The Vigor (Prichard, AL) varsity football team is set to play Montgomery Catholic (Montgomery, AL) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 5A division, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round of the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama State High School Football Playoff
Who: Montgomery Catholic vs Vigor
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 5A
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Montgomery Catholic vs. Vigor

As the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs continue, the matchup between Montgomery Catholic (12-0) and Vigor (12-1) promises to be a thrilling contest in the 5A division. Both teams have proven themselves throughout the season, with Montgomery Catholic entering the game undefeated and Vigor carrying a single loss. This game will be a battle of two powerhouse teams vying for a spot in the next round.

Montgomery Catholic (24-25) – Dominance All Season Long

Montgomery Catholic has been nothing short of spectacular this season, finishing with a perfect 12-0 record. They were flawless in region play, going 6-0, and have shown their ability to perform both at home (6-0) and on the road (4-0). With a strong neutral-site record (2-0), Montgomery Catholic has proven its resilience in high-stakes games.

Offensively, they have been an explosive force, averaging 45.3 points per game. Their balanced attack starts strong, scoring 14.4 points in the first quarter and 16.8 points in the second. Their scoring drops slightly in the second half, but they maintain consistency with 13.8 points in the third and 9.2 points in the fourth. Montgomery Catholic has scored 544 points this season, while allowing just 71 points, showcasing a dominant defense alongside their high-powered offense.

Vigor (24-25) – A Formidable Contender

Vigor enters the game with a strong 12-1 record, making them a formidable opponent. The team has been nearly flawless in region play, finishing 7-0, and their away (6-1) and neutral-site (3-0) records further highlight their resilience. Their lone loss came in a non-region game, but they have bounced back strongly in the playoffs.

Offensively, Vigor has averaged 36.9 points per game, a solid total, though slightly behind Montgomery Catholic’s. Vigor’s scoring is well-distributed, with 13.6 points in the first quarter and 11.2 in the second. However, their offensive production slows down in the second half, with only 9.0 points in the third quarter and 6.0 points in the fourth. Vigor has scored 480 points this season while allowing just 62, showcasing a highly effective defense that has kept opponents at bay.

Key Comparisons:

• Montgomery Catholic:
  • Overall record: 12-0
  • Region record: 6-0
  • Home record: 6-0
  • Away record: 4-0
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 544
  • Points allowed: 71
  • Scoring average: 45.3 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: Second quarter (16.8 points)
• Vigor:
  • Overall record: 12-1
  • Region record: 7-0
  • Home record: 6-1
  • Away record: 3-0
  • Neutral record: 3-0
  • Total points: 480
  • Points allowed: 62
  • Scoring average: 36.9 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: First quarter (13.6 points)

The stage is set for an exciting football showdown as Montgomery Catholic (12-0) faces off against Vigor (12-1) in the next round of the playoffs. Both teams have been dominant throughout the season, with Montgomery Catholic remaining undefeated and Vigor suffering just one loss. With explosive offenses and solid defenses, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest with a trip to the next stage of the postseason on the line.

Offensive Breakdown: Montgomery Catholic vs. Vigor

Montgomery Catholic:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 235.3
• Passing Yards Per Game: 195.3
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 198.0
• Total Yards Per Game: 430.5
• Points Per Game: 44.8

Montgomery Catholic brings a balanced offensive attack that combines a strong rushing game with a capable passing offense. The team has averaged 235.3 rushing yards per game, with Josh Harriell leading the charge, contributing 93.3 yards per game. In the passing game, Kingston Preyear has been exceptional, averaging 176.4 yards per game and giving Montgomery Catholic a dynamic and versatile offense. Their total yardage per game (430.5) and impressive points per game (44.8) show they can put up significant numbers, making them a formidable force on offense.

Vigor:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 201.0
• Passing Yards Per Game: 152.1
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 147.0
• Total Yards Per Game: 353.1
• Points Per Game: 33.7

Vigor has a slightly more run-heavy offense, averaging 201.0 rushing yards per game, with Carlos Benjamin Jr. leading the way, contributing 93.8 yards per game. Sammy Dunn has been effective in the passing game, racking up 174.4 yards per game, which complements their strong rushing attack. Although Vigor’s total offensive production (353.1 yards per game) is less than Montgomery Catholic’s, they are still a potent offense that can generate significant yardage and points.

Key Players: Montgomery Catholic vs. Vigor

Montgomery Catholic:

• Josh Harriell: Harriell is the centerpiece of Montgomery Catholic’s rushing attack, averaging 93.3 yards per game. His ability to break off big runs will be crucial in keeping Vigor’s defense on its heels.
• Kingston Preyear: Preyear is Montgomery Catholic’s top quarterback, accumulating 176.4 total yards per game. His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs will be critical in creating balance for the offense.
• B.J. Bedgood: A key target in the passing game, Bedgood averages 79.3 yards per game receiving and can stretch the field, helping to open up Montgomery Catholic’s offense.
• Miles Khatri: Khatri leads the defense with 8.7 tackles per game. His leadership on that side of the ball will be vital in slowing down Vigor’s offense.

Vigor:

• Carlos Benjamin Jr.: As the team’s leading rusher with 93.8 yards per game, Benjamin is a powerful force in the backfield. Vigor will rely on him to establish the run and control the clock.
• Sammy Dunn: Dunn has been a consistent and effective passer, averaging 174.4 passing yards per game. His connection with Gerritt Holcombe (46.3 receiving yards per game) will be important in keeping Montgomery Catholic’s defense honest.
• Kentonio Kelly Jr.: Kelly is the leading tackler for Vigor, averaging 11.2 tackles per game. He will be tasked with slowing down Montgomery Catholic’s rushing attack and making plays in the backfield.
• Jabarrius Garror: With 1.6 sacks per game, Garror is a key defensive player who can disrupt Montgomery Catholic’s offense and put pressure on Preyear.

Record Breakdown

Montgomery Catholic:

• Overall Record: 12-0
• League Record: 6-0
• Non-League Record: 3-0
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 4-0
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 12-0

Montgomery Catholic enters this game undefeated at 12-0, having dominated their opponents both at home and on the road. Their perfect record in the regular season and playoffs shows that they are firing on all cylinders and are a team to be reckoned with.

Vigor:

• Overall Record: 12-1
• League Record: 7-0
• Non-League Record: 2-1
• Home Record: 6-1
• Away Record: 3-0
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 12-1

Vigor enters the matchup with a 12-1 record. The team has only lost once during the season and is on a three-game playoff winning streak. Their ability to win both at home and on the road showcases their resilience and adaptability, making them a tough opponent for any team.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Eufaula and Citronelle, with Montgomery Catholic winning 28-0 against Eufaula and 43-0 against Citronelle. Vigor also secured victories over both teams, defeating Eufaula 41-0 and Citronelle 32-6. Both teams have had dominant performances against common opponents, showing they are well-prepared for this matchup.

Conclusion

This playoff matchup between Montgomery Catholic and Vigor is set to be a fascinating contest. Montgomery Catholic’s high-powered offense, led by Josh Harriell and Kingston Preyear, will test Vigor’s defense, which has been effective but may struggle against the balance of Montgomery Catholic’s attack. On the other hand, Vigor will rely on their strong rushing game with Carlos Benjamin Jr. and the arm of Sammy Dunn to stay competitive and keep the game close.

With both teams possessing explosive playmakers and strong defenses, this will be a tightly contested game. Montgomery Catholic’s perfect record and powerful offense make them the favorites, but Vigor’s resilience and big-play potential could make them dangerous under the lights. Don’t miss what is sure to be an exciting playoff battle!