The Geraldine varsity football team will face Mars Hill Bible in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7 PM. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs for the 3A division, with both teams looking to secure a victory and advance further in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

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

Game Preview: Mars Hill Bible vs. Geraldine

As the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs continue, Mars Hill Bible and Geraldine are set to clash in a high-stakes 3A playoff game.

Mars Hill Bible (Class 6, AL)

• Overall Record: 10-1
• Region Record: 7-0
• Home Record: 5-1
• Away Record: 5-0
• Win Percentage: 90.9%
• Region Win Percentage: 100%
• Points For (PF): 497
• Points Against (PA): 137

Mars Hill Bible has had a dominant season, finishing with a perfect 7-0 region record and a high-powered offense that averages 45.2 points per game. Their first-quarter performance is particularly strong, averaging 18.9 points in the opening period. With only one loss, they enter the playoff game as the favorite.

Geraldine (Class 9, AL)

• Overall Record: 9-2
• Region Record: 5-2
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 4-2
• Win Percentage: 81.8%
• Region Win Percentage: 71.4%
• Points For (PF): 484
• Points Against (PA): 194

Geraldine has had a strong season, with a solid 9-2 record and excellent home performance. Their scoring average of 44.0 points per game reflects a potent offense, especially in the fourth quarter, where they average 17.3 points. They will rely on their ability to finish strong in this playoff battle.

Both teams bring powerful offenses to the field, with Mars Hill Bible’s early-game explosiveness and Geraldine’s resilience late in the game setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

Team Stat Comparison

Mars Hill Bible and Geraldine present contrasting offensive and defensive strategies, with Mars Hill having a distinct advantage in total yards and scoring.

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Mars Hill Bible averages 26.0 rushing yards per game, a key part of their offense, though Geraldine’s rusher Jon Beck Wade leads with 104.0 yards per game, showing strong ground capabilities.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Mars Hill Bible averages just 1.2 passing yards per game, highlighting a run-heavy offense, while Geraldine sees 13.0 yards per game in passing from Jon Beck Wade.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Mars Hill Bible records 0.6 receiving yards per game, while Geraldine, with Gabe Garcia, averages 7.0 receiving yards.
• Total Yards Per Game: Mars Hill Bible’s total offense is 27.2 yards per game, compared to Geraldine’s more robust total of 117.0 yards per game, largely driven by Wade’s rushing and passing abilities.
• Defensive Stats: Mars Hill Bible averages 5.6 tackles per game, while Geraldine records 9.0 tackles per game, led by Jordon Lankford.

Team Leaders

• Rushing: Jon Beck Wade of Geraldine is the standout rusher with 104.0 yards per game.
• Passing: Jon Beck Wade also leads in passing for Geraldine with 13.0 yards per game.
• Receiving: Gabe Garcia of Geraldine leads in receiving with 7.0 yards per game.
• Total Yards: Jon Beck Wade totals 117.0 yards per game for Geraldine, far outpacing Mars Hill Bible’s 27.2 yards.
• Tackles: Jordon Lankford of Mars Hill Bible is the top tackler with 9.0 tackles per game.
• Scoring: Jordon Lankford also leads in scoring with 18.0 points per game.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Record: Mars Hill Bible has an impressive 10-1 record, while Geraldine follows closely with a strong 9-2 record.
• League Performance: Mars Hill Bible went undefeated in the league at 7-0, while Geraldine holds a 5-2 league record.
• Non-League: Mars Hill Bible’s non-league record is 2-1, while Geraldine is perfect at 3-0 in non-league games.
• Home vs. Away: Both teams are strong at home, with Mars Hill Bible boasting a 5-1 home record, and Geraldine a perfect 5-0 record at home. On the road, Geraldine is 4-2, while Mars Hill is 5-0.
• Playoffs: Both teams have won their playoff games, each at 1-0 in post-season play.
• In-State Record: Mars Hill Bible holds a 10-1 in-state record, while Geraldine is 9-2.

Conclusion

Mars Hill Bible’s strengths lie in their defense, led by Jordon Lankford, and their ability to limit offensive yardage. Geraldine, however, showcases a more potent offense led by Jon Beck Wade, who excels in both rushing and passing. With a better offensive output and a solid defensive effort, Geraldine presents a formidable challenge. Despite this, Mars Hill Bible’s strong record and defensive play make them a tough opponent. Both teams have had successful seasons, with Mars Hill’s undefeated league record and Geraldine’s overall consistency.