The Gentry (AR) varsity football team will face Arkadelphia (AR) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the “2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 4A Football State Bracket,” where both teams battle for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Arkadelphia vs Gentry
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 4A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview:

Arkadelphia vs. Gentry

The stage is set for an exciting neutral-site playoff game as Arkadelphia (AR) takes on Gentry (AR) in the “2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 4A Football State Bracket.” With both teams boasting impressive records and high stakes on the line, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest. Here’s a breakdown of their rankings, records, and key team statistics heading into this pivotal game.

Rankings and Records

• Arkadelphia: With an overall record of 9-2, Arkadelphia enters the game ranked 29th in Arkansas overall and 3rd in their class. Their stellar 7-0 conference record is complemented by a strong performance on both home and away fields, finishing 4-1 in both categories. Arkadelphia’s offense has been prolific, scoring 519 points this season, while their defense has allowed only 180.
• Gentry: Gentry, also with a 9-2 record, is ranked 58th in Arkansas overall and 13th in their class. They’ve had a solid 5-2 conference record and have proven to be competitive both at home (4-1) and on the road (4-1). With 402 points scored and 273 allowed, their offensive and defensive balance will be tested in this matchup.

Team Scoring Averages

• Arkadelphia: Averaging 47.2 points per game, Arkadelphia has shown explosive offensive power. They average 20.2 points in the first quarter, getting off to fast starts, but their scoring slows down in the second half with 8.0 points in the third quarter and 5.2 points in the fourth. Despite the drop-off, they maintain an impressive overall scoring pace.
• Gentry: Gentry averages 36.5 points per game, with their offense more balanced across quarters. They score 10.5 points in the first and second quarters, 7.7 points in the third, and 7.8 points in the fourth. While they may not have the same explosive first-quarter output as Arkadelphia, their steady production throughout the game has served them well.

What to Watch For

• Arkadelphia’s Fast Start: With their ability to score quickly, particularly in the first quarter, Arkadelphia will look to establish an early lead. Their offense will need to capitalize on their fast pace and prevent Gentry from catching up in the second half.
• Gentry’s Balanced Attack: Gentry will aim to keep the game close and capitalize on their consistent offensive production. With an average of 36.5 points per game, they’ll need to stay competitive in the early stages and counter Arkadelphia’s offensive explosiveness.
• Defensive Strategies: Arkadelphia’s defense has been a major factor in their success, allowing just 180 points this season. Gentry will need to find ways to penetrate Arkadelphia’s defense while maintaining control of their own defensive game to slow down the Arkadelphia attack.

Key Questions

• Can Arkadelphia continue their fast starts and maintain their offensive dominance throughout the game?
• Will Gentry be able to weather Arkadelphia’s early offensive surge and keep the game within reach?
• How will the teams’ defensive strategies impact the flow of the game as both teams look to advance in the playoffs?

As these two talented teams clash in this high-stakes playoff game, fans can expect a hard-fought battle filled with offensive firepower and strategic play. With both teams carrying 9-2 records, this matchup is sure to be a thrilling contest with a spot in the next round on the line.

As the 2024 football season heats up, Arkadelphia and Gentry have emerged as two of the top teams in the league, each boasting impressive 9-2 records. Both teams have shown the ability to score heavily, with strong offensive units and solid defensive play. Here’s an in-depth analysis of their team stats, key players, and overall performance heading into their highly anticipated matchup.

Team Statistics

Arkadelphia Highlights:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Unspecified
• Passing Yards Per Game: 177.0
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 177.0
• Total Yards Per Game: 362.1
• Tackles Per Game: 79.6
• Sacks Per Game: 2.6
• Points Per Game: 37.1

Arkadelphia’s offense is well-balanced, with a strong passing attack complemented by a solid rushing game. Their ability to rack up yards through both air and ground sets them apart from many teams. Defensively, Arkadelphia is tough, averaging nearly 80 tackles per game, and they are able to disrupt opposing offenses with 2.6 sacks per game.

Gentry Highlights:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 185.1
• Passing Yards Per Game: 177.0
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 177.0
• Total Yards Per Game: 362.1
• Tackles Per Game: 79.6
• Sacks Per Game: 2.6
• Points Per Game: 37.1

Gentry mirrors Arkadelphia in terms of overall yardage and points per game, with identical numbers in passing and receiving yards. Their offense is as versatile as Arkadelphia’s, and they are equally strong on defense with impressive tackles and sacks per game statistics. Gentry will look to exploit these strengths in a tightly contested game.

Key Players

Arkadelphia:

• Bennett Roberts (#0):
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 91.7
  • Total Yards Per Game: 227.2
  • Tackles Per Game: 10.8
  • Points Per Game: 11.5
    Roberts has been a key player for Arkadelphia, dominating the ground game and providing stability on defense. His ability to put up yards and make tackles makes him one of the most valuable players on the field.
• Talan Williams (#4):
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 225.8
    Williams has been Arkadelphia’s primary offensive weapon through the air, contributing to their high-scoring performances.
• Caydon Koons (#1):
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 67.0
    Koons provides a reliable option in the receiving game, helping balance the offense.

Gentry:

• Bennett Roberts (#0):
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 91.7
  • Total Yards Per Game: 227.2
  • Tackles Per Game: 10.8
    Roberts is the anchor for both Gentry’s offense and defense, with significant contributions in rushing, tackles, and overall yardage.
• Kydon Lynch (#54):
  • Sacks Per Game: 0.7
    Lynch has shown his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, adding to Gentry’s already impressive defensive line.

Record Comparison

• Overall: Arkadelphia (9-2) vs. Gentry (9-2)
• League Records: Arkadelphia (7-0), Gentry (5-2)
• Home/Away Records: Both teams are strong at home with 4-1 records, and they’ve each performed well on the road with identical 4-1 away records.
• Playoff Success: Both teams are 1-0 in playoff games, signaling their ability to handle postseason pressure.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

As both teams have not faced each other or any common opponents yet, this game will serve as the ultimate test to see which team can rise to the challenge of playing against an equally strong opponent. The match could be pivotal in determining who will advance in the postseason with momentum.

Analysis and Conclusion

This game promises to be a hard-fought contest, with both teams excelling in both offense and defense. Arkadelphia’s offense, led by Bennett Roberts and Talan Williams, will look to impose their will with their balanced attack. On the other hand, Gentry’s strong defensive front, along with the dual-threat abilities of Roberts, will make it a challenge for Arkadelphia to sustain their offensive success.

Ultimately, it will come down to execution in key moments. Can Arkadelphia’s offense capitalize on its big-play potential, or will Gentry’s defense disrupt their rhythm? Both teams have shown their capability in scoring high and defending well, making this matchup one to watch closely as the season unfolds.