The Houston Academy (Dothan, AL) varsity football team will face Southside (Selma, AL) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 3A division, with both teams looking to advance to the next round of the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama State High School Football Playoff
Who: Southside vs Houston Academy
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 3A
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Southside vs. Houston Academy

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs are heating up as the Southside (Selma, AL) varsity football team faces Houston Academy (Dothan, AL) in a neutral-site showdown at 7 p.m. today. This exciting matchup is part of the 3A division, and both teams are eager to secure a spot in the next round of the tournament.

Southside (24-25) – A Strong Season

Southside enters this game with an 11-2 record, including a 6-1 mark in region play. Their overall win percentage of .846 and a perfect 2-0 neutral-site record indicate a team that performs well under pressure. The Southside offense has been solid, averaging 40.4 points per game, with a strong performance in the second quarter (8.8 points). However, they’ve been slower to start in the first quarter (6.8 points) and have struggled to generate points in the second half, scoring just 6.8 points in the third quarter and 6.0 points in the fourth.

Their total of 525 points scored this season and 247 points allowed highlights the team’s ability to put up big numbers offensively, while their defense has been efficient in limiting their opponents. Southside will need to find a way to maintain offensive consistency throughout the game if they are to take on the challenge presented by Houston Academy.

Houston Academy (24-25) – A Dominant Force

Houston Academy has had an exceptional season, finishing with a 12-1 record. Like Southside, they posted a 6-1 region record and are undefeated at home (6-0). Their away performance (4-1) and neutral-site record (2-0) indicate their ability to perform in various environments, making them a formidable opponent.

Houston Academy’s offense has been one of the best in the state, averaging 42.2 points per game. They start strong, averaging 12.7 points in both the first and second quarters, and continue to put up solid numbers in the second half with 9.7 points in the third and 7.3 points in the fourth quarter. With a total of 549 points scored and only 166 points allowed, their defense has also been impressive, holding teams to just over 12 points per game on average.

Key Comparisons:

• Southside:
  • Overall record: 11-2
  • Region record: 6-1
  • Home record: 4-1
  • Away record: 5-1
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 525
  • Points allowed: 247
  • Scoring average: 40.4 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: Second quarter (8.8 points)
• Houston Academy:
  • Overall record: 12-1
  • Region record: 6-1
  • Home record: 6-0
  • Away record: 4-1
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 549
  • Points allowed: 166
  • Scoring average: 42.2 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: First and second quarters (12.7 points)

As the postseason intensifies, Southside (11-2) will take on Houston Academy (12-1) in a pivotal playoff matchup. Both teams have had successful seasons, and their upcoming game promises to be a competitive clash between two high-powered offenses and tenacious defenses. Southside has a solid all-around game, while Houston Academy looks to capitalize on their potent attack. Let’s take a closer look at the teams and what to expect in this exciting contest.

Offensive Breakdown: Southside vs. Houston Academy

Southside:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 111.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 228.0
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 226.8
• Total Yards Per Game: 339.2
• Points Per Game: 19.1

Southside’s offense is led by Amadrion Smith, who rushes for 116.3 yards per game, providing a solid ground attack. Meanwhile, Latreyveon Davis shines in the passing game, averaging 316.3 yards per game and accounting for a significant portion of the team’s offense. His primary receiving target is Cedrick Simmons, who contributes 134.9 receiving yards per game. Despite their ability to move the ball, Southside averages just 19.1 points per game, indicating that they are often in close, low-scoring affairs. They will need to find ways to capitalize on their offensive opportunities to compete with Houston Academy’s high-scoring offense.

Houston Academy:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 175.9
• Passing Yards Per Game: 223.2
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 223.2
• Total Yards Per Game: 399.2
• Points Per Game: 42.2

Houston Academy’s offense has been explosive, averaging 399.2 total yards per game and 42.2 points per game. Their offensive attack is balanced, with Andrew Gil leading the rushing game, contributing 49.6 yards per game, while Kadyn Mitchell directs the passing game with 212.6 yards per game. Gabe Glover is a standout in the receiving corps, tallying 100.6 yards per game. Houston Academy’s offense has been particularly effective at scoring quickly, and they will look to outpace Southside with their fast-paced, versatile game plan.

Key Players: Southside vs. Houston Academy

Southside:

• Amadrion Smith: Smith is the focal point of Southside’s rushing attack, averaging 116.3 yards per game. His ability to control the tempo of the game with a powerful running style will be critical in keeping Houston Academy’s offense off the field.
• Latreyveon Davis: Davis is a dual-threat quarterback who excels both through the air and on the ground. With 316.3 total yards per game, his ability to extend plays and connect with receivers will be key in sustaining drives and putting points on the board.
• Cedrick Simmons: As the team’s top receiver, Simmons will be crucial in making big plays down the field. His 134.9 receiving yards per game make him a constant threat and a top target for Davis.
• Jo’Darius Hamilton: Defensively, Hamilton is a leader, recording 8.2 tackles per game. His ability to make plays in the backfield and stop Houston Academy’s offensive momentum will be crucial for Southside’s defense.

Houston Academy:

• Kadyn Mitchell: Mitchell has been a dynamic force for Houston Academy this season, racking up 239.2 total yards per game. His leadership at quarterback and ability to throw and run the ball effectively make him a key player in this high-powered offense.
• Gabe Glover: Glover is the team’s top receiver, contributing 100.6 yards per game. He has the ability to break free for big gains, and his connection with Mitchell will be crucial to the team’s success.
• Hughes Williams: Williams plays a significant role on defense, averaging 7.7 tackles per game. His ability to read the offense and make key stops will be critical in limiting Southside’s offensive production.
• Miller Rane: While Rane’s sack numbers are modest, his ability to disrupt the quarterback and force pressure will be important to keeping Davis on the move and preventing big plays.

Record Breakdown

Southside:

• Overall Record: 11-2
• League Record: 6-1
• Non-League Record: 2-1
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 5-1
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 11-2

Southside has had a solid season, with their two losses coming in competitive matchups. Their strong playoff performance (3-0) indicates they are peaking at the right time and will be a tough challenge for any opponent.

Houston Academy:

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

Houston Academy’s lone loss came earlier in the season, but they’ve since bounced back with 11 straight wins, including an undefeated home record. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, and they will look to carry that momentum into this important playoff matchup.

Common Opponents

Both Southside and Houston Academy have faced Thomasville and Montgomery Academy. Southside lost to Thomasville 34-0 but defeated Montgomery Academy 44-34. Houston Academy defeated Thomasville 45-33 and won a close game against Montgomery Academy 12-10. These common opponents showcase both teams’ ability to win against tough competition, but Houston Academy’s offensive firepower gives them an edge in high-scoring games.

Conclusion

This Southside vs. Houston Academy matchup features two teams with different strengths. Southside will rely on a solid ground game led by Amadrion Smith and a versatile offense directed by Latreyveon Davis, while Houston Academy will lean on their high-scoring offense with Kadyn Mitchell at the helm and Gabe Glover as a deep threat. Both teams have the ability to move the ball efficiently, but the key to victory will likely lie in the defense. Southside’s defense, led by Jo’Darius Hamilton, will need to contain Mitchell and Glover, while Houston Academy’s defense will have to slow down the dynamic Southside offense.

With both teams entering the game in strong form, this promises to be an exciting and closely contested matchup. Fans can expect plenty of offensive fireworks, and the team that can make key stops and capitalize on scoring opportunities will likely come out on top.