The Elkins (AR) varsity football team is set to play a neutral-site playoff game against Arkadelphia (AR) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 2024 4A 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 Football Championship
Who: Elkins (AR) vs Arkadelphia (AR)
When: Today, December 14, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 4A Football State Bracket
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Arkadelphia vs. Elkins

The football clash between Arkadelphia and Elkins is set to be a highly anticipated matchup, showcasing two teams with strong records and impressive performances. Arkadelphia enters with a 12-2 overall record, while Elkins boasts a perfect 14-0 season. Here’s a deep dive into how both teams stack up across key statistical categories.

Offensive Comparison

• Rushing Yards Per Game
  Elkins leads the charge on the ground, averaging 188.6 rushing yards per game. Their standout rusher, Jaquae Walden, is a key player, contributing 119.3 yards per game. In contrast, Arkadelphia’s rushing statistics are not available, but Elkins’ dominant rushing game could give them an edge in controlling the tempo.
• Passing Yards Per Game
  When it comes to passing, Ben Napier of Arkadelphia has been outstanding, averaging 154.9 passing yards per game, which ranks as the team’s highest total. Elkins, however, averages 165.6 passing yards per game, led by their quarterback, who has been effective in spreading the ball. Both teams are capable of moving the ball efficiently through the air, though Arkadelphia leans slightly more on their passing game.
• Receiving Yards Per Game
  Both teams show similar proficiency in their receiving game. Arkadelphia’s top receiver, Landon Martin, has tallied 56.5 receiving yards per game, while Elkins averages 164.5 receiving yards per game. The receiving yards per game stat shows Elkins’ passing attack has more depth, and they rely on it to complement their running game.
• Total Yards Per Game
  In terms of overall offensive production, Elkins edges out Arkadelphia, with 354.2 total yards per game compared to Arkadelphia’s slightly higher numbers, but specific data for Arkadelphia is not provided. Elkins’ balanced offense allows them to maintain an effective attack, while Arkadelphia’s higher total yards per game reflect a versatile offense that can adapt to different situations.

Defensive Comparison

While specific defensive statistics like tackles or sacks are not provided for either team, both teams have been strong overall, with Elkins allowing just 0 losses throughout the season, reflecting their ability to shut down opponents. Arkadelphia has a similar track record, allowing only two losses in their 12-2 season, and their defense has been solid in securing wins.

Scoring Comparison

• Points Per Game
  Both teams score significantly, with Elkins averaging 38.2 points per game and Arkadelphia not far behind with 31.5 points per game. This demonstrates that Elkins’ offense has been slightly more potent throughout the season, maintaining a higher scoring rate in their victories.

Team Leaders

• Arkadelphia:
  • Ben Napier leads the team with 179.0 total yards per game, excelling in both passing and contributing to the overall offensive production.
  • Landon Martin is the top receiver, with 56.5 receiving yards per game, contributing to the passing attack.
  • Jaquae Walden leads the team in scoring, with 11.7 points per game.
• Elkins:
  • Jaquae Walden, who leads the team in rushing with 119.3 yards per game, is also the primary offensive weapon for Elkins, contributing significantly to both their rushing attack and scoring.
  • Ben Napier leads Arkadelphia in passing, but Elkins has a more balanced offense, relying on both passing and rushing for their success.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have had impressive records throughout the season:

• Arkadelphia:
  • 7-0 in league play
  • 1-2 in non-league games
  • 4-1 at home
  • 4-1 away
  • 4-0 in playoff games
• Elkins:
  • 7-0 in league play
  • 3-0 in non-league games
  • 5-0 at home
  • 5-0 away
  • 4-0 in playoff games

Both teams excelled in their respective home and away games, with Elkins having a perfect season and Arkadelphia showing resilience despite two losses in non-league play.

Common Opponents

Both teams faced common opponents this season, and both emerged victorious in each of their matchups:

• Arkadelphia:
  • Malvern (W, 34-23)
  • Gentry (W, 46-14)
  • Dardanelle (W, 35-27)
• Elkins:
  • Malvern (W, 45-31)
  • Gentry (W, 45-20)
  • Dardanelle (W, 51-0)

Both teams have defeated their common opponents, with Elkins displaying a stronger margin of victory in most cases, especially in their rout of Dardanelle.

Conclusion

The Arkadelphia vs. Elkins matchup promises to be an exciting contest between two strong, high-scoring teams. Elkins’ potent rushing game and efficient passing attack make them a formidable opponent, while Arkadelphia’s balanced offense and standout leadership from Ben Napier and Jaquae Walden provide plenty of firepower. With both teams boasting undefeated records against common opponents, this game will showcase the strength of both teams’ offenses and determine who can secure victory when it matters most.