The Spain Park (Hoover, AL) varsity football team is set to take on Saraland (AL) in a thrilling neutral-site playoff matchup on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This highly anticipated game is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs for the 6A division, with both teams vying for advancement.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Saraland vs Spain Park
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 6A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Saraland vs. Spain Park

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs continue with an exciting 6A division matchup between two undefeated teams—Saraland and Spain Park. This thrilling neutral-site game will take place on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. Both teams have been dominant all season, and this playoff clash promises to be a battle between two high-powered offenses and rock-solid defenses.

Saraland: A Perfect Season

Saraland enters this game with an impressive 11-0 overall record, showcasing an undefeated season. They have been flawless in both region play (8-0) and at home (6-0), as well as on the road (4-0). Their single neutral-site victory (1-0) rounds out their perfect season, making them one of the top teams in 6A.

Offensively, Saraland has been explosive, averaging 42.9 points per game. The Spartans are especially strong in the first half, where they score 14.0 points in the first quarter and 15.6 points in the second quarter, often building commanding leads early. Their defense has been just as tough, allowing only 114 points all season, an average of just 10.4 points per game.

Key Stats:

• Overall Record: 11-0
• Region Record: 8-0
• Home Record: 6-0
• Away Record: 4-0
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points For (PF): 472
• Points Against (PA): 114
• Average Points Per Game: 42.9

Spain Park: Dominant in All Phases

Spain Park, also undefeated at 12-0, has been just as dominant, with a perfect 6-0 region record and an equally impressive 5-0 road record. The Jaguars have been especially tough on neutral fields, where they are 1-0, and their defense has been a key to their success.

Spain Park averages 38.1 points per game, with their most significant scoring burst coming in the second quarter (17.5 points). They have also been effective in the opening quarter, averaging 10.3 points to jump out to early leads. Defensively, they have allowed 209 points throughout the season, which is more than Saraland but still a solid performance.

Key Stats:

• Overall Record: 12-0
• Region Record: 6-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 6-0
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points For (PF): 457
• Points Against (PA): 209
• Average Points Per Game: 38.1

Scoring Averages Comparison

• Saraland:
  • Q1: 14.0
  • Q2: 15.6
  • Q3: 10.3
  • Q4: 3.0
  • Final: 42.9
• Spain Park:
  • Q1: 10.3
  • Q2: 17.5
  • Q3: 7.0
  • Q4: 7.0
  • Final: 38.1

The upcoming matchup between Saraland and Spain Park is set to be an exciting clash of two undefeated teams, each with impressive records and explosive playmakers. Both teams are perfect in the 2024 season, with Spain Park boasting a flawless 12-0 record and Saraland holding an 11-0 record. As both teams enter this high-stakes game, here’s a detailed breakdown of their strengths, statistics, and individual stars.

Team Performance Comparison

Spain Park leads in several key statistical categories, including total yards per game and passing yards, but Saraland’s balanced offense and aggressive defense have proven formidable all season. Here’s how the teams compare:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Spain Park has the edge with 187.6 yards per game compared to Saraland’s 113.3. This reflects Spain Park’s powerful ground attack, with standout running back #20 Dakarai Shanks leading the charge with 97.9 yards per game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Saraland is stronger in the air, averaging 252.5 passing yards per game, compared to Spain Park’s 214.6. Saraland’s #9 Kj Lacey has been exceptional, throwing for 244.8 yards per game, and leading the team with 246.7 total yards per game.
• Total Yards Per Game: Spain Park leads this category with 402.2 total yards per game, while Saraland averages 365.7. The balance of Spain Park’s offense, both rushing and passing, makes them a dual-threat, while Saraland relies more heavily on the passing game.
• Defensive Play: Spain Park’s defense is more aggressive, averaging 71.1 tackles per game compared to Saraland’s 43.3. Spain Park’s #7 Ej Kerley Jr. leads the team with 10.9 tackles per game, while Saraland’s defensive standout, #16 Jakari Harris, records 6.2 tackles per game.
• Sacks Per Game: Both teams are relatively close in this category, with Saraland averaging 2.1 sacks per game and Spain Park close behind with 2.0 sacks per game.
• Points Per Game: Saraland slightly outpaces Spain Park in scoring, averaging 32.6 points per game compared to Spain Park’s 29.5. Saraland’s scoring power comes from multiple sources, including their quarterback and top receiver.

Key Individual Players

Each team has a standout player who plays a crucial role in their success:

• Saraland’s Key Players:
  • #2 Santae McWilliams Jr.: Leading the rushing attack with 84.5 yards per game, McWilliams is a consistent performer who can break off big runs when needed.
  • #9 Kj Lacey: The star quarterback, Lacey leads the team in passing with 244.8 yards per game and has the ability to change the game with his arm.
  • #0 Carson Gill: The top receiving threat for Saraland, Gill is averaging 97.0 receiving yards per game and is a key target for Lacey.
• Spain Park’s Key Players:
  • #20 Dakarai Shanks: Shanks is a powerful running back who leads the team with 97.9 rushing yards per game. His ability to grind out tough yards will be key for Spain Park’s success on offense.
  • #5 Brock Bradley: Spain Park’s dynamic quarterback, Bradley has thrown for 209.1 yards per game and is a dual-threat option with the ability to both pass and run effectively.
  • #17 Corey Barber: The team’s top receiver, Barber averages 112.2 receiving yards per game and is a deep threat on every play.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have been dominant in their respective seasons:

• Overall Records: Spain Park is undefeated at 12-0, while Saraland is also perfect at 11-0. Both teams have excelled in their league play, with Saraland going 8-0 in league games and Spain Park finishing 6-0 in their league.
• Home and Away Games: Both teams have been strong in home and away games. Saraland has a perfect 6-0 record at home and 4-0 on the road, while Spain Park has won all five of its away games and is also 1-0 in neutral-site games.
• Playoff Performances: Both teams have been flawless in the playoffs, with Spain Park going 2-0 and Saraland matching that with a perfect playoff record.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced common opponents, and they’ve handled them similarly:

• McGill-Toolen: Saraland defeated McGill-Toolen 34-12 on September 20, while Spain Park won 44-35 on November 8.
• Chelsea: Saraland shut out Chelsea 42-3 on November 7, while Spain Park won 31-3 on October 10.

Conclusion

With both teams entering this game undefeated, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Spain Park’s powerful ground game and stout defense face off against Saraland’s high-flying passing attack and explosive scoring potential. The game will likely come down to which team can impose their will: Will Spain Park dominate the trenches with their rushing game, or will Saraland’s passing game, led by Kj Lacey and Carson Gill, prove too much to handle for the Spain Park defense? With so much talent on both sides, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest.