where both teams will battle for a chance to advance.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Alabama High School Football
Who: Clarke County vs Ariton
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 2A
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Clarke County vs. Ariton
On Friday, November 15, Clarke County (AL) will face Ariton (AL) in a neutral-site playoff game as part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 3A division. Both teams enter the contest with solid records, but Clarke County comes in as the higher seed and favorite to advance further in the postseason.
Clarke County: Dominant Region Play
Clarke County enters the game with an 8-3 overall record, finishing an undefeated 6-0 in region play. Their strong region performance and solid overall win percentage of .727 showcase a team that has been dominant in their class. Clarke County’s offense has been efficient, averaging 29.8 points per game, with a balanced scoring output across all four quarters. They average 5.3 points in the first quarter, and while their second-quarter production increases to 10.5 points, they have shown consistency in the second half with 5.0 points in the third and 6.0 points in the fourth. With 328 points scored on the season, Clarke County has shown the ability to put up points when it matters, and they will look to continue this offensive production as they seek to advance in the playoffs.
Ariton: Strong, But Inconsistent
Ariton enters the playoff game with a 6-5 overall record and a 5-2 region mark. Their region performance of .714 has been solid, but the team has struggled with consistency, particularly on the road with a 3-3 away record. Ariton’s offense has averaged 26.5 points per game, with a strong start to games, averaging 10.4 points in the first quarter. However, their scoring drops slightly in the second quarter and continues to decline in the second half, with only 5.1 points in the third and 3.5 points in the fourth. Ariton will need to improve their second-half production to challenge Clarke County and keep pace with their offensive output.
Key Stats: Scoring Trends and Offensive Production
Clarke County has been effective in all four quarters, especially in the second quarter where they average 10.5 points. Their ability to maintain a balanced attack throughout the game gives them a significant advantage. Ariton, however, will need to find ways to capitalize on their early-game success and sustain their momentum into the second half. They will also need to shore up their defense, as Clarke County’s offense has been prolific and can put pressure on opponents late in games.
Defensive Matchup
Clarke County’s defense has allowed 167 points on the season, while Ariton has given up 286 points, indicating that Clarke County has been more efficient in limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities. Ariton will need to improve defensively if they hope to contain Clarke County’s high-powered offense, particularly in the later stages of the game.
The Path to Victory
For Clarke County, the key to success will be continuing their offensive rhythm and maintaining control of the game from start to finish. They must also play disciplined defense and avoid letting Ariton gain confidence with big plays or sustained drives. Ariton will need to improve their second-half scoring and find a way to slow down Clarke County’s offensive attack, particularly in the second and fourth quarters when Clarke County has been most effective.
Looking Ahead
This game represents an exciting opportunity for both teams, with Clarke County looking to extend their strong season and Ariton aiming to pull off an upset. As the 2024 AHSAA 3A Football Playoffs continue, Clarke County enters as the favorite, but Ariton’s ability to score early and improve their second-half play could make for a thrilling and competitive matchup. Both teams are motivated to advance in the postseason, and this game will be crucial in determining which team moves on to the next round of the playoffs.
In what promises to be an exciting playoff matchup, Clarke County (8-3) will face Ariton (6-5) in a neutral location on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 2A tournament. Both teams come into this game with unique strengths, and the outcome will determine who advances further in the postseason.
Team Records and Playoff Experience
Clarke County enters this matchup with an impressive 8-3 record, finishing 6-0 in league play and showing consistency in both home and away games. On the other hand, Ariton comes in with a 6-5 overall record, with a solid 5-2 league performance but struggling in non-league contests. Both teams have a playoff win under their belts, as Ariton has a 1-0 playoff record this year, while Clarke County also holds a perfect playoff record of 1-0.
Offensive and Defensive Breakdown
Clarke County has averaged 298.1 total yards per game, with a balanced offensive attack. They’ve gained 175.2 rushing yards per game, led by standout Omarrion Hammond with 41.2 rushing yards per game. The team also averages 122.9 passing yards per game, with Tamyus Pugh contributing 107.4 passing yards per game. Their offense will need to maintain this balance to keep Ariton’s defense guessing.
Ariton, meanwhile, is known for its powerful rushing attack, averaging 228.7 rushing yards per game. This potent ground game is spearheaded by Wells Ganey, who has contributed an impressive 103.8 rushing yards per game. Despite their strong running game, Ariton has struggled in the passing game, averaging just 44.1 passing yards per game. However, they will look to use their rushing dominance to control the tempo of the game.
On the defensive side, Clarke County has averaged 72.7 tackles per game, with Ethan Henson leading the charge with 12.1 tackles per game. Their defense will need to match Ariton’s physicality to slow down the rushing attack. Ariton, however, has been exceptional on defense, averaging 108.8 tackles per game, with Gabe Jones and Tate Kilcrease contributing to the team’s ability to limit opposing offenses.
Key Players to Watch
For Clarke County, Omarrion Hammond and Tamyus Pugh will be crucial to their offensive success. Hammond’s ability to break tackles and gain yards on the ground will be a significant factor, while Pugh’s arm and accuracy in the passing game will keep Ariton’s defense on its toes.
On the Ariton side, Wells Ganey will be the key player to watch in the backfield, as his rushing ability could control the clock and set up scoring opportunities. Defensively, Gabe Jones will be vital in slowing down Clarke County’s offense, as his tackling ability has been one of Ariton’s strongest assets this season.
Game Prediction
Both teams bring strong records and solid play to this playoff matchup, with Clarke County having a slight edge in total offense and defense. Ariton will look to use their powerful running game and stout defense to counter Clarke County’s well-rounded attack. The winner of this game will likely be the team that can control the line of scrimmage and make big plays when needed.
Fans can expect a hard-fought battle, with each team fighting for a chance to continue their playoff journey. Clarke County’s balance and Ariton’s ground game will be the storylines to watch in this highly anticipated 2A playoff matchup.
