The Little River (KS) varsity football team will play a neutral-site playoff game against Central Plains (Claflin, KS) on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 PM.

What: Kansas High School Football
Who: Little River (KS) vs Central Plains (KS)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Central Plains vs. Little River: A High-Stakes Playoff Showdown

The Central Plains and Little River football teams are set to face off in a highly anticipated playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. Both teams have enjoyed strong seasons, with identical 8-2 records, making this playoff clash a battle of titans. The game promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams have shown their prowess on the field throughout the season.

Regular Season Overview

Central Plains (Claflin, KS) finished the regular season with an impressive 8-2 overall record, including a 4-1 mark in district play. The team has demonstrated a well-balanced offense, averaging 44 points per game, led by their dynamic quarterback Logan Renken. Renken has been a key player for Central Plains, throwing for 91.7 passing yards per game and rushing for an additional 84.5 yards per game. With strong performances in both passing and rushing, Central Plains has become a well-rounded offensive unit.

Little River, similarly, boasts an 8-2 record, with the same 4-1 district record. The team has also put up impressive numbers, averaging 46.8 points per game, led by their explosive offense. Little River has demonstrated its strength, particularly at home, where they remain undefeated. Quarterback Logan Renken (with 65 passing yards per game) and running back Jaren Garrison (84.5 rushing yards per game) have been instrumental in Little River’s success.

Recent Matchup

The most recent encounter between these two teams occurred on October 18, where Central Plains emerged victorious with a dominant 66-44 win over Little River in a conference game. This victory served as a statement, as Central Plains outscored Little River in the second half by a 38-16 margin. Central Plains’ ability to close out the game in the final quarters will be crucial in their upcoming playoff meeting, where momentum will play a key role.

Team Stats Comparison

Both teams have exhibited strong offensive and defensive performances throughout the season, and here’s how they compare:

• Central Plains averages 300.6 total yards per game, with 208.9 of those coming from rushing yards. Their defense has been stout, averaging 44.4 tackles per game and 0.5 sacks per game.
• Little River, meanwhile, is slightly ahead in total yards per game, with 468 yards, thanks to their strong rushing attack (averaging 208.9 yards per game). Their defense is also solid, with 44 tackles per game, similar to Central Plains.

Both teams have been efficient on offense, with Central Plains scoring an average of 47 points per game and Little River averaging 46.8 points per game. However, Central Plains has been more effective in terms of overall yardage, despite Little River’s impressive rushing statistics.

Key Players to Watch

• Central Plains:
  • Logan Renken (QB): Renken’s ability to both pass and rush makes him a dual-threat on the field. His 159.2 total yards per game and 13.4 points per game make him one of the most dangerous playmakers in the game.
  • Jhet Ewertt (Tackles): On defense, Ewertt leads the team with 8.1 tackles per game, showing his ability to disrupt the opposition’s offense.
• Little River:
  • Jaren Garrison (RB): Garrison leads the team with 84.5 rushing yards per game and is capable of breaking off big runs at any moment.
  • Ty Janette (WR): Janette’s versatility as both a receiver (23.6 yards per game) and a sack contributor (0.3 sacks per game) will be crucial in Little River’s efforts to stay competitive.

Playoff Implications

As both teams prepare for this playoff showdown, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Central Plains enters the game with confidence after their dominant victory in the regular season, but Little River will be looking for revenge and to extend their undefeated record at home. Both teams are evenly matched, with impressive offensive units and hard-hitting defenses. The key to victory for both teams will be maintaining offensive balance and executing in the crucial moments of the game.

With the postseason on the line, fans can expect a high-energy, action-packed game as these two powerhouse teams clash for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming Central Plains vs. Little River playoff game is shaping up to be a classic, with both teams bringing explosive offenses, tough defenses, and plenty of playmakers to the field. The winner will not only advance in the playoffs but will also prove their dominance as one of the top teams in the state. It’s a matchup that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.