Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas State Football Championship
Who: Fordyce vs Bismarck
When: Today, December 06, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 3A Football State Bracket
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Fordyce vs. Bismarck

As the Arkansas high school football season progresses, the much-anticipated matchup between Fordyce and Bismarck is drawing attention. Both teams have been dominant throughout the season, boasting undefeated records and impressive individual performances. With similar strengths in key areas, this game is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Let’s dive into the team statistics, individual leaders, and overall records to explore what makes this matchup so compelling.

Team Stat Comparison

Rushing Yards Per Game:
Bismarck holds the advantage when it comes to rushing yards, averaging 216.1 per game. Fordyce, however, has not recorded specific rushing statistics, but Bismarck’s strong running game will likely be a key factor in their strategy. Fordyce’s defense will need to be prepared to stop the ground attack from Bismarck to remain competitive.

Passing Yards Per Game:
Fordyce does not have detailed passing statistics available, but Bismarck’s passing attack is strong, averaging 169.2 yards per game. This balanced offensive attack gives Bismarck the ability to threaten both in the air and on the ground, making them a difficult team to defend.

Receiving Yards Per Game:
Bismarck also outpaces Fordyce in receiving yards, with 164.6 per game compared to Fordyce’s unspecified numbers. Their ability to move the ball through the air complements their solid rushing attack, adding another dimension to their offense.

Total Yards Per Game:
Bismarck again leads with 385.3 total yards per game, giving them a significant advantage in terms of overall offensive production. Fordyce’s total offensive output is not available, but Bismarck’s ability to mix up their offensive play calling makes them a formidable opponent.

Tackles Per Game:
Fordyce averages 52.3 tackles per game, which suggests a very active and involved defense. Bismarck’s defense is also solid, but Fordyce’s higher tackle count indicates that they might be more aggressive in stopping the ball carrier. This could make for a tough contest for Bismarck’s offense.

Sacks Per Game:
Bismarck’s defense has struggled to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, averaging only 0.6 sacks per game. In contrast, Fordyce’s defense is slightly more effective in this area, with 0.3 sacks per game. Both teams will need to rely on more than just the sack to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm.

Points Per Game:
Bismarck has the edge in scoring, averaging 40.4 points per game, while Fordyce’s top player, Caedmon Keithley, leads his team with 13.0 points per game. Bismarck’s ability to put up points quickly gives them a dangerous offensive presence, whereas Fordyce will rely on efficiency and ball control to stay in the game.

Pancake Blocks:
Bismarck leads with 66 pancake blocks, which indicates a strong offensive line that excels at clearing paths for their ball carriers. Fordyce will need to match this physicality up front to prevent Bismarck from establishing a consistent running game.

Team Leaders

Fordyce:

• Caedmon Keithley leads the team in rushing yards (92.3 yards per game) and points per game (13.0).
• Ben Keithley leads the passing game with 147.4 yards per game and contributes significantly to total yards with 204.4 per game.
• Preston Hughes leads the receiving corps with 39.3 yards per game.
• Zane Talbert is the defensive leader with 7.0 tackles per game, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
• Zane Talbert also contributes to the pass rush with 0.3 sacks per game.

Bismarck:

• Caedmon Keithley leads Fordyce in rushing yards, while Tayejion Player is Bismarck’s leader on the ground with 92.3 yards per game.
• Ben Keithley also plays a key role for Fordyce, while Bismarck’s top passer is Antonio Casias, who contributes 169.2 yards per game to a balanced attack.
• Preston Hughes leads Fordyce’s receiving game, while Julian (Juju) Stubblefield leads Bismarck with 94.8 receiving yards per game.
• Zane Talbert leads Fordyce in tackles with 7.0 per game, while Jayson Burkhard leads Bismarck with 7.4 tackles per game.
• Both teams rely on solid pancake-blocking, with Caleb Eads contributing 19 pancake blocks for Fordyce and Ronan Saloman adding 73 for Bismarck.

Common Opponents

Both Fordyce and Bismarck have faced common opponents this season, and their results against these teams show their similar dominance:

• Mineral Springs: Fordyce won 58-10, while Bismarck won 62-14. Both teams defeated Mineral Springs by significant margins, demonstrating their offensive firepower.

Record Breakdown

Fordyce (13-0):
Fordyce enters the game with a perfect 13-0 record. They have been dominant both at home (5-0) and on the road (5-0). Fordyce has shown their strength in league play with a 7-0 record and has also been successful in the playoffs, going 3-0.

Bismarck (12-0):
Bismarck also remains undefeated, with a 12-0 record. They too have been flawless at home (5-0) and on the road (5-0). Bismarck is another team that has shown their ability to win in the playoffs, boasting a 2-0 record in postseason play.

Conclusion

This matchup between Fordyce and Bismarck promises to be a highly competitive battle between two undefeated teams. Bismarck brings a powerful offensive attack with both a strong rushing game and passing threat, while Fordyce will rely on their aggressive defense to stop Bismarck’s high-scoring offense.

Both teams have demonstrated their strength against common opponents, and with a mix of talented individuals and well-rounded team performances, this game is poised to be one of the best of the season. The outcome will depend on which team can control the line of scrimmage, avoid mistakes, and execute their game plan under pressure.

Whether it’s Bismarck’s explosive offense or Fordyce’s defensive grit, expect an intense and thrilling showdown between these two powerhouse teams.