The Conway Christian (Conway, AR) varsity football team will face Hazen (AR) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 2024 2A Football State Bracket, as both teams compete for postseason advancement.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Hazen vs Conway Christian
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 2A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Conway Christian vs. Hazen
The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs are in full swing, and one of the most exciting matchups in the 2A Football State Bracket will feature undefeated Conway Christian against Hazen. The game is set for Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. in a neutral-site venue, where both teams will compete for a spot in the next round. This promises to be an intense contest, with Conway Christian entering as the clear favorite due to their dominant regular-season performance.
Hazen’s Season: Struggling for Consistency
Hazen has had a mixed season, finishing with a 5-5 overall record and a .500 win percentage. Their 5-2 conference record was strong enough to earn them a playoff berth, but their performance has been inconsistent throughout the season. At home, Hazen struggled with a 2-3 record, while they managed a 3-2 record on the road.
Offensively, Hazen has averaged 26.5 points per game, but they have shown a distinct pattern of scoring heavily in the second half of games, particularly in the fourth quarter. They’ve averaged just 4.0 points in the second quarter and 3.0 points in the third, but have exploded for an average of 25.0 points in the final quarter. Their slow starts and reliance on late-game surges could be a significant disadvantage against a team like Conway Christian, which has dominated in all phases of the game.
Conway Christian’s Undefeated Run
In stark contrast, Conway Christian enters the playoffs with an impressive 10-0 overall record, marking them as one of the top teams in the 2A classification. Their 7-0 conference record speaks to their dominance in league play, and they were perfect at home (5-0) and on the road (5-0) throughout the season. Conway Christian has been unstoppable this year, and they enter the playoffs as the team to beat.
Offensively, Conway Christian has been a juggernaut, averaging a remarkable 43.9 points per game. Their scoring has been consistently high, especially in the second and third quarters, where they average 13.0 points and 14.0 points, respectively. They have proven they can strike quickly and often, making them a formidable opponent for Hazen. Despite scoring heavily, Conway Christian has had periods where their offense slows down, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they average 0 points per game. However, their ability to dominate early in games often puts them in a commanding position before the final period, allowing them to control the tempo and secure wins.
Key Differences: Offense and Defense
The most glaring difference between the two teams lies in their offensive and defensive consistency. Conway Christian has a high-powered offense that is capable of putting up big numbers, while Hazen has struggled to maintain offensive consistency throughout the game. Hazen’s ability to score late in games may help them stay competitive, but against a team like Conway Christian, which can build large leads early, Hazen may find it difficult to mount a successful comeback.
Defensively, Conway Christian has allowed just 106 points all season, giving them one of the best defenses in the classification. Hazen has allowed 232 points, meaning they give up an average of 23.2 points per game. Against an offense as potent as Conway Christian’s, Hazen will need to tighten up defensively if they hope to stay in the game.
What to Expect in the Playoff Matchup
In this 2A playoff game, Conway Christian will likely look to establish an early lead with their potent offense, while Hazen will need to weather the storm and capitalize on any mistakes made by Conway Christian. Hazen’s chances will depend on their ability to disrupt Conway Christian’s high-scoring attack and avoid falling behind early. If they allow Conway Christian to build a big lead, it will be difficult for Hazen to come back, given their slow starts in the second and third quarters.
For Conway Christian, maintaining their offensive production and avoiding the scoring droughts that have occasionally plagued them in the fourth quarter will be key to securing a comfortable win. Their strong defense will also be a critical factor, as they look to shut down Hazen’s late-game surges and prevent any comebacks.
Conclusion
Conway Christian enters this matchup as the heavy favorite, given their undefeated season, high-powered offense, and stifling defense. Hazen, with a more up-and-down season, will need to find a way to slow down Conway Christian’s attack and capitalize on their late-game scoring abilities. While Hazen has shown flashes of brilliance, Conway Christian’s consistent play on both sides of the ball makes them a tough team to beat. This playoff game will be a true test of Hazen’s resilience and a chance for Conway Christian to showcase why they’re one of the top teams in the state.
