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

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Cabot vs Bryant
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 7A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Cabot vs. Bryant

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 7A Football State Bracket heats up, a highly anticipated neutral-site matchup takes place today between Cabot (AR) and Bryant (AR). With contrasting records and momentum, this game presents an intriguing contest. Let’s dive into the rankings, records, and key stats ahead of this playoff showdown.

Rankings and Records

• Cabot: Cabot enters the game with a 5-6 overall record, ranking 16th in Arkansas and 7th in their class. Their season has been a mix of ups and downs, with a 3-4 conference record. At home, they struggled with a 1-4 record, but they were more successful away (3-2). In neutral-site games, Cabot has shown resilience with a perfect 1-0 record. Their offense has scored 317 points, while their defense has allowed 399, showcasing challenges in both scoring and defense.
• Bryant: Bryant, on the other hand, boasts an undefeated 10-0 record, ranking 94th nationally and 1st in Arkansas overall. Their perfect 7-0 conference record is a testament to their dominance throughout the season. Bryant has been strong at both home (5-0) and away (5-0), proving their ability to perform in all environments. With 503 points scored and only 141 allowed, Bryant has been both explosive offensively and impenetrable defensively.

Team Scoring Averages

• Cabot: Cabot averages 28.8 points per game, with their scoring being relatively steady throughout the game. They average 4.7 points in the first and fourth quarters, with a stronger performance in the second quarter (8.7 points) and a slight dip in the third quarter (5.4 points). Their challenge will be to keep pace with Bryant’s high-powered offense.
• Bryant: Bryant’s offense has been explosive, averaging 50.3 points per game. They start strong, with an average of 19.2 points in the first quarter and 13.6 in the second. Their scoring slows slightly in the third (11.1 points) and fourth quarters (6.4 points), but their first-half dominance has given them the upper hand throughout the season.

What to Watch For

• Bryant’s High Scoring Attack: Bryant’s ability to score quickly and in high volumes has been their trademark. With nearly 50 points per game, they will look to overwhelm Cabot early in the game, especially in the first quarter where they average over 19 points.
• Cabot’s Defensive Strategy: Cabot will need to find a way to slow down Bryant’s high-powered offense. With their defense allowing nearly 400 points this season, limiting Bryant’s scoring will be a significant challenge. The key for Cabot will be making adjustments and finding ways to neutralize Bryant’s quick start.
• Cabot’s Offensive Consistency: While Cabot has shown some offensive balance, averaging nearly 29 points per game, their ability to consistently keep pace with Bryant’s offense will be vital. They’ll need to capitalize on every scoring opportunity and maintain pressure throughout the game.

Key Questions

• Can Cabot’s defense find a way to slow down Bryant’s explosive offense, especially in the first half?
• Will Bryant continue their dominant scoring, or can Cabot find a way to disrupt their rhythm?
• How will the neutral-site setting impact both teams’ performance, especially with Bryant’s strong road record?

As the two teams prepare for this pivotal playoff game, the stakes are high for both. Bryant’s perfect season and offensive firepower make them the favorites, but Cabot will look to play spoiler and prove they have the resilience to keep up. This clash is sure to be an exciting contest, with both teams fighting for a place in the next round of the playoffs.

The high school football season is winding down, and the highly anticipated matchup between the Cabot Panthers and the Bryant Hornets is set to be one of the marquee games. With contrasting records and distinct team strengths, this game promises to deliver an exciting showdown. While Bryant is undefeated and has been a dominant force throughout the season, Cabot has fought hard through a mix of tough league and non-league games. Let’s dive into the team statistics, standout players, and key storylines leading into this critical contest.

Team Stat Comparison

Cabot’s Offensive and Defensive Breakdown:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 235.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 225.3
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 226.9
• Total Yards Per Game: 460.5
• Tackles Per Game: 19.1
• Sacks Per Game: 0.6
• Points Per Game: 42.2

Cabot has been impressive offensively, averaging over 460 yards per game across both the run and pass. Their potent rushing attack, combined with a strong passing game, makes them one of the most well-rounded teams in the state. However, their defense, though solid, averages just over 19 tackles per game and only 0.6 sacks per game, which might be a point of concern against a team like Bryant that can quickly take advantage of any gaps.

