The Bismarck (AR) varsity football team will face Atkins (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, competing in the 3A Football State Bracket. Both teams are eager to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Atkins vs Bismarck
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 3A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Atkins vs. Bismarck

The 2024-2025 high school football playoffs are heating up, and one of the most exciting matchups in the 3A Football State Bracket will feature Atkins taking on Bismarck in a neutral-site game today. With both teams having strong seasons, this contest is shaping up to be a thrilling battle as each squad looks to advance further into the postseason.

Atkins’ Season Overview

Atkins (AR) enters the game with an 8-3 record, having shown impressive strength throughout the season. With a 5-2 conference record, Atkins has proven to be competitive, securing a spot in the playoffs with a .727 win percentage. The team has been solid at home with a 3-2 record, and they’ve performed well on the road, with a 4-1 record. Their performance at neutral sites has also been strong, boasting a 1-0 record.

• Points Scored (PF): 396
• Points Allowed (PA): 256

Atkins has averaged 36.0 points per game this season. They’ve been particularly strong in the first quarter, averaging 10.3 points, but their scoring drops off significantly in the second quarter, with just 5.7 points. However, they’ve managed to close games strong, averaging 7.8 points in the fourth quarter.

Atkins’ Scoring Breakdown:

• Q1: 10.3
• Q2: 5.7
• Q3: 6.5
• Q4: 7.8
• Final: 36.0

Bismarck’s Dominant Run

Bismarck (AR) has been one of the most dominant teams in the state, finishing the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record and an undefeated 7-0 conference record. With a 1.000 win percentage overall and in conference play, Bismarck has shown they can perform under pressure. Their perfect record is a testament to their consistency both at home, where they’ve gone 5-0, and on the road, where they’ve also posted a 5-0 record.

• Points Scored (PF): 465
• Points Allowed (PA): 178

Bismarck has been an offensive powerhouse, averaging 46.5 points per game this season. Their first-quarter scoring has been particularly strong, with an average of 12.7 points in the opening period. The team has also maintained consistent scoring in the second and third quarters, averaging 12.5 and 9.0 points, respectively. Bismarck’s offense is explosive, with the ability to put up big numbers early in games, and they continue to be a force throughout the contest.

Bismarck’s Scoring Breakdown:

• Q1: 12.7
• Q2: 12.5
• Q3: 9.0
• Q4: 9.8
• Final: 46.5

Key Matchup: Offense and Defense

Bismarck’s explosive offense will be a major factor in this game, with their ability to score early and often posing a significant challenge for Atkins. The Bulldogs have averaged over 46 points per game, showing their ability to dominate from the opening whistle. In contrast, Atkins will need to find ways to slow down Bismarck’s attack and capitalize on their moments of offensive success.

Atkins has a potent offense of their own, averaging 36.0 points per game, but they will need to improve their scoring consistency, particularly in the second quarter, to keep pace with Bismarck. Their defense will also play a crucial role in limiting Bismarck’s high-powered offense.

As the playoff season heats up, the highly anticipated matchup between Atkins (8-3) and Bismarck (10-0) promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have been dominant throughout the season, with Atkins showing resilience and impressive offensive capabilities, while Bismarck remains undefeated. This contest will be a battle of strength, skill, and strategy as both teams aim for playoff glory.

Team Record Breakdown: Atkins vs. Bismarck

Atkins:

• Overall Record: 8-3
• League Record: 5-2
• Non-League Record: 2-1
• Home Record: 3-2
• Away Record: 4-1
• Neutral Record: 0-0
• Playoff Record: 0-0
• In-State Record: 8-3
• Out-of-State Record: 0-0

Atkins enters the game with an 8-3 overall record, having performed well in both league and non-league play. Their record on the road (4-1) indicates that they are capable of winning in tough environments, and they will need that same resilience when they face off against Bismarck on their home turf.