As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, a stark contrast in records and expectations emerges between Hazen and Conway Christian. With the regular season winding down, both teams find themselves at very different points in their campaigns—Hazen with a 5-5 overall record and Conway Christian undefeated at 10-0. However, despite these differing records, the upcoming matchup between these two teams is bound to be a thrilling contest, highlighting both teams’ strengths and competitive spirits.
Record Breakdown:
Hazen (24-25)
- Overall Record: 5-5
- League Record: 5-2
- Non-League Record: 0-3
- Head to Head: 0-1
- Home Record: 2-3
- Away Record: 3-2
- Playoff Record: 0-0
- In-State Record: 5-5
- Out-of-State Record: 0-0
Hazen enters the game with a 5-5 overall record, showing a competitive edge in league play with a 5-2 record, but struggling outside their conference, as evidenced by their 0-3 non-league record. At home, they’ve had their share of challenges, posting a 2-3 record, but they have managed a solid 3-2 record on the road. As Hazen looks ahead to the postseason, their goal will be to build on the momentum from their league performances and solidify their standing.
Conway Christian (24-25)
- Overall Record: 10-0
- League Record: 7-0
- Non-League Record: 3-0
- Head to Head: 1-0
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 5-0
- Playoff Record: 0-0
- In-State Record: 10-0
- Out-of-State Record: 0-0
On the other hand, Conway Christian has been perfect so far, boasting an impressive 10-0 record. Their dominance in the league is evident with a perfect 7-0 record, and they’ve also excelled in non-league play, finishing 3-0. What stands out most is their ability to win both at home (5-0) and on the road (5-0), highlighting their all-around consistency and strength. Conway Christian’s undefeated season positions them as one of the most formidable teams, and they will look to carry their momentum through to the postseason.
Team Comparison and Key Storylines:
- Momentum and Experience:
Hazen enters this matchup with a 5-5 record, meaning they’ve faced adversity throughout the season but have also shown the ability to compete in their league. Their experience in tough matchups could serve them well in facing a team as dominant as Conway Christian. The key for Hazen will be to break through their struggles in non-league games and capitalize on the energy of their home crowd, which they will need as they face off against one of the state’s best teams.Conway Christian, meanwhile, has been on a tear, going undefeated in both league and non-league games. Their perfect record and undefeated league standing reflect their overall depth and discipline. The challenge for Conway Christian will be to stay focused on the task at hand and avoid complacency. A key question will be how they handle the pressure of being the favorites and whether they can maintain their perfect record through the home stretch of the season. - Home Field Advantage:
While Hazen has posted a respectable 3-2 record on the road, they will face a tough environment at home, where they have shown some inconsistency. On the flip side, Conway Christian has been flawless in both home and away games. Their 5-0 away record speaks to their ability to perform under pressure, making them dangerous no matter where they play. For Hazen, winning at home will be crucial if they hope to pull off an upset. - Head-to-Head History:
Conway Christian holds the upper hand in their head-to-head history, winning the only matchup between the two teams. While past performance can offer some insight, each season is different, and Hazen will be looking to turn the page in this matchup. For Conway Christian, maintaining their dominance over Hazen would be an important part of their undefeated run.
Looking Ahead:
For Hazen, this game offers a chance to test themselves against one of the best teams in the state. While their chances of an upset may seem slim given Conway Christian’s undefeated season, Hazen’s league play performance (5-2) suggests they have the talent to hang tough in this contest. They’ll need to capitalize on their home field, sharpen their execution, and find ways to exploit any weaknesses in Conway Christian’s game.
Conway Christian, with their perfect record, will likely enter this game as the heavy favorite. However, they cannot afford to take Hazen lightly. The pressure of maintaining an undefeated season is no small task, and Hazen will be motivated to give their best effort. If Conway Christian can continue their flawless play and execute under pressure, they should remain on track for a strong finish to their season.
Conclusion:
This matchup between Hazen and Conway Christian promises to be an exciting one, with Hazen looking to challenge the undefeated powerhouse that is Conway Christian. Will Hazen’s league success translate to an upset on their home field, or will Conway Christian continue their dominant march toward the postseason? All eyes will be on this game as both teams fight for position and pride in the 2024-2025 football season.
