The Clay-Chalkville (Pinson, AL) varsity football team will face Muscle Shoals (AL) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 6A division, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance further in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football
Who: Muscle Shoals vs Clay-Chalkville
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 6A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Muscle Shoals vs. Clay-Chalkville: A Clash of Powerful High School Football Teams

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, two teams are emerging as top contenders in Alabama’s Class 6A: Muscle Shoals and Clay-Chalkville. Both teams have displayed impressive performances, showcasing strong records, regional success, and powerful offenses. As we look ahead to their potential matchup, let’s break down the rankings, records, scoring averages, and what sets these two teams apart.

Team Rankings and Records

Muscle Shoals (24-25):

• Overall Record: 8-2
• Region Record: 5-1
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 3-2
• Win Percentage: .800
• Region Win Percentage: .833
• Points For (PF): 432
• Points Against (PA): 234

Clay-Chalkville (24-25):

• Overall Record: 9-2
• Region Record: 5-1
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 3-2
• Win Percentage: .818
• Region Win Percentage: .833
• Points For (PF): 398
• Points Against (PA): 111

When it comes to overall records, Clay-Chalkville has a slight edge, boasting a 9-2 record compared to Muscle Shoals’ 8-2. Both teams have been dominant within their region, each holding a 5-1 region record, showcasing their competitive edge. However, Clay-Chalkville has been particularly strong at home, maintaining an undefeated 6-0 record, while Muscle Shoals has also been tough on its home turf with a perfect 5-0 home record. On the road, both teams share identical away records of 3-2.

In terms of offensive output, Muscle Shoals has been more prolific, with 432 points scored over the season, averaging 43.2 points per game. Clay-Chalkville, while slightly less prolific with 398 total points, has been remarkably efficient on defense, allowing only 111 points, which is the lowest among the two teams. This stark contrast between Muscle Shoals’ high-scoring offense and Clay-Chalkville’s stout defense will be a key dynamic in their potential matchup.

Scoring Averages and Offensive Production

Looking closer at the scoring averages for both teams, Muscle Shoals has demonstrated a balanced and consistent attack throughout the game. They average 15.2 points in the first quarter, 14.0 points in the second, and 11.8 points in the third. The team continues to score in the fourth quarter, with an average of 8.8 points. This consistency in scoring, especially early in the game, allows Muscle Shoals to build momentum and take control of the match early on.

Clay-Chalkville, on the other hand, is more focused on the first half, averaging 12.7 points in the first quarter and 6.7 in the second. The team’s third-quarter scoring drops slightly to 7.0, and while they manage to score 7.0 points in overtime, they don’t seem to produce much in the fourth quarter, where they average 0 points. Despite this, Clay-Chalkville’s overall scoring average of 36.2 points per game reflects their ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain control of games.

What stands out about Clay-Chalkville is their defensive dominance. Their ability to limit opponents to just 111 points this season is remarkable, particularly when compared to Muscle Shoals’ 234 points allowed. This defensive strength has allowed Clay-Chalkville to win games with a focus on suffocating their opponents’ offenses, while their own offense does just enough to secure victories.

Head-to-Head Matchup

In a potential head-to-head matchup, Muscle Shoals’ high-powered offense will face off against Clay-Chalkville’s defense-first approach. Muscle Shoals has the edge when it comes to scoring, but Clay-Chalkville’s stingy defense could make it difficult for Muscle Shoals to maintain their offensive rhythm, particularly in the latter parts of the game.

The key to Muscle Shoals’ success in this matchup will be their ability to continue scoring at a high rate throughout all four quarters. Their early-game offensive explosiveness, particularly in the first and second quarters, will be crucial in setting the tone. If they can build an early lead, they could force Clay-Chalkville to play from behind, which may challenge their offensive efficiency.

