The Mills University Studies varsity football team will face Clinton today at 7 p.m. in a neutral-site playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 4A Football State Bracket, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Clinton vs Mills University Studies
When: Friday, November 22, 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: Clinton vs. Mills University Studies

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs heat up, one of the most exciting matchups in the 4A bracket features Clinton and Mills University Studies. With Clinton coming in at 10-2 and Mills University Studies remaining undefeated at 9-0, both teams will be eager to prove themselves in this neutral-site playoff game. This clash promises to deliver a thrilling contest as both teams fight for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

Clinton: A High-Scoring Offense with Strong Road Performances

Clinton enters this game with an impressive 10-2 record, finishing 5-2 in conference play. The Yellowjackets have been solid both at home (3-2) and on the road (6-0), with their perfect neutral-site record (1-0) adding confidence heading into this playoff game. Their offense has been potent all season, averaging 36.1 points per game. Clinton’s scoring has been balanced, with 15.3 points in the first quarter and 15.5 in the second. However, their scoring dips significantly in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they average just 1.8 points.

Clinton’s success has been driven by its strong early-game performance, and the team will need to maintain that early momentum to have a chance against the undefeated Mills University Studies squad. Their ability to finish strong will be tested, as Mills has been dominant throughout the game this season.

Mills University Studies: Dominant Defense and Explosive Offense

Mills University Studies enters this game as one of the most dominant teams in Arkansas, finishing the regular season with a perfect 9-0 record. The Comets are not only undefeated but also finished a perfect 7-0 in conference play, making them the team to beat in the 4A bracket. Mills has been exceptional on both sides of the ball, with an explosive offense averaging 48.1 points per game, and a defense that has allowed just 61 points all season.

The Comets have been especially impressive in the first quarter, where they average a remarkable 21.5 points. They maintain a solid offensive pace throughout the game, scoring 14.0 points in the second quarter, 7.0 in the third, and 4.0 in the fourth. Mills’ offense has been relentless, and they will look to continue their high-scoring ways in this playoff game.

Defensively, Mills University Studies has allowed only 61 points all season, an average of just 6.8 points per game. Their ability to shut down opposing offenses will be critical in this matchup, especially against a high-scoring team like Clinton. If Mills can control the tempo and limit Clinton’s offensive production, they will have a strong chance to move forward in the playoffs.

Key Matchup Factors

The key to this matchup will be Clinton’s ability to generate offense against Mills’ suffocating defense. Clinton has scored early and often this season, but their struggle to maintain scoring in the second half could be a significant disadvantage against a team like Mills, who has consistently put up big numbers all game.

On the other hand, Mills will look to continue its strong first-quarter performance and maintain offensive control throughout the game. With an explosive offense and nearly impenetrable defense, the Comets have all the tools necessary to win this contest. However, Clinton’s high-scoring offense could present a challenge, and Mills will need to keep the Yellowjackets from gaining momentum early.

As the postseason approaches, the matchup between Clinton and Mills University Studies stands as one of the most exciting contests on the horizon. Both teams have enjoyed stellar seasons, with Clinton boasting a 10-2 overall record and Mills University Studies remaining undefeated at 9-0. With a combination of high-powered offenses and solid defenses, this game is set to be a thrilling encounter.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensive Comparison:

• Rushing Attack: Clinton has a potent rushing attack, averaging 337.6 yards per game. The standout player for Clinton, Elijah Moody, contributes an impressive 153.0 rushing yards per game, leading his team in both rushing and total offense. Mills University Studies, however, has been equally dominant on the ground with a 337.6-yard-per-game average, although the individual stats for their leading rusher are not provided in this data.
• Passing Game: Clinton’s Elijah Moody is a dual-threat, not only excelling on the ground but also in the air. With 169.7 passing yards per game, he adds significant value to Clinton’s offense, making it difficult for defenses to key in on just one aspect of their game. Mills University Studies is a bit more balanced with 186.8 passing yards per game.
• Receiving: Chauncey Haynes of Clinton leads the team in receiving with 53.6 yards per game. Mills University Studies’ ability to gain 186.9 receiving yards per game shows their effectiveness in the passing game, although specific leading receivers are not listed.
• Total Yards: Clinton averages an impressive 524.3 total yards per game, a testament to their balanced offensive approach. Mills University Studies averages 524.3 total yards per game as well, though much of their success is driven by their ability to dominate on both the ground and in the air.

