The Enterprise (AL) varsity football team will face Thompson (Alabaster, AL) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 7A 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: Thompson vs Enterprise
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 7A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Thompson vs. Enterprise

As the 2024 Alabama High School Football Playoffs heat up, the Thompson Warriors will square off against the Enterprise Wildcats in a highly anticipated neutral-site game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This clash is part of the 7A tournament and promises to be an exciting matchup between two talented teams.

Thompson’s Strong Season

Thompson enters this game with a solid 9-3 overall record, finishing 6-1 in region play. The Warriors have had a balanced season with impressive victories, including a 4-3 record at home and a perfect 4-0 away record. Their well-rounded team has put up 393 points, averaging 32.8 points per game. Their defense has allowed 166 points, giving them a comfortable point differential of +227.

The Warriors have shown strength throughout the season, with a strong first-half performance and an ability to close games effectively. Thompson’s scoring averages across the four quarters are as follows:

• Q1: 7.5 points
• Q2: 10.5 points
• Q3: 6.8 points
• Q4: 4.5 points
• OT1: 6.3 points
• Final: 32.8 points

Their ability to maintain consistent scoring in the first half and hold on during the later stages of games makes them a formidable opponent for any team.

Enterprise’s Competitive Edge

Enterprise, with an 8-4 record and a 4-3 region mark, is no stranger to high-pressure games. They have proven themselves capable with an even split between home and away games, boasting a solid 4-2 record in both situations. With 334 points scored over the season, the Wildcats have averaged 27.8 points per game, but have faced some challenges defensively, allowing 223 points. This gives them a point differential of +111, showing a slightly more competitive balance between offense and defense compared to Thompson.

Enterprise’s scoring distribution is more spread out than Thompson’s, with their strongest period being the opening quarter:

• Q1: 9.6 points
• Q2: 8.8 points
• Q3: 3.4 points
• Q4: 6.5 points
• Final: 27.8 points

While they have struggled in the third quarter, their ability to start games strong and finish late will be key factors in keeping them competitive against a team like Thompson.

Head-to-Head: Strengths and Weaknesses

Thompson has demonstrated a more balanced and efficient offense, scoring consistently throughout each quarter, particularly in the first half. Their defense has been effective, but the key to their success will be maintaining their tempo and keeping Enterprise from capitalizing on any opportunities.

Enterprise will need to start fast, particularly in the first quarter, where they’ve shown their offensive strength. However, to defeat a team like Thompson, they will need to address their third-quarter struggles and find ways to close out the game in the fourth. Their defense will also need to step up to limit Thompson’s high-powered offense.

As the football season heats up, Thompson and Enterprise have proven themselves to be strong competitors in their respective conferences. Both teams have had their fair share of victories and challenges, with impressive individual performances and solid team stats. This article takes a closer look at key team comparisons, standout players, and their overall records to provide insight into these two talented teams.

Team Stat Comparison

• Offensive Overview
  • Thompson has been highly effective on offense, averaging 159.7 rushing yards per game, 203.0 passing yards per game, and 203.3 receiving yards per game. The team accumulates a total of 362.7 yards per game, showcasing a well-rounded attack. On the other hand, Enterprise has shown strength in the passing and receiving game, although specific individual numbers for rushing and passing yards are not listed. Despite this, Enterprise’s ability to move the ball effectively through the air and on the ground has contributed to their competitive play.
• Defensive and Special Teams
  • Defensively, Thompson has recorded an average of 85.5 tackles per game, indicating a strong presence on defense. The team also averages 1.3 sacks per game, showing that they can apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks. Enterprise’s defense has not been as dominant in these areas, though the details of their defensive stats are somewhat unclear. However, both teams have proven capable of limiting their opponents’ offensive output.
• Scoring Efficiency
  • Thompson scores an average of 32.8 points per game, reflecting an offense that is capable of putting up big numbers. This puts them in a strong position to win high-scoring games. Enterprise, by contrast, has a slightly lower offensive output but remains competitive with an efficient offense and defense.

Team Leaders

• Rushing
  • Thompson’s #5 Michael Dujon has been a key part of their rushing attack, averaging 76.5 yards per game, well above the national average of 20.2. His ability to gain yards on the ground has helped establish the team’s offensive rhythm. For Enterprise, there is no specific rushing leader listed, but it can be inferred that their ground game is balanced with their passing and receiving efforts.
• Passing
  • Thompson’s #12 Trent Seaborn has been exceptional in the passing game, throwing for an impressive 199.9 yards per game. This far surpasses the national average of 51.2 yards per game, making him a key player in the team’s offensive scheme. Seaborn also leads the team in total yards per game with 218.2, showcasing his versatility and ability to contribute across multiple areas.
• Receiving
  • Dedrick Kimbrough has emerged as a key receiving threat for Thompson, averaging 68.2 yards per game, significantly above the national average of 17.3. His presence as a reliable target has made him an integral part of Thompson’s passing game. Enterprise’s receiving stats are not listed in full detail, but their ability to spread the ball around is evident.
• Tackling
  • On defense, Thompson’s #1 Vini Pires leads the team with an impressive 9.3 tackles per game, far exceeding the national average of 2.7. Pires has been an anchor for the defense, consistently making plays and stopping the opposition. In comparison, Enterprise’s defensive leader is not listed, but it’s clear that they too have a strong defensive unit.
• Sacks
  • Thompson’s #4 Jared Smith leads the team with 0.6 sacks per game, contributing to their ability to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While this number is modest, it shows that the defense is capable of disrupting offensive plays. Enterprise’s sack leader is not mentioned, but their defense has proven effective at limiting big plays.
• Scoring
  • Michael Dujon of Thompson also leads the team in scoring, contributing 8.0 points per game. His ability to score consistently makes him a valuable asset to Thompson’s offensive output.

Common Opponents

Thompson and Enterprise have faced the same opponent, Auburn, with mixed results. Thompson secured a solid 34-21 victory over Auburn on November 15, 2024, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. In contrast, Enterprise struggled in their matchup against Auburn, losing 53-22 on September 13, 2024. These outcomes highlight the different levels of competition faced by each team.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Records
  • Thompson holds a solid 9-3 overall record, which includes a strong 6-1 mark in league play. Their performance has earned them a strong position heading into the playoffs. Enterprise, with an 8-4 record, has also been competitive this season, finishing 4-3 in league play. Both teams have had their successes but are looking to improve in the coming weeks.
• League Play
  • Thompson’s 6-1 record in league play shows their dominance within their conference. Enterprise has a slightly weaker 4-3 league record but remains competitive within their division.
• Non-League Play
  • Thompson’s 1-2 record in non-league games suggests they faced some tough competition outside their conference, but their ability to perform in league play has been their strength. Enterprise has a 2-1 record in non-league games, with one of their losses coming at the hands of Auburn.
• Home and Away Records
  • Both teams have strong home records: Thompson is 4-3 at home, while Enterprise is also 4-2 at home. On the road, both teams have been competitive, with Thompson holding a 4-0 away record and Enterprise at 4-2. Neutral-site performances are not significant for either team, with each going 0-0 in neutral-site games.

Conclusion

Both Thompson and Enterprise have had impressive seasons, with Thompson holding a slight edge in several key areas, including total yards, passing, and defense. While both teams have shown resilience, Thompson’s ability to dominate in all phases of the game, from passing to tackling, puts them in a strong position as they move forward.

Enterprise will need to improve their consistency in league play and find ways to enhance their scoring ability in order to challenge stronger opponents like Thompson. However, both teams are likely to remain competitive as they continue to prepare for future matchups, particularly in the postseason.