The Cross County (Cherry Valley, AR) varsity football team will face Junction City (AR) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 2024 2A Football State Bracket, as both teams vie for postseason advancement.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Junction City vs Cross County
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: Junction City vs. Cross County

The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs are in full swing, and one of the most intriguing matchups in the 2A Football State Bracket will feature Junction City and Cross County (Cherry Valley). Scheduled for Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m., this neutral-site contest promises to be an exciting clash between two teams with identical overall records but distinct playing styles.

Junction City’s Solid Season

Junction City comes into the game with a 7-3 overall record, matching Cross County’s mark, and an impressive .700 win percentage. Their strong showing in conference play (finishing 6-1) helped them secure a spot in the postseason. However, Junction City’s record has been more balanced, with 2-2 at home and 5-1 on the road, indicating they are a team that performs well under pressure, particularly when playing away from their home field.

Offensively, Junction City has averaged 32.2 points per game this season, with a dynamic and varied offensive attack. They have been particularly explosive in the first half, scoring 13.7 points in the first quarter and 20.7 points in the second. Their ability to build an early lead could be a key factor in this playoff game. However, their production drops off in the second half, as they average just 4.3 points in the third quarter and 7.0 points in the fourth. This inconsistency could play into Cross County’s hands if the game tightens in the second half.

Cross County’s Balanced Attack and Strong Defense

Cross County also brings a 7-3 overall record into the game, boasting a .700 win percentage—identical to Junction City’s. Their 5-2 conference record places them among the top teams in the classification, and their performance has been notably stronger at home, where they posted a 5-0 record. On the road, however, Cross County has been less dominant, with a 2-3 record, suggesting they may struggle in a neutral-site playoff environment.

Offensively, Cross County has averaged 32.1 points per game, nearly identical to Junction City’s average of 32.2. However, the way Cross County scores is different. They have been a second-quarter powerhouse, averaging 13.0 points in the second period, but they have struggled in the first and third quarters, averaging 0 and 0 points, respectively, in those periods. Their fourth-quarter performance has been stronger, with 8.0 points per game, showing that they can close out games effectively if they can stay close early on.

Defensively, Cross County has been solid, allowing just 168 points on the season, one of the best defensive marks in the classification. This strong defense will be crucial in slowing down Junction City’s high-scoring offense.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Both teams are similar in terms of record and scoring average, but the differences in their scoring patterns will be a key factor in the game. Junction City’s ability to score early, particularly in the first half, will put pressure on Cross County to keep pace. However, Cross County’s defense has been one of the best in the 2A classification, allowing just 168 points for the season, which is significantly lower than Junction City’s 220 points allowed.

If Cross County can hold Junction City’s offense in check, particularly in the second half, their explosive second-quarter scoring and strong defensive play could give them the edge. On the other hand, if Junction City can maintain their first-half dominance and extend their lead, they will be tough to beat, especially with their more potent offense.

What to Expect in the Playoff Matchup

This game will likely hinge on which team can control the tempo early. Junction City will look to strike quickly in the first half and build a significant lead, while Cross County will need to find a way to slow down Junction City’s offense and stay competitive through the first two quarters. If Cross County can minimize their struggles in the first and third quarters and capitalize on their strong defense, they will have a good chance of keeping this game close and possibly pulling off a victory.

For Junction City, maintaining their offensive efficiency throughout the game, especially in the second half, will be crucial. If they can avoid offensive lulls, they should be able to outpace Cross County and advance in the playoffs.

Conclusion

This neutral-site playoff game between Junction City and Cross County is shaping up to be a thrilling matchup. Both teams are evenly matched in terms of overall record and scoring averages, but they each bring a unique style of play. Junction City will rely on their high-powered first-half offense, while Cross County will look to lean on their defense and strong second-quarter play. Whichever team can execute their game plan most effectively will have the upper hand in this 2A playoff clash.

As the 2024-2025 football season draws to a close, both Junction City and Cross County have been making waves with impressive performances. Each team enters this point in the season with a 7-3 record, setting the stage for what could be a highly competitive matchup as they push toward the playoffs. Here’s an in-depth look at both teams, comparing their stats, standout players, and key performances.

