The Tuscaloosa Academy (Tuscaloosa, AL) varsity football team is set to face Pisgah (AL) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs for the 2A division, with both teams vying for a postseason victory.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Pisgah vs Tuscaloosa Academy
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 2A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Pisgah vs. Tuscaloosa Academy

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs have brought together two elite 2A programs, Pisgah and Tuscaloosa Academy, for a neutral-site clash on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both teams have enjoyed stellar seasons, combining dominant offenses with strong defenses, making this matchup one of the most anticipated games in the tournament.

Pisgah: A Near-Perfect Season

Pisgah enters the game with an impressive 11-1 overall record, powered by an undefeated 6-0 region record. The team has been especially strong on the road, boasting a 5-0 away record, and their lone loss came in non-region play. With a 91.7% win rate, Pisgah has proven to be one of Alabama’s top 2A teams.

The team’s scoring average of 43.7 points per game highlights their offensive firepower. They are particularly effective in the second and fourth quarters, averaging 12.0 and 12.3 points, respectively. Their defense has also been a force, allowing just 168 points all season.

Key Stats:

• Overall Record: 11-1
• Region Record: 6-0
• Home Record: 5-1
• Away Record: 5-0
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points For (PF): 524
• Points Against (PA): 168
• Average Points Per Game: 43.7

Tuscaloosa Academy: A Dominant Program on the Rise

Tuscaloosa Academy has been equally impressive, finishing the regular season with a 10-2 overall record and a 5-1 mark in region play. The team has been dominant at home, remaining undefeated with a 6-0 record, and their neutral-site performance (1-0) suggests they are prepared for the high stakes of the playoffs.

The Knights average 35.8 points per game, with a strong first quarter output of 13.0 points—setting the tone early in games. However, their scoring slows in the fourth quarter, where they average just 2.9 points. Tuscaloosa Academy’s defense has held opponents to 193 points this season, showcasing their ability to shut down opposing offenses.

Key Stats:

• Overall Record: 10-2
• Region Record: 5-1
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 3-2
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points For (PF): 430
• Points Against (PA): 193
• Average Points Per Game: 35.8

Scoring Averages Comparison

• Pisgah:
  • Q1: 2.0
  • Q2: 12.0
  • Q3: 8.0
  • Q4: 12.3
  • Final: 43.7
• Tuscaloosa Academy:
  • Q1: 13.0
  • Q2: 7.1
  • Q3: 10.1
  • Q4: 2.9
  • OT1: 14.0
  • Final: 35.8

As the playoffs progress, the Pisgah Eagles (11-1) and the Tuscaloosa Academy Knights (10-2) are set to face off in a high-stakes matchup. Both teams bring impressive records and momentum into the game, but their styles of play couldn’t be more different. Here’s a breakdown of their strengths, key players, and how this intriguing matchup might unfold.

Team Comparison: Ground vs. Air

Offensive Overview

The stark contrast between these two teams lies in their offensive approach. Pisgah relies heavily on its rushing game, while Tuscaloosa Academy dominates through the air.

• Pisgah: The Eagles average 66.1 rushing yards per game, with Legion McCrary leading the charge at 96.7 yards per game. However, their passing game has been modest, averaging just 41.1 passing yards per game, leading to a total offensive output of 107.2 yards per game.
• Tuscaloosa Academy: The Knights excel in the passing game, with quarterback Preston Lancaster throwing for 292.2 yards per game. Receiver Kena Rego has been a standout, averaging 103.4 receiving yards per game. Their balanced attack results in 379.9 total yards per game, far outpacing Pisgah.

In terms of scoring, Tuscaloosa Academy holds a decisive edge, averaging 34.9 points per game compared to Pisgah’s 3.1 points per game. The Knights’ ability to finish drives will be crucial in this matchup.

Defensive Comparison

Defensively, Tuscaloosa Academy has shown more consistency, averaging 80.2 tackles per game and recording 1.3 sacks per game. Pisgah, on the other hand, has struggled defensively, averaging only 15.9 tackles per game and lacking notable contributions in the pass rush.

Both teams have demonstrated the ability to handle common opponents, with convincing wins against North Sand Mountain and Aliceville. However, Tuscaloosa Academy’s dominance in these games was particularly striking, highlighting their all-around strength.

Key Players to Watch

Pisgah Eagles

• Legion McCrary (#31): The driving force behind Pisgah’s offense, McCrary averages 96.7 rushing yards per game. If Pisgah is to succeed, McCrary will need a monster performance to control the tempo and keep the Knights’ offense off the field.
• Luke Gilbert (#1): While Pisgah’s passing game isn’t prolific, Gilbert’s 146.3 total yards per game highlight his importance to the offense. He will need to make key plays to complement the ground game.
• Brodie McBride (#26): Leading the defense with 7.5 tackles per game, McBride will be tasked with containing Tuscaloosa Academy’s high-powered passing attack.

Tuscaloosa Academy Knights

• Preston Lancaster (#16): The Knights’ quarterback is a game-changer, averaging 282.3 passing yards and 313.3 total yards per game. His ability to spread the ball effectively will be critical in exploiting Pisgah’s defense.
• Kena Rego (#0): Rego is a dynamic receiver, averaging 103.4 yards per game. His playmaking ability could tilt the game in Tuscaloosa Academy’s favor if Pisgah struggles to contain him.
• Ford Beeker (#12): Anchoring the Knights’ defense with 12.2 tackles per game, Beeker’s leadership and tackling ability will be essential in stopping Pisgah’s rushing attack.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have impressive records, but Tuscaloosa Academy’s strength of schedule and dominant scoring output give them a slight edge. Pisgah, however, boasts an unbeaten league record (6-0) and has shown resilience in critical games.

Home and Away Records

• Pisgah: The Eagles have been formidable at home (5-1) and perfect on the road (5-0), showcasing their adaptability.
• Tuscaloosa Academy: The Knights are undefeated at home (6-0), which could be a factor if they host this matchup.

Prediction

This game will be a battle of contrasting styles. Pisgah’s reliance on the run and their ability to grind out games will test Tuscaloosa Academy’s defense. However, the Knights’ explosive passing attack, led by Lancaster and Rego, poses a significant challenge for Pisgah’s defense.

If Tuscaloosa Academy can establish an early lead, Pisgah may struggle to keep up due to their lack of offensive firepower. Conversely, if Pisgah can control the clock with their rushing game and limit turnovers, they could keep the game close.

Prediction: Tuscaloosa Academy wins, 35-14. The Knights’ balanced attack and defensive consistency should carry them past Pisgah in this playoff clash.

Conclusion

Pisgah and Tuscaloosa Academy bring unique strengths to this playoff battle. Pisgah’s balanced scoring throughout games and their ability to finish strong in the fourth quarter could be decisive against a Tuscaloosa Academy team that often dominates early but struggles late.

With Pisgah averaging nearly 44 points per game and Tuscaloosa Academy bringing a solid 35.8 average, this game promises to be a high-scoring affair. Fans can expect a thrilling showdown as these two powerhouses compete for a spot in the next round of the AHSAA 2A playoffs.