The Andalusia (AL) varsity football team is set to face UMS-Wright Prep (Mobile, AL) in an exciting neutral playoff match on Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. This highly anticipated game is part of the “2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 5A” tournament, showcasing intense competition and skilled teams.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football
Who: UMS-Wright Prep vs Andalusia
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 5A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview:UMS-Wright Prep vs. Andalusia

As the 2024-25 high school football season unfolds, two notable Alabama teams, UMS-Wright Prep and Andalusia, have demonstrated both challenges and highlights in their respective campaigns. While both teams have secured playoff spots, their paths and performances have varied, providing an intriguing matchup for future contests.

Rankings and Records

UMS-Wright Prep holds the 64th overall ranking in the Alabama Class, sitting at 12th in their division. Their season record of 5-6 shows a team that has struggled with consistency but has managed to achieve notable performances in region play, holding a 4-3 region record and a .571 region win percentage. On the other hand, Andalusia is ranked 75th overall and 16th in their class. With a 6-5 season record, Andalusia has demonstrated resilience, particularly in regional play, where they boast a 4-2 record and a stronger .667 region win percentage.

Performance Metrics

UMS-Wright Prep’s scoring averages highlight a team that has found its rhythm later in games. With an average of 3.0 points in the first quarter, 3.8 in the second, and increasing contributions through the third (4.6) and fourth quarters (4.9), their total average score per game is 18.3 points. This trend suggests a team that grows in intensity as the game progresses.

Andalusia, on the other hand, shows a different scoring pattern. They begin stronger, averaging 7.0 points in the first quarter and maintaining offensive pressure in the second quarter with 9.6 points. Their scoring dips in the final stretch, with 9.0 points in the third and only 1.4 in the fourth quarter, averaging 20.6 points per game overall. This pattern suggests a team that capitalizes on early momentum but may struggle to sustain it late into games.

Points For and Points Against

Defensive and offensive statistics further underscore the differences between the two teams. UMS-Wright Prep has scored a total of 201 points throughout the season while allowing 150 points against them, highlighting a defense capable of limiting opponents despite offensive inconsistencies.

Andalusia, while slightly more prolific offensively with 227 points scored, has also shown vulnerability on defense with 241 points conceded. This negative point differential points to potential issues in closing out games and maintaining defensive solidity.

Home and Away Records

Both teams have displayed a balanced mix of home and away performances. UMS-Wright Prep’s 2-3 home record and 3-3 away record indicate a team that performs with similar reliability regardless of venue. Meanwhile, Andalusia’s 3-3 home and 3-2 away records suggest they have a marginally stronger showing on the road.

Conclusion

The 2024-25 season has showcased the strengths and areas for growth for both UMS-Wright Prep and Andalusia. UMS-Wright’s strong regional performance and Andalusia’s higher scoring average create a compelling dynamic as both teams look to make their mark in the playoffs. With UMS-Wright’s steady late-game performance and Andalusia’s early-game explosiveness, any future face-off promises to be a closely contested battle.

As two competitive high school football teams, UMS-Wright Prep and Andalusia have showcased notable performances throughout their recent seasons. Below is an analysis based on their statistical comparisons, highlighting key aspects that could play significant roles in upcoming matchups.

Offensive Performance

UMS-Wright Prep has demonstrated consistent offensive capabilities, averaging 155.2 rushing yards per game and 75.4 passing yards per game, which cumulatively results in 230.5 total yards per game. This offensive output shows a balanced approach, with standout performances from their key players, particularly #14 Bo Wills, who leads the rushing game with 68.4 yards per game. Max Fowler, #2, adds to their aerial attack with 77.6 passing yards per game, contributing to a solid dual-threat offense.

Andalusia, while specific offensive yardage data isn’t provided, will need to contend with these figures if they aim to challenge UMS-Wright Prep’s defensive schemes.

Defensive Strength

Defensively, UMS-Wright Prep averages 71.3 tackles per game and 1.5 sacks per game. Caplyn Reed, #32, leads the team with an impressive 11.4 tackles per game, showcasing their robust defensive efforts. Meanwhile, Andalusia averages 52.5 tackles per game, with #12 Neillix Ferrell contributing 7.9 tackles per game. Both teams appear to have strong defensive players, but UMS-Wright Prep’s slightly higher tackle average could provide an edge.

Sack production between the two teams is quite close, with UMS-Wright’s #16 Mac Mcginley and Andalusia’s #6 CJ Likeley each averaging 0.7 sacks per game. This parity in pass-rushing prowess highlights the potential for critical defensive plays from both sides.

Scoring and Points

UMS-Wright Prep holds an advantage in terms of points per game, scoring an average of 18.3 compared to Andalusia’s 4.5. This offensive scoring difference could be pivotal in high-stakes moments. Bo Wills not only leads in rushing yards but also contributes significantly to the scoreboard with 3.8 points per game. Andalusia’s top scorer, #1 Cobb Stewart, trails closely with 3.5 points per game, signaling a capable, albeit less prolific, scoring threat.

Record Breakdown and Season Overview

Both teams have matching overall records of 24-25, but recent season performances diverge slightly. UMS-Wright Prep holds a 5-6 overall record with a 4-3 league standing. Andalusia, on the other hand, shows a slightly better overall record of 6-5 and a 4-2 league performance. Each team has shown similar resilience in both home and away games, with UMS-Wright maintaining a 2-3 home record and 3-3 away record. Andalusia’s record includes a balanced 3-3 at home and a stronger 3-2 performance on the road.

Key Players to Watch

• UMS-Wright Prep:
  • #14 Bo Wills: A dual-threat player who leads in rushing (68.4 yards/game) and total yards (94.5 yards/game).
  • #32 Caplyn Reed: A defensive powerhouse with 11.4 tackles per game.
  • #11 Denton Elliott: Contributes both as a receiver (29.5 yards/game) and with points (3.8 per game).
• Andalusia:
  • #1 Cobb Stewart: Top scorer for the team with 3.5 points per game.
  • #12 Neillix Ferrell: Defensive standout with 7.9 tackles per game.
  • #6 CJ Likeley: Matches UMS-Wright’s Mac Mcginley in sack production (0.7 per game).

Conclusion

UMS-Wright Prep’s balanced offense and higher defensive tackle average provide them with a potential advantage, while Andalusia’s slightly better overall and league records reflect their competitive nature. The matchup between these teams is likely to come down to how well Andalusia’s defense can stymie UMS-Wright’s offensive leaders and whether Andalusia’s scorers can find ways to match or exceed their counterpart’s production on the field.