The Arkadelphia (AR) varsity football team will face Southside (Batesville, AR) in a neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 4A Football State Bracket, with both teams competing for a chance to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas State Football Championship
Who: Southside vs Arkadelphia
When: Today, December 06, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 4A Football State Bracket
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Southside vs. Arkadelphia

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 4A Football State Bracket heats up, tonight’s neutral-site playoff game between Southside (Batesville, AR) and Arkadelphia (AR) promises to be a thrilling contest. With both teams posting strong records and high-powered offenses, this matchup is set to be a showdown of the best football Arkansas has to offer.

Southside: Perfect Record and Explosive Offense

Southside enters the game with a flawless 14-0 record, having dominated their competition all season. The Southerners went 7-0 in conference play and have been perfect on the road (5-0), at home (6-0), and on neutral ground (3-0). Their offense has been one of the most powerful in the state, averaging an impressive 36.9 points per game.

Southside has been especially effective in the first half, scoring 17.5 points per quarter in both the first and second quarters. However, their scoring drops significantly in the fourth quarter, where they’ve only averaged 0 points. This second-half dip will be a crucial factor as they face off against an explosive Arkadelphia team that has proven capable of putting up points in any situation.

Arkadelphia: High Scoring and Strong Defense

Arkadelphia, with an 11-2 record, has been equally impressive this season, finishing with a perfect 7-0 conference record. While their away and home records are strong (4-1 each), they have been flawless on neutral ground (3-0). The Badgers boast one of the highest-scoring offenses in Arkansas, averaging 46.2 points per game.

Arkadelphia has had a potent offense across all four quarters, especially in the first quarter where they average 20.1 points. Their scoring drops slightly in the second half, but they have maintained a strong presence throughout, with 6.9 points in the third and 4.4 points in the fourth quarter. Despite the drop in the final quarter, Arkadelphia’s scoring ability will keep them in any game, making them a dangerous team in the playoffs.

Key Matchup: Scoring Consistency vs. Momentum

The key to tonight’s game may lie in which team can maintain offensive consistency. Southside has shown the ability to score in bursts, especially in the first half, but will need to adjust in the second half, where they’ve been prone to a scoring drought, especially in the fourth quarter. If they can maintain their offensive rhythm for all four quarters, they will be tough to beat.

On the other hand, Arkadelphia’s offense has been strong throughout the game, with fewer fluctuations in scoring from quarter to quarter. Their ability to stay consistent could be the deciding factor in this matchup, as they’ve shown they can score at will and put up big numbers when necessary.

Defensive Battle

While both teams excel offensively, their defenses will also play a crucial role in tonight’s game. Southside has allowed just 196 points this season (an average of 14 points per game), and while they have shown a tendency to give up big plays, their offense has more than made up for it. Arkadelphia, on the other hand, has allowed 221 points (an average of 17 points per game), but their offense has been potent enough to cover any defensive lapses.

The ability of both teams’ defenses to contain the opposing offenses will be crucial. If Southside can neutralize Arkadelphia’s explosive start, or if Arkadelphia can limit Southside’s first-half scoring, the game could tip in favor of the team that performs better defensively.

Looking Ahead

Tonight’s game between Southside and Arkadelphia is one of the most anticipated matchups in the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs. Both teams are loaded with talent, have high-scoring offenses, and have shown they can perform under pressure. With both teams having a perfect conference record, this playoff clash will be a true test of who can maintain their form in a high-stakes environment.

Southside will look to continue their perfect season, but Arkadelphia’s potent offense and overall scoring depth will make for a challenging opponent. Fans can expect an exciting and fast-paced game, filled with explosive plays, crucial adjustments, and plenty of action. With a trip to the next round on the line, this neutral-site game will be one to remember.

As the season progresses, the football teams from Southside and Arkadelphia have proven themselves to be elite contenders in their respective divisions. Let’s take a closer look at how these teams stack up against each other, based on their overall team statistics, standout players, and performance against common opponents.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensive and Defensive Statistics:

• Southside excels on the ground, averaging 278.6 rushing yards per game, with a balanced offense that also produces 127.4 passing yards and 127.5 receiving yards per game. Their total offensive production stands at 406.0 yards per game. The team has been effective at putting points on the board, averaging 39.0 points per game.
• On the defensive side, Southside is aggressive, recording 118.9 tackles per game and averaging 1.7 sacks per game. Their offensive line has been particularly effective, registering 284 pancake blocks.
• Arkadelphia, while also formidable, doesn’t have the same rushing dominance as Southside, though they still maintain a strong offense. Their offensive production across all categories—rushing, passing, and receiving—is slightly lower than Southside’s, with a total of 406.0 yards per game. Like Southside, they also average 39 points per game, showing their ability to score efficiently.

Defensively, Arkadelphia is solid, with 118.9 tackles per game, but their sack production (0.5 sacks per game) is much lower than Southside’s. Arkadelphia also has 284 pancake blocks, matching Southside’s prowess in the trenches.

Key Team Leaders

• Southside is powered by standout players, including:
  • Owen McLaughlin (#4), who leads the team with an impressive 158.8 rushing yards per game, contributing to his total of 169.1 yards per game and 14.5 points per game.
  • Trey Allen (#1), who leads the passing game with 114.0 yards per game.
  • Louis Calhoun (#23), who is the primary target in the receiving game, averaging 54.6 yards per game.
• Arkadelphia also has a few key players to watch:
  • Cameron Foree (#2), who plays a pivotal role in the team’s defense with 0.5 sacks per game.
  • Lane Johnson (#62), known for his blocking abilities, has registered 84 pancake blocks, providing a major advantage in both the passing and running game.

Performance Against Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Harmony Grove this season, and both came away with convincing wins. Southside triumphed 42-0 on November 15, 2024, while Arkadelphia had an equally dominant performance, winning 49-17 on October 18, 2024. These victories highlight that both teams are capable of overpowering their opponents, though Southside’s more dominant defensive performance (shutout) could be a sign of their strength.

Record Breakdown

• Southside is currently undefeated with a perfect 14-0 overall record, including a flawless 7-0 mark in league play. The team has been dominant at home (6-0) and on the road (5-0), showing consistency no matter the venue. Their perfect playoff record (4-0) underscores their ability to perform under pressure.
• Arkadelphia has posted an impressive 11-2 record, also going 7-0 in league play. While their overall record isn’t perfect, their strong performance in both home (4-1) and away (4-1) games has set them up for success. They are equally dominant in neutral-site games, boasting a 3-0 record in such contests.

Conclusion

Both Southside and Arkadelphia have had exceptional seasons, and their upcoming clash promises to be a battle of high-powered offenses and relentless defenses. Southside’s offensive juggernaut, led by Owen McLaughlin’s running and Trey Allen’s passing, contrasts with Arkadelphia’s more balanced approach and impressive defense. With both teams coming off dominant wins over Harmony Grove, this matchup will likely be a showdown between two of the state’s top contenders.

As we move into the postseason, Southside’s undefeated record and overall offensive output may give them an edge, but Arkadelphia’s well-rounded team and experience in tough matchups will keep them competitive in what is sure to be an exciting contest.