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

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas State Football Championship
Who: Elkins (AR) vs Mills University Studies (AR)
When: Today, December 06, 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: Mills University Studies vs. Elkins

As the football season winds down, two powerhouse teams—Mills University Studies and Elkins—are set to square off in what promises to be an intense and competitive contest. Both teams have enjoyed outstanding success, remaining undefeated throughout the regular season. Here’s a breakdown of how these teams compare across various key metrics and their journey so far.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensive and Defensive Statistics:

• Mills University Studies has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 310.4 rushing yards per game, paired with 169.7 passing yards and 169.8 receiving yards per game. Their total offensive production stands at a robust 480.1 yards per game. This ability to move the ball effectively in all areas of the offense has contributed to their impressive 43.5 points per game.
• Elkins, while not as dominant on the ground as Mills, still boasts a solid rushing attack, averaging 192.7 yards per game. Their passing and receiving game is equally strong, with 176.3 passing yards and 175.2 receiving yards per game, resulting in a total of 369.0 yards per game. Elkins averages 38.6 points per game, showing they can score at a high level as well.

On the defensive side, Mills University Studies averages 65.5 tackles per game and is able to generate a strong pass rush with 3.1 sacks per game. Elkins, though not having specific sack statistics, has shown its ability to control the game with a balanced offense and solid defense.

Key Team Leaders

• Mills University Studies is powered by standout player Elijah Moody (#4), who leads the team with 161.1 rushing yards per game. Moody has also contributed significantly to the passing game, with 171.1 passing yards per game, and has a total of 332.2 yards per game. He also scores 12.7 points per game, making him a dual-threat player.
  • Chauncey Haynes (#8) has been an excellent receiving option for Mills, averaging 61.9 receiving yards per game.
  • Zion Smith (#21) has been a key defensive presence, with 7.9 tackles per game and contributing 0.9 sacks per game.
• Elkins has also had strong performances from their leaders:
  • Jaquae Walden (#9) leads the team in rushing with 119.2 yards per game, while Ben Napier (#2) has been effective in the passing game, with 164.8 yards per game, contributing to the team’s 190.5 total yards per game. Napier also scores 11.6 points per game.
  • Landon Martin (#3) has been a top receiver, averaging 56.5 yards per game.
  • Jaquae Walden not only leads the team in rushing but also scores 11.6 points per game, making him a key factor in both the running and scoring games for Elkins.

Performance Against Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Warren, and both came away victorious. Mills University Studies won a thrilling game against Warren 47-40 on November 29, 2024, while Elkins defeated Warren 49-14 in an earlier matchup on September 13, 2024. These victories show that both teams are capable of handling tough competition, though Mills had a more high-scoring battle, while Elkins demonstrated a dominant defensive effort.

Record Breakdown

• Mills University Studies enters the matchup with an undefeated 12-0 overall record, including a perfect 7-0 record in league play. They’ve been perfect both at home (5-0) and on the road (6-0), showing they can dominate in any environment. Mills also has a 3-0 record in neutral-site games and a spotless 3-0 record in the playoffs.
• Elkins has matched Mills’ perfection, with a 13-0 record and a 7-0 mark in league play. Elkins has also been strong both at home (5-0) and away (6-0). They’ve maintained their perfect record through challenging matchups and have proven themselves in the playoffs with a 3-0 record.

Conclusion

With both teams undefeated and boasting high-powered offenses and solid defenses, the showdown between Mills University Studies and Elkins is shaping up to be one of the season’s most highly anticipated games. Mills University Studies will rely on Elijah Moody’s all-around offensive production, while Elkins will counter with a balanced attack led by Jaquae Walden’s rushing and Ben Napier’s passing.

Both teams have demonstrated their ability to win against tough opponents, and this matchup will be a true test of their championship credentials. With both sides having key playmakers on offense and defense, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with big plays, strategic coaching, and high stakes.