Bismarck:

• Overall Record: 10-0
• League Record: 7-0
• Non-League Record: 3-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 4-1
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Playoff Record: 0-0
• In-State Record: 10-0
• Out-of-State Record: 0-0

Bismarck, the undefeated team in this matchup, has been dominant across all facets of the game. With a perfect 10-0 record, including a 7-0 mark in league play, they have been nearly unstoppable this season. Their flawless home record (5-0) and solid away performance (4-1) show their consistency and ability to compete at the highest level. Bismarck is coming into this game as the favorite, but Atkins will undoubtedly bring their best to try to upset the undefeated team.

Key Player Comparison:

Atkins:

• Jaden Martin (Running Back): Martin has been the backbone of Atkins’ ground attack, racking up 100.3 rushing yards per game. His ability to break tackles and create explosive plays will be a key factor in keeping Bismarck’s defense on its toes.
• Cole Crawford (Quarterback): Crawford has been a dual threat for Atkins, throwing for 145.4 passing yards per game and contributing 180.9 total yards per game. His ability to balance both the passing and running game will be crucial in keeping Bismarck’s defense off balance.
• John Davis (Linebacker): Davis has been a key defensive force, averaging 11.9 tackles per game. His ability to make plays in the backfield and contain Bismarck’s powerful offense will be crucial for Atkins’ chances.

Bismarck:

• Caedmon Keithley (Running Back/Quarterback): Keithley is a dynamic playmaker for Bismarck, contributing 98.5 rushing yards per game and 147.9 passing yards per game. His versatility and ability to make plays in multiple phases of the game will be a major weapon against Atkins’ defense.
• Ben Keithley (Quarterback): Keithley has been a solid performer for Bismarck, accounting for 147.9 passing yards per game. His accuracy and decision-making in the passing game will be key to opening up Bismarck’s offensive attack.
• Zane Talbert (Defensive End): Talbert leads the defensive charge with 6.6 tackles per game. His pass-rushing ability and playmaking on defense will be pivotal in limiting Atkins’ offensive production.

Team Stat Comparison:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Atkins averages 236.0 rushing yards per game, while Bismarck follows closely behind with 206.9. Both teams rely heavily on their ground game, making this a battle of the backs. The team that can establish the run and control the clock will have a significant advantage.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Atkins averages 155.4 passing yards per game, while Bismarck averages 172.8. Bismarck has shown more ability to air the ball out, and Atkins will need to step up their secondary defense to counteract Bismarck’s passing attack.
• Total Yards Per Game: Atkins averages 391.4 total yards per game, slightly ahead of Bismarck’s 379.7. Both teams are capable of putting up significant yardage, but Atkins may have a slight edge in total offensive production.
• Points Per Game: Atkins scores 34.4 points per game, while Bismarck puts up 40.8. Bismarck’s offensive firepower has been a hallmark of their success, and Atkins will need to match that production to stay competitive in this high-scoring affair.

Pancake Blocks:

Bismarck’s offensive line has been a major strength, with the team registering 53 pancake blocks on the season. In comparison, Atkins has just 1 pancake block, which may suggest a disparity in the trenches. Bismarck’s offensive line will look to dominate the line of scrimmage, which could make a significant difference in the run game.

Conclusion:

This playoff game between Atkins and Bismarck promises to be an exciting, hard-fought contest. With both teams boasting high-powered offenses and capable defenses, it will come down to which team can execute their game plan most effectively.

Bismarck enters the game as the favorite, with an undefeated record and a potent offense led by Caedmon Keithley and his ability to run and pass. However, Atkins has the tools to pull off an upset, with a strong running game and a solid defense led by Jaden Martin and John Davis. The battle in the trenches will be key, as Bismarck’s offensive line looks to assert dominance and control the line of scrimmage.

For Atkins, the key to victory will be maintaining balance on offense, mixing the run and pass effectively to keep Bismarck’s defense guessing. On the defensive side, they will need to contain Bismarck’s explosive playmakers and limit big plays, particularly through the air.

With both teams hungry for a playoff win, this matchup will surely provide plenty of excitement and drama. Expect fireworks as Atkins looks to end Bismarck’s perfect season and advance further into the playoffs.