Defensive Comparison:

• Tackles: Clinton’s defense is aggressive, averaging 67.7 tackles per game, with Zion Smith leading the charge with 7.1 tackles per game. Mills University Studies has been slightly more effective in limiting yards, averaging 67.7 tackles per game, showing their commitment to controlling opposing offenses.
• Sacks: The Mills University Studies defense has been more disruptive with an average of 3.3 sacks per game, led by Isiah Chambers who contributes 1.0 sack per game. This ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks could play a crucial role in the outcome of the game.
• Points Per Game: Both teams are capable of putting up big numbers. Clinton averages 48.1 points per game, while Mills University Studies scores 48.1 points per game. This offensive firepower could lead to a high-scoring battle, but Clinton’s slightly more balanced attack could give them an edge.

Key Players to Watch

• Clinton:
  • Elijah Moody: Moody is the engine that drives Clinton’s offense. Averaging 153.0 rushing yards and 169.7 passing yards per game, Moody is a dynamic player who can take over a game with his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground.
  • Chauncey Haynes: Haynes provides a reliable receiving option for Clinton, contributing 53.6 receiving yards per game. His ability to stretch the field will keep Mills University Studies’ defense honest.
  • Zion Smith: Smith is the leader of Clinton’s defense, recording 7.1 tackles per game. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be key in this matchup.
• Mills University Studies:
  • Isiah Chambers: Chambers leads the defensive front with 1.0 sack per game. His ability to pressure Clinton’s quarterbacks could be a game-changer, forcing mistakes and disrupting their rhythm.
  • Elijah Moody (Mills University Studies): While the specific leader for rushing and passing in Mills University Studies is not listed, their overall ability to rack up yards, especially in the air, suggests that they have effective playmakers who can exploit Clinton’s defense.

Record Breakdown

• Clinton (10-2):
  • 5-2 in league play
  • 4-0 in non-league play
  • 3-2 at home, 6-0 away
  • 1-0 in neutral site games
  • 10-2 in-state record
• Mills University Studies (9-0):
  • 7-0 in league play
  • 2-0 in non-league play
  • 3-0 at home, 6-0 away
  • 0-0 in neutral site games
  • 9-0 in-state record

Mills University Studies’ perfect record in league play and impressive away performance (6-0) suggest that they are formidable contenders, but Clinton’s overall success, particularly on the road, makes them a strong rival.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against common opponents, giving a glimpse into how they perform against similar competition:

• Riverview: Clinton won 52-20 at home, while Mills University Studies defeated Riverview 63-7 at home.
• Heber Springs: Clinton triumphed 31-14 at home, while Mills University Studies won 41-0 on the road.

Conclusion

The upcoming game between Clinton and Mills University Studies is shaping up to be an exciting clash of offensive powerhouses. Clinton, led by the dual-threat ability of Elijah Moody, boasts a balanced and explosive offense that can dominate both through the air and on the ground. Meanwhile, Mills University Studies, though not as well known for individual offensive stats, has proven their ability to put up big numbers and is still undefeated for a reason. Their defense, with a high sack rate and strong tackling numbers, could be the key to slowing down Clinton’s attack.

Both teams are well-coached and come into this game with the intent to continue their successful seasons. While Mills University Studies’ perfect record and strong defensive stats make them a formidable opponent, Clinton’s ability to score quickly and efficiently gives them a slight edge. Ultimately, this game could come down to which team can control the tempo—if Clinton can establish their running game early, it could be difficult for Mills University Studies to keep pace. The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.