The Reeltown (Notasulga, AL) varsity football team will face Cottonwood (AL) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 2A tournament, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round of competition.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Cottonwood vs Reeltown
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 2A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Cottonwood vs. Reeltown

The Cottonwood and Reeltown varsity football teams are set to face off in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m., as part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 2A tournament. With both teams boasting impressive records, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest.

Cottonwood: Dominant and Undefeated

Cottonwood (12-0) enters the game as the undefeated region champion, having gone a perfect 7-0 in region play. The team has proven to be an offensive powerhouse, averaging an impressive 47.3 points per game. Their most productive quarter is the second, where they score 22.0 points on average, giving them a significant advantage heading into the second half. Defensively, Cottonwood has been strong, allowing just 132 points this season. They will look to carry their perfect record into the next round of the playoffs, but they face a tough opponent in Reeltown.

Key Stats for Cottonwood:

• Overall Record: 12-0
• Region Record: 7-0
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 5-0
• Points For (PF): 568
• Points Against (PA): 132
• Average Points Per Game: 47.3

Reeltown: A Strong Contender

Reeltown (11-1) has also had a stellar season, finishing 6-0 in region play. Their only loss came in a non-region game, but their dominance in region play and impressive offensive and defensive stats have made them a serious contender in this matchup. Reeltown averages 41.0 points per game, with their best quarter being the second, where they score 17.4 points on average. Their defense has been exceptional, allowing only 85 points this season, making them one of the toughest teams in the 2A bracket. Reeltown will look to keep up with Cottonwood’s high-scoring offense while leaning on their own solid defense to slow them down.

Key Stats for Reeltown:

• Overall Record: 11-1
• Region Record: 6-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 5-0
• Points For (PF): 492
• Points Against (PA): 85
• Average Points Per Game: 41.0

As the football season continues to heat up, the showdown between Cottonwood and Reeltown is set to be one of the most exciting matchups. Both teams have been dominating their respective leagues, with Cottonwood entering the game with an undefeated 12-0 record and Reeltown at 11-1. With high-powered offenses and solid defenses, this game promises to be a thrilling contest that could decide the trajectory of their post-season aspirations.

Team Performance Comparison

• Rushing Attack: Both teams feature explosive rushing attacks, but Cottonwood has the edge, averaging 305.9 rushing yards per game, led by #28 King Campbell, who rushes for 112.1 yards per game. Reeltown, on the other hand, is no slouch, averaging 219.4 rushing yards per game with #2 Traylen Roberts leading the way at 109.4 yards per game. This battle of rushing offenses will likely dictate much of the game’s flow, as both teams rely heavily on their ground game.
• Passing Attack: While both teams are known for their rushing prowess, their passing games also play a key role in their offensive schemes. Cottonwood averages 125.8 passing yards per game, with #11 Braylon Morris contributing 121.3 passing yards per game. Reeltown has been slightly more productive through the air, averaging 143.3 passing yards per game, with #3 Jamarkius Smith leading the charge with 155.4 passing yards per game. The ability of each team to mix in the pass effectively will be important, as both will look to keep defenses on their toes.
• Total Yards Per Game: Cottonwood leads Reeltown in total yards per game, averaging 431.8 compared to Reeltown’s 362.8. However, Reeltown’s ability to play fast and score quickly keeps them in the hunt with a high-scoring offense, averaging 36.3 points per game. Both teams have been efficient at moving the ball down the field, and this game is expected to feature a lot of offensive fireworks.

Key Individual Players

• King Campbell (Cottonwood): As the engine behind Cottonwood’s rushing attack, #28 King Campbell has been a key player all season. With 112.1 rushing yards per game, Campbell has the ability to break tackles and gain significant yards on the ground. His performance will be crucial in helping Cottonwood control the clock and wear down Reeltown’s defense.
• Traylen Roberts (Reeltown): Reeltown’s dynamic running back, #2 Traylen Roberts, is equally dangerous with 109.4 rushing yards per game. Roberts’ ability to control the tempo of the game and break off big runs will be essential for Reeltown’s chances of success. He will look to match Campbell’s production on the ground.
• Braylon Morris (Cottonwood): While Cottonwood’s offense is primarily focused on the run, #11 Braylon Morris is a key player in their passing attack. Averaging 121.3 passing yards per game, Morris has the ability to stretch the field and make big plays when needed, adding balance to an otherwise run-heavy offense.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Records: Cottonwood enters the game undefeated at 12-0, while Reeltown comes in at 11-1. Reeltown’s only loss came in a non-league game, but they have been dominant in their league, finishing with a perfect 6-0 record. Cottonwood, with a similarly impressive 7-0 league record, has been unstoppable throughout the regular season.
• Common Opponents: Both teams have faced common opponents and come out on top in each of those matchups. Notable results include Cottonwood’s 47-7 victory over Houston County and Reeltown’s dominant 65-0 win over the same team. These results show that both teams are capable of putting up impressive wins against quality competition.
• Home and Away Performance: Cottonwood has a perfect 6-0 record at home, while Reeltown has been just as successful on the road, posting a 5-0 record away from home. This suggests that both teams are comfortable playing in any environment, making them dangerous opponents no matter where the game is played.

Conclusion

This clash between Cottonwood and Reeltown promises to be an exciting, high-scoring battle between two high-powered offenses and hard-hitting defenses. While Cottonwood’s rushing attack has been nearly unstoppable this season, Reeltown’s defense, led by their ability to generate sacks, could create problems for the Lions. On the other hand, Reeltown’s balanced offensive approach, featuring both a strong rushing attack and a capable passing game, will test Cottonwood’s defensive front.

Both teams are undefeated in their league play and have dominated their respective competitions, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. The key to victory will likely come down to which team can establish control on the ground, while also mixing in enough passing to keep the defense off-balance. This will be a matchup to watch, as both Cottonwood and Reeltown aim to continue their dominance and make a statement as they move toward the postseason.