The Linden varsity football team will play Elba in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 1A tournament. 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
Who: Elba vs Linden
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 1A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Elba vs. Linden

As the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs approach, the highly anticipated neutral playoff game between Elba and Linden promises to be a hard-fought battle. Both teams are tied with impressive 9-2 records and will compete for a chance to advance in the 1A tournament. The game will take place on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m.

Offensive Strengths

Elba enters the matchup with a dominant offensive game, averaging 464.9 total yards per game. The backbone of their offense is Alvin Henderson, who leads the team with a staggering 260.5 rushing yards per game and 267.9 total yards per game. Henderson has also been a key contributor to the team’s 53.5 points per game, making him a player to watch. The passing game is led by Cayden Adkins, who averages 34.1 passing yards per game, though the team is clearly more reliant on the ground attack.

Linden, with a solid 9-2 record, has been just as effective, averaging 395.1 total yards per game. Keilyn Edwards leads the offense, contributing 135.5 rushing yards per game and 199.5 total yards per game. While Linden’s offense may not have the same explosive scoring numbers as Elba, they rely on a more balanced approach, with Edwards contributing significantly in both the rushing and receiving game. Linden also has a potent passing game, with Edwards averaging 63.9 passing yards per game.

Defensive Impact

Defensively, Elba has been a strong force, averaging 81.4 tackles per game. They also generate some pressure with 1.5 sacks per game. Cayden Adkins leads the defense with 13.0 tackles per game. On the other hand, Linden’s defense has been effective with 50.2 tackles per game and a strong pass rush, averaging 2.5 sacks per game. Key defensive players include Maurice Chaney, who averages 7.3 tackles per game, and Brent Curtis, who leads the team with 1.3 sacks per game.

Key Matchup

The key to this matchup will be how Linden’s defense can handle Elba’s powerful ground attack, led by Henderson. While Linden has shown a solid defense all season, Elba’s high-scoring offense and strong running game will test them like never before. On the other side, Linden’s balanced offense and playmaking ability, especially with Edwards, will look to exploit any weaknesses in Elba’s defense.

Conclusion

Both teams come into this playoff game with impressive records and dynamic offenses. Elba’s explosive scoring and ground game will be a tough challenge for Linden, but Linden’s balanced approach and strong defensive play could give them the edge. With everything on the line in this neutral playoff game, fans can expect a thrilling contest as these two teams battle for a spot in the next round of the 2024 AHSAA 1A Football Playoffs.