The Carlisle (AR) varsity football team will face Junction City (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 2A Football State Bracket,” where both teams compete for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Junction City vs Carlisle
When: Friday, November 22, 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: Junction City vs. Carlisle

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2A Football State Bracket heats up, a thrilling neutral-site matchup between Junction City (AR) and Carlisle (AR) is set to take place today. Both teams come into this game with impressive records, but it’s Carlisle’s perfect season that has them standing out as the favorite. Let’s dive into their rankings, records, and scoring dynamics heading into this highly anticipated playoff battle.

Rankings and Records

• Junction City: With an overall record of 8-3, Junction City enters the game ranked 110th in Arkansas and 5th in their class. The team had a solid conference showing with a 6-1 record, but struggled a bit at home with a 2-2 record. However, their away record (5-1) and perfect 1-0 neutral-site performance shows they are a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. Junction City’s offense has scored 358 points this season, while their defense has allowed 242.
• Carlisle: Carlisle enters the game undefeated with a perfect 11-0 record, ranked 79th in Arkansas and 2nd in their class. The team was dominant in conference play, finishing with a flawless 7-0 conference record. Carlisle has been impressive both at home (5-0) and on the road (5-0), and they also have a perfect 1-0 record in neutral-site games. Their offense has been explosive, scoring 521 points, while their defense has been stingy, allowing just 129.

Team Scoring Averages

• Junction City: Junction City averages 32.5 points per game, with a steady offensive attack throughout the game. They score an average of 13.8 points in the first quarter and 15.5 in the second quarter. However, their scoring slows in the second half, with 5.0 points in the third quarter and 9.0 in the fourth.
• Carlisle: Carlisle has been dominant offensively, averaging an impressive 47.4 points per game. They start strong, scoring an average of 11.5 points in the first quarter and 20.5 points in the second quarter. Their offense slows down slightly in the second half, with 7.3 points in the third quarter and 8.7 points in the fourth, but they maintain a significant edge in scoring.

What to Watch For

• Carlisle’s Offensive Explosion: Carlisle has been a powerhouse all season, particularly in the first half, where they average 32 points per game. Their ability to start strong and dominate early could give them a significant advantage over Junction City.
• Junction City’s Consistency: While Junction City has had a solid season, they will need to improve in the second half to keep up with Carlisle’s high-powered offense. Their scoring drops off considerably after halftime, and they will need to find ways to stay productive in the final two quarters.
• Defensive Battle: Carlisle’s defense has been one of the best in the state, allowing only 129 points all season. Junction City will need to find ways to crack Carlisle’s defensive line if they hope to score enough points to challenge the undefeated team.

Key Questions

• Can Junction City keep pace with Carlisle’s high-scoring offense, especially in the first half?
• Will Carlisle maintain its perfect season and continue to dominate, or can Junction City disrupt their rhythm?
• How will the neutral-site setting affect both teams in such a high-pressure playoff game?

With both teams eager to advance, this playoff game is set to be an intense battle. Carlisle’s undefeated record and offensive firepower make them the clear favorite, but Junction City has the experience and momentum to make things interesting. Fans can expect a hard-fought game as both teams fight for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

As the Arkansas high school football season reaches its peak, the highly anticipated matchup between the Junction City Dragons and the Carlisle Bison is set to showcase two powerhouse teams with distinct styles and strengths. With both teams entering the game with strong records, this contest is sure to be a thrilling battle. Let’s dive into the stats, key players, and what to expect from this exciting matchup.

Team Stat Comparison

Junction City’s Offensive and Defensive Breakdown:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 250.6
• Passing Yards Per Game: 93.5
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 92.1
• Total Yards Per Game: 344.1
• Tackles Per Game: 70.8
• Sacks Per Game: 3.0
• Points Per Game: 31.5

Junction City’s offense is built around a strong running game, averaging over 250 rushing yards per game. With a solid rushing attack, they keep the ball moving and maintain possession. However, their passing game is modest, and they rely heavily on their ground game to create opportunities. On defense, they are aggressive, with 3.0 sacks per game and a well-balanced tackling unit. With an average of 31.5 points per game, their offense has been efficient, and their defense has kept opponents in check.