Team Stat Comparison

Junction City

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 240.4
• Passing Yards Per Game: 99.3
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 97.8
• Total Yards Per Game: 339.7
• Tackles Per Game: 69.2
• Sacks Per Game: 3.1
• Points Per Game: 31.3

Junction City has leaned heavily on their ground game this season, with a massive 240.4 rushing yards per game. This run-heavy offense, led by Dominique Grimes, has been the backbone of their success, allowing them to control the clock and dominate possession. They also boast solid passing and receiving numbers, making their offense balanced and difficult to stop. Defensively, Junction City is tough, averaging 69.2 tackles per game, and their ability to get pressure on the quarterback is reflected in their 3.1 sacks per game.

Cross County

• Rushing Yards Per Game: N/A
• Passing Yards Per Game: N/A
• Receiving Yards Per Game: N/A
• Total Yards Per Game: N/A
• Tackles Per Game: N/A
• Sacks Per Game: N/A
• Points Per Game: N/A

While Cross County’s stats aren’t fully disclosed, it’s clear from their 7-3 record that they have been competitive and have found success in both offense and defense. They are similar to Junction City in terms of overall performance and have been successful in league play with a 5-2 record. This suggests that, like Junction City, they have a well-rounded squad with significant contributions on both sides of the ball.

Team Leaders

Junction City

• Dominique Grimes: 95.0 Rushing Yards Per Game, 154.4 Total Yards Per Game, 10.7 Points Per Game
• Dakorey Larry: 55.9 Passing Yards Per Game
• Jordan “JB” Banks: 6.6 Tackles Per Game
• Dalton Baker: 0.9 Sacks Per Game

Cross County

• TBD: Likely to have offensive and defensive leaders similar to Junction City, but not fully disclosed in the provided stats.

Dominique Grimes has been the star for Junction City, leading both the rushing and receiving yards and scoring a significant number of points. His total yardage (154.4 yards per game) is a major contributor to the team’s offensive success. On the defensive side, Jordan “JB” Banks and Dalton Baker have been crucial, with Banks providing steady tackling and Baker contributing a handful of sacks.

Record Breakdown

Junction City

• Overall Record: 7-3
• League Record: 6-1
• Non-League Record: 1-2
• Home Record: 2-2
• Away Record: 5-1
• Playoff Record: 0-0
• In-State Record: 7-3
• Out-of-State Record: 0-0

Junction City’s success has been fueled by their impressive away record (5-1), making them a tough opponent on the road. Their 6-1 league record indicates that they’ve performed well in conference games, and their 7-3 overall record shows a consistent ability to win, especially in-state.

Cross County

• Overall Record: 7-3
• League Record: 5-2
• Non-League Record: 2-1
• Home Record: 5-1
• Away Record: 2-3
• Playoff Record: 0-0
• In-State Record: 7-3
• Out-of-State Record: 0-0

Cross County has also posted a solid 7-3 record, with their most dominant performances coming at home, where they have a 5-1 record. While their away record (2-3) indicates some struggles on the road, they have been competitive in non-league games, showing versatility and adaptability across different opponents.

Common Opponents

Both Junction City and Cross County have faced some of the same teams during the season, leading to an intriguing comparison:

• Junction City: 7-3
• Cross County: 7-3

Both teams have shown the ability to beat common opponents, with each posting a solid 7-3 record against shared competition. This suggests that while each team has faced its challenges, they have been able to navigate through difficult schedules effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Junction City has leaned on a dominant rushing attack led by Dominique Grimes, and with their solid defense (69.2 tackles per game), they are a well-rounded team capable of both controlling the clock and shutting down opposing offenses.
• Cross County has been competitive in both league and non-league play, with a balanced offensive and defensive strategy. Their success at home (5-1 record) will be a key factor moving forward.

The Junction City vs. Cross County matchup promises to be a hard-fought battle, with both teams possessing strong offenses and solid defensive units. Fans can expect a competitive game, where Junction City’s rushing attack will look to overpower Cross County’s defense, while Cross County will aim to capitalize on their home-field advantage. With both teams sitting at 7-3, the outcome of this game could have significant implications for their playoff positioning.