The Tuscaloosa Academy varsity football team faces off against Reeltown in a pivotal neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs for Class 2A. With both teams eyeing a spot in the next round, fans can expect a thrilling and competitive battle.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama State Football Championship
Who: Reeltown vs Tuscaloosa Academy
When: Today, December 06, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 2A
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Reeltown vs. Tuscaloosa Academy

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs for Class 2A present a high-stakes matchup between two standout teams, Reeltown and Tuscaloosa Academy. Both squads have had remarkable seasons, and this game will determine who advances in their quest for championship glory.

Reeltown: The Top Contender

Reeltown enters the game with an impressive 13-1 record and a dominant 6-0 region performance, earning them the No. 1 ranking in Class 2A. With a .929 win percentage and a perfect 5-0 record in both home and away games, Reeltown has been a model of consistency and dominance this season. They have outscored opponents 540 to 105, showcasing a potent offense and a nearly impenetrable defense.

The team’s scoring averages reveal their ability to control games early, with 13.6 points in the first quarter and a commanding 17.4 in the second. While their scoring tapers off in the second half, averaging 7.9 points in the third quarter and 4.2 in the fourth, their early-game dominance often secures victories before opponents can mount a response. Reeltown’s balanced attack and defensive strength make them a formidable opponent.

Tuscaloosa Academy: A Resilient Challenger

Tuscaloosa Academy boasts a strong 12-2 record and a 5-1 region mark, placing them fifth in Class 2A. Their .857 win percentage reflects a successful season, highlighted by a perfect 6-0 record at home and an undefeated 3-0 performance in neutral-site games. The team has scored 494 points this season while allowing 241, showcasing an offense capable of putting up big numbers and a defense that can hold its own against tough opponents.

Tuscaloosa Academy’s scoring averages indicate a balanced offensive approach. They start strong, averaging 13.0 points in the first quarter, but see a drop to 7.1 points in the second. Their scoring picks up again in the third quarter with 10.1 points before tapering to 2.9 in the fourth. The team’s ability to perform in overtime, averaging 14.0 points, highlights their resilience in high-pressure situations.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

Reeltown’s high-powered offense, averaging 38.6 points per game, slightly outpaces Tuscaloosa Academy’s 35.3. Reeltown’s defense, which has allowed only 105 points all season, also has a clear edge over Tuscaloosa Academy’s, which has given up 241. However, Tuscaloosa Academy’s experience in close games and their ability to perform in overtime could prove crucial in a tightly contested playoff matchup.

The game will likely hinge on Reeltown’s ability to capitalize on their early-game strength versus Tuscaloosa Academy’s knack for staying competitive and finding ways to win under pressure.

What to Watch For

For Reeltown, the key to victory will be maintaining their early-game momentum and limiting any potential comeback efforts from Tuscaloosa Academy. Tuscaloosa Academy, on the other hand, must find ways to slow down Reeltown’s explosive first half and take advantage of their own scoring opportunities in the third quarter and beyond.

The stage is set for an electrifying clash between two of Alabama’s top high school football programs: Reeltown (13-1) and Tuscaloosa Academy (12-2). Both teams boast impressive seasons, and their contrasting strengths promise a compelling matchup.

Team Comparisons: Ground Game vs. Aerial Assault

This matchup pits Reeltown’s dominant rushing attack against Tuscaloosa Academy’s high-powered passing game.

• Reeltown:
  • Averaging 237.7 rushing yards per game, Reeltown thrives on a ground-and-pound style led by standout running back Traylen Roberts (103.6 yards per game).
  • Their balanced offensive approach generates 382.2 total yards per game, emphasizing efficiency and versatility.
• Tuscaloosa Academy:
  • The team leans heavily on its aerial attack, led by quarterback Preston Lancaster, who averages an impressive 287.8 passing yards per game.
  • The offense is bolstered by wide receiver Kena Rego, contributing 104.9 receiving yards per game and consistently making game-changing plays.

Despite their stylistic differences, the teams are nearly identical in total offensive output, with Reeltown averaging 382.2 yards per game and Tuscaloosa Academy 385.4 yards per game.

Defensive Standouts

Defense could play a pivotal role in this matchup.

• Reeltown:
  • Anchored by Harrison Renfroe (8.3 tackles per game) and Baylor Clayton (1.5 sacks per game), Reeltown’s defense excels at pressuring opposing quarterbacks, averaging 4.6 sacks per game.
  • Their ability to disrupt Tuscaloosa Academy’s passing game will be critical.
• Tuscaloosa Academy:
  • The defensive unit, led by Ford Beeker, averages 81.5 tackles per game, with Beeker contributing a standout 12.5 tackles per game.
  • While the team struggles to generate sacks (1.1 per game), their disciplined tackling could neutralize Reeltown’s rushing attack.

Key Players to Watch

• Reeltown:
  • Traylen Roberts (RB): The offensive focal point, Roberts must deliver another strong performance to control the tempo.
  • Jamarkius Smith (QB): His dual-threat ability (143.7 passing yards and 161.9 total yards per game) adds versatility to Reeltown’s offense.
• Tuscaloosa Academy:
  • Preston Lancaster (QB): With over 287 yards per game, Lancaster’s precision and poise will test Reeltown’s secondary.
  • Kena Rego (WR): Rego’s ability to make explosive plays will be a critical factor in Tuscaloosa Academy’s success.

Record Breakdown

• Reeltown (13-1):
  The Rebels have been dominant in-state, boasting an undefeated 6-0 league record and a perfect 4-0 playoff run. Their lone loss came in a non-league matchup, but they’ve bounced back with resilience.
• Tuscaloosa Academy (12-2):
  With a strong 5-1 league record, the Knights have showcased consistency at home (6-0) and in playoff games (4-0). Their two losses indicate vulnerability, but they’ve proven capable of overcoming adversity.

Keys to Victory

• Reeltown:
  • Controlling the clock with their rushing attack and limiting Tuscaloosa Academy’s explosive plays will be crucial.
  • A strong defensive effort to pressure Lancaster and disrupt his rhythm could tilt the game in their favor.
• Tuscaloosa Academy:
  • Leveraging their passing game to build an early lead will force Reeltown out of their comfort zone.
  • Defensively, stopping the run and forcing third-and-long situations will be key to neutralizing Reeltown’s offense.

Prediction

With both teams excelling in their respective strengths, this matchup could come down to turnovers and execution in key moments. Reeltown’s balanced approach and ability to pressure quarterbacks may give them a slight edge, but Tuscaloosa Academy’s explosive offense ensures this will be a closely contested battle.

One thing is certain: fans can expect an exciting game between two well-matched powerhouses.