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Game Overview

Maplesville arrives in Birmingham looking to take home their fifth State Championship, but first, they must face the Wadley Bulldogs, who are fighting for their first title. Both teams come into the championship game with impressive 2024 resumes. Wadley enters the game with a perfect 12-0 record and the Red Devils charge in with a 10-2 mark.

Team Preview: Wadley Bulldogs

Wadley runs a high-powered wishbone offense. The Bulldogs average over 55 points per game and, according to Coach Shenan Motley, only throw the ball about three times per game. The Bulldogs’ most challenging game of the season was with Lee-Scott Academy. Wadley came from behind to win that game 29-28. The next closest game was a 28-point blowout to begin the season. Those were the only two games where their powerful offense was held below 49 points.

One would think the Bulldogs might take a play off here or there with such a potent offense – but that’s not the case. They are giving up an average of less than 17 points per game, and Hackleburg was the only team to crack 30 points against the Bulldog defense. 

Junior running backs Jaquez Wilkens and Cortavion Lynch lead a powerful team. 

Team Preview: Maplesville Red Devils

Maplesville likes to mix up their offense. The Red Devils threw the ball on over 40% of their offensive snaps this season. Aiden Abbott is quarterback Pearce Yeargan’s favorite target, hauling in 34 catches for 468 yards and 5 touchdowns. Freshman Nehimiah McCay is the team-leading rusher with 969 yards and 13 scores.

The defense is led by defensive linemen Dee Elliott and Von Woods. Michael Gee anchors a solid group of linebackers. The Red Devils gave up only 15 points per game this season. The defense pitched two shutouts and held four other teams to seven points or less. This is a stingy defense.

Maplesville has only six seniors on their roster. Coach Brad Abbott said, “We play a lot of underclassmen. Most of our juniors started as freshmen.”

Final Thoughts

With two young teams with explosive offenses and stingy defenses, both teams could be back next year. One of the two will find a way to break down the opposing defense and go home with a state title. The question is who?

RELATED: 3A PREVIEW: Houston Academy vs. Mars Hill Bible, 5A PREVIEW: Montgomery Catholic vs. Moody

APT's high school football previews give an overview of the Super 7 Championship teams. They include coach interviews, player stats and more. See all previews and view the full schedule here.