Bryant’s Offensive and Defensive Breakdown:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 235.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 225.3
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 226.9
• Total Yards Per Game: 460.5
• Tackles Per Game: 19.1
• Sacks Per Game: 0.6
• Points Per Game: 42.2

Bryant’s statistics mirror Cabot’s almost identically, with both teams showing exceptional offensive firepower. Bryant’s defense, however, has been even more impressive this season, with an undefeated record to prove it. Their defensive line has been dominant in limiting scoring opportunities, and they have been able to shut down even the best offensive teams with ease.

Key Players to Watch

Cabot’s Standouts:

• Jordan Walker (#13) – Passing Yards Per Game: 205.4
  Walker has been the engine behind Cabot’s offensive success, with over 200 passing yards per game. His ability to read defenses and deliver pinpoint passes will be critical against Bryant’s defense.
• Myron Thrash Jr. (#17) – Rushing Yards Per Game: 71.6
  As Cabot’s primary running back, Thrash has been a constant threat on the ground. He’ll need to keep Bryant’s defense honest and create balance for the offense to be most effective.
• Karter Ratliff (#12) – Receiving Yards Per Game: 67.9
  Ratliff is a top target for Walker and has been a reliable option in the passing game. His ability to make big plays down the field will be essential in stretching Bryant’s defense.
• Nick Miller – Tackles Per Game: 9.5
  Miller leads the defensive unit and will need to be at his best in containing Bryant’s explosive offense.

Bryant’s Standouts:

• Kamauri Austin (#8) – Points Per Game: 9.0
  Austin is Bryant’s offensive weapon, contributing significantly in both the running and passing games. His versatility makes him a tough matchup for any defense.
• Jordan Walker (#13) – Passing Yards Per Game: 205.4
  Bryant’s quarterback, Walker, has been instrumental in Bryant’s success. His ability to connect with his receivers and control the tempo of the game is a big reason for Bryant’s undefeated record.
• Nick Miller – Tackles Per Game: 9.5
  A true defensive leader, Miller has shown time and time again that he is a difference-maker on the field.

Record Breakdown and Head-to-Head Results

• Overall Record: Cabot (5-6) vs. Bryant (10-0)
• League Record: Cabot (3-4) vs. Bryant (7-0)
• Non-League Record: Cabot (1-2) vs. Bryant (3-0)
• Home/Away Record: Cabot (3-3) vs. Bryant (5-0)

While Cabot has a solid 5-6 overall record, they’ve faced a tough schedule and have fought hard in both league and non-league games. Bryant, on the other hand, enters the game undefeated and has been dominant in every aspect of the game. With an impressive 6-0 record against common opponents, Bryant will look to continue their perfect season.

Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced teams like Little Rock Christian Academy, Little Rock Southwest, and Conway. While Bryant has won all of these matchups, Cabot has had a few narrow losses, which highlights their competitive spirit despite the challenges they’ve faced.

Analysis and What to Expect

Bryant enters this game with the upper hand, undefeated and dominating on both sides of the ball. Their offensive efficiency, combined with their stifling defense, makes them a tough opponent for any team. Cabot, however, has shown resilience all season long. Their offense, particularly through Jordan Walker’s passing and Myron Thrash Jr.’s rushing, will need to be at its best to challenge Bryant’s formidable defense.

For Cabot to have a chance, they’ll need to control the tempo of the game by establishing the run and hitting big plays in the passing game. They’ll also need to get creative defensively to slow down Bryant’s high-powered offense. Bryant’s depth and balance on offense, along with their ability to make stops, make them the favorites, but Cabot has the potential to pull off an upset if they can play mistake-free football and take advantage of any opportunities.

Conclusion

This game is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with Bryant looking to continue their unbeaten streak while Cabot fights to prove they can compete with the best. With both teams averaging over 460 total yards per game, this game will likely come down to which defense can make more plays and which offense can capitalize on the opportunities presented. Fans can expect a high-scoring affair and a fierce battle as these two teams look to make their mark on the season.