The Bentonville West (Centerton, AR) varsity football team will face Little Rock Christian Academy (Little Rock, 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 7A Football State Bracket.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Little Rock Christian Academy vs Bentonville West
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 7A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Little Rock Christian Academy vs. Bentonville West

The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs are heating up, and one of the key matchups in the 7A Football State Bracket will see Little Rock Christian Academy take on Bentonville West. This neutral-site playoff game, scheduled for Friday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m., promises to be an exciting contest as both teams look to make their mark in the postseason.

Little Rock Christian Academy: A Solid Season with Room for Improvement

Little Rock Christian Academy enters the playoffs with a 6-4 overall record, finishing 4-3 in conference play. Their strong conference finish secured them a spot in the postseason, but they will need to perform better than they did in the regular season to make a deep playoff run.

The Warriors have shown their offensive capabilities, averaging 28.0 points per game. They are consistent, scoring an average of 4.0 points in the first quarter, 7.0 points in the second, 4.7 points in the third, and 7.0 points in the fourth. Although their scoring tends to slow down in the middle of the game, they have a solid foundation in the first and fourth quarters, which could help them gain an early lead and hold on in the final moments.

Defensively, Little Rock Christian Academy has allowed 278 points, which gives them an average of 27.8 points allowed per game. They will need to tighten up on defense against Bentonville West’s high-scoring offense, especially in the middle of the game where they’ve been prone to lapses.

Bentonville West: Struggling for Consistency but Dangerous Offensively

Bentonville West has had a more challenging season, finishing with a 3-7 overall record and a 3-4 conference record. Despite their struggles, the Wolverines have shown flashes of brilliance on offense, averaging 32.5 points per game, one of the higher averages in the 7A classification.

Bentonville West has been especially strong in the second half, with their highest scoring quarter coming in the third, where they average 10.0 points. They also score well in the second quarter, putting up 9.1 points, but their performance tends to dip slightly in the first and fourth quarters, averaging 5.3 points and 7.3 points, respectively. The Wolverines’ offensive potency gives them the ability to strike quickly and potentially overwhelm teams if they catch fire.

However, Bentonville West has allowed 398 points this season, averaging 39.8 points allowed per game. Their defense has been one of the weaker points of their season, and they will need to step up if they hope to compete with the more balanced attack of Little Rock Christian Academy.

Head-to-Head: The Key to Victory

This game will likely come down to which team can execute their offense most effectively. Little Rock Christian Academy will need to capitalize on their solid scoring in the first and fourth quarters to get ahead early and close out the game strong. They will also need to shore up their defense, particularly in the middle quarters, to contain Bentonville West’s high-scoring offense.

On the other hand, Bentonville West’s chances rest on their ability to maintain consistent offensive production, particularly in the second and third quarters. If their offense can continue to put up points, they have a good shot at keeping the game close. However, their defense will need to drastically improve to keep Little Rock Christian Academy’s offense in check. If they continue to allow high-scoring games, it will be difficult for them to outpace their opponent.

What to Expect in the Playoff Game

Expect a high-scoring game, with both teams capable of putting up points quickly. Little Rock Christian Academy has the edge in overall team balance, while Bentonville West will rely on their offensive firepower to stay in the game. If Bentonville West can overcome their defensive struggles, this game could turn into a thrilling shootout. However, if Little Rock Christian Academy can play solid defense and capitalize on their scoring opportunities, they will likely secure the victory.

Conclusion

The Little Rock Christian Academy vs. Bentonville West matchup promises to be an exciting playoff battle. While Little Rock Christian Academy has the advantage in terms of balance and defensive play, Bentonville West’s explosive offense makes them a dangerous opponent. This game will be a true test of both teams’ ability to execute in high-pressure situations. Whoever can best utilize their strengths will move on in the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs and continue their quest for the 7A title.

As the 2024-2025 football season enters its final stretch, Little Rock Christian Academy (LRCA) and Bentonville West are set to face off in a matchup that could have significant postseason implications. With LRCA sporting a 6-4 overall record and Bentonville West at 3-7, this game is a crucial one for both teams as they look to end the season on a high note and make a push toward the playoffs.

