The Greenwood (AR) varsity football team will face Mountain Home (AR) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 6A 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 High School Football Playoff

Who: Mountain Home vs Greenwood
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 6A Football State Bracket
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Greenwood vs. Mountain Home

As the high school football season heats up, two teams in Arkansas are set to face off in an exciting clash—Mountain Home and Greenwood. Both teams have been dominant in their respective regions, and the upcoming game promises to be a high-scoring affair between two of the state’s most explosive offenses. Greenwood comes in with a perfect 11-0 record, while Mountain Home is no slouch at 10-2, showing resilience and skill all season long.

Team Stat Comparison

When it comes to offensive production, Greenwood leads the way in total yards per game, averaging an impressive 483.5 total yards per contest. Their offense is powered by a potent passing game, racking up 333.5 passing yards per game, paired with 150.0 rushing yards per game. Greenwood’s ability to move the ball both on the ground and through the air makes them one of the most balanced offenses in the state, and they have been scoring a staggering 64.8 points per game, one of the highest marks in Arkansas.

On the other hand, Mountain Home has demonstrated their offensive firepower as well, averaging 483.5 total yards per game, similar to Greenwood, but their attack is more centered on a passing game led by Kane Archer. Archer has thrown for 295.0 passing yards per game and accounted for 350.7 total yards per game, positioning him as one of the top quarterbacks in the state. While Mountain Home’s ground game isn’t as explosive as Greenwood’s, their passing game more than makes up for it, making them a dangerous team on offense.

Defensive Strengths

Defensively, Mountain Home has been strong in their ability to disrupt the opposition, recording 1.5 sacks per game. They are led on the defensive side by Paul Brixey, who has averaged 9.6 tackles per game, helping to lead the charge on defense.

Meanwhile, Greenwood has been equally effective, averaging 1.0 sack per game and featuring players like Cash Archer with 1.1 sacks per game, who is able to get to the quarterback with regularity. Greenwood has also been stingy on defense, helping to keep their opponents from scoring too frequently, as evidenced by their average of just 17.4 points per game allowed.

Key Players to Watch

For Mountain Home, the player to watch is undoubtedly Kane Archer. As the team’s leader in passing, rushing, and total yards, Archer is a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who has the ability to break down defenses with his arm and legs. His 295.0 passing yards per game and 350.7 total yards per game make him a focal point for Mountain Home’s offensive attack. Grant Karnes, with 95.4 receiving yards per game, is also a key target in the passing game and will likely be called upon to stretch the field.

On the defensive side, Paul Brixey has been a consistent presence with 9.6 tackles per game. His ability to stop the run and cover in the passing game will be critical to slowing down Greenwood’s potent offense.

For Greenwood, the spotlight falls on Kane Archer’s counterpart, Kane Archer, who leads the team in both passing and total yards. His versatility allows him to operate the offense efficiently, making him a tough challenge for any defense. The team also relies on key contributors such as Grant Karnes, with 95.4 receiving yards per game, and Cody Taylor, whose 62 pancake blocks demonstrate his ability to dominate in the trenches and create space for the offense.

On defense, Cash Archer has been a key defensive playmaker with 1.1 sacks per game, while Nick Miller leads the charge in tackles with 9.5 tackles per game. These players will play a big role in slowing down Mountain Home’s fast-paced offense.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced off against similar opponents this season, with Greenwood boasting a perfect 6-0 record against common foes, while Mountain Home stands at 5-1. Some of the notable matchups include victories over Southside, Shiloh Christian, and Russellville. While Mountain Home has had success against many of the same opponents, Greenwood’s dominance has been more apparent, as they have posted lopsided victories, including a 70-28 win over Southside and a 63-14 victory over Russellville.

Record Breakdown

• Mountain Home (24-25): With a 10-2 record, Mountain Home has been competitive all season, finishing with a 5-2 league record and an impressive 5-1 mark against common opponents. Their solid defense and dynamic offense led by Kane Archer have been key to their success.
• Greenwood (24-25): Greenwood enters the game undefeated at 11-0, with a perfect 7-0 league record. Their offense has been unstoppable, and their defense has held opponents to an average of just 17.4 points per game, demonstrating their well-rounded strength.

What to Watch For

1. Offensive Fireworks: Both teams boast high-powered offenses, and this game is likely to feature plenty of points. Mountain Home’s passing attack, led by Kane Archer, will go head-to-head with Greenwood’s versatile offense, which combines both the passing and rushing game.
2. Defensive Matchups: While both teams have solid defensive units, Greenwood’s ability to stifle opposing offenses with their 1.0 sacks per game and 9.5 tackles per game from Nick Miller could make the difference in slowing down Mountain Home’s explosive offense.
3. Key Individual Performances: Watch for big plays from the quarterbacks—Kane Archer of Mountain Home and Kane Archer of Greenwood. Both have been standout players for their respective teams, and their performances could determine the outcome.

Prediction

While both teams are incredibly talented, Greenwood’s perfect season and impressive offensive and defensive balance give them the edge in this matchup. However, Mountain Home’s explosive passing attack, led by Kane Archer, should keep the game close. In what is expected to be a high-scoring contest, Greenwood’s depth and all-around strength likely give them the slight advantage to remain undefeated and move on to the next stage of the season.