The Elba (AL) varsity football team will face Georgiana (AL) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22. This exciting matchup is part of the “2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 1A” tournament, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance further in the postseason and keep their championship hopes alive.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Georgiana vs Elba
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 1A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Georgiana vs. Elba

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs are in full swing, and one of the most anticipated matchups in the 1A tournament will feature Georgiana (AL) taking on Elba (AL) in a neutral-site game on Friday, November 22. With both teams having had impressive seasons, this contest promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle for a chance to advance in the postseason.

Georgiana: Solid Record with Offensive and Defensive Balance

Georgiana enters the game with an 8-4 overall record, boasting a solid 5-2 region mark. Their road record of 4-3 and home record of 3-1 highlight their resilience, as they’ve managed to win on both ends of the spectrum. Georgiana’s neutral-site record of 1-0 indicates they can perform when it matters most.

Offensively, Georgiana has averaged 33.0 points per game. Their first-quarter production is strong, averaging 8.6 points, followed by 6.3 points in the second quarter. However, their offense slows down in the second half, scoring just 4.3 points in the third quarter, but they finish strong with 9.9 points in the fourth quarter. With a total of 396 points scored and 251 points allowed on the season, Georgiana has proven they can compete but will need to find more consistency in their scoring to stay competitive against a powerful opponent like Elba.

Elba: Dominant Offense and Defense

Elba, with a 10-2 record, enters the game with a remarkable season behind them. Their 6-1 region record and 5-2 home record show their dominance within their region, and their perfect 4-0 away record proves they can perform on the road. Elba’s undefeated neutral-site record of 1-0 adds further confidence heading into the matchup.

Elba has been a powerhouse offensively, averaging an impressive 53.3 points per game. They come out strong in the first half, averaging 13.8 points in the first quarter and 13.6 points in the second. Though their scoring slows a bit in the second half with 13.2 points in the third and 7.8 points in the fourth, Elba’s total of 640 points scored shows their offensive potency. With a defense that has allowed 354 points, Elba has proven to be a strong contender with both a high-powered offense and a capable defense.

Key Matchup: Elba’s Offensive Power vs. Georgiana’s Resilience

The key difference between these two teams lies in their offensive firepower. Elba has been an offensive juggernaut throughout the season, averaging over 53 points per game, while Georgiana’s offense has been much more modest with 33 points per game. While Georgiana has shown the ability to be resilient, particularly with a strong fourth-quarter performance, they will need to find a way to slow down Elba’s high-powered attack.

As the season nears its climax, the highly anticipated showdown between Georgiana and Elba is set to captivate fans. Both teams have impressive records and dynamic offenses, but they possess vastly different styles of play. Georgiana relies on a balanced approach, while Elba boasts a high-powered offense that can light up the scoreboard. With both teams aiming to continue their playoff pushes, here’s a breakdown of what to expect in this exciting matchup.

Team Stat Comparison

• Georgiana has a more modest offensive output, averaging just 30.6 total yards per game and 13.3 rushing yards per game. Their passing game is slightly more productive, with 17.4 passing yards per game and 16.9 receiving yards per game. With 4.5 tackles per game and 0.1 sacks per game, Georgiana is a scrappy, hard-working team that tries to stay in games with a controlled offensive game plan.
• Elba, on the other hand, has one of the most explosive offenses in the region, averaging 462.0 total yards per game. Their ground game is potent, with 424.9 rushing yards per game, led by the incredible Alvin Henderson, who is one of the top rushers in the country. Elba also adds to their dominance in the air, with 37.1 passing yards per game and 31.5 receiving yards per game. The defense has been equally impressive, averaging 81.8 tackles per game and 1.7 sacks per game. Their offensive and defensive balance has propelled them to a 10-2 overall record.

Key Players to Watch

• Kamari Miles (Georgiana): Leading the offense for Georgiana, Miles is a dynamic player who can make things happen on the ground, averaging 79.5 rushing yards per game. His ability to break tackles and churn out yards will be critical to keeping Elba’s high-powered offense off the field.
• Alvin Henderson (Elba): A key figure in Elba’s offensive machine, Henderson is averaging an astounding 260.3 rushing yards per game. His ability to carry the ball and score at will will make him a focal point of Georgiana’s defense. If he gets going early, it could be a long day for Georgiana.
• Jalen Crenshaw (Georgiana): Crenshaw has been a versatile weapon for Georgiana, leading the team in receiving yards with 92.0 yards per game. His big-play ability could be crucial if Georgiana hopes to keep up with Elba’s fast-paced offense.
• Cayden Adkins (Elba): A key defensive player for Elba, Adkins has tallied 13.3 tackles per game. His ability to disrupt plays and read the offensive flow will be important as he tries to limit Georgiana’s offensive options.

Record Breakdown

• Georgiana enters the game with an 8-4 overall record, including a 5-2 league record. Their season has been a mix of dominant wins and narrow losses, with key victories over Florala (40-8), Kinston (48-0), and Pleasant Home (59-0). However, they suffered a close loss to Brantley (16-12) that will likely fuel their desire to keep improving.
• Elba, with a 10-2 overall record, has been one of the top teams in their region. They have dominated in the league with a 6-1 record and have had success in non-league play as well. Their most impressive wins include victories over McKenzie (80-78), Kinston (68-28), and Red Level (46-6). Elba’s two losses, one of which was a close game against McKenzie, have shown their resilience but also some vulnerabilities.

Common Opponents

Both teams share several common opponents, and their results against these teams provide insight into their respective strengths:

• Florala: Georgiana defeated Florala 40-8, while Elba won against them 40-24. Both teams handled Florala comfortably, but Elba’s higher-scoring output shows their offensive firepower.
• McKenzie: Georgiana beat McKenzie 48-24, while Elba lost in a thrilling 80-78 game. This matchup highlights how Elba’s offense can explode but also leaves room for defensive lapses, while Georgiana’s defense has proven solid in such matchups.
• Kinston: Georgiana dominated Kinston 48-0, while Elba also had a commanding 68-28 victory. Both teams showed their dominance, but Elba’s higher-scoring offense continued to shine.

Conclusion

This game will come down to whether Georgiana can control the tempo and limit Alvin Henderson and Elba’s explosive offense. If Georgiana can keep the game close with ball control and solid defense, they might have a chance to pull off the upset. On the other hand, Elba’s high-scoring, fast-paced attack will be tough to stop if Henderson is firing on all cylinders. With both teams featuring strong offensive playmakers and aggressive defenses, fans can expect an exciting and intense matchup.

As the teams take the field, Georgiana will look to use their defensive prowess and methodical offense to counter Elba’s explosive style. Elba, with their dominant offense, will look to overpower Georgiana early and often. Whoever controls the line of scrimmage and dictates the pace of the game will likely come out on top in this thrilling showdown.