The Bismarck (AR) varsity football team will face Fordyce (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) – 3A 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 State Football Championship
Who: Fordyce vs Bismarck
When: Today, December 06, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 3A Football State Bracket
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Fordyce vs. Bismarck

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 3A Football State Bracket intensify, Fordyce and Bismarck are set to square off in a thrilling neutral-site playoff game. Both teams have been dominant this season, and tonight’s game promises to deliver high-energy action as they compete for a chance to move one step closer to the state title.

Fordyce: A Perfect Record and Powerful Offense

Fordyce enters this playoff matchup with a flawless 13-0 record, demonstrating their dominance in both conference play and overall performance. They finished the season with a perfect 7-0 record in conference play and have been equally impressive at home (5-0), away (5-0), and on neutral ground (3-0). Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging a remarkable 44.9 points per game.

The Red Bugs have been strong across all four quarters, with 13.3 points in the first quarter, 14.5 in the second, and a consistent performance throughout the second half, where they average 17 points per game. Fordyce has proven to be a well-rounded team, consistently finding ways to score and maintain control of the game.

Bismarck: Undefeated and Balanced

Bismarck is another team that has yet to taste defeat, finishing the regular season with an impressive 12-0 record. Like Fordyce, they were perfect in conference play (7-0) and were equally dominant at home (5-0) and away (5-0). Their neutral-site record (2-0) further reflects their versatility and ability to perform under different conditions.

Bismarck’s offense has been just as potent as Fordyce’s, averaging 45.7 points per game. They have shown a strong start to games, averaging 13.0 points in the first quarter and 12.0 in the second. While their third-quarter scoring drops slightly to 8.5 points, they have shown a strong ability to finish strong in the fourth quarter, averaging 9.9 points during that final stretch.

Key Matchup: Scoring Efficiency and Consistency

The key to tonight’s game could come down to which team can maintain consistent scoring throughout all four quarters. Fordyce has been particularly effective in the first half, averaging 27.8 points in the first two quarters. However, Bismarck is no slouch either, as their offense has been just as efficient, with 25.0 points in the first half. Fordyce’s ability to keep up their scoring output in the second half will be crucial against a Bismarck team that has proven capable of finishing games strong.

Both teams have strong defenses as well, with Fordyce allowing just 145 points all season (an average of 11.2 points per game), while Bismarck has given up 209 points (17.4 points per game). This defensive battle will test both offenses, but with such high-scoring averages, expect both teams to rely on their explosive attacks to get the upper hand.

Looking Ahead

Tonight’s matchup between Fordyce and Bismarck is one of the most highly anticipated games of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs. With both teams boasting undefeated records and high-powered offenses, this game promises to be a spectacle for fans and a true test of who has what it takes to advance. Fordyce will look to continue their perfect season, while Bismarck will aim to prove they can handle the pressure in a high-stakes playoff atmosphere.

No matter the outcome, this game will be a battle of two of the best teams in Arkansas, each hoping to make their mark on the 3A Football State Bracket. With both teams scoring at will and boasting outstanding records, fans can expect a fast-paced, action-packed contest that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

As the Arkansas high school football season progresses, the much-anticipated matchup between Fordyce and Bismarck is drawing attention. Both teams have been dominant throughout the season, boasting undefeated records and impressive individual performances. With similar strengths in key areas, this game is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Let’s dive into the team statistics, individual leaders, and overall records to explore what makes this matchup so compelling.

Team Stat Comparison

Rushing Yards Per Game:
Bismarck holds the advantage when it comes to rushing yards, averaging 216.1 per game. Fordyce, however, has not recorded specific rushing statistics, but Bismarck’s strong running game will likely be a key factor in their strategy. Fordyce’s defense will need to be prepared to stop the ground attack from Bismarck to remain competitive.

Passing Yards Per Game:
Fordyce does not have detailed passing statistics available, but Bismarck’s passing attack is strong, averaging 169.2 yards per game. This balanced offensive attack gives Bismarck the ability to threaten both in the air and on the ground, making them a difficult team to defend.

Receiving Yards Per Game:
Bismarck also outpaces Fordyce in receiving yards, with 164.6 per game compared to Fordyce’s unspecified numbers. Their ability to move the ball through the air complements their solid rushing attack, adding another dimension to their offense.

Total Yards Per Game:
Bismarck again leads with 385.3 total yards per game, giving them a significant advantage in terms of overall offensive production. Fordyce’s total offensive output is not available, but Bismarck’s ability to mix up their offensive play calling makes them a formidable opponent.

Tackles Per Game:
Fordyce averages 52.3 tackles per game, which suggests a very active and involved defense. Bismarck’s defense is also solid, but Fordyce’s higher tackle count indicates that they might be more aggressive in stopping the ball carrier. This could make for a tough contest for Bismarck’s offense.

Team Leaders

Fordyce:

• Caedmon Keithley leads the team in rushing yards (92.3 yards per game) and points per game (13.0).
• Ben Keithley leads the passing game with 147.4 yards per game and contributes significantly to total yards with 204.4 per game.
• Preston Hughes leads the receiving corps with 39.3 yards per game.
• Zane Talbert is the defensive leader with 7.0 tackles per game, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
• Zane Talbert also contributes to the pass rush with 0.3 sacks per game.

Bismarck:

• Caedmon Keithley leads Fordyce in rushing yards, while Tayejion Player is Bismarck’s leader on the ground with 92.3 yards per game.
• Ben Keithley also plays a key role for Fordyce, while Bismarck’s top passer is Antonio Casias, who contributes 169.2 yards per game to a balanced attack.
• Preston Hughes leads Fordyce’s receiving game, while Julian (Juju) Stubblefield leads Bismarck with 94.8 receiving yards per game.
• Zane Talbert leads Fordyce in tackles with 7.0 per game, while Jayson Burkhard leads Bismarck with 7.4 tackles per game.
• Both teams rely on solid pancake-blocking, with Caleb Eads contributing 19 pancake blocks for Fordyce and Ronan Saloman adding 73 for Bismarck.

Common Opponents

Both Fordyce and Bismarck have faced common opponents this season, and their results against these teams show their similar dominance:

• Mineral Springs: Fordyce won 58-10, while Bismarck won 62-14. Both teams defeated Mineral Springs by significant margins, demonstrating their offensive firepower.

Record Breakdown

Fordyce (13-0):
Fordyce enters the game with a perfect 13-0 record. They have been dominant both at home (5-0) and on the road (5-0). Fordyce has shown their strength in league play with a 7-0 record and has also been successful in the playoffs, going 3-0.

Bismarck (12-0):
Bismarck also remains undefeated, with a 12-0 record. They too have been flawless at home (5-0) and on the road (5-0). Bismarck is another team that has shown their ability to win in the playoffs, boasting a 2-0 record in postseason play.

Conclusion

This matchup between Fordyce and Bismarck promises to be a highly competitive battle between two undefeated teams. Bismarck brings a powerful offensive attack with both a strong rushing game and passing threat, while Fordyce will rely on their aggressive defense to stop Bismarck’s high-scoring offense.

Both teams have demonstrated their strength against common opponents, and with a mix of talented individuals and well-rounded team performances, this game is poised to be one of the best of the season. The outcome will depend on which team can control the line of scrimmage, avoid mistakes, and execute their game plan under pressure.

Whether it’s Bismarck’s explosive offense or Fordyce’s defensive grit, expect an intense and thrilling showdown between these two powerhouse teams.