The Auburn (AL) varsity football team will face Thompson (Alabaster, AL) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 7A classification, as both teams vie for a spot in the next round of the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football
Who: Thompson vs Auburn
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 7A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Auburn vs. Thompson

As the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs heat up, one of the most anticipated matchups is set to take place between Auburn and Thompson. Both teams have had stellar seasons and are now preparing for their neutral-site showdown on Friday, November 15, in the 7A classification. With the stakes high, this game promises to be a thrilling contest with plenty on the line.

Thompson’s Season Overview

Thompson enters the playoffs with an overall record of 8-3 and a dominant 6-1 region record. The Warriors have shown strong performances both at home and on the road, with a 4-3 record at home and an undefeated 4-0 record on the road. Their offense has been effective, scoring 359 points while allowing only 145. Thompson’s balanced attack is reflected in their scoring averages, putting up an average of 32.6 points per game.

• Overall Record: 8-3
• Region Record: 6-1
• Home Record: 4-3
• Away Record: 4-0
• Win Percentage: .727
• Region Win Percentage: .857
• Points For (PF): 359
• Points Against (PA): 145

In terms of scoring, Thompson averages 7.2 points in the first quarter, 9.0 in the second, and maintains solid production with 6.6 points in the third quarter. However, they have seen a slight dip in the fourth quarter, averaging just 4.2 points in that period. Despite this, Thompson’s ability to put up strong first-half numbers will be critical as they prepare to face Auburn’s potent offense.

Auburn’s Perfect Record

Auburn has been nothing short of dominant this season, entering the playoffs with a perfect 10-0 record, including a flawless 7-0 region performance. Their offensive and defensive units have been firing on all cylinders, outscoring opponents 471 to 147. The Tigers’ ability to perform under pressure, particularly in high-stakes games, has led to their unbeaten run. Their high-powered offense averages a remarkable 47.1 points per game, with a particularly explosive first quarter, where they average 16.6 points.

• Overall Record: 10-0
• Region Record: 7-0
• Home Record: 7-0
• Away Record: 3-0
• Win Percentage: 1.000
• Region Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points For (PF): 471
• Points Against (PA): 147

Auburn’s offense, led by a strong and diverse playbook, has been a force to be reckoned with. They average 16.6 points in the first quarter, followed by 11.4 points in the second quarter, and 6.9 points in the third. With a scoring spread across all quarters, Auburn’s ability to start strong and finish strong will be key in this matchup.

Team Scoring Comparison

The contrast between the two teams’ scoring styles is striking. Auburn’s explosive offense, especially in the first quarter, sets them apart, while Thompson relies on steady production across the first three quarters. Thompson averages 32.6 points per game, but Auburn’s offensive firepower has seen them average a dominant 47.1 points per game.

Team Stat Comparison

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Thompson averages 158.3 rushing yards per game, while Auburn leads with 231.4 rushing yards per game. Auburn’s dominant running game has been a key factor in their success this season.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Thompson records 202.8 passing yards per game, while Auburn follows closely with 224.1 passing yards per game. Both teams are capable of moving the ball efficiently through the air.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Thompson totals 203.1 receiving yards per game, slightly behind Auburn’s 233.8 receiving yards per game. Auburn’s receiving corps has been potent, led by standout players who have made significant contributions.
• Total Yards Per Game: Auburn leads in total offense, averaging 455.5 yards per game, compared to Thompson’s 361.1 yards per game. Auburn’s high-powered offense has been one of the most efficient in the league.
• Tackles Per Game: Thompson’s defense averages 86.1 tackles per game, while Auburn records 63.6 tackles per game. Thompson has been more active on the defensive side of the ball, making more plays at the line of scrimmage.
• Sacks Per Game: Auburn leads with 2.0 sacks per game, while Thompson averages 1.3 sacks per game. Auburn’s defensive line has been more effective at getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Points Per Game: Auburn averages 45.6 points per game, one of the highest in the league, while Thompson scores 32.6 points per game. Auburn’s high-scoring offense has been a significant advantage throughout the season.

Team Leaders

• Rushing: Thompson’s Michael Dujon leads the team with 77.0 rushing yards per game, while Auburn’s Omar Mabson leads with 143.2 rushing yards per game, showcasing a strong ground game for both teams.
• Passing: Thompson’s Trent Seaborn has been impressive, passing for 199.5 yards per game. Auburn’s Jackson Kilgore leads their passing attack with 236.7 yards per game, making him one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
• Receiving: Thompson’s Darion Moseley leads in receiving with 68.6 yards per game, while Auburn’s Peyton Plott leads their team with 92.2 receiving yards per game, contributing significantly to their offensive production.
• Total Yards: Trent Seaborn leads Thompson with 213.1 total yards per game, while Auburn’s Jackson Kilgore leads their offense with 263.8 total yards per game.
• Tackles: Thompson’s Vini Pires leads the team with 9.3 tackles per game, while Auburn’s Jackson Lovvorn records 10.4 tackles per game, leading their defense.
• Sacks: Thompson’s Jared Smith leads with 0.7 sacks per game, while Auburn’s Caleb Pitts leads their team with 0.8 sacks per game.
• Points: Thompson’s Michael Dujon leads in points scored with 7.6 points per game, while Auburn’s Omar Mabson is the top scorer with 18.6 points per game.

Common Opponents

• Thompson vs. Auburn: Both teams share a common opponent in Vestavia Hills, and both secured victories. Thompson defeated Vestavia Hills 38-17 on September 20, 2024, while Auburn won 52-17 on August 30, 2024.

Record Breakdown

• Thompson: Thompson has an 8-3 overall record, including a 6-1 record in league play. Their home record stands at 4-3, while they are 4-0 on the road. Thompson’s playoff performance is 1-0, and they have a 7-2 in-state record.
• Auburn: Auburn boasts an undefeated 10-0 overall record, with a perfect 7-0 record in league play. They are dominant at home with a 7-0 record and also excel on the road with a 3-0 record. Auburn is 1-0 in playoff games and 9-0 in-state.

Conclusion

This game is set to be a thrilling contest between Thompson and Auburn, two high-performing teams with potent offenses and strong defenses. Auburn’s high-powered offense, led by Jackson Kilgore and Peyton Plott, will challenge Thompson’s defense, which has been stout all season. Meanwhile, Thompson’s balanced offensive attack, led by Michael Dujon and Trent Seaborn, will look to keep up with Auburn’s firepower. With both teams having impressive seasons, this matchup promises to be an exciting one as the postseason looms large.