The Central of Clay County (Lineville, AL) varsity football team will play Montgomery Catholic (Montgomery, AL) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 5A tournament, where both teams will compete for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Montgomery Catholic vs Central of Clay County
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 5A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Central of Clay County vs. Montgomery Catholic

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 5A tournament are heating up as the Central of Clay County (Lineville, AL) varsity football team takes on Montgomery Catholic (Montgomery, AL) on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This neutral-site game features two undefeated teams, both boasting perfect records and high-powered offenses, promising an exciting showdown.

Montgomery Catholic’s Perfect Season

Montgomery Catholic enters the game with a flawless 11-0 record, dominating both region and non-region opponents throughout the season. They finished 6-0 in region play and have been exceptional on both sides of the ball, scoring 523 points while only allowing 62. Their defense has been nearly impenetrable, a key factor in their success, but their offense has also been explosive.

Montgomery Catholic has averaged an impressive 47.5 points per game, with a balanced attack that consistently performs across all four quarters:

• Q1: 14.4 points
• Q2: 16.8 points
• Q3: 13.8 points
• Q4: 9.2 points
• Final: 47.5 points

Their strong first half has allowed them to take control of games early, while their ability to maintain solid scoring in the second half has kept them in command throughout the season.

Central of Clay County’s Undefeated Run

Central of Clay County also comes into the game with an unblemished record, finishing 12-0 for the season. The team has shown great consistency, particularly in region play where they went 6-0. Their offense has been equally impressive, scoring 476 points, averaging 39.7 points per game, and their defense has been stout, allowing only 123 points.

Central of Clay County has displayed a strong start in each game, averaging 16.3 points in the first quarter. However, they’ve experienced a drop-off in their second-half scoring, with their strongest performance coming in the first half:

• Q1: 16.3 points
• Q2: 10.7 points
• Q3: 5.7 points
• Q4: 3.5 points
• Final: 39.7 points

The team will need to maintain their early-game momentum and ensure they can keep up with Montgomery Catholic’s high-scoring offense.

Key Matchups and Strategies

Both teams have dominant offenses, with Montgomery Catholic scoring at a higher average per game. However, Central of Clay County’s defensive strength may be their biggest asset in slowing down the potent Montgomery Catholic attack. The key for Central of Clay County will be to capitalize on their strong starts and sustain offensive pressure throughout the game.

Montgomery Catholic, on the other hand, will look to continue their balanced offensive attack, utilizing their explosive playmakers to strike quickly and often. If they can build a comfortable lead early, they will put significant pressure on Central of Clay County to play catch-up.

The highly anticipated matchup between Montgomery Catholic and Central of Clay County is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of the season. With both teams boasting undefeated records, Montgomery Catholic at 11-0 and Central of Clay County at 12-0, fans can expect an intense and hard-fought game. Here’s a breakdown of what makes each team tick, including their standout players, team stats, and performances against common opponents.

Team Stats Comparison

Montgomery Catholic has been a juggernaut offensively this season, posting impressive numbers in both the rushing and passing departments. Here’s how the two teams stack up:

• Offense:
  • Montgomery Catholic averages 230.6 rushing yards per game, a solid ground game that allows them to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses. They also boast a potent passing attack, with 204.5 passing yards per game. With a total of 435.2 yards per game, they are one of the most balanced offenses in the league, capable of threatening defenses in a variety of ways.
  • Central of Clay County has not provided specific offensive stats, but their impressive 12-0 record suggests they are likely a formidable offensive force. With strong performances against common opponents, their offense is expected to be highly effective.
• Defense:
  • Montgomery Catholic averages 70.2 tackles per game, with a sack rate of 3.1 sacks per game. Their defense is aggressive, providing pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stopping the run effectively. The defense’s ability to force turnovers and limit opponents’ offensive production has been key to their success this season.
• Scoring:
  • Montgomery Catholic averages 47.0 points per game, reflecting their ability to put up big numbers week in and week out. This high-scoring offense will test Central of Clay County’s defense, which has proven to be effective but will face its biggest challenge in this matchup.

Key Players to Watch

Montgomery Catholic boasts several key players who have contributed to their undefeated season:

• Josh Harriell: Leading the rushing attack, Harriell averages 96.9 rushing yards per game, providing a steady presence in the backfield. His ability to control the ground game will be crucial in establishing the tempo of the game.
• Kingston Preyear: As the team’s dual-threat quarterback, Preyear has been a standout, averaging 188.0 passing yards per game and 196.9 total yards per game. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
• B.J. Bedgood: With 80.0 receiving yards per game, Bedgood is a key target in the passing game, providing Preyear with a reliable option to move the ball downfield.
• Miles Khatri: A key leader on defense, Khatri averages 8.5 tackles per game, anchoring the defense and ensuring that Montgomery Catholic remains stout on that side of the ball.

Central of Clay County has yet to release individual player statistics, but their team-wide success is evident. They have dominated their common opponents, winning decisively in both league and non-league games, and have shown the ability to adapt and perform under pressure.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against several common opponents, providing valuable insight into their respective strengths:

• Greenville: Montgomery Catholic defeated Greenville 50-14 on 10/18/24, while Central of Clay County won 49-0 on 11/8/24. Both teams posted impressive victories, but Central of Clay County’s dominant performance stands out.
• Holtville: Montgomery Catholic routed Holtville 52-0 on 11/8/24, while Central of Clay County won 40-3 on 10/11/24. Both teams were dominant, but Montgomery Catholic had a slightly higher margin of victory.

These victories over common opponents show that both teams are capable of putting up huge performances, with Montgomery Catholic perhaps having a slightly more potent offense, while Central of Clay County has showcased strong defensive capabilities.

Record Breakdown

• Montgomery Catholic: With an 11-0 overall record, Montgomery Catholic has been nearly unstoppable this season. Their 6-0 league record reflects their dominance within their division, and they are perfect in non-league games at 3-0.
• Central of Clay County: Also boasting an impressive 12-0 record, Central of Clay County has been even more dominant, finishing the season with a perfect 6-0 record in league play and a 4-0 record in non-league games. They have proven to be a formidable force both at home and away.

Conclusion

This game will be a true test for both teams. Montgomery Catholic’s high-powered offense, led by Kingston Preyear and Josh Harriell, will challenge Central of Clay County’s defense, which has proven to be tough all season. Both teams are well-coached and have talented players capable of making game-changing plays.

With both teams averaging over 40 points per game, expect a high-scoring affair filled with explosive plays. Montgomery Catholic’s ability to balance the run and pass game will be key in keeping Central of Clay County’s defense on its heels, while Central of Clay County’s ability to dominate on both sides of the ball will be critical in neutralizing Montgomery Catholic’s offensive threats.

Ultimately, this matchup between Montgomery Catholic and Central of Clay County will be one of the most exciting games of the season, as two undefeated teams battle for supremacy. With so much talent on both sides, it’s anyone’s game, but it’s sure to be an unforgettable contest.