The Maplesville (AL) varsity football team faces Elba (AL) in a neutral-site playoff game today, as part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 1A division. Both teams are vying for a spot in the next round, bringing their best to this high-stakes matchup.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama State High School Football Playoff
Who: Elba vs Maplesville
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 1A
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Elba vs. Maplesville

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 1A division are heating up, and today’s neutral-site game between Elba and Maplesville is one to watch. Both teams have been dominant throughout the season and are now facing off in a high-stakes playoff battle.

Elba – High Scoring and Balanced

Elba comes into this playoff matchup with an impressive 11-2 overall record, having finished their region schedule 6-1. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging 54.0 points per game. Elba’s scoring is well-distributed, with strong performances in all four quarters, especially in the first half, where they average 27.4 points between the first two quarters.

One of the key strengths of Elba’s game is their ability to score consistently. With 702 points on the season, they have shown they can strike quickly and often, making them a formidable opponent in the postseason. Their defense has allowed 374 points, and while it’s been solid, they’ll need to limit Maplesville’s offensive attacks to secure a win.

Maplesville – Strong Defense and Solid Offense

Maplesville also holds a strong 11-2 record, with a perfect 7-0 region record, showing their dominance in the regular season. They have been consistent on both sides of the ball, averaging 36.8 points per game, with their offense peaking in the third quarter, where they score 10.5 points on average.

Defensively, Maplesville has been even more impressive, allowing just 191 points on the season. Their defense will be tested against Elba’s high-scoring offense, but their ability to control the game and minimize big plays will be key to their success.

Key Matchup: Elba’s Offense vs. Maplesville’s Defense

• Elba:
  • Overall record: 11-2
  • Region record: 6-1
  • Home record: 5-2
  • Away record: 4-0
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 702
  • Points allowed: 374
  • Scoring average: 54.0 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: First half (13.8 Q1, 13.6 Q2)
• Maplesville:
  • Overall record: 11-2
  • Region record: 7-0
  • Home record: 5-1
  • Away record: 4-1
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 479
  • Points allowed: 191
  • Scoring average: 36.8 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: Third quarter (10.5 points)

As the 2024 season heads into its final stretch, Elba and Maplesville stand out as two of the most dominant teams in their league, both boasting impressive records and potent offenses. With their powerful rushing games and strong overall performances, these two squads are primed for an exciting showdown that could determine who has the edge heading into the playoffs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their strengths, key players, and the matchup that awaits.

Offensive and Defensive Breakdown

Elba:

• Overall Record: 11-2
• League Record: 6-1
• Non-League Record: 2-1
• Home Record: 5-2
• Away Record: 4-0
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 11-2
• Rushing Yards Per Game: 430.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 36.4
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 31.2
• Total Yards Per Game: 466.5
• Tackles Per Game: 81.2
• Sacks Per Game: 1.7
• Points Per Game: 53.8

Elba has been an offensive juggernaut this season, particularly on the ground, averaging over 430 rushing yards per game. With a solid rushing attack and a dynamic playmaking offense, they’ve put up an impressive 53.8 points per game. Defensively, they’ve been just as formidable, recording over 80 tackles per game and allowing their opponents few opportunities to score.

Maplesville:

• Overall Record: 11-2
• League Record: 7-0
• Non-League Record: 1-2
• Home Record: 5-1
• Away Record: 4-1
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 11-2
• Rushing Yards Per Game: 196.5
• Passing Yards Per Game: 105.6
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 102.5
• Total Yards Per Game: 302.2
• Tackles Per Game: 39.6
• Sacks Per Game: 1.8
• Points Per Game: 28.3

Maplesville, also with an 11-2 record, has leaned on a more balanced offensive attack, combining a solid rushing game with an efficient passing attack. They average just under 200 rushing yards per game and have put up over 28 points per game. Defensively, they are less aggressive than Elba but still show a strong presence with nearly 40 tackles per game and 1.8 sacks per contest.

Key Players

For Elba, standout players include:

• Alvin Henderson: The focal point of Elba’s offense, Henderson has racked up 265.8 rushing yards per game and leads the team with 274.2 total yards per game. His ability to dominate on the ground makes him a constant threat, and he has contributed 29.5 points per game.
• Cayden Adkins: A key defensive player, Adkins also contributes significantly in tackles with 13.1 per game and is an important presence in the secondary.

For Maplesville, key players are:

• Roman Hall: A powerful runner with 113.5 rushing yards per game, Hall is the engine behind Maplesville’s ground attack. He’ll need to be at his best to keep up with Elba’s explosive offense.
• Pearce Yeargan: As the team’s top passer, Yeargan has been efficient with 104.4 passing yards per game and contributes 127.0 total yards per game. He provides a balanced approach to Maplesville’s offense.

Common Opponents

Both Elba and Maplesville have faced off against Florala and Verbena, and both teams have emerged victorious in these matchups. Here’s a look at their performances against these common opponents:

• Elba vs. Florala (10/25/24): Elba won 40-24.
• Maplesville vs. Florala (11/8/24): Maplesville won 35-6.
• Elba vs. Verbena (11/8/24): Elba won 77-14.
• Maplesville vs. Verbena (10/25/24): Maplesville won 36-12.

Both teams have dominated these common opponents, but Elba’s victories have come with larger margins, particularly their win over Verbena.

Head-to-Head Record Breakdown

• Elba:
  • Overall Record: 11-2
  • League Record: 6-1
  • Non-League Record: 2-1
  • Home Record: 5-2
  • Away Record: 4-0
  • Playoff Record: 3-0
• Maplesville:
  • Overall Record: 11-2
  • League Record: 7-0
  • Non-League Record: 1-2
  • Home Record: 5-1
  • Away Record: 4-1
  • Playoff Record: 3-0

While both teams boast identical overall records, Elba has shown more dominance on the road, with a perfect 4-0 away record. Maplesville, on the other hand, has been perfect in their league games and will look to maintain that streak.

Conclusion

The upcoming matchup between Elba and Maplesville is shaping up to be an exciting showdown. Elba comes in with a potent rushing attack and a defense that has been nearly impenetrable. Meanwhile, Maplesville offers a well-rounded offensive approach and has proven their ability to compete with some of the top teams in the league.

Both teams have shown that they can handle common opponents with ease, but Elba’s explosive offense and solid defense might give them the edge. However, Maplesville‘s resilience and balanced attack make them a dangerous team capable of pulling off an upset.

With so much at stake, this game is one that fans won’t want to miss as two powerhouse teams battle it out for supremacy.