The Central (West Helena, AR) varsity football team faces Elkins (AR) today at 7 p.m. in a neutral-site playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, competing in the 4A Football State Bracket. Both teams are eager to advance in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Elkins vs Central
When: Friday, November 15, 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: Elkins vs. Central

As the high school football season progresses, two teams in the Arkansas region have made notable strides, each standing out in their respective ways. Here’s a closer look at the current standings and records for Elkins and Central, analyzing their performance and team scoring averages.

Elkins Eagles (24-25)

The Elkins Eagles have dominated the field this season with an undefeated record of 10-0 overall and a perfect 7-0 in conference play. The team’s performance on both home and away fields has been nothing short of spectacular, with a clean slate of 5-0 in both categories. Their overall win percentage is an impressive 1.000, matching their 1.000 conference win percentage, indicating consistent dominance in their competitive league.

• Overall Record: 10-0
• Conference Record: 7-0
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 5-0
• Win Percentage: 1.000
• Conference Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points For (PF): 487
• Points Against (PA): 75

The Elkins offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging a solid 48.7 points per game. Their scoring averages show a strong start in the first quarter (21.7 points) and a steady output in the second (14.0 points). However, their scoring drops in the latter parts of the game, with 8.9 points in the third and 4.1 points in the fourth. Despite this, their early dominance has often been enough to secure a commanding lead, leaving little opportunity for opponents to mount a comeback.

Central Tigers (24-25)

Central has had a respectable season, finishing with an 8-4 overall record. While they haven’t been as dominant as Elkins, their 4-4 conference record places them in the middle of the pack within their league. Their home and away performances have been balanced, with a 3-2 record at home and a stronger 5-2 record on the road.

• Overall Record: 8-4
• Conference Record: 4-4
• Home Record: 3-2
• Away Record: 5-2
• Win Percentage: .667
• Conference Win Percentage: .500
• Points For (PF): 336
• Points Against (PA): 317

Central’s offense has scored an average of 28.0 points per game this season. Their first-quarter scoring (8.4 points) is significantly lower than Elkins’, but they tend to pick up the pace as the game progresses, with a slight increase in the second (4.0 points), third (9.7 points), and fourth quarters (5.6 points). While they haven’t matched Elkins’ scoring power, their ability to adjust and remain competitive throughout the game is a strong testament to their resilience.

Key Comparisons

• Offensive Power: Elkins has clearly outperformed Central in terms of scoring, averaging nearly 20 more points per game. Their explosive first-quarter play allows them to build an insurmountable lead that most teams struggle to overcome.
• Defensive Strength: Elkins’ defense has been another standout factor, allowing just 75 points on the season. In comparison, Central has given up 317 points, a significant difference that shows how much tougher it has been for them to keep opponents from scoring.
• Scoring Trends: Elkins’ scoring tends to diminish in the second half, while Central’s numbers slightly improve after the first quarter. Central will need to develop more consistency in the first half of games to be more competitive against top-tier teams like Elkins.

As the 2024 season heads into the home stretch, Elkins and Central are set for an exciting clash that promises to showcase both teams’ strengths. Elkins, undefeated with a perfect 10-0 record, will face a strong Central team that has posted an 8-4 overall record. This matchup has playoff implications and is sure to be one to watch as both teams look to solidify their positions for the postseason.

Team Overview

• Elkins (10-0, 7-0 League)
  Elkins has been nearly perfect this season, entering the game with an impressive 10-0 overall record and a dominant 7-0 mark in league play. Their undefeated status speaks to a well-rounded and balanced team that has proven itself across both home and away games. With a solid offensive and defensive unit, Elkins has outclassed most of its opponents and will look to continue its strong run.
• Central (8-4, 4-4 League)
  Central enters the game with an 8-4 overall record, with a 4-4 mark in league play. They’ve been strong in non-league games, posting a perfect 4-0 record, but have had mixed results in league matchups. Despite their ups and downs, Central has shown they are capable of competing at a high level, evidenced by their victory over Warren (24-20) in a close, hard-fought contest. Their league record doesn’t tell the full story of their competitiveness and resilience.

Key Matchup Breakdown

• Elkins’ Strong All-Around Performance
  Elkins’ offense has been one of the top-performing units in the league, and their balance between the run and pass game has made them difficult to stop. With standout players like Jaquae Walden (96.0 rushing yards per game), Ben Napier (293.0 passing yards per game), and Landon Martin (136.0 receiving yards per game), Elkins boasts a versatile attack that can hit opponents in multiple ways. Their total offense (318.0 yards per game) reflects their ability to consistently move the ball, and their undefeated record shows just how effective they have been in executing their game plan.
• Central’s Strong Passing Attack
  Central will rely on its passing game to challenge Elkins’ defense. With Ben Napier leading the charge with 293.0 passing yards per game and Landon Martin contributing 136.0 receiving yards per game, Central has the weapons to move the ball through the air. Their offense is capable of putting up big numbers, and despite their mixed league record, their offense has been a bright spot. Central’s 318.0 total yards per game shows they can compete on offense, though they’ll need to improve their defense to match up with Elkins’ high-powered attack.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against Warren this season, and while both recorded victories, their paths to success were different. Elkins defeated Warren handily with a 49-14 win, while Central won a much closer game, 24-20, at home. The two teams also have a loss in common—Central fell to Warren 57-22 in their later meeting, a reminder that while both teams have shown resilience, they will need to bring their A-game against top-tier competition like Elkins.

What to Watch For

• Elkins’ Dominant Defense
  Elkins has been excellent at controlling the game with their defense, limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities. Their undefeated record speaks volumes about their ability to perform under pressure. Elkins will look to contain Napier and Martin, disrupting Central’s passing game and forcing them to adjust.
• Central’s Ability to Adapt
  For Central, the key to this game will be their ability to adapt to Elkins’ defense and execute their own offensive plays. If they can capitalize on their passing game and find ways to exploit Elkins’ defense, they could present a real challenge. However, they’ll need to find a way to improve their defensive performance, as their mixed league record suggests inconsistencies on that side of the ball.

Conclusion

Elkins comes into this game as the favorite, boasting an undefeated 10-0 record, but Central has the potential to surprise. With their strong passing game led by Ben Napier and Landon Martin, Central has the ability to put up points quickly. However, Elkins’ balance, both offensively and defensively, gives them the upper hand. Elkins’ unbeaten season, fueled by their powerful offense and solid defense, makes them a formidable opponent.

For Central, this game will be a test of their ability to execute in all phases of the game, especially in containing Elkins’ high-powered offense. It will be a battle of strength vs. strength, with Elkins looking to maintain their perfect record and Central trying to prove they can compete with the top teams in the league.

Expect a competitive matchup with plenty of fireworks on offense and some tense moments as both teams vie for playoff positioning.