The Hoover (AL) varsity football team will face Opelika (AL) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 7A 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: Opelika vs Hoover
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 7A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Opelika vs. Hoover: A Head-to-Head Comparison for the 2024-2025 Season

As the 2024-2025 high school football season heats up, two prominent teams in Alabama’s Class 5A are making their mark: Opelika and Hoover. Both teams have showcased impressive performances throughout the season, each maintaining a strong record, dominant regional performances, and formidable offensive capabilities. Let’s take a closer look at how these two powerhouse teams compare in terms of rankings, records, scoring averages, and overall performance.

Team Rankings and Records

Opelika (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): 389
• Points Against (PA): 166

Hoover (24-25):

• Overall Record: 9-2
• Region Record: 7-0
• Home Record: 4-2
• Away Record: 5-0
• Win Percentage: .818
• Region Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points For (PF): 331
• Points Against (PA): 158

Both teams share identical overall records, boasting a solid 9-2 mark for the season. However, Hoover stands out with a perfect 7-0 record in region play, compared to Opelika’s 5-1. This impressive regional dominance positions Hoover as the top contender in their region, with a perfect 1.000 region win percentage. On the other hand, Opelika’s 5-1 region record still places them in a strong position for a playoff berth.

In terms of scoring, Opelika has been more prolific with a total of 389 points scored over the season, compared to Hoover’s 331. Despite the difference in scoring, Hoover has been more efficient in limiting opponents, allowing just 158 points (versus Opelika’s 166). This defensive strength could be one of the key reasons Hoover has a perfect regional record.

Scoring Averages and Offensive Efficiency

The offensive production of both teams showcases some interesting differences. Opelika has been particularly strong in the first half of games, scoring an average of 12.1 points in both the first and second quarters. The team tends to slow down in the second half, with a noticeable dip in scoring during the third quarter (7.6) and a dramatic fall-off in the fourth quarter (3.0). Despite this, Opelika maintains a solid average of 35.4 points per game, reflecting a high-scoring offense capable of making big plays early.

Hoover, on the other hand, has a more consistent scoring distribution throughout the game, though they tend to struggle in the first half, particularly in the second quarter (6.0 points). Their third quarter (7.9) and fourth quarter (6.1) scoring averages are more balanced, and they can also produce in overtime, where they average 7.0 points. Hoover’s overall scoring average is 30.1 points per game, which is slightly lower than Opelika’s, but their ability to close out games with consistent scoring is a key strength.

Head-to-Head Matchup

The upcoming matchup between Opelika and Hoover promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting strong records and distinct styles of play. Opelika’s high-octane offense, capable of producing big points early, will face off against Hoover’s well-rounded team, which excels at closing out games and holding opponents in check defensively.

While Opelika has the edge in total offensive production, Hoover’s undefeated region record and stingy defense make them a formidable opponent in any game, especially with their perfect record on the road. For Opelika to succeed, they will need to maintain their early-game dominance and ensure that they can sustain offensive drives into the second half.

Conclusion

As both teams prepare for the crucial stretch of the season, fans can expect a thrilling contest between Opelika and Hoover. With nearly identical records and strengths in different areas, the outcome of their head-to-head matchup could have significant implications for the region standings and potential playoff seeding. Whether it’s Opelika’s explosive early scoring or Hoover’s solid defense and ability to perform under pressure, this is one game that high school football fans in Alabama won’t want to miss.

As the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs heat up, two powerhouse teams, Opelika and Hoover, are set to square off in a highly anticipated neutral playoff game. Both teams come into the game with identical 9-2 records, showcasing their dominance throughout the season. With a mix of experienced players and impressive stats, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest.

Team Stat Comparison

Rushing Yards
Opelika has been dominant on the ground with 175.4 rushing yards per game, led by standout running back Calvin Hughley, who averages 86.4 yards per game. Hoover, while not as run-heavy, has shown their strength through a balanced offensive attack.

Passing Game
Opelika’s quarterback, Colby Key, has been exceptional, throwing for 124.9 passing yards per game. Key’s leadership has translated into impressive totals, with 131.7 total yards per game. Hoover’s passing offense, while not detailed in the stats, will be tested against Opelika’s defense.

Receiving Game
Opelika’s Jamari Miller leads the receiving corps with 50.6 yards per game, while Hoover will look to respond with their own offensive weapons. Both teams are capable of producing big plays through the air.

Defensive Strength
Defensively, Opelika averages 45 tackles per game and 1.8 sacks per game, led by Ty Hudson with 7.8 tackles per game. Hoover will need to contend with this tough defense as they look to make their mark in this high-stakes playoff game.

Key Players and Leaders

• Opelika: Calvin Hughley has been a force on the ground, while Colby Key’s passing game and Jamari Miller’s receiving skills are key components of the offense. On defense, Ty Hudson anchors the team with his tackles.
• Hoover: With their balanced attack, Hoover will lean on a combination of their offensive and defensive leaders to match Opelika’s strengths.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have had successful seasons, with 9-2 overall records and strong in-state performances (8-2 for both). However, Opelika’s tough losses against higher-ranked teams could play a role in the game’s outcome. The teams are evenly matched in terms of home and away performances, with Opelika’s undefeated record at home being a notable achievement, while Hoover has been dominant in neutral-site games, boasting a 1-0 record in the playoffs.

This neutral-site game is critical for both teams as they look to advance in the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs and make a run for the championship. With explosive offenses, tenacious defenses, and players capable of game-changing performances, this playoff battle is set to be one for the ages.