The Poyen (AR) varsity football team will face Bigelow (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, within the 2A Football State Bracket. Both teams are looking to advance in the tournament and keep their championship hopes alive.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Bigelow vs Poyen
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 2A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Poyen and Bigelow Set for 2A Playoff Clash

The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs are in full swing, and tonight at 7 p.m., the Poyen (7-3) varsity football team will face Bigelow (6-3) in a neutral-site game as part of the 2A Football State Bracket. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams aiming to advance to the next round of the postseason.

Team Overview

Poyen enters the game with a solid 7-3 overall record, backed by a strong 5-2 conference performance. The Indians have been an efficient offensive unit this season, averaging 29.2 points per game. They have shown particular strength in the second and third quarters, where they average 9.0 and 10.0 points, respectively. While their offense slows down somewhat in the fourth quarter, their ability to generate consistent scoring has made them a formidable opponent all season. Defensively, Poyen has allowed 193 points, which is a relatively low number compared to many of the teams in their bracket.

Bigelow, on the other hand, has had a successful season, finishing 6-3 with a 6-1 record in conference play. Their offense has averaged 26.6 points per game, with a balanced scoring attack across the game. They score an average of 4.7 points in each of the four quarters, showing consistency throughout the game. Bigelow’s defense has been strong as well, allowing only 154 points, giving them a solid foundation as they head into the postseason. With a strong conference performance, Bigelow will be confident heading into the matchup, knowing they have handled tough competition throughout the season.

Key Stats

Bigelow:

• Record: 6-3
• Conference Record: 6-1
• Points Scored: 239
• Points Allowed: 154
• Points Per Game: 26.6
• Scoring Average:
  • Q1: 4.7
  • Q2: 5.0
  • Q3: 4.7
  • Q4: 4.7

Poyen:

• Record: 7-3
• Conference Record: 5-2
• Points Scored: 292
• Points Allowed: 193
• Points Per Game: 29.2
• Scoring Average:
  • Q1: 0
  • Q2: 9.0
  • Q3: 10.0
  • Q4: 4.0

What to Watch

For Poyen, their offense has been most effective in the second and third quarters, where they average nearly 19 points combined. If they can carry that momentum into the first quarter, where they have struggled, they could take control of the game early. Their defense will also need to step up, as Bigelow’s balanced attack will test their ability to limit scoring opportunities.

Bigelow’s consistency across all four quarters has been one of their strengths. While their scoring output is more evenly spread out, they will need to capitalize on any mistakes from Poyen, particularly in the early moments of the game. Bigelow’s defense, which has allowed only 154 points this season, will need to continue to be a strong unit to stop Poyen’s potent offense.

Conclusion

This 2A playoff game is shaping up to be an exciting contest between two well-matched teams. Poyen enters the game with a slight edge in overall offensive production, while Bigelow brings consistency and solid defensive play. Poyen will need to find a way to improve their scoring in the first quarter and maintain their momentum, while Bigelow will look to control the tempo with their steady offensive attack.

With both teams bringing strengths to the table, this game is expected to be a thrilling and competitive affair, with a spot in the next round of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs on the line. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle as both teams strive to keep their championship hopes alive.

As the football season heats up, two teams with solid records—Bigelow and Poyen—are set to square off in what promises to be an intriguing matchup. With both teams showing strong performances this season, this game could be a key test for each squad as they look to secure a place in the postseason. Here’s a closer look at both teams’ stats, records, and their performance against common opponents.

Overall Record Comparison

• Bigelow (6-3 overall, 6-1 league):
  Bigelow enters this matchup with a solid overall record of 6-3. With a 6-1 league record, they have been dominant in their conference, and their only league loss has not slowed them down much. They’ve shown resilience in both league and non-league play, and they will be looking to build momentum for a playoff push.
• Poyen (7-3 overall, 5-2 league):
  Poyen comes into this game with an impressive 7-3 overall record, with a slightly better non-league performance (2-1). In their league play, Poyen has been competitive, posting a 5-2 record. While their overall performance has been strong, they’ll need to keep up their winning ways in the latter part of the season to finish on a high note.

Offensive and Defensive Comparison

Both teams have performed well on offense, but each has unique strengths:

• Bigelow has been effective across both phases of the game. Their balanced offensive attack is bolstered by a strong defense, allowing them to control the tempo in most of their games. With an overall well-rounded approach, they’ve demonstrated their ability to win games with both offense and defense.
• Poyen also boasts a solid offense, with capable players on both the rushing and passing sides. Defensively, they have held their own, particularly in non-league games, but their league losses suggest areas of vulnerability that Bigelow could exploit if they can get their offense in gear.

Common Opponent: Mountain Pine

Both teams have faced Mountain Pine this season, and the results were identical: both Bigelow and Poyen secured shutout victories against Mountain Pine, with Bigelow winning 19-0 on October 11, 2024, and Poyen earning a 12-0 victory on August 30, 2024.

• Bigelow vs. Mountain Pine (10/11/24): Bigelow dominated their matchup, winning 19-0. Their defense stood tall, preventing Mountain Pine from scoring and allowing Bigelow to control the game.
• Poyen vs. Mountain Pine (8/30/24): Poyen also had a successful outing, securing a 12-0 win. Although the score was closer, Poyen still showed their defensive capabilities by shutting out Mountain Pine.

Both teams handled Mountain Pine with relative ease, but Bigelow’s larger margin of victory may be a slight indicator of their defensive strength, even though Poyen also demonstrated strong defensive play.

Home and Away Records

• Bigelow:
  • Home: 3-1
  • Away: 3-2
  • Bigelow has been strong at home, posting a 3-1 record. Their away performance has been good but not perfect, with 2 losses on the road.
• Poyen:
  • Home: 4-2
  • Away: 3-1
  • Poyen has been particularly strong on the road, with a 3-1 away record, showing they can win in tough environments. Their home record of 4-2 also suggests they are capable of performing in front of their fans.

Key Stats to Watch

• Bigelow has demonstrated strong all-around performance, with a defense that has allowed them to win games by significant margins. Their balance of offense and defense will be crucial against Poyen.
• Poyen has relied on strong defensive performances, but they will need to maintain their offensive production to keep pace with Bigelow, especially considering Bigelow’s ability to shut down opponents. Poyen’s defense will need to be at its best to contain Bigelow’s well-rounded attack.

Conclusion

While Bigelow comes in with a slightly lower overall win count (6-3), their dominance in the league (6-1) and strong defensive performances this season make them a formidable opponent. Poyen, with a 7-3 record, has had a solid campaign but will need to elevate their play against tougher competition to make an impact in this game.

Both teams have demonstrated their ability to handle Mountain Pine—a common opponent—with shutout victories, but Bigelow’s higher scoring margin might indicate that they are the more complete team. However, Poyen’s strong road performance and solid league play should not be underestimated. This matchup could go either way, and it will be crucial for both teams to perform well on both sides of the ball to secure a win.

Ultimately, it’s shaping up to be a competitive game between two solid teams with similar records, but Bigelow’s balance on both offense and defense could give them the edge in what promises to be a hard-fought contest.