The DeWitt (AR) varsity football team will face Gentry (AR) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 4A Football State Bracket. Both teams are competing for a chance to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Gentry vs DeWitt
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: DeWitt and Gentry Face Off in 4A Playoff Showdown

The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs are in full swing, and today at 7 p.m., the DeWitt (7-3) varsity football team will take on Gentry (8-2) in a neutral-site playoff game. This game is part of the 4A Football State Bracket, and both teams are looking to advance deeper into the tournament.

Team Overview

Gentry enters the game with an impressive 8-2 overall record and a 5-2 conference record, finishing their regular season with a solid .800 win percentage. Their offense has been high-powered, averaging 36.0 points per game. The Pioneers have been especially strong early in games, averaging 10.1 points in the first quarter and 10.9 in the second. While their third and fourth-quarter scoring averages dip slightly, they remain dangerous on offense and have shown the ability to close games with consistency.

DeWitt, with a 7-3 record, is also a formidable opponent, holding a .700 win percentage. Their offense has been just as prolific, averaging 36.9 points per game. Like Gentry, DeWitt has a potent attack, with significant scoring averages in the second and third quarters—11.7 and 11.1 points, respectively. However, their scoring drops off in the fourth quarter, where they average just 6.3 points per game. DeWitt’s strong conference play and ability to win on the road (4-1 away record) make them a tough opponent heading into the playoffs.

Key Stats

Gentry:

• Record: 8-2
• Conference Record: 5-2
• Points Scored: 360
• Points Allowed: 232
• Points Per Game: 36.0
• Scoring Average:
  • Q1: 10.1
  • Q2: 10.9
  • Q3: 7.8
  • Q4: 7.2

DeWitt:

• Record: 7-3
• Conference Record: 5-2
• Points Scored: 369
• Points Allowed: 227
• Points Per Game: 36.9
• Scoring Average:
  • Q1: 7.8
  • Q2: 11.7
  • Q3: 11.1
  • Q4: 6.3

What to Watch

Gentry’s ability to start fast and establish a strong lead in the first half could be a key factor in this game. Their offense is particularly effective in the first and second quarters, averaging over 10 points per quarter. DeWitt, on the other hand, will need to avoid falling behind early. With their own high-scoring offense and strong second and third-quarter production, the DeWitt Bulldogs have the potential to mount a comeback if they can stay within striking distance.

The defensive battle will also be pivotal. Both teams have allowed roughly similar point totals this season (Gentry 232, DeWitt 227), but DeWitt’s defense has shown more consistency throughout the year, allowing fewer points per game. If DeWitt can contain Gentry’s potent early-game offense, they could have an edge in the second half.

Conclusion

This 4A playoff matchup promises to be an exciting clash between two high-powered offenses. Gentry’s fast start and balanced attack will be tested by DeWitt’s ability to score in bursts and maintain pressure throughout the game. Both teams will be looking to exploit each other’s weaknesses, but with similar records and potent offenses, it’s anyone’s game.

Fans can expect a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to advance in the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs.

As the season winds down, both Gentry and DeWitt have shown impressive performances, with each team standing at 7-3 or better. Gentry boasts an 8-2 overall record, while DeWitt follows closely behind with a 7-3 mark. This matchup between two highly competitive teams promises to be an exciting contest as they each look to build on their success. Let’s break down their key team stats, individual leaders, and overall performance as they prepare for the next stage of the season.

Offensive Comparison

Gentry has been effective both on the ground and through the air, posting solid offensive numbers in both categories.

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Gentry averages 201.6 rushing yards per game, with Bennett Roberts leading the charge with 100.6 yards per game. This strong ground attack is a major part of Gentry’s offense.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Through the air, Gentry averages 154.4 passing yards per game, led by Talan Williams, who contributes 190.4 total yards per game (both passing and rushing).
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Gentry’s receiving corps is led by Caydon Koons, who averages 67.0 receiving yards per game.
• Total Yards Per Game: Gentry generates 356.0 total yards per game, with a balanced offense that utilizes both the rushing and passing game effectively.

