The Pleasant Grove (AL) varsity football team will host St. Michael Catholic (Fairhope, AL) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 4A division, where both teams will compete for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football
Who: St. Michael Catholic vs Pleasant Grove
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 4A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: St. Michael Catholic vs. Pleasant Grove: A Clash of High-Flying Offenses and Stellar Records

As the 2024-2025 high school football season enters its final stretch, two of Alabama’s most impressive teams in Class 5A are set to face off. St. Michael Catholic and Pleasant Grove have both enjoyed stellar seasons, each boasting records that showcase their dominance in the state. With only one loss between them, this matchup promises to be an exciting contest filled with big plays and playoff implications.

Team Rankings and Records

St. Michael Catholic (24-25):

• Overall Record: 10-1
• Region Record: 5-1
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 6-0
• Win Percentage: .909
• Region Win Percentage: .833
• Points For (PF): 430
• Points Against (PA): 292

Pleasant Grove (24-25):

• Overall Record: 9-1
• Region Record: 7-0
• Home Record: 5-1
• Away Record: 4-0
• Win Percentage: .900
• Region Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points For (PF): 444
• Points Against (PA): 113

Both teams have put together impressive seasons, with Pleasant Grove standing out as the only team in this matchup with an undefeated region record at 7-0. St. Michael Catholic has been a force to be reckoned with as well, with a 10-1 overall record and a strong 5-1 region performance. The one region loss for St. Michael Catholic may fuel their determination as they seek to bounce back in a big way against their undefeated region opponent.

Pleasant Grove’s stellar defense, having allowed only 113 points throughout the season, will be put to the test against a potent St. Michael Catholic offense that has scored 430 points. On the other hand, St. Michael Catholic will be looking to match Pleasant Grove’s discipline, as the latter has a perfect region record, indicating their ability to win consistently, no matter the challenge.

Scoring Averages and Offensive Firepower

When it comes to scoring, both teams are extremely capable, with high scoring averages that suggest explosive offenses.

St. Michael Catholic:

• Q1: 11.7 points per game
• Q2: 14.7 points per game
• Q3: 8.6 points per game
• Q4: 4.0 points per game
• Final: 39.1 points per game

St. Michael Catholic has averaged 39.1 points per game, with the highest production coming in the first half, especially in the second quarter where they score an average of 14.7 points. Their ability to establish an early lead and maintain a strong offensive output is a hallmark of their playstyle. While their scoring in the third and fourth quarters dips, they have shown the ability to be productive in the early and middle stages of the game.

Pleasant Grove:

• Q1: 12.2 points per game
• Q2: 15.4 points per game
• Q3: 11.6 points per game
• Q4: 4.7 points per game
• Final: 44.4 points per game

Pleasant Grove averages a remarkable 44.4 points per game, with the second quarter being their most productive, averaging 15.4 points. Like St. Michael Catholic, Pleasant Grove has been effective early in the game, and although their fourth-quarter scoring average dips, their consistency throughout the first three quarters has allowed them to dominate many of their opponents.

Key Matchup: St. Michael Catholic’s Offense vs. Pleasant Grove’s Defense

The focal point of this game will be the battle between St. Michael Catholic’s high-scoring offense and Pleasant Grove’s dominant defense. St. Michael Catholic has averaged over 39 points per game, but Pleasant Grove’s defense has been impenetrable at times, allowing just 113 points all season. Pleasant Grove’s defense, combined with their own high-scoring offense, will put pressure on St. Michael Catholic to execute at the highest level.

Pleasant Grove’s defensive strategy will need to focus on limiting St. Michael Catholic’s explosive plays, especially in the second quarter where St. Michael Catholic has scored the majority of their points. If Pleasant Grove can contain St. Michael Catholic’s offensive surge early in the game, they could gain the upper hand. However, St. Michael Catholic has shown they can win with both offensive firepower and balanced play, so Pleasant Grove will have to stay sharp throughout.

