The UMS-Wright Prep (Mobile, AL) varsity football team will face Vigor (Prichard, AL) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs for the 5A division, as both teams look to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Vigor vs UMS-Wright Prep
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 5A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Vigor vs. UMS-Wright Prep

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 5A division will feature an exciting matchup between Vigor and UMS-Wright Prep on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This neutral-site game is poised to be a thrilling contest, as Vigor looks to continue their dominant season while UMS-Wright aims to upset the higher-seeded team.

Vigor: A Dominant Force

Vigor enters the game with an impressive 11-1 overall record, having dominated their region with a perfect 7-0 mark. The Wolves have been excellent both at home (6-1) and on the road (3-0), and they carry a perfect 2-0 record in neutral-site games. Their 36.6 points per game scoring average reflects a potent offense, led by their ability to score consistently throughout the game. Vigor’s offense has been particularly strong in the first quarter (12.8 points) and second quarter (12.6 points), giving them an early advantage in most games.

Defensively, Vigor has been outstanding, allowing just 52 points all season, an average of only 4.3 points per game. This incredible defensive performance will be key as they look to shut down UMS-Wright’s offense and control the game.

Key Stats:

• Overall Record: 11-1
• Region Record: 7-0
• Home Record: 6-1
• Away Record: 3-0
• Neutral Record: 2-0
• Points For (PF): 439
• Points Against (PA): 52
• Average Points Per Game: 36.6

UMS-Wright Prep: Fighting for the Upset

UMS-Wright Prep enters the playoffs with a 6-6 overall record. The Bulldogs have been inconsistent throughout the season, posting a 4-3 region record, with a 2-3 mark at home and 3-3 on the road. However, their solid 1-0 neutral-site record could give them a boost as they head into this playoff game.

UMS-Wright’s offense has averaged just 17.3 points per game, a far cry from the high-scoring attack of Vigor. Their most effective quarter has been the fourth, where they score an average of 4.3 points. While they’ve struggled to put up big numbers, the Bulldogs have shown resilience and the ability to compete in tight games.

Defensively, UMS-Wright has allowed 156 points, averaging 13.0 points per game. While they may not have the same shutout capabilities as Vigor, they will need a strong defensive effort to keep the game close and give their offense a chance to perform.

Key Stats:

• Overall Record: 6-6
• Region Record: 4-3
• Home Record: 2-3
• Away Record: 3-3
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points For (PF): 208
• Points Against (PA): 156
• Average Points Per Game: 17.3

Scoring Averages Comparison

• Vigor:
  • Q1: 12.8
  • Q2: 12.6
  • Q3: 9.3
  • Q4: 5.0
  • Final: 36.6
• UMS-Wright Prep:
  • Q1: 3.4
  • Q2: 3.3
  • Q3: 4.1
  • Q4: 4.3
  • Final: 17.3

As the postseason intensifies, the matchup between Vigor and UMS-Wright Prep is expected to be a thrilling contest, with both teams bringing unique strengths to the table. Vigor, with a strong 11-1 record, faces UMS-Wright Prep, which stands at 6-6 but has shown resilience throughout the season. Let’s break down the key statistics and players to watch as these two teams prepare to clash on the field.

Team Performance Comparison

Vigor’s offense has been dominant, both on the ground and through the air, while UMS-Wright Prep has struggled to find consistency offensively. Here’s a look at how the teams compare in key areas:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Vigor is significantly ahead in this category, averaging 198.0 yards per game. The strong rushing attack is led by #1 Carlos Benjamin Jr., who rushes for 90.7 yards per game. In contrast, UMS-Wright Prep averages 152.6 rushing yards per game, with standout running back #14 Bo Wills contributing 66.0 yards per game.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Vigor again holds the advantage with 152.3 passing yards per game, thanks to the efforts of quarterback #3 Sammy Dunn, who throws for 174.4 total yards per game. UMS-Wright Prep has struggled in the passing game, averaging only 76.8 yards per game, with quarterback #2 Max Fowler averaging 79.0 yards per game.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Vigor’s passing game has been more productive, with #4 Gerritt Holcombe leading the team with 50.5 receiving yards per game. UMS-Wright Prep’s top receiver, #11 Denton Elliott, has 28.7 receiving yards per game, which highlights a key area where Vigor has been more explosive.
• Total Yards Per Game: Vigor’s offense has been much more prolific, with a total of 350.3 yards per game compared to UMS-Wright Prep’s 229.4 yards per game. This disparity highlights the difference in offensive efficiency, with Vigor averaging significantly more yards through both rushing and passing.
• Defensive Play: Both teams have strong defensive units, but Vigor’s defense has been slightly more aggressive. Vigor averages 67.8 tackles per game and 5.1 sacks per game, while UMS-Wright Prep averages 69.4 tackles per game but only 1.7 sacks per game. Vigor’s defense, led by players like #11 Kentonio Kelly Jr. (11.2 tackles per game), will be key to stifling UMS-Wright Prep’s offense.
• Points Per Game: Vigor has been much more potent offensively, averaging 33.1 points per game, while UMS-Wright Prep puts up only 17.3 points per game. Vigor’s high-scoring offense will be a major challenge for UMS-Wright Prep’s defense to handle.

