The Oxford (AL) varsity football team will face off against Parker (Birmingham, AL) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 6A division, where both teams aim to secure a crucial victory and advance further in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama State High School Football Playoff
Who: Oxford (AL) vs Parker (AL)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 6A
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Parker vs. Oxford

The football season reaches its pinnacle as the Parker (12-1) team faces off against the undefeated Oxford (13-0) in what promises to be a thrilling playoff showdown. Both teams have been dominant throughout the season, boasting powerful offenses and stout defenses. As the postseason continues, only one will move forward. Let’s take a closer look at the teams, their strengths, and how they match up heading into this highly anticipated contest.

Offensive Breakdown: Parker vs. Oxford

Parker:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 273.4
• Passing Yards Per Game: 128.7
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 127.8
• Total Yards Per Game: 402.1
• Points Per Game: 35.6

Parker’s offense is built on a powerful rushing attack, led by Terence Gaines Jr., who averages 92.0 yards per game. The team relies heavily on the ground game to control the clock and wear down opposing defenses. While their passing game is not as prolific, Dylan Reese has been effective, averaging 154.7 yards per game. The offense is balanced enough to stretch the field when necessary but thrives on its ability to establish the run.

Oxford:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 117.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 259.5
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 259.5
• Total Yards Per Game: 376.8
• Points Per Game: 35.0

Oxford’s offense is a dynamic passing attack, led by Mason Mims, who averages 255.0 yards per game through the air. Mims has an array of weapons to target, with Jay’lin Taylor (104.3 receiving yards per game) leading the way. While their rushing attack is less formidable, Oxford’s ability to move the ball through the air gives them an explosive edge. Oxford’s offense relies on the precision and playmaking ability of Mims to create scoring opportunities.

Key Players: Parker vs. Oxford

Parker:

• Terence Gaines Jr.: Gaines is the workhorse of Parker’s offense, and his 92.0 rushing yards per game are key to their success. Expect Parker to lean on him heavily to control the tempo of the game and chew up clock.
• Dylan Reese: The quarterback will need to be efficient in the passing game, contributing 154.7 yards per game. While Parker’s strength lies in the run game, Reese’s ability to make timely throws will open up opportunities for the offense.
• Clarence Taylor: Taylor is Parker’s top receiving option, with 53.2 yards per game. His ability to stretch the field will be important in keeping Oxford’s defense honest.
• Talton Thomas: On defense, Thomas leads the team with 8.5 tackles per game. His ability to read the game and make plays in critical moments will be a key factor in limiting Oxford’s explosive offense.

Oxford:

• Mason Mims: Mims has been the heartbeat of Oxford’s offense, racking up 255.0 passing yards per game. His ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver strikes downfield will be essential in keeping Parker’s defense off balance.
• Jay’lin Taylor: As Mims’ primary target, Taylor has amassed 104.3 yards per game. He will be a major focal point for Parker’s secondary and a key weapon in Oxford’s aerial attack.
• Keenan Britt: Britt leads the defense with 8.5 tackles per game. His ability to disrupt the opposition’s running game and be a playmaker in the passing defense will be critical in stopping Parker’s offense.
• Caleb Wynn: A dual-threat player, Wynn has been effective both rushing and receiving, averaging 87.2 rushing yards per game. His versatility makes him a weapon Oxford will look to utilize in various ways.

Record Breakdown

Parker:

• Overall Record: 12-1
• League Record: 6-0
• Non-League Record: 3-1
• Home Record: 5-1
• Away Record: 6-0
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 12-0

Parker enters this game with a stellar 12-1 record. They’ve been dominant at home but have proven their worth on the road with an undefeated 6-0 away record. Their 3-0 playoff record shows they are playing their best football at the most important time of the year.

Oxford:

• Overall Record: 13-0
• League Record: 6-0
• Non-League Record: 4-0
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 6-0
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 12-0

Oxford enters the game undefeated at 13-0. Their perfect record on both home and away games shows they can handle the pressure of high-stakes environments. Like Parker, Oxford is also 3-0 in the playoffs, continuing their dominant run into the postseason.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Mountain Brook, with Parker securing a 30-16 win and Oxford edging them out 29-28. While both teams were able to defeat a tough opponent, Parker’s more convincing win could indicate they are peaking at the right time heading into this matchup.

Conclusion

This clash between Parker and Oxford is set to be an exciting one, with contrasting styles on display. Parker’s heavy reliance on the run, led by Terence Gaines Jr., will be tested against Oxford’s explosive passing attack, spearheaded by Mason Mims. Both teams boast strong defenses and the ability to put up big points, making this an intriguing contest that could go either way.

Parker will look to control the clock with their rushing attack and keep Oxford’s offense off the field, while Oxford will aim to take to the skies with Mims and Taylor, exploiting any opportunities in the passing game. Expect a tightly contested game, where big plays and key moments will determine the outcome.

With both teams rolling into this playoff battle with momentum and high expectations, it’s anyone’s game to win. Don’t miss this exciting matchup!