The Gravette (AR) varsity football team is set to take on Hamburg (AR) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas)” under the 2024 4A Football State Bracket. Fans can expect an exciting postseason battle.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Hamburg vs Gravette
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: Gravette vs. Hamburg

Tonight, the Gravette varsity football team is set to clash with Hamburg in a pivotal neutral playoff game at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 2024 4A Football State Bracket. This showdown promises to be an exciting matchup of contrasting strengths.

Team Records and Rankings

The Gravette Lions have had a stellar season, boasting a 9-1 overall record and a 6-1 conference standing. Ranked 35th in the state and 5th in their class, Gravette’s exceptional home record of 5-0 and strong away performance at 4-1 highlight their consistency. Their .900 win percentage and an impressive .857 conference win rate are supported by a powerful offense that has amassed 422 points for (PF) while allowing just 136 points against (PA).

Hamburg, ranked 62nd in the state and 15th in their class, enters with a respectable 7-3 overall record and a 4-3 conference standing. The Lions have shown determination at home (4-1) and remain competitive away (3-2), resulting in a .700 win percentage and a .571 conference win rate. They have managed to score 354 PF while conceding 274 PA, indicating a potent offense paired with a defense that has faced challenges.

Scoring Breakdown

Gravette leads with a formidable scoring average of 42.2 points per game, driven by strong early game performances, averaging 14.0 points in the first quarter. Their offense steadily contributes through the game with averages of 8.4 in the second quarter, 6.8 in the third, and 6.2 in the fourth.

Hamburg’s scoring average stands at 35.4 points per game, with notable strength in the first half, including 11.0 points in the first quarter and 10.5 in the second. Their scoring tapers off in the latter half with 7.6 points in the third and 6.3 in the fourth.

This game is expected to showcase Gravette’s dominant, high-scoring strategy against Hamburg’s resilient and balanced approach. Fans should brace for an intense battle as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the next round of the state playoffs.

The 2024-2025 high school football season has featured strong performances from both Hamburg and Gravette, with each team showcasing unique strengths across various statistical categories. Here’s a detailed breakdown comparing the two teams’ stats and highlighting their key players.

Team Stat Comparison

Hamburg has been a force on the ground, averaging 246.8 rushing yards per game compared to Gravette’s 212.6. This edge in the run game underscores Hamburg’s reliance on their rushing attack to drive offensive success. In contrast, Gravette’s balanced offensive approach is demonstrated by their 42.0 points per game, significantly outpacing Hamburg’s 34.9.

In the passing department, Hamburg leads slightly with 143.8 passing and receiving yards per game, versus Gravette’s 122.5. This gives Hamburg an edge in the air, yet Gravette’s consistency across both running and passing plays contributes to their higher scoring output.

Defensively, both teams show strong tackling numbers—Hamburg with 65.7 tackles per game and Gravette with 62.2. Gravette holds a slight advantage in the pass rush, averaging 1.7 sacks per game to Hamburg’s 1.2.

Key Players to Watch

• Hamburg

  • Ni’kel Lewis (#5) has been a standout performer, averaging 168.0 rushing yards per game and leading his team with 183.8 total yards per game. His 15.6 points per game are a testament to his scoring capability.
  • Kaeden Thomas (#10) contributes 123.4 passing yards per game, showcasing his ability to keep defenses on their toes.
  • Ke’ovion Brown (#4) adds value with 49.5 receiving yards per game.
  • Peyton Sellers (#9) anchors the defense with 16.3 tackles per game.

• Gravette

  • Gabriel Holmes (#10) is a multi-dimensional player, leading the team with 111.1 rushing yards per game and contributing to a team-high 18.4 points per game.
  • Cameron Bedwell (#15) averages 99.4 passing yards per game, providing stability in Gravette’s passing attack.
  • Kayden Brown (#11) averages 50.8 receiving yards per game, making him a reliable target.
  • Jacob Gaylord (#22) and Aidan Holloway (#54) bolster the defense, with Gaylord averaging 9.3 tackles per game and Holloway contributing 1.0 sacks per game.

Record Breakdown

Hamburg holds a respectable 7-3 overall record, with a 4-3 performance in league play and a perfect 3-0 non-league showing. Gravette, however, has demonstrated greater consistency with a 9-1 overall record, 6-1 in league play, and matching Hamburg’s non-league success at 3-0.

Both teams are undefeated at neutral sites and have yet to face each other or share common opponents. Gravette’s in-state record of 7-1 is complemented by two out-of-state victories, indicating their ability to handle different levels of competition.

Conclusion

While Hamburg’s strong rushing game and defensive numbers showcase their resilience, Gravette’s well-rounded offense and higher points-per-game average make them formidable contenders. With both teams eyeing postseason success, it will be exciting to see how their strengths play out in upcoming matchups.