The Macon-East Montgomery Academy (Cecil, AL) varsity football team will face Cornerstone Christian (Columbiana, AL) in a neutral-site playoff game today. This matchup is part of the 2024 Alabama High School Football Playoff Brackets: AISA – 8-Man tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance further.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Cornerstone Christian vs Macon-East Montgomery Academy
When: Today, November 21, 2024
Time: Inpogress
Bracket: 2024 Alabama High School Football Playoff Brackets: AISA – 8-Man
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Cornerstone Christian vs. Macon-East Montgomery Academy

The 2024 Alabama High School Football Playoffs in the AISA 8-Man tournament features an exciting showdown today between Cornerstone Christian (Columbiana, AL) and Macon-East Montgomery Academy (Cecil, AL). Both teams have proven to be formidable opponents throughout the season, making this matchup one to watch.

Cornerstone Christian: Dominant and Undefeated

Cornerstone Christian enters the game with an unblemished 11-0 record, having swept through the regular season and region play with a perfect 7-0 record. They have been dominant on both offense and defense, scoring an impressive 538 points while allowing just 189. The team has been particularly potent in the first quarter, averaging 28 points per game in the opening period alone. Their second-quarter output drops to just 3 points per game, but they still maintain a high level of scoring, finishing the game with an average of 48.9 points.

The Cornerstone Christian defense has been strong as well, keeping opponents at bay and limiting their scoring opportunities. Their overall consistency and ability to dominate in every aspect of the game will be key to their performance in the playoffs.

Macon-East Montgomery Academy: Ready for the Challenge

Macon-East Montgomery Academy comes into this game with an 8-2 record, having had a solid season. The team finished with a 5-2 record in region play, and their performance has been equally impressive at home (4-1) and on the road (3-1). Despite the loss of two games during the regular season, Macon-East has proven itself as a worthy contender, scoring 508 points and allowing 272.

While Macon-East hasn’t shown the same first-quarter dominance as Cornerstone Christian, their overall offensive ability remains a threat, with a remarkable average of 50.8 points per game. Their ability to score at will, combined with a defense that can make key stops, gives them the potential to challenge the undefeated Cornerstone Christian team.

Key Factors in the Game

The key to victory for Cornerstone Christian will be continuing their early-game offensive onslaught, particularly in the first quarter. If they can establish a strong lead early, it could set the tone for the rest of the game. Meanwhile, Macon-East Montgomery Academy will need to weather the early storm and rely on their offensive firepower to keep pace.

As the football season nears its climax, the upcoming matchup between Cornerstone Christian and Macon-East Montgomery Academy is sure to captivate fans. Both teams have shown remarkable success this season, with Cornerstone Christian entering the game undefeated at 11-0 and Macon-East Montgomery Academy boasting a solid 8-2 record. With both teams facing common opponents and demonstrating offensive power, this contest promises to be an exciting showdown.

Team Comparison

Offensive and Defensive Stats

• Cornerstone Christian has been highly effective, averaging 345.9 total yards per game. Led by standout player Zeke Adams, who accounts for 307.1 total yards per game, the team has been successful in both the rushing and passing game. Their high 47.8 points per game illustrates their offensive firepower.
• Macon-East Montgomery Academy is just as potent offensively, averaging 369.6 total yards per game, with their quarterback Sam Wallace leading the charge. Wallace has contributed 244.6 total yards per game, helping his team score an impressive 50.4 points per game.

Defensive Strength

• Cornerstone Christian has shown a strong defensive presence, averaging 45.4 tackles per game and 2.7 sacks per game. This ability to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm has been a key factor in their undefeated season.
• Macon-East Montgomery Academy has been solid defensively as well, averaging 38.7 tackles per game and 1.3 sacks per game. While their numbers are slightly lower than Cornerstone Christian’s, their defense has still been effective in shutting down opponents.

Key Players to Watch

• Cornerstone Christian:
  • Zeke Adams: A dual-threat player, Adams leads the team with 174.7 rushing yards per game and adds 132.4 passing yards per game. His 25.1 points per game are a testament to his offensive contributions.
  • Hampton Etheredge: As a defensive leader, Etheredge is critical to Cornerstone’s success with 9.7 tackles per game.
• Macon-East Montgomery Academy:
  • Sam Wallace: Wallace is the engine behind the offense, contributing 146.9 passing yards per game and 244.6 total yards per game. His leadership has been a significant factor in the team’s high-scoring offense.
  • Carter Hopson: A defensive standout, Hopson leads the team with 7.0 tackles per game and plays a crucial role in the team’s defensive efforts.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against several common opponents, showcasing their dominance across the board:

• North River Christian: Cornerstone Christian won 72-0, while Macon-East Montgomery Academy won 60-0.
• Meadowview Christian: Cornerstone Christian won 48-8, while Macon-East Montgomery Academy secured a 52-0 win.
• Springwood: Cornerstone Christian triumphed 60-12, while Macon-East Montgomery Academy suffered a 54-85 loss but rebounded with a 66-36 victory later in the season.
• Southern Prep Academy: Cornerstone Christian won 56-8, while Macon-East Montgomery Academy won 56-24.
• Coosa Valley Academy: Cornerstone Christian won 2-0 (Forfeit), while Macon-East Montgomery Academy also secured a 2-0 (Forfeit) win.
• Lakeside School: Cornerstone Christian won 58-21, while Macon-East Montgomery Academy triumphed 36-0.
• Evangel Christian Academy: Cornerstone Christian won 34-26, while Macon-East Montgomery Academy secured a 58-32 victory.

Record Breakdown

• Cornerstone Christian: The team enters the matchup with an impressive 11-0 record overall and a 7-0 league record. Their undefeated season includes notable victories over strong opponents, including their perfect record in common matchups.
• Macon-East Montgomery Academy: With a solid 8-2 record, the team has performed admirably. Their 5-2 league record and strong showing in non-league games have established them as a contender.

Conclusion

The upcoming matchup between Cornerstone Christian and Macon-East Montgomery Academy promises to be a thrilling contest. With both teams having proven their ability to dominate on offense and defense, this game will come down to execution and individual performances from their star players. Zeke Adams for Cornerstone Christian and Sam Wallace for Macon-East Montgomery Academy will be critical in determining the outcome. Fans can expect a high-scoring, intense battle between two of the top teams in the league, both aiming to prove their supremacy and continue their successful seasons.