The Sulligent (AL) varsity football team will face Tuscaloosa Academy (Tuscaloosa, AL) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 2A division, with both teams looking to secure a spot in the next round of the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama State High School Football Playoff
Who: Tuscaloosa Academy vs Sulligent
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 2A
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Tuscaloosa Academy vs. Sulligent

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs are in full swing, and one of the key matchups today is between Tuscaloosa Academy (11-2) and Sulligent (9-4). This neutral-site game, set for 7 p.m., is part of the 2A tournament, and both teams are eager to continue their playoff journeys with hopes of advancing to the next round.

Tuscaloosa Academy (24-25) – A Strong Season

Tuscaloosa Academy has had an impressive season, finishing with an 11-2 record. They secured a strong 5-1 mark in region play, and their dominance has been evident across all areas of the game. The team posted an undefeated 6-0 record at home, while also excelling in neutral-site games with a perfect 2-0 record. Their away performance (3-2) reflects their ability to adapt to different environments.

The Tuscaloosa Academy offense has been productive all season, averaging 36.5 points per game. The team starts strong, putting up an average of 13.0 points in the first quarter, and continues to score effectively in the second quarter (7.1 points). Though their offensive output slows down in the second half (10.1 points in the third quarter, 2.9 points in the fourth), they still manage to close out games, including a significant 14-point overtime effort. With 474 points scored and 227 points allowed, they have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

Sulligent (24-25) – A Resilient Team

Sulligent enters the game with a 9-4 record, having finished 4-2 in region play. While the team has experienced some ups and downs, they’ve shown resilience and grit throughout the season. Sulligent’s 3-2 home and 4-2 away records suggest they can perform in a variety of settings, with a perfect 2-0 record in neutral-site games providing optimism as they head into this playoff clash.

Sulligent has averaged 31.1 points per game this season. Their first-quarter scoring (8.9 points) is a bit slower compared to Tuscaloosa Academy, but they are able to keep things competitive, especially in the second quarter (7.7 points). In the second half, Sulligent averages 5.7 points in the third quarter and 6.6 points in the fourth. They have scored a total of 404 points, while allowing 289, showing they are capable of putting up strong numbers but may need to improve defensively against the high-powered Tuscaloosa Academy offense.

Key Comparisons:

• Tuscaloosa Academy:
  • Overall record: 11-2
  • Region record: 5-1
  • Home record: 6-0
  • Away record: 3-2
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 474
  • Points allowed: 227
  • Scoring average: 36.5 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: First quarter (13.0 points)
• Sulligent:
  • Overall record: 9-4
  • Region record: 4-2
  • Home record: 3-2
  • Away record: 4-2
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 404
  • Points allowed: 289
  • Scoring average: 31.1 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: First quarter (8.9 points)

In a highly anticipated playoff matchup, Tuscaloosa Academy (11-2) will take on Sulligent (9-4) for a chance to continue their postseason journey. With both teams entering this game with impressive records and strong performances throughout the season, this game promises to be a thrilling contest between two skilled teams. While Tuscaloosa Academy has had a slightly stronger season overall, Sulligent will be looking to upset the higher seed with their hard-nosed, powerful offense.

Offensive Breakdown: Tuscaloosa Academy vs. Sulligent

Tuscaloosa Academy:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 94.1
• Passing Yards Per Game: 299.8
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 313.7
• Total Yards Per Game: 393.9
• Points Per Game: 35.6

Tuscaloosa Academy is known for their high-powered offense, averaging 393.9 total yards per game and 35.6 points per game. Although their rushing game is not as dominant as their passing attack, Taylor Thompson leads the charge on the ground with 37.5 rushing yards per game. However, it’s the aerial assault where Tuscaloosa Academy excels, with Preston Lancaster throwing for 289.4 passing yards per game. Lancaster’s connection with Kena Rego, who averages 107.2 receiving yards per game, has been a game-changer for the team. The high level of passing efficiency and the ability to rack up significant yardage through the air makes Tuscaloosa Academy’s offense a dangerous force.

Sulligent:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 257.3
• Passing Yards Per Game: 66.0
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 67.2
• Total Yards Per Game: 323.3
• Points Per Game: 30.8

Sulligent, on the other hand, relies heavily on their ground game, with 257.3 rushing yards per game. Aj Lowe is the key figure in their rushing attack, averaging 94.9 rushing yards per game. Sulligent’s passing game is much less of a focus, with only 66.0 passing yards per game. Still, they are effective when they do throw the ball, with Johnwil Spruiel and Haigen Gann contributing in both the receiving and scoring departments. Sulligent’s offense is built around grinding out tough yards and controlling the clock, which will be key to keeping Tuscaloosa Academy’s high-octane offense off the field.

Key Players: Tuscaloosa Academy vs. Sulligent

Tuscaloosa Academy:

• Preston Lancaster: Lancaster is the leader of the Tuscaloosa Academy offense. With 289.4 passing yards per game, he is capable of breaking down defenses with his arm. His ability to connect with Kena Rego and other receivers will be crucial to the team’s success.
• Kena Rego: Rego has been the top target in the passing game, averaging 107.2 receiving yards per game. His ability to make plays down the field will be vital for Tuscaloosa Academy to sustain offensive drives.
• Taylor Thompson: While Tuscaloosa Academy leans heavily on their passing attack, Thompson’s contributions in the rushing game will still play an important role, especially in short-yardage situations.
• Ford Beeker: Beeker leads the team in tackles with 12.2 per game. As a defensive leader, he will play a key role in stopping Sulligent’s powerful rushing attack.

Sulligent:

• Aj Lowe: Lowe is the centerpiece of Sulligent’s offense, rushing for an average of 94.9 yards per game. His ability to move the chains and control the clock will be key for Sulligent to stay competitive.
• Johnwil Spruiel: Spruiel contributes both as a receiver and a scorer, and with 55.2 receiving yards per game, he’s one of Sulligent’s main weapons. His ability to make big plays could be crucial in an upset bid.
• Haigen Gann: Another offensive threat for Sulligent, Gann has been a reliable option in the receiving game and will need to step up to support the ground game.
• Brooks Bozeman: With 17 tackles per game, Bozeman is one of the top defensive players for Sulligent. His ability to disrupt Tuscaloosa Academy’s offensive rhythm will be essential in keeping the game close.
• Paxton Gunnels: Gunnels has 1.0 sack per game, and he will need to create pressure on Lancaster to prevent him from having time to execute passes downfield.

Record Breakdown

Tuscaloosa Academy:

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

Tuscaloosa Academy has been solid throughout the season, especially at home, where they are undefeated. With a balanced offense and a solid defense, they are well-positioned to advance further in the postseason.

Sulligent:

• Overall Record: 9-4
• League Record: 4-2
• Non-League Record: 2-2
• Home Record: 3-2
• Away Record: 4-2
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 9-4

Sulligent has had a solid campaign, with an impressive 4-2 record in league play. They have been particularly strong on the road, and with three wins in the playoffs, they will be looking to continue their postseason momentum.

Common Opponents

Both Tuscaloosa Academy and Sulligent have faced common opponents this season, including Aliceville, Isabella, Greene County, Vincent, and Lamar County. Tuscaloosa Academy has won all five games, while Sulligent has won three out of five. Notably, Sulligent dropped games to Greene County and Vincent, but they dominated other matchups, including a 42-12 win over Lamar County.

Conclusion

The Tuscaloosa Academy vs. Sulligent playoff game is set to be a classic matchup of offense versus defense. Tuscaloosa Academy’s potent passing attack, led by Preston Lancaster, will go up against Sulligent’s powerful ground game, anchored by Aj Lowe. Tuscaloosa Academy has been more prolific overall, but Sulligent’s ability to control the clock and keep the ball out of Lancaster’s hands could be the key to an upset.

With both teams having strong records and boasting talented players on both sides of the ball, this promises to be a hard-fought contest. Can Tuscaloosa Academy continue to air it out and rack up points, or will Sulligent’s running game wear down their defense and grind out a victory? Fans will be in for an exciting game as these two teams clash in a high-stakes playoff matchup.