The Bayside Academy (Daphne, AL) varsity football team will face Southside (Selma, AL) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 3A tournament, where both teams will compete for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Southside vs Bayside Academy
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 3A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Bayside Academy vs. Southside

As the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs heat up, the matchup between Bayside Academy (Daphne, AL) and Southside (Selma, AL) promises to be an exciting contest. Set to take place on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. in a neutral location, this game will be an important showdown in the 3A tournament.

Southside’s Strong Season

Southside enters the playoffs with a solid 10-2 overall record, having finished with a 6-1 mark in region play. Their offense has been impressive all season, averaging 41.6 points per game. The team has shown great balance in scoring, with an average of:

• Q1: 6.8 points
• Q2: 8.8 points
• Q3: 6.8 points
• Q4: 6.0 points
• Final: 41.6 points

Southside’s ability to maintain steady offensive production, especially in the early quarters, has helped them secure several key victories throughout the season. With a strong offensive line and explosive playmakers, Southside will be looking to carry that momentum into the playoffs.

Bayside Academy’s Journey

Bayside Academy has posted a 9-3 overall record, with a 5-1 record in region play. Although their offensive output has been more modest, averaging 19.4 points per game, they have relied on a balanced approach to secure their victories. Bayside’s scoring averages reflect a more controlled pace:

• Q1: 5.5 points
• Q2: 5.1 points
• Q3: 4.6 points
• Q4: 3.8 points
• Final: 19.4 points

While Bayside’s offense is less prolific compared to Southside’s, their defense has been a key factor in their success. They’ve allowed just 147 points on the season, showcasing their ability to limit opposing teams’ scoring.

Key Factors in the Game

For Southside to advance, they will need to continue their high-scoring ways and put pressure on Bayside’s defense early. If they can establish their offensive rhythm quickly, they will be tough to stop. However, Bayside will be looking to limit Southside’s explosive plays and control the pace of the game with their defense.

Bayside’s best chance at winning will be to keep the game within their control, relying on their solid defense and strategic offensive plays to manage the clock and prevent Southside from building a large lead.

As the season draws to a close, the matchup between Southside (10-2) and Bayside Academy (9-3) promises to be a highly anticipated contest. Both teams have shown resilience throughout the season, and this game will be crucial in determining who advances to the next stage of the playoffs.

Team Stats Comparison

When comparing the teams’ statistics, Southside and Bayside Academy both have different strengths. Here’s a breakdown of their key statistics:

• Offense:
  • Southside has struggled to generate big offensive numbers, averaging 89.8 total yards per game. With limited yardage from both the run and passing game, their offense has been less explosive compared to their opponent.
  • Bayside Academy, on the other hand, has been more efficient in their offensive output, averaging 55.5 rushing yards per game and 34.3 passing yards per game, resulting in a more balanced attack and a total of 89.8 total yards per game. Their offensive stats reflect a solid but controlled approach.
• Defense:
  • Southside has excelled defensively with 93.6 tackles per game. This strong defensive effort has helped keep them competitive despite their offensive struggles. Their ability to limit opponents’ scoring has been key to their success.
  • Bayside Academy has a slightly less aggressive defense, registering 1.1 sacks per game, which is on par with many strong defensive teams, but not quite as dominant in terms of total tackles.
• Scoring:
  • Southside averages 12.7 points per game, which reflects their challenges on offense. However, their defense has kept them competitive in close games, including a dramatic 36-35 win over Hillcrest.
  • Bayside Academy has averaged a much higher 36.7 points per game, showing their ability to generate offense efficiently. They have been consistent in their scoring, as evidenced by their victories against common opponents such as Hale County and Hillcrest.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams rely on their leaders to guide them through critical games:

• Southside:
  • Bo Miller: Leading the team in passing with 128.3 passing yards per game, Miller is the engine of the Southside offense. He has been responsible for most of their offensive production, with his ability to throw the ball downfield making him a dangerous threat.
  • Billy Neill: Neill is a standout on defense, recording 16.2 tackles per game. His presence in the middle of the field has been a key part of the team’s defensive efforts, and he is also one of the team’s primary scorers with 4.0 points per game.
• Bayside Academy:
  • Caid Lyons: With 44.7 rushing yards per game, Lyons has been a consistent performer in the backfield, providing stability to the offense.
  • Miles Uter: Uter leads the team with 25.0 receiving yards per game. His ability to make key catches in critical moments has been a significant factor in Bayside Academy’s offensive success.

Common Opponents

Both Southside and Bayside Academy have faced common opponents Hale County and Hillcrest, with both teams coming away with wins:

• Southside defeated Hale County 56-6 and Hillcrest 36-35, showing their ability to dominate in some games while surviving close encounters in others.
• Bayside Academy also defeated Hale County 36-6 and Hillcrest 28-20, showcasing their ability to handle tough competition and secure solid wins.

Record Breakdown

• Southside: With a 10-2 record, Southside has been strong throughout the season, finishing 6-1 in league play. Their ability to win in close games, such as the narrow victory against Hillcrest, demonstrates their resilience.
• Bayside Academy: Bayside Academy has posted a 9-3 overall record, with a 5-1 league record. Despite their slightly fewer wins, their consistency and offensive explosiveness have been key to their success this season.

Conclusion

The upcoming game between Southside and Bayside Academy will be a test of resilience versus offensive power. Southside’s strong defense and ability to grind out victories will face off against Bayside Academy’s high-powered offense and solid defensive play. The outcome of this game will likely hinge on Southside’s ability to slow down Bayside Academy’s offense and capitalize on any opportunities to score.

Expect a hard-fought battle with both teams bringing their best to the field. Southside will rely on their defense to keep them in the game, while Bayside Academy will look to showcase their explosive scoring ability. This game is sure to be one of the most exciting matchups of the season.