The Mars Hill Bible (Florence, AL) varsity football team is set to face Winfield (AL) in a neutral playoff matchup on Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m. This exciting contest is part of the 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs for the 3A division, with both teams vying for postseason advancement.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Alabama High School Football Playoff
Who: Winfield vs Mars Hill Bible
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs – 3A
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Mars Hill Bible vs. Winfield

The 2024 AHSAA Football Playoffs are heating up, and this Friday, November 22, at 7 p.m., two powerhouses in the 3A division—Mars Hill Bible and Winfield—will face off in a neutral-site showdown. Both teams enter the matchup with identical records and impressive resumes, promising a thrilling battle.

Winfield: A Balanced and Consistent Contender

Winfield comes into the game with an outstanding 11-1 overall record, having dominated their region with a perfect 7-0 mark. The Pirates have been formidable both at home (4-1) and on the road (6-0), showcasing their versatility and resilience in any setting. Their lone loss was outside of region play, further emphasizing their strength in their division.

Winfield averages 36.7 points per game, with their strongest quarter being the first, where they put up an average of 14.8 points to establish early leads. Their defense has been equally reliable, allowing only 158 points throughout the season, matching Mars Hill Bible’s impressive defensive efforts.

Key Stats:

• Overall Record: 11-1
• Region Record: 7-0
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 6-0
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points For (PF): 440
• Points Against (PA): 158
• Average Points Per Game: 36.7

Mars Hill Bible: A High-Octane Offense

Mars Hill Bible also boasts an 11-1 overall record and a flawless 7-0 region record, demonstrating their dominance in the 3A class. Like Winfield, the Panthers have been successful at home (5-1) and perfect on the road (5-0) and at neutral sites (1-0).

The Panthers have been an offensive juggernaut, averaging an impressive 43.7 points per game, outpacing Winfield by seven points per contest. They excel in the first quarter, putting up a staggering 16.5 points on average, and maintain a steady scoring pace throughout the game. Defensively, Mars Hill Bible has matched Winfield’s efficiency, allowing only 158 points this season.

Key Stats:

• Overall Record: 11-1
• Region Record: 7-0
• Home Record: 5-1
• Away Record: 5-0
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points For (PF): 524
• Points Against (PA): 158
• Average Points Per Game: 43.7

Scoring Averages Comparison

• Winfield:
  • Q1: 14.8
  • Q2: 11.7
  • Q3: 6.7
  • Q4: 5.7
  • Final: 36.7
• Mars Hill Bible:
  • Q1: 16.5
  • Q2: 11.8
  • Q3: 8.0
  • Q4: 6.0
  • Final: 43.7

As Winfield and Mars Hill Bible prepare for their next challenges, both teams bring impressive records and consistent performances into the spotlight. Let’s break down their season statistics, common opponents, and overall achievements.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced Midfield and Colbert County this season, securing dominant victories in their respective matchups:

• Winfield:
  • 9/6/24: Defeated Midfield (42-12)
  • 11/8/24: Defeated Colbert County (44-14)
• Mars Hill Bible:
  • 9/6/24: Defeated Colbert County (45-21)
  • 11/8/24: Defeated Midfield (69-40)

Summary: Each team stands at 2-0 against these common opponents, showcasing their ability to outperform shared adversaries.

Record Comparison

• Overall Records: Both teams boast an outstanding 11-1 record this season.
• League Play: Both schools are undefeated in their leagues, each achieving 7-0.
• Playoff Performance: Both have perfect 2-0 playoff records, highlighting their postseason strength.

While these similarities underscore their equal dominance, slight differences emerge in other categories:

• Home/Away Records:
  • Winfield is 4-1 at home and 6-0 away.
  • Mars Hill Bible holds a slightly better home record at 5-1, with a matching 5-0 away record.
• Non-League Play: Both teams are 2-1 in non-league games, proving their versatility across various opponents.

Key Strengths

• Winfield: A consistent performer on the road, the Pirates remain undefeated in away games, which could give them a psychological edge in neutral venues.
• Mars Hill Bible: The Panthers’ high-scoring games, particularly their explosive 69-40 win over Midfield, emphasize their offensive firepower.

Potential Showdown

Despite their strong seasons, these two teams have yet to meet directly (0-0 head-to-head). If they were to clash, it would undoubtedly be a thrilling matchup, with both sides excelling in league and playoff competition. Their ability to dominate shared opponents suggests a battle of equally matched titans.

Conclusion

Both Winfield and Mars Hill Bible have established themselves as powerhouses in the 2024 season, reflecting stellar coaching, disciplined play, and relentless determination. Whether facing familiar foes or entering uncharted territory, these teams continue to demonstrate why they are among the best in their league. Fans can only hope for a potential meeting to settle the score.