Key Individual Players

• Vigor’s Key Players:
  • #1 Carlos Benjamin Jr.: The star running back has been a workhorse for Vigor, rushing for 90.7 yards per game and providing a significant chunk of the team’s offensive output.
  • #3 Sammy Dunn: Vigor’s quarterback has thrown for 174.4 yards per game and also leads the team in total yards per game with 184.0. Dunn’s ability to both pass and manage the game will be critical for Vigor’s offensive success.
  • #10 Jamarion Osborne: The team’s top scorer, Osborne has contributed 7.3 points per game and will be key in putting up points in crucial moments.
• UMS-Wright Prep’s Key Players:
  • #14 Bo Wills: Wills is UMS-Wright Prep’s primary offensive threat, leading the team with 66.0 rushing yards per game. He will need to step up in a big way if UMS-Wright Prep hopes to keep pace with Vigor’s high-scoring offense.
  • #2 Max Fowler: The quarterback will need to improve his passing game, as UMS-Wright Prep has struggled in the air. Fowler’s ability to connect with his receivers will be vital to UMS-Wright Prep’s offensive success.
  • #32 Caplyn Reed: A key defensive player, Reed contributes 10.5 tackles per game and will need to lead UMS-Wright Prep’s defense against Vigor’s potent offense.

Record Breakdown

• Overall Records: Vigor enters this matchup with an impressive 11-1 overall record, while UMS-Wright Prep is 6-6. Vigor has shown consistency all season, while UMS-Wright Prep has had a more up-and-down campaign, but they are no strangers to tough competition.
• League Play: Vigor dominated in league play with a perfect 7-0 record, while UMS-Wright Prep finished 4-3 in their league. Vigor’s strong performance in league games indicates they are well-prepared for postseason play.
• Non-League Games: Both teams had a mix of results in non-league games. Vigor went 2-1, while UMS-Wright Prep struggled, finishing 0-3. This further emphasizes Vigor’s ability to perform under pressure, particularly against tougher competition.
• Playoff Performance: Both teams are undefeated in the playoffs, with Vigor posting a 2-0 record and UMS-Wright Prep at 2-0 as well. This indicates that both teams can elevate their play when the stakes are highest.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced several common opponents during the season, with Vigor coming out on top in all of their encounters:

• LeFlore: Vigor dominated 60-0 on September 6, while UMS-Wright Prep won 25-6 on August 30.
• Citronelle: Vigor defeated Citronelle 32-6 on September 20, while UMS-Wright Prep lost to Citronelle 14-7 on October 4.
• Elberta: Vigor won 40-0 on October 4, and UMS-Wright Prep triumphed 30-0 on October 18.

Conclusion

This matchup between Vigor and UMS-Wright Prep is set to showcase two teams with distinct styles. Vigor’s high-powered offense, led by Sammy Dunn and Carlos Benjamin Jr., will challenge UMS-Wright Prep’s defense, which has been solid but could struggle to contain Vigor’s multi-faceted attack. UMS-Wright Prep, on the other hand, will need standout performances from Bo Wills and Max Fowler to keep pace with Vigor’s explosive playmakers. Given Vigor’s edge in both offensive and defensive statistics, they will likely enter as the favorites, but UMS-Wright Prep’s playoff experience could make them a formidable opponent. Expect a competitive game with high stakes as both teams aim to advance further in the playoffs.