The Highland (Hardy, AR) varsity football team faces Ashdown (AR) today at 7 p.m. in a neutral-site playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 2024 4A Football State Bracket. Both teams will compete for a chance to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Ashdown vs Highland
When: Friday, November 15, 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: Ashdown vs. Highland

Tonight at 7 p.m., the Ashdown (AR) and Highland (Hardy, AR) varsity football teams will meet in a neutral-site playoff game, part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs in the 4A Football State Bracket. With both teams having unique strengths and weaknesses, this promises to be a compelling contest for a spot in the next round.

Highland: A Powerhouse with a Stellar Record

Highland enters this matchup as one of the top teams in the state, sporting an impressive 8-1 overall record and a 6-1 conference mark. With a dominant scoring average of 36.8 points per game, Highland has proven to be a potent offensive force, especially in the first half. They average 7.0 points in the second quarter, and while their scoring slows slightly in the second half (3.5 points in both the third and fourth quarters), their early-game dominance has been a key to their success.

Defensively, Highland has been nearly impenetrable, allowing only 102 points on the season—a remarkable average of just 11.3 points per game. This strong defense, combined with their efficient offense, makes them a tough opponent for anyone in the tournament.

Ashdown: Struggling for Consistency

Ashdown, with a 5-5 overall record and a 4-3 conference record, enters the playoffs as a more inconsistent team. While they’ve shown flashes of strong play, their performance has been up and down throughout the season. They average 21.1 points per game, but their scoring is uneven, with 5.4 points in the first quarter and 4.3 points in the second. Ashdown has done better in the second half, averaging 7.9 points in the third quarter, but their fourth-quarter output drops to just 5.0 points per game.

On defense, Ashdown has given up 319 points this season, which means they will need to step up their defensive effort if they hope to slow down Highland’s high-scoring offense.

The Key to Victory

For Ashdown, the key to victory will be finding a way to generate more consistent offense, especially in the first half. Slowing down Highland’s powerful offense and making adjustments in the second half will be critical to keeping the game within reach. Ashdown will also need to create turnovers or capitalize on any mistakes made by Highland to stay competitive.

For Highland, their success will depend on continuing their strong offensive performance and playing tough, disciplined defense. If they can get an early lead and prevent Ashdown from gaining any momentum, they will be well on their way to securing a win.

The upcoming matchup between Ashdown and Highland is shaping up to be a fascinating contest between two teams with contrasting offensive styles. While Ashdown relies on a balanced attack and solid defensive play, Highland brings explosive offensive capabilities and a stingy defense that has been hard to beat this season. With the game set to take place on Ashdown’s turf, both teams will be looking to gain an upper hand in what promises to be an exciting showdown.

Team Overview

• Ashdown (5-5, 4-3 League)
  Ashdown enters the game with a .500 record, balancing a solid offense with an opportunistic defense. Their attack is led by Riley Williamson, who has been a dual-threat with 59.7 rushing yards per game and 99.7 passing yards per game. Alongside him is Bryson French, who has contributed 73.6 receiving yards per game, making Ashdown’s offense versatile and capable of striking in multiple ways. The team averages 267.0 total yards per game, scoring 16.8 points per game, indicating that they may struggle to score in high-pressure situations. On the defensive side, Ashdown will need to improve on their tackling and pass rush if they hope to contain Highland’s potent offense.
• Highland (8-1, 6-1 League)
  Highland enters the contest with a strong 8-1 record, powered by a fast-paced, high-scoring offense. The team is led by Keagan Statler, who has racked up 109.2 rushing yards per game, and Austin Christy, who has thrown for 118.3 passing yards per game. Highland’s offensive output is further fueled by their balanced attack, which averages 313.9 total yards per game. The defense, led by Cole Boyer (6.0 tackles per game), has been a key factor in their success, limiting opponents to 27.1 points per game. Highland’s ability to generate yards both on the ground and in the air will make them a tough challenge for Ashdown’s defense.

Key Matchup Breakdown

• Rushing Attack
  Both teams feature potent rushing attacks, but Highland’s running game has been particularly dominant. Keagan Statler leads the charge with 109.2 rushing yards per game, and his ability to break big runs has been a hallmark of their offense. Ashdown will need to shore up their run defense and contain Statler, while also limiting the effectiveness of Highland’s rushing game. Riley Williamson has been Ashdown’s primary rusher, with 59.7 rushing yards per game, and he will need to establish the run early to keep Highland’s defense on its heels.
• Passing Game
  Ashdown has relied on a balanced passing game, with Riley Williamson contributing 99.7 passing yards per game. However, the passing game has not been as explosive as Highland’s. Highland’s quarterback, Austin Christy, has thrown for 118.3 passing yards per game, but his real strength lies in the play-action game, where Keagan Statler‘s rushing prowess sets up deep passing opportunities. Ashdown will need to limit the deep ball and put pressure on Christy, while trying to take advantage of any coverage lapses by Highland.
• Defensive Play
  Ashdown will be tasked with slowing down Highland’s high-powered offense. The defense, while giving up 16.8 points per game, has not faced an offense as explosive as Highland’s, so this will be a big test. Ashdown will need to rely on Bryson French (73.6 receiving yards per game) and Riley Williamson to maintain possession of the ball and keep their defense off the field. On the other hand, Highland’s defense has been more stout, holding opponents to just 27.1 points per game, and will aim to shut down Ashdown’s balanced attack.

Statistical Comparison

What to Watch For

• Ashdown’s Ability to Stop the Run
  If Ashdown wants to have a chance at pulling off the upset, they will need to focus on limiting Keagan Statler’s impact on the game. If they can force Highland into passing situations, they may have a better chance of slowing down the offensive juggernaut.
• Highland’s Big Play Potential
  Highland’s offense thrives on big plays, whether it’s Statler breaking off a long run or Austin Christy connecting with his receivers for explosive gains. Ashdown will need to be disciplined in coverage and contain the Highland playmakers to keep the game close.
• Turnovers and Field Position
  As with any game between two offenses capable of scoring quickly, turnovers will be crucial. Ashdown will need to capitalize on any mistakes Highland makes, while Highland will look to put pressure on Ashdown’s ball-handling, especially on passing plays.

Conclusion

This matchup between Ashdown and Highland will be a test of contrasts: a balanced Ashdown offense against a high-flying, explosive Highland unit. While Ashdown has the tools to keep the game close, Highland’s offensive depth and defensive ability are likely to make them the favorites. If Ashdown can execute on both sides of the ball and limit Keagan Statler’s impact, they may have a shot at pulling off an upset. However, Highland’s overall talent and balance make them the team to beat in this matchup.