The Conway (AR) varsity football team will face Bentonville (AR) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 7A Football State Bracket, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance to the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas State High School Football Playoff

Who: Bentonville vs Conway
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 7A Football State Bracket
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Bentonville vs. Conway

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs continue, the Bentonville (AR) varsity football team is set to face Conway (AR) in a highly anticipated neutral-site matchup today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 7A Football State Bracket, where both teams will battle for a chance to advance further into the playoffs.

Rankings & Records

• Bentonville
  • Overall Record: 8-3
  • Conference Record: 7-0
  • Home Record: 4-1
  • Away Record: 3-2
  • Neutral Record: 1-0
  • Win Percentage: .727
  • Conference Win Percentage: 1.000
  • Points For (PF): 448
  • Points Against (PA): 256
  • Class: 4

Bentonville enters the game with a strong 8-3 record, having been undefeated in conference play. Their offense has averaged 40.7 points per game this season, with a balanced attack that can produce big plays throughout the game. The Tigers are a team that plays well on the road and will be looking to continue their postseason run with a victory in this playoff game.

• Conway
  • Overall Record: 10-1
  • Conference Record: 6-1
  • Home Record: 5-0
  • Away Record: 4-1
  • Neutral Record: 1-0
  • Win Percentage: .909
  • Conference Win Percentage: .857
  • Points For (PF): 522
  • Points Against (PA): 205
  • Class: 2

Conway has had an impressive season, with a 10-1 overall record. The Wampus Cats have dominated in all aspects of the game, averaging 47.5 points per game while allowing only 205 points throughout the season. Their defense has been strong, and their offense, led by a powerful rushing attack and efficient passing game, has been nearly unstoppable. Conway enters this game as the higher-ranked team and will look to carry their momentum into the playoffs.

Scoring Averages and Key Trends

• Bentonville
  • First Quarter: 9.9
  • Second Quarter: 15.9
  • Third Quarter: 8.6
  • Fourth Quarter: 6.9
  • Average Final Score: 40.7

Bentonville has been particularly effective in the first half, averaging 25.8 points in the opening two quarters. Their offense tends to slow down in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter, where they score just 6.9 points per game. Bentonville will need to find a way to maintain their offensive pace throughout the entire game to challenge Conway.

• Conway
  • First Quarter: 14.0
  • Second Quarter: 16.3
  • Third Quarter: 7.0
  • Fourth Quarter: 2.3
  • Average Final Score: 47.5

Conway has been a fast starter, averaging 30.3 points in the first half alone. Their scoring drops off significantly in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter. Despite this, their high-scoring first half usually gives them a comfortable lead. If Conway can extend their early-game dominance into the second half, they will be tough to beat.

Key Matchup Factors

1. Offensive Balance vs. High Scoring: While Bentonville has a balanced offense that can score at any point in the game, Conway’s explosive first-half scoring will test Bentonville’s ability to keep pace. Bentonville will need to find a way to stay competitive early and avoid falling behind by too much.
2. Defensive Strength: Conway’s defense has allowed just 205 points throughout the season, and it will be crucial for them to limit Bentonville’s offensive plays. Bentonville’s offense has been productive, but if they are unable to keep up with Conway’s high-scoring output, they could find themselves at a disadvantage.
3. Closing the Game: Bentonville tends to slow down in the second half, while Conway’s scoring drops off in the fourth quarter. The team that can execute and maintain their focus during the final stages of the game may emerge victorious.

What’s at Stake

Both teams are looking to continue their playoff runs in the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs. For Bentonville, this is an opportunity to prove they can compete with one of the state’s top teams and advance further in the 7A State Bracket. Conway, on the other hand, enters this game as one of the favorites and hopes to continue their dominant season with a trip to the next round.

This game promises to be a thrilling contest between two high-caliber teams. With explosive offenses and talented defenses, the winner of this matchup will move one step closer to achieving their ultimate goal of a state championship.

As the season progresses, two of Arkansas’ top high school football teams, Bentonville and Conway, are preparing for what could be a thrilling matchup. Both teams have had successful seasons thus far, with Bentonville sporting an 8-3 overall record and Conway holding a dominant 10-1 record. As both teams aim for further success in the postseason, their shared matchups against common opponents provide an interesting backdrop for the upcoming clash.

Common Opponents Overview

Both Bentonville and Conway have faced the same opponent this season: Rogers. The results of these games show some similarities in how both teams approached this challenge:

• Bentonville defeated Rogers 56-34 in a road game on October 25, 2024.
• Conway, on the other hand, also triumphed over Rogers, though in a slightly closer affair, winning 56-49 at home on November 22, 2024.

This shared victory against Rogers showcases that both teams were able to handle their business against a mutual opponent, though Conway’s win was a little tighter.

Record Breakdown

• Bentonville (24-25): With an 8-3 overall record, Bentonville has shown steady form throughout the season. The team posted a perfect 7-0 record in league play, indicating their dominance in conference matchups. However, their performance in non-league games was less consistent, with a 0-3 record. Bentonville has also excelled in home games, with a 4-1 record at home. Their lone head-to-head victory against Conway also boosts their confidence heading into future matchups.
• Conway (24-25): Conway enters this matchup with a stellar 10-1 overall record, including an impressive 6-1 league performance. The team has been strong both at home and on the road, with a perfect 5-0 record at home and a solid 4-1 away record. Conway’s only loss came in a tough non-league game, but their overall performance has been exceptional, making them one of the top contenders in the state.

Head-to-Head Comparison

In their one head-to-head meeting this season, Bentonville defeated Conway 1-0, giving them a psychological advantage if these two teams were to meet again. However, Conway’s overall strong record, coupled with their recent success in league play, suggests they have continued to improve since that loss.

The Matchup Moving Forward

The upcoming showdown between Bentonville and Conway is likely to be an exciting one. Bentonville’s balanced approach and strong league performance provide a solid foundation for success, while Conway’s impressive record and home-field advantage could make them a formidable opponent.

While the two teams have faced common opponents in the past, the upcoming matchup could come down to individual performances and how well each team adapts to the pressure. Bentonville’s experience and depth could help them challenge Conway, but the latter’s momentum and overall form give them the edge in this contest.

With both teams looking to make a deep run into the postseason, their meeting promises to be an exciting chapter in what has already been an action-packed season.