The Malvern (AR) varsity football team will face Highland (Hardy, AR) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the “2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 4A Football State Bracket,” where both teams will battle for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Highland vs Malvern
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: Malvern vs. Highland

The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 4A Football State Bracket has set the stage for an exciting neutral-site showdown between the Malvern (AR) and Highland (Hardy, AR) varsity football teams. Both teams enter the game with impressive records, and this matchup promises to be a battle for a coveted spot in the next round of the playoffs. Let’s dive into the rankings, records, and team dynamics ahead of this crucial game.

Rankings and Records

• Highland: With an overall record of 9-1, Highland enters this game ranked 57th in Arkansas and 12th in their class. The team has been dominant in conference play, posting a 6-1 record. Their offense has been efficient, scoring 341 points this season, while their defense has been exceptional, allowing just 109 points. Highland has also been solid on the road, with a 4-1 away record and a perfect 1-0 record in neutral-site games.
• Malvern: Ranked 52nd overall in Arkansas and 10th in their class, Malvern boasts a slightly better overall record of 10-1. They share a 6-1 conference record with Highland and have shown strength both at home (4-1) and on the road (5-0), proving their resilience in various environments. Malvern’s offense has been more potent than Highland’s, putting up 436 points, while their defense has allowed 233.

Team Scoring Averages

• Highland: While Highland’s scoring has been more balanced, they have a tendency to start slow, with an average of 0 points in the first quarter. Their offensive output picks up with 7.0 points in the second quarter, followed by 3.5 points each in the third and fourth quarters, finishing with an average of 34.1 points per game.
• Malvern: Malvern has been more consistent throughout the game, averaging 39.6 points per game. They score an average of 9.4 points in both the first and second quarters, ramp up their production in the third quarter with 11.8 points, and finish strong in the fourth quarter with 6.8 points. They also have the potential for overtime scoring, with an average of 8.0 points in overtime.

What to Watch For

• Highland’s Slow Start: Highland’s tendency to start games slow could pose a challenge, especially against a high-scoring team like Malvern. Their ability to get going in the second quarter and sustain their offense through the second half will be crucial.
• Malvern’s Offensive Consistency: With a balanced scoring approach across all four quarters, Malvern will look to control the pace of the game from start to finish. Their ability to exploit Highland’s slow starts and capitalize on consistent offensive production could be the key to success.
• Defensive Strategies: Both teams have shown solid defensive capabilities, with Highland allowing just 109 points and Malvern giving up 233. However, Malvern’s defense will be tested against Highland’s efficient offense, which can strike quickly once it gains momentum.

Key Questions

• Can Highland overcome their slow starts and build momentum against Malvern’s potent offense?
• Will Malvern’s consistent offensive output overwhelm Highland’s defense, or can Highland find a way to contain their attack?
• How will each team adjust to the neutral-site environment and playoff pressure?

With both teams having strong seasons, this game is shaping up to be a hard-fought battle for a place in the next round of the playoffs. Fans can expect an intense contest between Malvern’s high-scoring offense and Highland’s resilient defense, with the winner advancing one step closer to the 4A State Championship.

As the 2024 high school football season draws closer to its climax, two formidable teams—Highland and Malvern—prepare to meet in what promises to be an intense matchup. Both teams come into this game with strong records and a history of impressive performances, making it one of the most anticipated contests of the season. Here’s a detailed look at their team statistics, standout players, and overall performance as they face off in this crucial game.

Team Statistics

Highland Highlights:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 165.3
• Passing Yards Per Game: 145.2
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 134.4
• Total Yards Per Game: 310.5
• Tackles Per Game: 61.5
• Sacks Per Game: 1.3
• Points Per Game: 25.0

Highland’s offense is built on a strong running game, led by Keagan Statler, and a balanced passing attack. Their ability to accumulate over 300 total yards per game is a testament to their well-rounded offense. On the defensive side, Highland is solid, averaging over 60 tackles per game and maintaining a reasonable pass rush with 1.3 sacks per contest.

Malvern Highlights:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 151.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 52.7
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 64.5
• Total Yards Per Game: 203.9
• Points Per Game: 25.0

Malvern, while not as explosive offensively as Highland, still manages to score an impressive 25 points per game. Their rushing attack, spearheaded by Tavien Clegg, is the heart of their offense, although their passing game is less utilized. Malvern’s defense is an area of strength, with a solid foundation in tackling and a strong rush.

Key Players

Highland:

• Keagan Statler (#1):
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 109.2
  • Total Yards Per Game: 137.9
  • Points Per Game: 11.4
    Statler is the focal point of Highland’s offense, racking up impressive rushing yards while contributing significantly to the team’s scoring.
• Austin Christy (#8):
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 118.3
    Christy provides the balance in Highland’s offense with his passing ability, ensuring that defenses cannot solely focus on the run.
• Jimmy Jensen (#7):
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 46.4
    Jensen adds a reliable receiving option for Christy, contributing to the team’s total yardage.

Malvern:

• Tavien Clegg (#35):
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 114.8
    Clegg leads Malvern’s ground attack, consistently finding ways to gain yards and control the tempo of the game.
• Sedrick “Bishop” Allen (#6):
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 162.2
    Allen is the key player in Malvern’s offense, making plays both in the air and on the ground, and providing versatility for their attack.
• Kahlen Cooper (#11):
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 43.7
    Cooper is one of Allen’s go-to targets, contributing to Malvern’s passing game when needed.
• Kalei Tokanang (#65):
  • Tackles Per Game: 6.1
    Tokanang has been a defensive stalwart for Malvern, consistently getting to the ball carrier and maintaining defensive integrity.

Record Comparison

• Overall: Highland (9-1) vs. Malvern (10-1)
• League Records: Both teams are tied with 6-1 league records.
• Home/Away Records: Highland has been dominant at home, with a 4-0 record, while Malvern has a 4-1 road record.
• Playoff Success: Both teams have excelled in playoff games, with each squad holding a perfect 1-0 playoff record so far.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

• Both Highland and Malvern have faced Ashdown, with Highland winning 10-7 and Malvern dominating 52-7. This result shows that both teams are capable of handling the same opponents, but Malvern’s margin of victory may give them a psychological edge heading into the matchup.

Analysis and Predictions

This game presents a classic showdown of contrasting offensive strategies. Highland is more balanced, utilizing both the run and pass with great efficiency. Malvern, on the other hand, relies heavily on their ground game with Clegg and Allen, using their rushing attack to control the tempo of the game.

Defensively, Highland’s edge comes in their ability to generate pressure with 1.3 sacks per game and their solid tackling unit. Malvern’s defense has been equally effective at slowing down opponents, particularly in the running game, but they will need to step up against Highland’s dynamic offense.

The key for Highland will be to stop Malvern’s run game and force them into passing situations, where their offense is less efficient. For Malvern, controlling the line of scrimmage and establishing the run early will be crucial in dictating the pace and keeping Highland’s offense off the field.

Conclusion

With both teams boasting solid records and strong individual performers, this game is sure to be a highly competitive and entertaining matchup. Highland’s balanced offense will face Malvern’s strong rushing attack and defensive prowess, setting the stage for an exciting contest. The team that can execute their game plan effectively while capitalizing on key moments will come out victorious in this battle between two of the state’s top teams.