The Bryant (AR) varsity football team will face Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, 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 spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arkansas State High School Football Playoff
Who: Bryant (AR) vs Pulaski Academy (AR)
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: Pulaski Academy vs. Bryant
As the high school football season winds down, two of Arkansas’ premier teams—Pulaski Academy and Bryant—are set to square off in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Bryant, undefeated at 11-0, enters the game as one of the most dominant teams in the state, while Pulaski Academy, with a 10-2 record, has demonstrated explosive offensive power and strong defensive capabilities.
Team Stat Comparison
Both teams bring potent offenses to the field, but Bryant has shown more offensive balance. Averaging 458.4 total yards per game, Bryant excels in both the running and passing games. Their ground game, led by Myron Thrash Jr. with 73.1 rushing yards per game, and their aerial attack, led by Jordan Walker with 195.0 passing yards per game, keep opposing defenses guessing. Bryant is also an offensive juggernaut, averaging 42.5 points per game, one of the highest marks in the state.
In comparison, Pulaski Academy has been equally impressive offensively, averaging 475.3 total yards per game, led by the dual-threat capabilities of Brandon Cobb. Cobb has put up 334.0 passing yards per game, along with 70.4 rushing yards per game, making him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the state. The team also boasts significant receiving yards with William Svoboda contributing 76.6 receiving yards per game. Their offensive versatility, averaging 34.8 points per game, is a testament to their ability to exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses.
On defense, Pulaski Academy has been more aggressive, recording 4.2 sacks per game, a notable advantage over Bryant’s modest 0.5 sacks per game. However, Bryant’s defense has been stifling in other ways, particularly in their ability to tackle, averaging 62.6 tackles per game, compared to Pulaski Academy’s 17.4 tackles per game.
Key Players to Watch
For Pulaski Academy, the key player is undoubtedly Brandon Cobb (#2). His ability to both pass and run effectively makes him a tough matchup for any defense. Cobb has been an offensive leader all season, with 334.0 passing yards per game and 70.4 rushing yards per game. His performance will likely be the determining factor in how well Pulaski Academy can control the pace of the game.
In addition to Cobb, William Svoboda (#8) is another important contributor, with 76.6 receiving yards per game, and he will be a key target in the passing game. Defensively, Kaden Nash (#9) has been a standout with 8.6 tackles per game, while Jackson Redman (#10) contributes with 1.3 sacks per game, making him a disruptive force in the backfield.
For Bryant, the standout players are Myron Thrash Jr. (#17), who leads the team in rushing with 73.1 rushing yards per game, and Jordan Walker (#13), who provides a solid aerial attack with 195.0 passing yards per game. Karter Ratliff (#12) has also been key in the passing game, contributing 67.9 receiving yards per game. On defense, Nick Miller (#9) is a tackle machine with 9.5 tackles per game, and Omar Sanchez (#95) adds pressure with 1.0 sack per game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced a similar slate of opponents this season, but Bryant holds the advantage with a 7-0 record against common opponents, while Pulaski Academy has a 5-1 record. Notably, both teams had dominant victories over North Little Rock, with Bryant winning 63-7 and Pulaski Academy winning 47-0. Other common victories include Cabot and Little Rock Christian Academy, where both teams posted impressive wins.
Record Breakdown
- Pulaski Academy: With a 10-2 overall record, Pulaski Academy has been strong throughout the season, including a 5-2 league record. Their lone league loss came to Conway, but they have bounced back with key victories in non-league and playoff games.
- Bryant: Bryant enters the game with an undefeated 11-0 record. Their 7-0 league record and 5-0 mark at home highlight their dominance in Arkansas football this season. The team has been virtually unstoppable, with a perfect 2-0 playoff record as well.
What to Watch For
- Offensive Showdown: Expect a high-scoring affair, as both teams boast explosive offenses. Pulaski Academy’s versatile attack, led by Brandon Cobb, will look to exploit Bryant’s defensive front. On the other hand, Bryant’s balanced offense, led by Myron Thrash Jr. and Jordan Walker, will look to overpower Pulaski Academy’s defense.
- Defensive Strategies: While Bryant has the advantage in tackles, Pulaski Academy’s ability to generate pressure with 4.2 sacks per game could be the difference in slowing down Bryant’s potent offense.
- Playoff Intensity: Both teams have shown resilience in the playoffs, and this game will be no different. Expect both teams to leave it all on the field, as they compete for a shot at a state title.
Prediction
While both teams have shown impressive form this season, Bryant’s undefeated record and superior defensive play, particularly their tackling, give them the edge in this matchup. However, Pulaski Academy’s explosive offense, led by the dual-threat abilities of Brandon Cobb, will keep them in the game. This one could come down to the wire, but Bryant’s defensive strength and balanced offensive attack should give them the slight advantage in what promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest.
