The Leeds (AL) varsity football team will face Moody (AL) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 5A division, with both teams aiming to advance to the next round and continue their playoff journeys.

Here’s what you need to know:

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

Game Preview: Moody vs. Leeds

As the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 5A division heat up, the matchup between Moody (10-2) and Leeds (11-2) promises to be a competitive and exciting game. Both teams have shown their strength throughout the season, with impressive records and standout performances. As they face off in a neutral-site game today at 7 p.m., both squads will look to continue their playoff journey.

Moody (24-25) – Dominant Region Play

Moody has had a strong season, finishing with a 10-2 record and an undefeated 6-0 mark in region play. The team has been solid across all areas, with a strong 4-1 record at home and a 5-1 record away. Their success on neutral sites (1-0) further proves their ability to perform under pressure.

Offensively, Moody has averaged 38.7 points per game, showcasing their ability to score consistently throughout the game. They are particularly strong in the first half, averaging 13.0 points in the first quarter and 13.3 points in the second. However, their scoring slows down in the second half, with 8.0 points in the third quarter and just 4.7 points in the fourth. Moody has scored 464 points on the season and allowed 140, demonstrating their efficient offense and solid defense.

Leeds (24-25) – A Well-Rounded Team

Leeds has also had a remarkable season, finishing with an 11-2 record. The team excelled in region play, going 5-1, and had a perfect record at home (6-0). Though their away record (3-2) shows some vulnerability, Leeds has proven themselves a strong contender on the road. Their neutral-site record (2-0) further illustrates their ability to handle high-pressure games.

Leeds has averaged 38.4 points per game, just slightly behind Moody. The team starts strong, averaging 11.7 points in the first quarter, but their scoring dips in the second quarter (9.3 points). Leeds rebounds in the second half, with 10.0 points in the third quarter and 7.1 points in the fourth. With 499 points scored and 328 points allowed, Leeds has a potent offense but may need to tighten their defense heading into this playoff game.

Key Comparisons:

• Moody:
  • Overall record: 10-2
  • Region record: 6-0
  • Home record: 4-1
  • Away record: 5-1
  • Neutral record: 1-0
  • Total points: 464
  • Points allowed: 140
  • Scoring average: 38.7 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: Second quarter (13.3 points)
• Leeds:
  • Overall record: 11-2
  • Region record: 5-1
  • Home record: 6-0
  • Away record: 3-2
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 499
  • Points allowed: 328
  • Scoring average: 38.4 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: Third quarter (10.0 points)

As the postseason heats up, Moody (10-2) faces off against Leeds (11-2) in what promises to be an intense playoff battle. Both teams have proven themselves as formidable opponents, with explosive offenses and strong defenses. With impressive records and a string of victories in common matchups, this contest will showcase some of the best talent in the region.

Offensive Breakdown: Moody vs. Leeds

Moody:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 219.3
• Passing Yards Per Game: 210.6
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 210.6
• Total Yards Per Game: 429.9
• Points Per Game: 38.7

Moody has a well-rounded offense, balancing a strong running game with an effective passing attack. Their ability to move the ball in multiple ways has allowed them to rack up 429.9 total yards per game. Le’Kamren Meadows leads the team in rushing with 73.4 yards per game, while Charlie Johnston has been a dual-threat in the passing game, averaging 206.4 yards per game. Josiah Dozier has also been a key contributor in the receiving game, with 81.0 yards per game. Moody’s offense is capable of striking quickly and effectively, putting up 38.7 points per game.

Leeds:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 268.1
• Passing Yards Per Game: 82.8
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 82.1
• Total Yards Per Game: 350.9
• Points Per Game: 31.5

Leeds, on the other hand, is more heavily focused on the run game, averaging 268.1 rushing yards per game. Conner Nelson is the engine behind this ground attack, contributing an impressive 139.5 yards per game. Though Leeds is more conservative in the passing game, Nelson has also been effective as a dual-threat, leading the team in total yards per game (227.5). While Leeds’ offensive production (350.9 total yards per game) is lower than Moody’s, their ability to control the clock with a dominant rushing attack keeps them in games and limits their opponents’ scoring opportunities.

Key Players: Moody vs. Leeds

Moody:

• Le’Kamren Meadows: Meadows has been a reliable option in the backfield for Moody, contributing 73.4 rushing yards per game. His ability to pick up tough yardage and wear down the defense will be critical.
• Charlie Johnston: Johnston is the key to Moody’s balanced attack, capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs. With 206.4 passing yards per game, Johnston’s passing ability complements the run game and keeps defenses guessing.
• Josiah Dozier: A top receiving target for Johnston, Dozier averages 81.0 receiving yards per game and will be a critical part of the offense, especially in creating mismatches against the defense.
• Jagger Ludolf: Ludolf leads the defense with 14.9 tackles per game, and his ability to disrupt the opponent’s offense will be crucial in slowing down Leeds’ powerful rushing attack.

Leeds:

• Conner Nelson: Nelson is Leeds’ offensive leader, contributing heavily both on the ground and in the passing game. With 139.5 rushing yards per game and 227.5 total yards per game, Nelson will need to carry the offense and control the pace of the game.
• Taylon Gaiter: A secondary threat in the passing game, Gaiter has 40.5 receiving yards per game and can make big plays when needed, providing an option for Nelson when the defense collapses on the run.
• Reginald Franklin Jr.: On defense, Franklin is a key playmaker, with 8.2 tackles per game. He will be relied upon to stop the Moody offense and force turnovers to keep Leeds in the game.
• James Jones: Jones adds to the defensive pressure, with a notable 1.6 sacks on the season. His ability to disrupt Moody’s offense and create chaos in the backfield will be vital.

Record Breakdown

Moody:

• Overall Record: 10-2
• League Record: 6-0
• Non-League Record: 1-2
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 4-1
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 10-1

Moody enters this matchup with a 10-2 record, with their only two losses coming in non-league games. They are undefeated in the league and have demonstrated resilience in their playoff performances.

Leeds:

• Overall Record: 11-2
• League Record: 5-1
• Non-League Record: 3-1
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 3-2
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 11-1

Leeds has had a strong season, finishing with an 11-2 record, including a 5-1 league mark. Their only two losses came in non-league play, and they have been perfect in the postseason so far.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Jacksonville, St. Clair County, Center Point, Springville, and Lincoln. Moody has won all five matchups against these teams, including a dominant 66-3 victory over Lincoln. Leeds has also been successful, securing victories in all five common games, including a big 42-13 win over Jacksonville. Both teams have demonstrated consistent success against their common opponents, with Moody averaging 44.7 points per game and Leeds putting up 41.4 points per game in those matchups.

Conclusion

This matchup between Moody and Leeds is set to be a clash of contrasting styles. Moody’s high-powered offense, which blends a strong rushing game with an effective passing attack, will go up against Leeds’ run-heavy offensive scheme led by Conner Nelson. While Leeds’ defense has been solid, they will need to find a way to contain Moody’s multifaceted offense.

For Moody, the key will be keeping Leeds’ rushing attack in check while maintaining their own offensive balance. For Leeds, controlling the clock with their run game and limiting Moody’s offensive opportunities will be paramount. With both teams entering the game with impressive records and powerful offensive weapons, this promises to be an exciting and hard-fought playoff contest. Don’t miss the action as Moody and Leeds battle it out for a spot in the next round!