Key Players to Watch

St. Michael Catholic:

• The offense will lean heavily on key players capable of delivering big performances to break through Pleasant Grove’s defense. With a high-scoring average, their offensive playmakers have the potential to create explosive plays when needed.

Pleasant Grove:

• Pleasant Grove’s defense, which has allowed just 113 points all season, will be a key factor. The defensive players’ ability to stifle St. Michael Catholic’s passing and rushing attacks will determine how successful Pleasant Grove is at shutting down the St. Michael Catholic offense. Pleasant Grove’s offensive players, equally capable of putting up big numbers, will need to ensure they continue their scoring efficiency to balance the pressure on the defense.

Conclusion

This is a matchup of two highly skilled teams with impressive records and potent offenses. St. Michael Catholic, with their high-scoring offense and strong overall record, will aim to challenge Pleasant Grove’s dominant defense and high-powered attack. Pleasant Grove, with its perfect region record and stingy defense, will look to prove that their balance between offense and defense can withstand the offensive juggernaut that is St. Michael Catholic.

As both teams look ahead to the postseason, this game will be a crucial indicator of their playoff readiness. Whether it’s St. Michael Catholic’s explosive offense or Pleasant Grove’s lockdown defense, fans can expect an exciting, high-stakes battle between two of Alabama’s best teams in Class 5A football.

On Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m., St. Michael Catholic from Fairhope will face Pleasant Grove in a crucial 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs matchup in the 4A division. Both teams have had strong seasons, with impressive performances on both sides of the ball, and this game is expected to be an exciting contest.

Team Strengths and Key Matchups

St. Michael Catholic enters this playoff game with a potent offense, averaging 442.1 total yards per game, led by standout quarterback Gunner Rivers, who averages 279.7 passing yards per game. The team is also strong in the rushing game with Noah Moss, who runs for 150.3 yards per game. On defense, St. Michael Catholic has been solid, averaging 49.6 tackles per game, but they will need to ramp up their pass rush (only 1.3 sacks per game) to disrupt Pleasant Grove’s offensive rhythm.

On the other hand, Pleasant Grove has an equally impressive offense, racking up 416.7 total yards per game. Kaleb Freeman, a dynamic quarterback, leads the passing attack with 236.0 passing yards per game, and he connects well with Tremell Washington, who averages 124.7 receiving yards per game. The running game is also a strength, with Collin Moore adding 139.6 rushing yards per game. Defensively, Pleasant Grove has been effective with Kobe Hawkins, who contributes 9.9 tackles per game, and the team averages 2.8 sacks per game, which will be crucial in putting pressure on St. Michael’s offense.

Records and Momentum

With a record of 10-1, St. Michael Catholic has proven their ability to win both in-league and non-league games, though their only loss came in a non-league matchup. They head into this playoff game with strong momentum, including a solid road record of 6-0. Pleasant Grove, with a record of 9-1, is equally impressive, dominating in-state competition with a perfect 7-0 league record. Their offense and defense have clicked throughout the season, and their home field advantage will make them a tough team to beat.

Key Players to Watch

• St. Michael Catholic: Quarterback Gunner Rivers (277.2 total yards per game) and running back Noah Moss (150.3 rushing yards per game) are central to the offense, while Ollie Deese (5.5 tackles per game) anchors the defense.
• Pleasant Grove: Quarterback Kaleb Freeman (236.0 passing yards per game), running back Collin Moore (139.6 rushing yards per game), and wide receiver Tremell Washington (124.7 receiving yards per game) lead the offensive attack. On defense, Kobe Hawkins (9.9 tackles per game) is a standout.

A Battle of the Best

This playoff game will feature two high-powered offenses and resilient defenses. With the 4A title on the line, St. Michael Catholic will look to avenge their early loss with an upset on the road, while Pleasant Grove aims to continue their undefeated playoff streak. The game promises to be a hard-fought battle with plenty of big plays, and fans can expect an exciting contest as both teams fight for a chance to move on in the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs.