The Heber Springs (AR) varsity football team will take on Blytheville (AR) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, specifically within the 2024 4A Football State Bracket, as both teams compete for postseason success.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Blytheville vs Heber Springs
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: Blytheville vs. Heber Springs

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs heat up, the Blytheville and Heber Springs varsity football teams are set to meet in a neutral-site showdown on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 4A Football State Bracket, and with contrasting seasons behind them, both teams are hoping to continue their playoff journey with a win.

Blytheville’s Struggles and Playoff Hopes

Blytheville enters this playoff game with a 3-6 overall record, reflecting a challenging season. With a .333 win percentage, they have had difficulty finding consistency, particularly within their conference, where they finished 3-4. At home, they managed just 1-3, while their away record was slightly better at 2-3. Despite these struggles, Blytheville has shown flashes of strong play, particularly in their ability to score quickly.

Offensively, Blytheville has averaged 24.2 points per game, with a notable burst of scoring in the first quarter, averaging 16.0 points. However, they have struggled to maintain that momentum, especially in the second and fourth quarters, where they have been shut out in the latter. Their offense has been most potent in the first and third quarters, with 16.0 points in the first quarter and another 16.0 points in the third, but they will need to show more consistency to stay competitive against Heber Springs’ powerful offense.

Heber Springs’ Strong Season and Playoff Run

In contrast, Heber Springs has had a standout season, finishing with a 7-3 overall record and a .700 win percentage. They were dominant in conference play, posting a 6-1 record, and their balance between home and away games (3-2 and 4-1, respectively) has helped them secure a spot in the playoffs. Heber Springs enters the postseason with solid momentum and confidence.

Heber Springs has been an offensive powerhouse, averaging 34.2 points per game, one of the higher totals in the 4A classification. Their scoring is particularly strong in the second quarter, where they average 14.2 points. They also have steady production in the first quarter (4.0 points) but have struggled to keep the same momentum in the second half, particularly in the third and fourth quarters, where they average just 4.0 and 2.6 points, respectively. Despite these slowdowns, Heber Springs’ ability to pile up points early in the game often puts them in control before the second half.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When comparing Blytheville and Heber Springs head-to-head, it’s clear that Heber Springs enters the matchup with the advantage in both record and offensive production. Heber Springs’ 34.2 points per game far outpaces Blytheville’s 24.2 points per game, and their consistent offensive output, particularly in the second quarter, will likely pose a challenge for Blytheville’s defense.

Defensively, Heber Springs has allowed 238 points over the course of the season, while Blytheville has given up 245 points. Both teams have shown vulnerabilities, but Heber Springs’ higher-scoring offense and better overall record give them a clear edge heading into this matchup.

What to Expect in the Playoff Matchup

For Blytheville to have a chance at pulling off an upset, they will need to take advantage of their fast starts and build on the momentum from their first-quarter scoring. If they can continue to score effectively in the third quarter while tightening up their defense, they might be able to pressure Heber Springs into making mistakes. Blytheville will also need to avoid the offensive lulls that have plagued them, particularly in the second and fourth quarters, to stay competitive.

Heber Springs, on the other hand, will look to exploit Blytheville’s defensive weaknesses early and often. Their ability to score in bursts, especially in the second quarter, could put them in a commanding position. If they can maintain their offensive production and avoid falling into the scoring droughts that have affected them late in games, they should be well-positioned to secure the win and advance in the 4A Football State Bracket.

Conclusion

This 4A playoff game presents a classic matchup between a team with an explosive offense (Heber Springs) and a team that will need to find more consistency (Blytheville). Heber Springs has the edge in overall record, scoring, and balance, making them the favorite heading into the game. Blytheville, however, will look to start strong and capitalize on any weaknesses in Heber Springs’ game plan. With both teams eager to keep their playoff hopes alive, this game is sure to be a hard-fought contest with plenty of drama.

The 2024-2025 football season has seen both Blytheville and Heber Springs facing their respective challenges, with Blytheville struggling to find consistency and Heber Springs maintaining a solid overall record. The two teams are gearing up for key matchups, and a breakdown of their performances reveals insights into what to expect as the season progresses.

