The Pike Road (AL) varsity football team is set for a neutral-site playoff game against Saraland (AL) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 6A division, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance further in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

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

Game Preview: Saraland vs. Pike Road

As the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs heat up, the undefeated Saraland team is set to face Pike Road in a highly anticipated 6A playoff matchup. Both teams have had impressive seasons, but Saraland enters the game with a perfect 12-0 record, while Pike Road, boasting a solid 10-3 record, has proven itself to be a tough competitor.

Saraland (24-25) – A Perfect Season

Saraland has been dominant throughout the 2024 season. With an unblemished 12-0 record, the team has swept through its region, finishing with a perfect 8-0 region record. Their performance at home (6-0) and on the road (4-0) has been equally impressive, and their success in neutral-site games (2-0) shows their ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

Offensively, Saraland has been explosive, averaging 43.1 points per game. The team’s ability to score consistently throughout the game is one of their key strengths. They average 14.9 points in the first quarter, 14.0 points in the second, and 10.8 in the third. However, Saraland tends to slow down in the fourth quarter, scoring only 3.5 points. Despite this, their early dominance has typically been enough to secure victories, as evidenced by their total of 517 points scored and just 133 points allowed.

Pike Road (24-25) – A Resilient Contender

Pike Road has also had a strong campaign, with a 10-3 overall record. The team finished undefeated in region play (6-0), showing their dominance in their division. While they’ve been strong at home (6-1) and neutral sites (2-0), their away record (2-2) reflects some vulnerability in hostile environments.

Pike Road’s offense has been potent as well, averaging 33.5 points per game. The team has had a more balanced scoring spread throughout the game, starting slow in the first quarter with only 3.0 points but ramping up in the second (10.9 points) and maintaining a solid pace in the third (5.9 points). Pike Road’s most impressive quarter has been the fourth, where they average 8.1 points, showing their ability to finish strong. Overall, they’ve scored 436 points and allowed 277, indicating a solid offense and defense, though they’ll need to step up their defensive efforts against a high-scoring team like Saraland.

Key Comparisons:

• Saraland:
  • Overall record: 12-0
  • Region record: 8-0
  • Home record: 6-0
  • Away record: 4-0
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 517
  • Points allowed: 133
  • Scoring average: 43.1 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: First quarter (14.9 points)
• Pike Road:
  • Overall record: 10-3
  • Region record: 6-0
  • Home record: 6-1
  • Away record: 2-2
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 436
  • Points allowed: 277
  • Scoring average: 33.5 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: Fourth quarter (8.1 points)

The stage is set for an exciting postseason matchup between Saraland (12-0) and Pike Road (10-3). Both teams have had exceptional seasons, showcasing strong offensive performances, solid defenses, and the ability to execute in high-pressure situations. This game promises to be a thrilling contest as both squads fight for a coveted playoff victory. Let’s dive into the stats, key players, and what makes this matchup so intriguing.

Offensive Breakdown: Saraland vs. Pike Road

Saraland:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 130.4
• Passing Yards Per Game: 256.4
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 257.5
• Total Yards Per Game: 386.8
• Points Per Game: 32.9

Saraland has built its offense around a dynamic and balanced attack. The rushing game is led by Santae McWilliams Jr., who averages 94.2 yards per game. However, it’s the passing game that truly stands out. Quarterback KJ Lacey is putting up impressive numbers, throwing for 247.9 yards per game. Lacey also adds a total of 260.6 yards per game, showcasing his dual-threat capability. Carson Gill is Lacey’s top receiving target, with 100.2 yards per game. Saraland’s offensive depth makes them a versatile and dangerous team.

Pike Road:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 213.1
• Passing Yards Per Game: 154.8
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 153.3
• Total Yards Per Game: 367.9
• Points Per Game: 30.0

Pike Road brings a powerful running game to the table, with Mike Jones leading the charge, averaging 104.9 rushing yards per game. The team also has a strong passing attack, with Cason Myers contributing 196.5 yards per game through the air. O’Mari Smith adds another dimension as the top receiving target, putting up 45.8 yards per game. Though their total yardage is slightly lower than Saraland’s, Pike Road’s ability to balance the run and pass makes them an offensive juggernaut in their own right.

Key Players: Saraland vs. Pike Road

Saraland:

• Santae McWilliams Jr.: McWilliams leads the rushing attack with 94.2 yards per game. His ability to break off big runs and keep defenses honest will be crucial in this game.
• KJ Lacey: Lacey is a dual-threat quarterback who averages 247.9 passing yards per game. His ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
• Carson Gill: As the leading receiver with 100.2 yards per game, Gill will be a key target for Lacey in the passing game. His ability to stretch the field will open up opportunities for the rest of the offense.
• Jakari Harris: A key defensive player for Saraland, Harris leads the team with 6.2 tackles per game. His ability to disrupt the opposition will be essential for Saraland’s defense.

Pike Road:

• Mike Jones: Pike Road’s top rusher, Jones averages 104.9 yards per game. His physical running style will be pivotal in controlling the clock and keeping the ball out of Saraland’s hands.
• Cason Myers: Myers has been efficient in the passing game, throwing for 196.5 yards per game. His ability to spread the ball around to multiple receivers will be critical against Saraland’s defense.
• O’Mari Smith: Smith has been a reliable target for Myers, leading the receiving corps with 45.8 yards per game. His ability to make plays downfield will be vital in Pike Road’s passing attack.
• Braylon Outlaw: Pike Road’s standout tackler, Outlaw has been a force on defense, recording 14.9 tackles per game. His leadership in the linebacker position will be key in neutralizing Saraland’s offensive weapons.

Record Breakdown

Saraland:

• Overall Record: 12-0
• League Record: 8-0
• Non-League Record: 1-0
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 4-0
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 12-0

Saraland enters the game undefeated, with an unblemished 12-0 record. They’ve been dominant in both league and non-league play, and their 3-0 playoff record shows they are peaking at the right time. The team has proven its ability to win both at home and on the road, making them a dangerous opponent in any setting.

Pike Road:

• Overall Record: 10-3
• League Record: 6-0
• Non-League Record: 1-3
• Home Record: 6-1
• Away Record: 2-2
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 10-3

Pike Road has had a successful season, finishing with a 10-3 record. They have excelled in league play, with a perfect 6-0 record. Their 3-0 playoff record speaks to their ability to rise to the occasion in the postseason. Pike Road’s only losses came in non-league games, but they’ve shown resilience when it matters most.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced St. Paul’s Episcopal, with Saraland winning 19-14 and Pike Road dominating 44-6. These results suggest that both teams have the ability to perform well against tough opponents, but Pike Road’s commanding victory may indicate they have an edge when facing high-stakes games.

Conclusion

This game is shaping up to be a battle of two high-powered offenses and two tough defenses. Saraland’s balanced attack, led by KJ Lacey and Carson Gill, will face a strong Pike Road defense anchored by Braylon Outlaw and Mike Jones. On the other hand, Pike Road’s power running game and effective passing attack will be tested by Saraland’s defensive stalwarts, including Jakari Harris.

Ultimately, this game could come down to who can impose their style of play and capitalize on mistakes. Saraland has been dominant all season, but Pike Road’s ability to make big plays and control the clock could give them the advantage. Expect a highly competitive matchup as these two teams square off for playoff supremacy.