The Monticello varsity football team will face Hamburg today at 7 p.m. in a neutral-site playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 4A Football State Bracket, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance further in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Hamburg vs Monticello
When: Friday, November 22, 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: Hamburg vs. Monticello

The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs are in full swing, and one of the most exciting matchups in the 4A bracket features Hamburg and Monticello. With both teams finishing the regular season with 8-3 records and identical .727 win percentages, this neutral-site game promises to be a thrilling contest as they battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

Hamburg: Balanced Attack with Strong Early Scoring

Hamburg enters the playoff matchup with a solid 8-3 record, finishing 4-3 in conference play. The Lions have been strong at home, posting a 4-1 record, and have also been effective on neutral grounds, where they boast a 1-0 record. Hamburg’s offense has been potent, averaging 36.5 points per game. The Lions are especially strong in the first quarter, where they average 11.3 points, and they maintain solid production throughout the first half with 10.2 points in the second quarter. However, their scoring slows down in the second half, with 8.2 points in the third quarter and 6.9 points in the fourth.

Hamburg will look to build an early lead and use their fast start to control the game. Their offense will need to maintain momentum in the second half to ensure a successful playoff run.

Monticello: Consistent Performance and Strong Defense

Monticello also boasts an 8-3 record, finishing 5-2 in conference play. The Billies have been dominant at home with a perfect 5-0 record, although they have faced more challenges on the road with a 2-3 record. However, Monticello has also performed well on neutral ground, posting a 1-0 record.

The Billies’ offense has been effective, averaging 32.8 points per game. Their first half scoring is solid, with 9.1 points in the first quarter and 10.5 points in the second. Monticello tends to slow down in the third quarter with only 5.4 points, but they finish strong with 7.8 points in the fourth quarter. Monticello’s ability to execute in the final stages of the game could be crucial against a team like Hamburg that has shown vulnerability in the second half.

Key Matchup Factors

Both teams have similar scoring averages, with Hamburg slightly edging Monticello in total points per game. However, Monticello’s defense has allowed fewer points this season, with only 250 points against, compared to Hamburg’s 302 points allowed. This defensive edge could play a key role in this matchup, as Monticello will need to limit Hamburg’s high-powered offense, especially in the first half.

Hamburg’s ability to get off to a fast start will be important in this game. If the Lions can continue their high scoring in the first half, they will have a solid chance to control the game. However, Monticello’s balanced offense and ability to score late could make this an exciting contest, especially if the game remains close in the second half.

The upcoming matchup between Hamburg and Monticello promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams boasting identical records of 8-3. These teams have faced their share of challenges and triumphs throughout the season, and with a solid mix of offensive power and defensive grit, both will be looking to end the regular season on a high note as they prepare for the playoffs.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensive Comparison:

• Rushing Attack: The difference in rushing yards per game is substantial. Hamburg dominates with 256.5 rushing yards per game, while Monticello has struggled with a mere 12.4 yards per game. Leading the Hamburg offense is Ni’kel Lewis, who rushes for an impressive 167.5 yards per game, a significant factor in their high-scoring offense.
• Passing Game: Hamburg also shows more production through the air, with Kaeden Thomas contributing 123.3 passing yards per game. In contrast, Monticello averages just 2.6 passing yards per game, which may limit their ability to move the ball against more dynamic defenses.
• Receiving: Both teams have modest receiving stats, but Hamburg leads with 142.8 receiving yards per game, with Ke’ovion Brown contributing 47.5 yards per game. Monticello, on the other hand, averages only 2.6 receiving yards per game, which further underscores their reliance on a minimal passing attack.
• Total Yards: Hamburg outpaces Monticello in total yards, averaging 399.4 yards per game compared to Monticello’s 15.0 yards per game. This difference is mainly attributed to Hamburg’s strong running game, as well as their ability to sustain drives and capitalize on big plays.

Defensive Comparison:

• Tackles: Hamburg averages 67.4 tackles per game, significantly more than Monticello’s 46.2 tackles per game. The top tackler for Hamburg is Peyton Sellers, who has recorded 16.5 tackles per game, while Monticello‘s leading tackler, Blaine Hayden, averages 7.2 tackles per game.
• Sacks: Both teams are fairly comparable in their ability to generate sacks, each averaging 1.2 sacks per game. However, Monticello’s Davarious Brown (1.0 sack per game) has been slightly more effective in this area.
• Points Per Game: Hamburg averages 36.0 points per game, showcasing a potent offense that can put up big numbers. On the other hand, Monticello has struggled to match that offensive output, with a low scoring average.

Key Players to Watch

• Hamburg:
  • Ni’kel Lewis: The standout player for Hamburg, Lewis is a powerful runner who can take over a game with his 167.5 rushing yards per game. His ability to break tackles and pick up yards in chunks makes him a game-changer for Hamburg.
  • Kaeden Thomas: Thomas provides balance to the offense, throwing for 123.3 yards per game. Though Hamburg relies heavily on the run, Thomas’ ability to make key passes will keep defenses honest.
  • Peyton Sellers: Sellers leads the team in tackles with 16.5 per game, helping anchor a defense that is aggressive and stout against the run.
• Monticello:
  • Pharrell Lewis: With 82.0 rushing yards per game, Lewis is the focal point of Monticello’s offense. While his team has struggled with both the passing game and overall offensive consistency, Lewis’ ability to generate yardage will be crucial in moving the chains.
  • Blaine Hayden: Hayden leads Monticello in tackles, recording 7.2 tackles per game. His defensive presence will be vital for Monticello to contain Hamburg’s potent rushing attack.
  • Davarious Brown: Brown’s contributions in the pass rush (1.0 sack per game) provide Monticello with a defensive threat capable of disrupting opposing quarterbacks.

Record Breakdown

• Hamburg (8-3):
  • 4-3 in league play
  • 3-0 in non-league play
  • 5-2 at home, 3-2 away
  • 1-0 in neutral site games
  • 8-3 in-state record
• Monticello (8-3):
  • 5-2 in league play
  • 2-1 in non-league play
  • 5-0 at home, 2-3 away
  • 1-0 in neutral site games
  • 8-3 in-state record

Both teams have demonstrated strong performances in their respective leagues, with Hamburg having a slight advantage in terms of home-field play. However, Monticello’s perfect home record suggests that they are a tough opponent when playing in familiar surroundings.

Common Opponents

Hamburg and Monticello share several common opponents, which gives a glimpse into how these teams match up against similar competition:

• Both teams defeated Dumas with Hamburg winning 31-0 and Monticello winning 27-0.
• Hamburg narrowly lost to Warren 47-21, while Monticello had a close loss to the same team, falling 30-21.
• Both teams defeated Crossett, with Hamburg winning 48-0 and Monticello winning 48-7.

Conclusion

Hamburg and Monticello both enter this matchup with identical 8-3 records, but with very different styles of play. Hamburg’s powerful rushing attack, led by Ni’kel Lewis, is the key to their success, while Monticello has had to rely on their defense and the running ability of Pharrell Lewis. Hamburg’s explosive offense, which generates close to 400 total yards per game, will be a significant challenge for Monticello, who struggles to match that offensive output.

While Monticello has shown resilience, Hamburg’s all-around offense and ability to control the game with the run will likely make them the favorite in this contest. Nonetheless, Monticello’s defense, led by Blaine Hayden and Davarious Brown, will need to step up to slow down Hamburg’s potent attack. It promises to be an intriguing battle between a high-scoring team and a resilient, defense-first squad.