On the other hand, Clay-Chalkville’s defense will be crucial in limiting Muscle Shoals’ potent attack. With only 111 points allowed over the course of the season, Clay-Chalkville has proven to be difficult to score against. Their ability to stifle Muscle Shoals’ offense, particularly in the second half, could swing the momentum in their favor. Additionally, Clay-Chalkville’s offense, while not as explosive as Muscle Shoals’, has been efficient enough to get the job done, and they’ll look to capitalize on any defensive stops to wear down Muscle Shoals’ defense.

Conclusion

The potential matchup between Muscle Shoals and Clay-Chalkville promises to be an exciting and intriguing game, as two highly ranked teams with contrasting styles of play square off. Muscle Shoals brings a dynamic and high-scoring offense, while Clay-Chalkville counters with one of the most formidable defenses in the state. Both teams have excelled in their regions and will be looking to make a statement in this crucial game.

Fans can expect a strategic battle between offense and defense, and with both teams possessing exceptional talent and playoff aspirations, this game will likely have significant implications for the postseason. Whether Muscle Shoals can overpower Clay-Chalkville’s defense or if Clay-Chalkville can stifle the offensive juggernaut of Muscle Shoals will be the storyline to watch. Regardless of the outcome, it’s clear that both teams are prepared to make a deep run in the playoffs.

As the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs continue, two formidable teams, Muscle Shoals and Clay-Chalkville, will face off in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This clash is set to be a pivotal battle, as both teams are coming off impressive seasons with a combined record of 17-4. Here’s a closer look at how they match up statistically and what each team brings to the field.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensive Firepower
Muscle Shoals has been a force offensively, averaging 421.5 total yards per game, with 235.0 rushing yards and 186.5 passing yards. Their balanced attack has been a key to their success, with quarterback Aaron Frye leading the charge, throwing for 179.9 passing yards per game and contributing 232.6 total yards per game. In contrast, Clay-Chalkville has relied on their strong rushing game, gaining 235.0 rushing yards per game. Their offense is equally potent, led by standout quarterback Aaron Osley, who averages 88.0 rushing yards per game.

Defensive Strength
Defensively, Muscle Shoals averages 62.6 tackles per game and 2.2 sacks per game, led by Ta’karee Slaughter, who averages 6.9 tackles per game. Clay-Chalkville, meanwhile, will need to contend with this aggressive defense. The defensive battle between both teams will be crucial, with Clay-Chalkville’s defense focusing on stopping the Muscle Shoals offense.

Scoring Ability
Muscle Shoals has been an impressive scoring team, averaging 35.6 points per game, led by Joshua Woods, who contributes 8.2 points per game. Clay-Chalkville, with an average of 31.5 points per game, will need to match this scoring prowess to keep up with their opponents in this playoff game.

Key Players and Leaders

• Muscle Shoals: Quarterback Aaron Frye has been central to the offense, with both passing and rushing yards. Running back Aaron Osley, with 88.0 rushing yards per game, is also a key player to watch. Defensively, linebacker Ta’karee Slaughter will look to disrupt Clay-Chalkville’s attack.
• Clay-Chalkville: The team will rely heavily on Aaron Osley, whose ability to gain yards on the ground could make the difference. Defensively, the Chargers’ efforts will be led by their secondary and linebackers as they face a high-powered Muscle Shoals offense.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have had successful seasons, with Muscle Shoals posting an 8-2 overall record and Clay-Chalkville finishing 9-2. Muscle Shoals has been dominant at home, while Clay-Chalkville boasts an undefeated record at home and an equally strong 3-2 record on the road. Both teams have strong playoff pedigrees, with each boasting a 1-0 record in the postseason.

Despite Muscle Shoals’ strong season, including a close loss to Gadsden City in a non-league game, Clay-Chalkville defeated Gadsden City 33-3 in their regular-season finale, showcasing their readiness for the playoff challenges ahead.

Conclusion

This game promises to be an exciting contest between two well-rounded teams. Muscle Shoals’ balanced offense and strong defense will be put to the test against Clay-Chalkville’s high-powered running game and solid defense. As both teams look to make a deep playoff run, Friday’s matchup will be a key determining factor in who advances in the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs. Fans can expect a thrilling game filled with big plays, tough defenses, and plenty of playoff intensity.