The Benton (AR) varsity football team is set to face Lake Hamilton (Pearcy, AR) in an exciting neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 6A Football State Bracket” tournament, showcasing top-tier competition.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Lake Hamilton vs Benton
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 6A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Benton vs. Lake Hamilton
The 2024-2025 high school football season has been marked by impressive performances across Arkansas, with Benton and Lake Hamilton emerging as standout teams in their respective conferences. As the postseason approaches, a closer look at the statistics reveals how these teams stack up and what makes them formidable contenders.
Team Performance Overview
Lake Hamilton
- Overall Record: 8-3
- Conference Record: 5-2
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 3-2
- Neutral Site Record: 1-0
- Win Percentage: 72.7%
- Points For (PF): 386
- Points Against (PA): 266
Lake Hamilton has shown consistency, especially at home, where they boast a strong 4-1 record. Their balanced attack has earned them a solid .727 win percentage, ranking them 13th overall in Class 4. With a conference win rate of 71.4%, they remain competitive in one of Arkansas’ tougher divisions.
Benton
- Overall Record: 9-1
- Conference Record: 7-0
- Home Record: 4-0
- Away Record: 5-1
- Win Percentage: 90%
- Points For (PF): 518
- Points Against (PA): 194
Benton has been dominant throughout the season, remaining undefeated in conference play (7-0). Ranked 7th overall in Class 2, Benton’s high-powered offense has amassed a staggering 518 points, coupled with a staunch defense that has allowed only 194 points. Their .900 win percentage and perfect home record make them a formidable opponent.
Scoring Breakdown
Lake Hamilton Scoring Averages:
- 1st Quarter: 11.4
- 2nd Quarter: 6.3
- 3rd Quarter: 5.3
- 4th Quarter: 6.5
- Game Average: 35.1
Lake Hamilton demonstrates a strong start in the first quarter, averaging 11.4 points. However, their scoring declines in subsequent quarters, with their lowest output in the third. Consistent effort will be key if they hope to compete with higher-scoring teams like Benton.
Benton Scoring Averages:
- 1st Quarter: 17.5
- 2nd Quarter: 14.9
- 3rd Quarter: 7.9
- 4th Quarter: 10.3
- Game Average: 51.8
Benton’s scoring is relentless, particularly in the first half, where they average over 32 points combined. Their ability to maintain momentum into the second half ensures their commanding leads remain secure. With an average of 51.8 points per game, Benton’s offensive firepower sets them apart.
Head-to-Head Considerations
While Benton’s unbeaten conference record and scoring advantage make them the favorites, Lake Hamilton’s resilience, especially at home, cannot be underestimated. If Lake Hamilton can capitalize on a strong opening quarter and tighten their defense in the second half, they could pose a significant challenge to Benton’s dominance.
Benton, on the other hand, will look to exploit their early-game scoring prowess and press their defensive advantage. With their balanced team effort, Benton appears well-equipped to maintain their winning streak.
This matchup represents not just a clash of styles but also a test of endurance and strategy as both teams aim to solidify their positions heading into the postseason.
As the football season progresses, Lake Hamilton and Benton stand as two formidable teams. Here’s an in-depth analysis of their performances based on team stats, individual leaders, common opponents, and records.
Team Stat Comparison
Lake Hamilton boasts a dynamic offense and solid defense, with notable strengths in rushing and total yardage. Here’s a closer look at their key metrics:
| Stat | Lake Hamilton | Benton |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 297.5 | – |
| Passing Yards Per Game | 120.7 | – |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | 117.1 | – |
| Total Yards Per Game | 418.3 | – |
| Tackles Per Game | 62.0 | – |
| Sacks Per Game | 1.3 | – |
| Points Per Game | 34.5 | – |
| Pancake Blocks | 28 | – |
Lake Hamilton’s offensive production, led by its ground game, is a standout factor, while their defense ensures consistent tackling. Meanwhile, Benton’s stats are currently unavailable but likely competitive, given their strong record.
Team Leaders
Lake Hamilton’s success is driven by standout players who lead in critical categories:
| Category | Lake Hamilton | Benton | National Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards Per Game | #44 Hayden Barton (138.5) | – | 20.1 |
| Passing Yards Per Game | #4 Landon West (120.7) | – | 51.1 |
| Receiving Yards Per Game | #24 Parker Vandee (48.1) | – | 17.3 |
| Total Yards Per Game | #44 Hayden Barton (148.5) | – | 36.5 |
| Tackles Per Game | #10 Hagan Tyler (12.4) | – | 2.7 |
| Sacks Per Game | #71 David Dalton (0.4) | – | 0.2 |
| Points Per Game | #44 Hayden Barton (13.8) | – | 2.6 |
| Pancake Blocks | #63 Bryson Hill (9) | – | 6 |
Hayden Barton emerges as a crucial player, excelling in rushing, total yards, and scoring. His performance is complemented by Landon West’s passing efficiency and Parker Vandee’s receiving contributions.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced common challenges, offering a glimpse into their comparative strength:
| Opponent | Lake Hamilton Result | Benton Result |
|---|---|---|
| Shiloh Christian | Win, 35-28 (Away, 11/1/24) | TBD (Home, 11/29/24) |
| Jonesboro | Win, 41-27 (Away, 11/15/24) | Win, 48-35 (Home, 9/27/24) |
Lake Hamilton has a 2-0 record against common opponents, while Benton holds a 1-0 record with one game pending against Shiloh Christian.
Record Breakdown
A detailed breakdown of records highlights the teams’ consistency in various scenarios:
| Category | Lake Hamilton | Benton |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 8-3 | 9-1 |
| League | 5-2 | 7-0 |
| Non-League | 2-1 | 2-1 |
| Common Opponent | 2-0 | 1-0 |
| Home | 4-1 | 4-0 |
| Away | 3-2 | 5-1 |
| Playoff | 1-0 | 0-0 |
| In-State | 8-3 | 9-1 |
Benton’s near-perfect 9-1 record and unbeaten league performance make them a formidable contender, while Lake Hamilton’s balanced home and away results reflect a resilient team.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Hamilton Strengths: Dominant rushing attack led by Hayden Barton, consistent defense with solid tackling, and impressive total yardage.
- Benton Strengths: Superior overall record and undefeated league performance suggest efficiency and composure under pressure.
- Upcoming Challenges: The pending matchup against Shiloh Christian will test Benton, offering a comparative gauge against Lake Hamilton’s earlier victory.
As these teams gear up for further competition, all eyes will be on their star players and strategic adaptability. A head-to-head matchup, should it occur, promises to be a thrilling display of high school football excellence.