Carlisle’s Offensive and Defensive Breakdown:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: –
• Passing Yards Per Game: –
• Receiving Yards Per Game: –
• Total Yards Per Game: –
• Tackles Per Game: –
• Sacks Per Game: –
• Points Per Game: –

Carlisle enters this matchup undefeated with an impressive 11-0 record. Although specific offensive and defensive stats were unavailable, their perfect record suggests they are firing on all cylinders. The Bison’s ability to dominate across all facets of the game—whether offensively or defensively—has been evident throughout the season. They have been a balanced and explosive team, showing great depth and consistency.

Key Players to Watch

Junction City’s Standouts:

• Dominique Grimes (#3) – Rushing Yards Per Game: 99.8
  Grimes has been the star of the Junction City offense, leading the team in rushing yards and total yards. His ability to control the ball and break tackles will be crucial if Junction City hopes to keep up with Carlisle’s high-powered game.
• Dakorey Larry (#13) – Passing Yards Per Game: 55.9
  While not as prolific as Grimes on the ground, Larry has been solid in the passing game, providing balance to the offense. His ability to make key throws when necessary will help keep defenses honest.
• Jordan “JB” Banks (#6) – Tackles Per Game: 6.6
  Banks has been a leader on defense, making crucial tackles and being a disruptive force. His presence in the defensive backfield and ability to stop plays at the line of scrimmage will be critical against Carlisle’s potent offense.
• Dalton Baker (#44) – Sacks Per Game: 0.9
  Baker is a key piece of Junction City’s defense. His ability to get pressure on the quarterback and create havoc in the backfield will be an asset in this matchup.

Carlisle’s Standouts:

While individual statistics for Carlisle weren’t available, their perfect 11-0 record speaks volumes about the collective talent across their team. Look for strong contributions from both their offensive and defensive units, as Carlisle has proven to be balanced and capable of overwhelming opponents.

Record Breakdown and Head-to-Head Results

• Overall Record: Junction City (8-3) vs. Carlisle (11-0)
• League Record: Junction City (6-1) vs. Carlisle (7-0)
• Non-League Record: Junction City (1-2) vs. Carlisle (3-0)
• Home/Away Record: Junction City (2-2) vs. Carlisle (5-0)

Junction City heads into this game with a solid 8-3 record, showcasing a competitive team with a tough league schedule. Carlisle, on the other hand, remains undefeated at 11-0, dominating their opponents and proving their consistency throughout the season. With an unblemished 7-0 record in league play, Carlisle has clearly established themselves as the team to beat. Junction City will need to play their best game to compete with an undefeated squad.

Common Opponents:

Both teams have faced off against some similar competition. Junction City has performed well in their games, but Carlisle has proven more dominant, winning decisively in their matchups. With both teams looking to make a statement, the performance against common opponents will serve as a reference for both teams’ readiness.

Analysis and What to Expect

Carlisle enters this game as the clear favorite, boasting an undefeated record and a well-rounded team. Their balanced offensive attack and stingy defense have made them the class of their league. Junction City, however, is no stranger to tough competition and has proven they can handle adversity, making them a dangerous opponent.

Junction City’s path to victory lies in controlling the clock with their strong rushing game, led by Dominique Grimes. They will need to keep the ball away from Carlisle’s offense and play solid defense to limit big plays. On the defensive side, creating pressure on Carlisle’s offense and forcing mistakes will be key.

Carlisle, meanwhile, will look to continue their dominant play on both sides of the ball. If they can impose their will early on and establish the run game, they will likely take control of the game. With a balanced offense and a defense that rarely gives up big plays, they will be tough to stop.

Conclusion

This game promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams with differing records but similar goals: to win and advance further in the playoffs. Carlisle’s undefeated record and dominance this season make them the favorites, but Junction City’s ability to control the game with their ground attack and play tough defense could make this a more competitive game than many expect. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle that will likely be decided by which team can execute their game plan more effectively.