The Hackleburg (AL) varsity football team will face Wadley (AL) in a neutral-site playoff game today as part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs in the 1A division. Both teams will compete for a spot in the next round, bringing their best performances to this high-stakes matchup.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama State High School Football Playoff
Who: Wadley vs Hackleburg
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 1A
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Wadley vs. Hackleburg

As the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs continue, the highly anticipated 1A division game between Wadley and Hackleburg will take place today. Both teams have enjoyed successful seasons and are now aiming to advance to the next round in this thrilling neutral-site matchup.

Wadley – Unbeaten and Dominant

Wadley enters this playoff game with an undefeated 11-0 record, making them one of the most formidable teams in the 1A division. They have been perfect in the region, finishing 5-0 and dominating their competition across all aspects of the game. With an average of 54.3 points per game, Wadley has demonstrated an explosive offense, particularly in the first quarter, where they average a stunning 28.5 points. Their offense has been highly efficient, and their defense has also been solid, allowing just 164 points throughout the season.

Wadley’s ability to score quickly and often has been a trademark of their success, and they’ll look to carry that momentum into the postseason. As they face Hackleburg, they will aim to maintain their flawless record and take one step closer to a championship.

Hackleburg – Powerful and Efficient

Hackleburg has had an outstanding season of their own, posting a 12-1 record. Their only loss came early in the season, but since then, they have been on a tear, winning 12 straight games. Hackleburg boasts a highly efficient offense, averaging 40.1 points per game. They’ve been particularly strong in the first quarter, where they score 16.6 points on average, setting the tone early in most games.

Defensively, Hackleburg has been dominant, allowing just 122 points on the season, showcasing their ability to control the game on both sides of the ball. With an undefeated region record (7-0), Hackleburg has proven they are more than capable of competing at the highest level. Now, in the postseason, they’ll look to continue their dominant run and knock off the undefeated Wadley team.

Key Comparisons:

• Wadley:
  • Overall record: 11-0
  • Region record: 5-0
  • Home record: 4-0
  • Away record: 5-0
  • Neutral record: 2-0
  • Total points: 597
  • Points allowed: 164
  • Scoring average: 54.3 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: First quarter (28.5 points)
• Hackleburg:
  • Overall record: 12-1
  • Region record: 7-0
  • Home record: 5-0
  • Away record: 4-1
  • Neutral record: 3-0
  • Total points: 521
  • Points allowed: 122
  • Scoring average: 40.1 points per game
  • Strongest quarter: First quarter (16.6 points)

As the 2024 season reaches its final stretch, Wadley and Hackleburg are set to clash in what promises to be an exciting matchup between two undefeated teams. Both squads have proven their worth on the field with outstanding performances, but they have arrived at this point in very different ways. Here’s an in-depth look at their season stats, key players, common opponents, and how they compare as they prepare for this showdown.

Offensive and Defensive Breakdown

Wadley:

• Overall Record: 11-0
• League Record: 5-0
• Non-League Record: 3-0
• Home Record: 4-0
• Away Record: 5-0
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 11-0
• Rushing Yards Per Game: Not available
• Passing Yards Per Game: Not available
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Not available
• Total Yards Per Game: Not available
• Tackles Per Game: 25.5
• Sacks Per Game: 1.2
• Points Per Game: 10.2

Wadley has been a dominant force this season, finishing with a perfect 11-0 record. The team has shown impressive consistency, winning all their league games (5-0) and maintaining an unbeaten streak both at home and on the road. Although specific offensive stats are unavailable, Wadley has relied on a balanced approach, allowing their defense to shine, with notable contributions in tackles (25.5 per game) and a solid sack count (1.2 per game).

Hackleburg:

• Overall Record: 12-1
• League Record: 7-0
• Non-League Record: 2-1
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 4-1
• Playoff Record: 3-0
• In-State Record: 12-1
• Rushing Yards Per Game: 105.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 50.6
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 63.4
• Total Yards Per Game: 155.8
• Tackles Per Game: 25.5
• Sacks Per Game: 1.2
• Points Per Game: 10.2

Hackleburg enters the game with an impressive 12-1 record, including a perfect 7-0 league performance. The team’s offense has been effective, averaging over 100 yards on the ground per game and maintaining a solid passing attack with 50.6 yards per game. Hackleburg has relied heavily on a strong, well-rounded team effort, with contributions across the board, particularly in defense, with similar tackle and sack numbers to Wadley (25.5 tackles and 1.2 sacks per game).

Key Players

For Wadley, standout players include:

• Noah Tubb: Leading the defense with 11.5 tackles per game, Tubb has been an anchor on the defensive side.
• Jaquan Reeder: With 10.7 points per game, Reeder has been a key offensive contributor, helping lead the team’s attack.

For Hackleburg, key players are:

• Davin Dulaney: The team’s leading rusher, with 58.5 yards per game, Dulaney has been a consistent threat on the ground.
• Blaise Vickery: A versatile offensive player, Vickery leads in passing yards (75.4 per game) and total yards (127.1 per game).
• Tristan Brown: A defensive standout, Brown has been a force with his tackling ability.

Common Opponents

Both Wadley and Hackleburg have faced Winterboro and Meek, and they both emerged victorious in those games. Here’s a look at their performance against these common opponents:

• Wadley vs. Winterboro (10/25/24): Wadley won 52-12.
• Hackleburg vs. Winterboro (11/15/24): Hackleburg won 49-12.
• Wadley vs. Meek (11/15/24): Wadley won 55-22.
• Hackleburg vs. Meek (9/6/24): Hackleburg won 34-8.

Both teams have shown their dominance over these common opponents, with similar results in terms of score margins. However, Wadley’s wins have been slightly more commanding, which could indicate a more explosive offensive attack.

Head-to-Head Record Breakdown

• Wadley:
  • Overall Record: 11-0
  • League Record: 5-0
  • Non-League Record: 3-0
  • Playoff Record: 3-0
  • In-State Record: 11-0
  • Home Record: 4-0
  • Away Record: 5-0
• Hackleburg:
  • Overall Record: 12-1
  • League Record: 7-0
  • Non-League Record: 2-1
  • Playoff Record: 3-0
  • In-State Record: 12-1
  • Home Record: 5-0
  • Away Record: 4-1

Wadley’s perfect record and Hackleburg’s only loss suggest that this game will be a high-stakes battle for both teams, with Hackleburg having the slight edge in terms of overall experience and success.

Conclusion

With both teams arriving at this matchup with impressive records, this game is set to be an intense and closely contested battle. Wadley has proven themselves as a dominant force with their undefeated season, while Hackleburg, with only one loss, will look to continue their strong form and potentially knock off an unbeaten opponent. With both teams sharing similar strengths in defense and complementary offensive plays, this game is anyone’s for the taking.

Ultimately, this matchup promises to showcase some of the best high school football talent in the region, and fans can expect a thrilling contest between these two formidable teams.