Team Stat Comparison

Blytheville

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 36.4
• Passing Yards Per Game: 32.0
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 32.0
• Total Yards Per Game: 68.4
• Tackles Per Game: 19.2
• Sacks Per Game: 0.3

Blytheville has faced significant offensive struggles, with a total of 68.4 yards per game. Their rushing and passing numbers are both modest, with Jamarrion Johnson being the standout on offense, leading both the rushing and passing games. Despite his individual efforts, the Blytheville offense has not been able to generate consistent production. Defensively, Chris Hatcher has been a key contributor, averaging 19.2 tackles per game, but the team still struggles to make a significant impact in terms of sacks or overall defensive efficiency.

Heber Springs

• Rushing Yards Per Game: N/A
• Passing Yards Per Game: N/A
• Receiving Yards Per Game: N/A
• Total Yards Per Game: N/A
• Tackles Per Game: N/A
• Sacks Per Game: N/A

Heber Springs has had a more successful season overall, with a 7-3 record. The team has been able to generate a more balanced offense and solid defensive play, especially in their league games. However, as with Blytheville, their offense is led by key players capable of making significant impacts both through the air and on the ground. Heber Springs’ strong overall performance has been aided by the leadership of their key offensive and defensive players.

Team Leaders

Blytheville

• Jamarrion Johnson: 87.0 Rushing Yards Per Game, 217.0 Passing Yards Per Game, 304.0 Total Yards Per Game
• Derick King: 76.0 Receiving Yards Per Game
• Chris Hatcher: 19.2 Tackles Per Game, 0.3 Sacks Per Game

Heber Springs

• TBD: Key Offensive and Defensive Contributors
• Heber Springs is likely to have offensive leaders similar to Blytheville, though their overall play has been more balanced this season, particularly in terms of offensive efficiency and defensive performance.

Jamarrion Johnson has been a dual-threat for Blytheville, contributing significantly both as a rusher and passer. Derick King has been the main receiving threat for Blytheville. On the defensive side, Chris Hatcher has led the team in tackles, but Blytheville’s inability to generate pressure through sacks is a noticeable area of concern.

Common Opponents

Both Blytheville and Heber Springs have faced Mills University Studies, with both teams suffering losses:

• Blytheville vs. Mills University Studies (8/30/24): Blytheville lost 46-6
• Heber Springs vs. Mills University Studies (10/4/24): Heber Springs lost 41-0

While both teams were defeated by Mills University Studies, Heber Springs showed more resilience in terms of keeping the game competitive for a longer period. This comparison highlights Blytheville’s struggles to match up against tougher competition.

Record Breakdown

Blytheville

• Overall Record: 3-6
• League Record: 3-4
• Non-League Record: 0-2
• Home Record: 1-3
• Away Record: 2-3
• Playoff Record: 0-0
• In-State Record: 3-6
• Out-of-State Record: 0-0

Blytheville has endured a tough season, particularly with their non-league performance, which has seen them fall short in games outside of their conference. Their 3-4 league record indicates that they are competitive in their division but have been unable to put together enough consistent performances to challenge for a higher standing.

Heber Springs

• Overall Record: 7-3
• League Record: 6-1
• Non-League Record: 1-2
• Home Record: 3-2
• Away Record: 4-1
• Playoff Record: 0-0
• In-State Record: 7-3
• Out-of-State Record: 0-0

Heber Springs has had a strong campaign, boasting a 7-3 record, with their most impressive performances coming in league play, where they are 6-1. Their ability to win away games has been a key factor in their success, and their non-league record, while not perfect, shows that they have competed well outside their division.

Key Takeaways

• Blytheville has struggled this season, particularly with offensive consistency. While Jamarrion Johnson has been a bright spot, the team has faced difficulties across the board, and their inability to generate a reliable rushing or passing attack has hindered their ability to compete.
• Heber Springs, on the other hand, has shown more overall strength, particularly in league play. Their solid 7-3 record and strong performances against common opponents like Mills University Studies suggest that the team is in better form overall and has the tools to make a deep run in their league.

While both teams have had challenges, Heber Springs has proven to be the more consistent and successful team this season. Blytheville will need to address its offensive inefficiencies and strengthen its defensive line to improve their standing in future matchups.