DeWitt has been similarly balanced, with their offense also producing impressive numbers.

• Rushing Yards Per Game: DeWitt has a slightly stronger rushing attack, averaging 217.8 rushing yards per game, with Korri Graham leading the team with 135.2 yards per game. This makes DeWitt one of the top rushing teams in their division.
• Passing Yards Per Game: DeWitt averages 143.9 passing yards per game, with Justin Ross contributing 135.9 passing yards per game, maintaining efficiency in the air.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Griffin Whitmore leads DeWitt’s receiving unit with 51.2 yards per game.
• Total Yards Per Game: DeWitt edges out Gentry with 361.7 total yards per game, thanks to their superior rushing attack and solid passing game.

Defensive Comparison

While both teams have strong offenses, Gentry has been notably more dominant on defense this season.

• Tackles Per Game: Gentry’s defense is exceptional, averaging 77.0 tackles per game, a significant edge over DeWitt’s 27.7 tackles per game. This disparity shows Gentry’s ability to limit big plays and stay active throughout the game.
• Sacks Per Game: Gentry also leads in this category, averaging 2.7 sacks per game compared to DeWitt’s 1.3. This suggests that Gentry’s defense is more disruptive and better at pressuring the quarterback.
• Points Per Game Allowed: Both teams are capable of scoring, but Gentry allows an average of 36.0 points per game, while DeWitt allows slightly fewer at 35.5 points per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Gentry:
  • Bennett Roberts is the focal point of the Gentry offense, averaging 100.6 rushing yards per game and 12.0 points per game. His ability to control the clock and gain consistent yardage on the ground will be crucial.
  • Talan Williams is a dual-threat, averaging 190.4 total yards per game and adding stability to the passing attack.
  • Aidan Eller contributes on defense, with 0.8 sacks per game, helping Gentry pressure the opposing quarterback.
• DeWitt:
  • Korri Graham is a standout running back for DeWitt, with 135.2 rushing yards per game and 14.0 points per game. His ability to churn out yards will be key to DeWitt’s offensive success.
  • Justin Ross leads the passing attack with 135.9 passing yards per game and 198.1 total yards per game, showing his effectiveness both in the air and on the ground.
  • Cy Shadwick contributes on defense, with 1.0 sack per game, providing a strong pass-rush presence for DeWitt.

Record Breakdown

• Gentry (8-2 overall, 5-2 league):
  Gentry’s 8-2 record highlights their consistency throughout the season, particularly in non-league play, where they’ve posted a 3-0 record. Their 4-1 home record and 4-1 away record show that they can win in a variety of environments.
• DeWitt (7-3 overall, 5-2 league):
  DeWitt has had a solid season with a 7-3 record, including a 4-1 record at home and a 4-1 record on the road. Their league play has been strong (5-2), and they will look to continue their success both at home and away.

Common Opponent

Gentry and DeWitt both share similar results against common opponents, but Gentry’s slightly more balanced attack has often allowed them to prevail in competitive matchups. Both teams have shown they can handle tough competition, and their performances against shared opponents have highlighted their ability to adapt to various styles of play.

Conclusion

Both Gentry and DeWitt have been impressive this season, with their potent rushing attacks and solid defensive units. Gentry holds the edge in terms of overall defensive play, particularly in tackles and sacks, while DeWitt’s strong rushing game, led by Korri Graham, gives them the upper hand offensively.

Gentry’s ability to balance both rushing and passing attacks, combined with their defensive prowess, makes them a difficult opponent. DeWitt will need to rely on Korri Graham to dominate on the ground while finding ways to limit Gentry’s disruptive defense.

This matchup promises to be a hard-fought game, with Gentry’s defensive strength going up against DeWitt’s powerful ground game. Whoever can dictate the pace of the game and control the ball on offense will likely come out on top.