The Leeds (AL) varsity football team will take on Corner (Warrior, AL) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 5A tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance further in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Corner vs Leeds
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 5A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Corner vs. Leeds

As the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs unfold, a thrilling 5A showdown is set between the Corner (Warrior, AL) and Leeds (AL) varsity football teams on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This neutral-site contest will see two top-performing teams battle for a chance to advance further in the postseason.

Corner’s Strong Season

Corner has been one of the top teams in the state this season, entering the playoffs with an impressive 11-1 record. They finished region play with a 5-1 record, showcasing their ability to compete against some of the best teams in their class. Their overall win percentage of .917 is a testament to their dominance throughout the year, and their offense has scored a total of 383 points, averaging 31.9 points per game. Their defense has allowed 274 points, giving them a positive point differential of +109.

Corner’s scoring breakdown across the four quarters reveals a team that starts strong and finishes even stronger:

• Q1: 6.8 points
• Q2: 4.7 points
• Q3: 9.5 points
• Q4: 9.5 points
• Final: 31.9 points

The team’s ability to increase its scoring in the second half will be key in this playoff matchup, where maintaining momentum will be critical.

Leeds’ Competitive Edge

Leeds, with a 10-2 record, has also had a standout season, finishing region play with a 5-1 mark. Their overall win percentage of .833 reflects their consistency and resilience. Leeds has been highly effective on both sides of the ball, scoring 442 points across the season, averaging 36.8 points per game. Despite giving up 292 points, their point differential of +150 demonstrates a solid balance between offense and defense.

Leeds has shown a consistent offensive attack throughout the game, particularly excelling in the first and third quarters:

• Q1: 10.8 points
• Q2: 8.9 points
• Q3: 10.3 points
• Q4: 6.4 points
• Final: 36.8 points

Their ability to start fast and sustain pressure in the third quarter will be vital in overcoming Corner’s solid second-half performances.

A Clash of Styles

Corner has been known for its steady and well-rounded game plan, particularly excelling in the second half, where they tend to outscore their opponents. Leeds, on the other hand, has been more dynamic early in the game, putting up strong numbers in the first and third quarters. Their scoring, while consistent, does tend to dip slightly in the fourth quarter, so closing out games will be an area of focus as they face the powerful Corner team.

Defensively, both teams have shown the ability to shut down opposing offenses, though Leeds has allowed more points overall. Corner’s defense will be tested by Leeds’ high-scoring offense, and the team will need to keep up its aggressive play to control the game.

As the high school football season heats up, two teams, Corner and Leeds, stand out with impressive records and eye-popping statistics. With both teams showing their strength on the field, a deeper dive into their performances, leaders, and common opponents reveals the nuances that could define their paths forward.

Team Stats Comparison

The statistics show a balanced but distinct style of play for both teams.

Offense

• Rushing: Corner averages 261.6 rushing yards per game, slightly behind Leeds at 290.4 yards per game. This suggests Leeds may have a more aggressive ground game, but Corner’s rushing attack is formidable.
• Passing: In contrast, Corner relies on the pass less, with 104.0 passing yards per game compared to Leeds’ 89.8. Both teams lean more toward rushing, but Corner has a slight edge in passing.
• Receiving: Both teams are competitive in receiving yards, with Corner averaging 103.2 yards per game and Leeds at 88.9. Corner’s slightly higher number indicates they may have a more effective aerial attack.
• Total Yards: Corner averages 365.6 total yards per game, while Leeds leads with 380.2, indicating that Leeds has a slight edge in overall offensive output.

Defense

• Tackles: Corner leads in tackles with 59.6 per game compared to Leeds’ 52.6, showing they might be better at stopping the run or defending in key situations.
• Sacks: Corner also edges out Leeds in sacks, averaging 3.1 per game, more than double Leeds’ 1.2. This indicates that Corner’s defense is more aggressive in applying pressure on the quarterback.
• Points Allowed: Leeds allows 34.2 points per game, a bit more than Corner’s 31.3, suggesting that Corner has a slightly better defense in terms of limiting opponent scoring.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams feature standout players who make a significant impact on their respective teams.

• Corner’s Key Players:
  • Spencer Unruh: The standout player for Corner, leading the team in rushing with 194.9 yards per game and scoring 14.8 points per game. His all-around performance is a key factor in the team’s success.
  • Keaton Coffee: Corner’s primary passer with 104.0 passing yards per game, contributing to the team’s offensive balance.
  • Tyson Hill: A key receiver, averaging 47.3 yards per game, ensuring Corner’s aerial game isn’t overlooked.
• Leeds’ Key Players:
  • Conner Nelson: The driving force behind Leeds’ offensive success, leading the team with 139.5 rushing yards per game, 84.5 passing yards, and 227.5 total yards per game.
  • Taylon Gaiter: A reliable receiver, contributing 40.5 yards per game and playing a crucial role in the passing attack.
  • Reginald Franklin Jr.: A top tackler for Leeds with 8.2 tackles per game, his presence in the defense helps keep the team competitive.

Common Opponents

Both Corner and Leeds have faced a similar set of opponents this season, each with a mix of wins and losses.

• Jacksonville: Both teams defeated Jacksonville, with Corner winning 35-28 away and Leeds winning 42-13 at home.
• Briarwood Christian: Both teams struggled against Briarwood Christian. Corner lost 31-6 at home, while Leeds lost 31-14 at home.
• Springville: Both teams won against Springville, with Corner coming out on top 38-14 and Leeds winning 42-14 at home.

Record Breakdown

When it comes to overall performance, both teams have impressive records, but Leeds holds a slight edge.

• Corner has a 11-1 overall record, with a 5-1 record in league play. They’ve been especially dominant at home with a 5-1 record, but have been slightly less successful away (3-2).
• Leeds, with a 10-2 overall record, mirrors Corner’s league performance at 5-1, but their dominance is clear with a perfect 6-0 away record and an impressive 2-0 playoff record.

Both teams boast solid in-state records (11-1 for Corner, 10-2 for Leeds), and both have yet to face any out-of-state opponents this season.

Conclusion

The match-up between Corner and Leeds is shaping up to be a thrilling one. With both teams exhibiting strong offensive and defensive capabilities, the battle will likely come down to key individual performances, tactical decisions, and the ability to capitalize on turnovers and key plays.

Corner’s superior rushing and tackling stats contrast with Leeds’ slightly more potent overall offensive numbers and stronger passing attack. Both teams have faced similar opposition, and their records are closely matched. This promises to be a competitive game with plenty of intrigue as the season unfolds.