The Thomasville (AL) varsity football team is set for an exciting neutral playoff matchup against Houston Academy (Dothan, AL) on Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. This game forms part of the “2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 3A” tournament, promising an intense battle as both teams vie for advancement.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football
Who: Houston Academy vs Thomasville
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 3A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Houston Academy vs. Thomasville

The stage is set for an electrifying neutral playoff game between Houston Academy (Dothan, AL) and Thomasville (AL) on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m., as both teams battle for a spot in the next round of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 3A tournament.

Rankings and Records:

Houston Academy comes into the matchup with an impressive 10-1 record, finishing 6-1 in their region and securing a perfect 6-0 record at home. With a solid win percentage of .909, the team has been dominant on both sides of the ball, scoring 487 points and allowing just 119 this season. The Raiders have been led by quarterback Kadyn Mitchell and standout running back Andrew Gil, who have powered the team with both strong passing and rushing stats.

On the other side, Thomasville enters the game undefeated at 11-0, with a perfect 7-0 record in region play. The Tigers have been dominant throughout the season, with a staggering 548 points scored and only 86 allowed. Their offensive juggernaut, led by quarterback Shern Collins and running back Diego Bryant, has been nearly unstoppable. Defensively, Thomasville has been stout, limiting their opponents to minimal yards and points.

Team Scoring Averages:

Both teams are high-scoring offenses, but Thomasville has had a slight edge in overall points per game, averaging 49.8 points compared to Houston Academy’s 44.3. Houston Academy has been particularly effective early in games, scoring 14.1 points in the first quarter, while Thomasville starts strong with an average of 21.3 points in the opening period.

Team Stat Comparison:

• Rushing Yards: Houston Academy has averaged 172.7 yards per game on the ground, led by Andrew Gil’s 51.8 rushing yards per game. In contrast, Thomasville’s powerful running game has been even more effective, averaging 309 rushing yards per game, with Diego Bryant leading the charge at 151.6 yards per game.
• Passing Yards: Houston Academy excels in the air with 231.2 passing yards per game, led by Kadyn Mitchell, who averages 226.2 yards per game. Thomasville, while primarily focused on the run, still has a solid passing attack, averaging 45.5 yards per game, with Shern Collins contributing 49.1 passing yards per game.
• Total Yards: Houston Academy averages 403.9 total yards per game, while Thomasville, despite its heavy reliance on the run, isn’t far behind with 354.5 total yards per game.
• Tackles and Sacks: Defensively, Houston Academy averages 55.5 tackles per game but has been more susceptible to sacks, with just 1.7 per game. Thomasville, known for its stingy defense, has recorded 23.6 tackles per game and is also more aggressive with 1.0 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch:

• Houston Academy: Quarterback Kadyn Mitchell and running back Andrew Gil have been crucial to Houston’s success. Mitchell’s dual-threat ability makes him dangerous both in the air and on the ground, while Gil is a workhorse who can take over games with his physical running style.
• Thomasville: The Tigers’ star player, running back Diego Bryant, has been a game-changer all season. His ability to break long runs and find the end zone will be key for Thomasville. Shern Collins, although not the primary focus in the passing game, can make plays when needed.

Record Breakdown:

• Houston Academy enters the game with a 10-1 record, and a strong 6-1 league performance.
• Thomasville remains undefeated with an 11-0 record, with a perfect 7-0 in-region mark.

Conclusion:

With both teams possessing high-powered offenses, this playoff game is sure to deliver plenty of action. Houston Academy’s balanced attack will face off against Thomasville’s run-heavy approach and stout defense. Thomasville’s defense will need to step up and contain the explosive Mitchell-Gil duo, while Houston Academy must find a way to slow down Bryant and the Tigers’ relentless rushing attack. With so much on the line, expect a thrilling matchup as these two talented teams square off in the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs.