The Highland Home (AL) varsity football team will face Reeltown (Notasulga, AL) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 2A division, with both teams competing for a chance to advance to the next round of the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama State High School Football Playoff
Who: Reeltown vs Highland Home
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 2A
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Reeltown vs. Highland Home

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs are in full swing, and one of the standout matchups today features Reeltown (12-1) taking on Highland Home (13-0). This neutral-site contest is set to kick off at 7 p.m., as both teams battle it out in the 2A division for a coveted spot in the next round.

Reeltown (24-25) – A Dominant Force

Reeltown enters this playoff game with a strong 12-1 record, including a perfect 6-0 mark in region play. They have been consistent throughout the season, with an impressive 5-0 record at home and 5-0 on the road. Their neutral-site record (2-1) also shows they are ready for this high-stakes postseason game.

The Reeltown offense has been productive, averaging 41.1 points per game. They start strong, with an average of 13.6 points in the first quarter and 17.4 points in the second. While their scoring slows down a bit in the second half, with 7.9 points in the third quarter and just 4.2 points in the fourth, their early offensive explosions give them the upper hand in many games. With 534 points scored and only 105 points allowed, Reeltown’s defense has been just as impressive, keeping opponents in check throughout the season.

Highland Home (24-25) – Perfect Season So Far

Highland Home has been nothing short of remarkable this season, finishing with an undefeated 13-0 record. They have excelled in every aspect of the game, posting a flawless 6-0 region record and dominating both at home (7-0) and on the road (4-0). Their 2-0 neutral-site record adds further confidence heading into this playoff matchup.

The Highland Home offense has been a powerhouse, averaging 47.3 points per game, one of the highest in the state. They score efficiently, with 8.5 points in the first quarter and 13.2 points in the second. Their offensive output continues into the second half, as they average 5.7 points in the third quarter but turn it up in the fourth with 12.8 points. Highland Home’s defense has been equally stellar, allowing just 71 points all season—an average of only 5.5 points per game.

Key Comparisons:

• Reeltown:
  • Overall record: 12-1
  • Region record: 6-0
  • Home record: 5-0
  • Away record: 5-0
  • Neutral record: 2-1
  • Total points: 534
  • Points allowed: 105
  • Scoring average: 41.1 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: Second quarter (17.4 points)
• Highland Home:
  • Overall record: 13-0
  • Region record: 6-0
  • Home record: 7-0
  • Away record: 4-0
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 615
  • Points allowed: 71
  • Scoring average: 47.3 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: Fourth quarter (12.8 points)

As the postseason heats up, Reeltown (12-1) faces off against the undefeated Highland Home (13-0) in a thrilling playoff matchup. Both teams have been dominant this season, and with impressive offensive and defensive units, this game is shaping up to be a battle for the ages. Reeltown will look to build on their strong overall play, while Highland Home aims to maintain their perfect season as they prepare for what promises to be a tough challenge.

Offensive Breakdown: Reeltown vs. Highland Home

Reeltown:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 251.5
• Passing Yards Per Game: 150.2
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 149.8
• Total Yards Per Game: 401.7
• Points Per Game: 41.1

Reeltown boasts a powerful offense that excels in both the rushing and passing game. They average 251.5 rushing yards per game, with Traylen Roberts leading the charge, accumulating 110.2 rushing yards per game. The ground game provides a balanced attack, but Reeltown is also potent through the air, with Jamarkius Smith contributing 149.4 passing yards per game. His chemistry with Tae Martin, who averages 72.2 receiving yards per game, gives Reeltown a dynamic offense that can hurt teams in multiple ways. Scoring 41.1 points per game, they are capable of putting up big numbers quickly, and their ability to control the clock with a physical rushing attack will be key to success.

Highland Home:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 231.0
• Passing Yards Per Game: 114.5
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 116.3
• Total Yards Per Game: 345.5
• Points Per Game: 45.3

Highland Home has a balanced offensive attack but leans more heavily on their ground game, averaging 231.0 rushing yards per game. Austin Crittenden leads the way with 111.8 rushing yards per game, and his ability to dominate on the ground has been crucial to their success this season. Although their passing game is less prolific than Reeltown’s, TJ Washington has been effective in the air, contributing 120.9 total yards per game, while Tyler Chaney has been a reliable target with 58.8 receiving yards per game. With 45.3 points per game, Highland Home’s offense has been highly productive, and their ability to dominate time of possession with their run-heavy scheme will be crucial in controlling the game tempo.

Key Players: Reeltown vs. Highland Home

Reeltown:

• Traylen Roberts: The leader of Reeltown’s rushing attack, Roberts is a key part of their offensive game plan. His 110.2 rushing yards per game are critical to establishing the tempo and wearing down opposing defenses.
• Jamarkius Smith: As the quarterback, Smith has been effective both through the air and on the ground, with 149.4 total yards per game. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs will be essential in keeping Highland Home’s defense guessing.
• Tae Martin: Martin is a major threat in the receiving game, averaging 72.2 yards per game. He provides Smith with a reliable target and can stretch the field to open up the offense.
• Harrison Renfroe: As a top tackler with 8.5 tackles per game, Renfroe will be crucial in stopping Highland Home’s powerful rushing attack. His leadership on defense will be essential to limiting big plays.

Highland Home:

• Austin Crittenden: Crittenden is the focal point of Highland Home’s offense, averaging 111.8 rushing yards per game. He has been the driving force behind their ground attack and will look to control the game with his physical running style.
• TJ Washington: While Highland Home primarily relies on their rushing game, Washington has been effective as the quarterback, contributing 120.9 total yards per game. His ability to connect with Tyler Chaney in the passing game will be important to keep Reeltown’s defense honest.
• Tyler Chaney: With 58.8 receiving yards per game, Chaney is a key target for Washington and will need to make big plays in the passing game to keep the defense spread out and open up running lanes for Crittenden.
• Cj May: As a top defensive player for Highland Home with 0.5 sacks per game, May’s ability to disrupt Reeltown’s passing game will be crucial. Putting pressure on Smith will be one of the keys to slowing down Reeltown’s offensive rhythm.

Record Breakdown

Reeltown:

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

Reeltown has been dominant this season, with a perfect record in league play and impressive wins in the postseason. Their only loss came in a non-league game, but they’ve been nearly unstoppable in their quest for a state title.

Highland Home:

• Overall Record: 13-0
• League Record: 6-0
• Non-League Record: 4-0
• Home Record: 7-0
• Away Record: 4-0
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 13-0

Highland Home has been flawless this season, finishing with an undefeated record and dominating teams across the board. Their performance in both league and non-league games has been nothing short of impressive, and they’ll look to extend their perfect season in this high-stakes playoff matchup.

Common Opponents

Both Reeltown and Highland Home faced Luverne during the regular season. Reeltown defeated Luverne 57-14 at home, while Highland Home won 34-8 at home. The common victory over Luverne shows that both teams are capable of handling tough competition, but Reeltown’s large margin of victory stands out as a potential advantage.

Conclusion

This Reeltown vs. Highland Home playoff game promises to be an exciting matchup between two highly skilled teams. Reeltown brings a powerful offense led by Traylen Roberts and Jamarkius Smith, while Austin Crittenden and Highland Home’s dominant rushing attack will be a major challenge for the Reeltown defense. The key to victory for Reeltown will be limiting Highland Home’s ground game and utilizing their balanced offensive attack, while Highland Home will look to control the tempo with Crittenden’s running and the play-action ability of TJ Washington.

With both teams boasting high-powered offenses and stout defenses, this game is sure to be a tightly contested battle. Fans can expect a hard-fought contest, and with both teams in excellent form, the outcome will depend on which team can execute their game plan most effectively.