WATCH LIVE: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT 11:00 AM

Game Overview

The 3A State Championship game could prove to be a contrast in styles. Mars Hill Bible likes to grind out yardage on the ground. Houston Academy doesn’t mind throwing the ball. However, both teams have had great success at moving the ball down the field. Mars Hill enters the game with a 12-1 record, their only one-point loss to Scottsboro in a game where the Panthers missed a late field goal. Houston Academy comes in at 12-1, with a 12-10 loss to Montgomery Academy in September.

On the road to this year’s championship game, Mars Hill Bible scored in the last minute of their 2nd round game to defeat Geraldine and advance to the next round. The Raiders were state champions in 2018 and 2020, so they understand the pressure of big games.

Team Preview: Mars Hill Bible Panthers

According to the Panthers’ coach Darrell Higgins, running backs Caden Chandler and Hudson Higgins carry the load offensively. Chandler has 29 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards rushing while Higgins has over 2,000 all-purpose yards. “They don’t get there by themselves,” Coach Higgins said. Offensive lineman William Embry and Gunner Kirchharr lead the O-line, with William Mann under center. On the other side of the ball, junior Samuel Sweeney heads the defense with 14 sacks and 25 tackles for a loss and Senior Cam Isbell is a four-year starting linebacker. 

“This is a tough, hard-nosed, gritty team. These are high-character guys,” Higgins said. “There aren’t any superstars. Just a lot of guys who take pride in doing their job.”

Team Preview: Houston Academy Raiders

Houston Academy fields a diverse offense. The Raiders put the ball in the air more than they run it, but the team tries to maintain a good mixture of both. When they do run the ball, they have a trio of senior running backs who share the load. Andrew Gill, Erving Reynolds and Gil Williams have combined for over 1,400 yards and 25 touchdowns for the season.

When quarterback Kadyn Mitchell throws the ball, his primary targets tend to be wide receiver Gabe Glover, tight end Houston Lee and H-back Riggs Hickey. Mitchell threw for 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns. Glover had almost half for the receiving yardage, and the two of them teamed up on an 87-yard scoring pass. The Raiders' other long score was a 71-yard pass-and-run to Hickey.

Coach Eddie Brundage sang the praise of his linemen, Trip Raines, Chase Buntin, Jacob Jackson, Gavin Wagner and Michael Jerkins, who all play on both sides of the ball.

“Our offensive line isn’t the biggest in size, but I can’t say enough about them. They are key on both sides of the ball,” he said. “We have to get a lot out of our older guys.”

Final Thoughts

The 3A game will feature a contrast in styles against two teams that have had very dominant seasons. It will be a great way to start out Thursday’s action on APT.

RELATED: 1A PREVIEW: Maplesville vs. Wadley, 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.