Team Comparison: Strengths and Key Stats

Little Rock Christian Academy (LRCA)

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Not provided
• Passing Yards Per Game: Not provided
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Not provided
• Total Yards Per Game: Not provided
• Tackles Per Game: 74.0
• Sacks Per Game: 2.3
• Points Per Game: Not provided

LRCA’s defense has been a key strength this season, with an impressive 74 tackles per game. They’ve been effective at containing opposing offenses, though their sack numbers (2.3 per game) indicate a less aggressive pass rush. Offensively, they rely on a balanced approach, though specific rushing and passing statistics weren’t provided. Their points per game are not listed, but their defensive prowess will likely keep them in games, giving them an edge in tight matchups.

Bentonville West (24-25)

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 54.7
• Passing Yards Per Game: 174.3
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 174.3
• Total Yards Per Game: 229.0
• Tackles Per Game: 30.4
• Sacks Per Game: 0.7
• Points Per Game: 16.9

Bentonville West has struggled this season, posting a 3-7 record, with their offense averaging 229 yards per game. They’ve relied heavily on their passing attack, with John Thompson leading the way, averaging 277.3 total yards per game (primarily through the air). The team has a respectable receiving core, with Que Thompson racking up 117.3 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Bentonville West has had trouble containing opposing offenses, as evidenced by their low tackle average of 30.4 per game. Their sack numbers are also below average, with just 0.7 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

Little Rock Christian Academy:

• Chance Boshears (LB) – With 11.0 tackles per game, Boshears is a leader on the defensive side of the ball. His ability to disrupt the opposing offense will be crucial for LRCA, particularly against Bentonville West’s passing attack.

Bentonville West:

• John Thompson (QB) – Thompson has been the driving force for Bentonville West’s offense this season, throwing for an average of 277.3 total yards per game. His performance will be key to breaking through LRCA’s defensive line.
• Que Thompson (WR) – As one of the top receiving threats for Bentonville West, Thompson’s ability to stretch the field and make plays will be critical for the team’s chances of success.
• Aidyn Myers (LB) – Myers, with 11.8 tackles per game, is a key defensive player for Bentonville West and will need to step up to stop LRCA’s balanced attack.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some similar opponents this season, including Cabot and Pulaski Academy.

• Little Rock Christian Academy has a 1-1 record against common opponents. They won a close game against Cabot (28-24) but fell to Pulaski Academy (40-8).
• Bentonville West also played against Cabot and Pulaski Academy, but their record against common opponents is 0-1. They lost a high-scoring affair to Cabot (44-38) and have not yet played Pulaski Academy.

These matchups give some insight into how both teams might perform against each other, with LRCA having the advantage based on their stronger showings against similar opponents.

Record Breakdown

Little Rock Christian Academy (24-25)

• Overall Record: 6-4
• League Record: 4-3
• Non-League Record: 2-1
• Home Record: 3-2
• Away Record: 3-2

Bentonville West (24-25)

• Overall Record: 3-7
• League Record: 3-4
• Non-League Record: 0-3
• Home Record: 1-4
• Away Record: 2-3

Little Rock Christian Academy enters this game with a more favorable record of 6-4, while Bentonville West is at 3-7. LRCA has been more consistent, especially in league play with a 4-3 record. Bentonville West has struggled, particularly in non-league games, but they have shown flashes of talent, particularly with their passing game.

Game Outlook

This game presents a fascinating contrast in styles. Little Rock Christian Academy has a robust defense and a well-balanced offense that has been efficient enough to win games. Meanwhile, Bentonville West has relied heavily on the passing game, led by John Thompson, but has had difficulty in all-around team performance. Bentonville West’s defense has been weak, and they have struggled to stop potent offenses, which could spell trouble against LRCA’s versatile attack.

Bentonville West will need a big performance from John Thompson to have any chance of staying in the game. His ability to connect with Que Thompson in the passing game will be essential. Conversely, LRCA’s Chance Boshears will likely play a key role in shutting down Bentonville West’s passing attack, while their offense will look to control the game with a balanced approach.

Conclusion

The game between Little Rock Christian Academy and Bentonville West is one that will likely hinge on defense and the ability to control the clock. LRCA comes into the game with the advantage, boasting a solid defense and a balanced offensive attack. Bentonville West, on the other hand, will rely on the arm of John Thompson to lead their offense and keep the game close. If LRCA can neutralize Bentonville West’s passing game, they should come away with the victory. However, if Bentonville West can break through with explosive plays, they may just pull off an upset.

With both teams motivated to end their seasons on a high note, expect a competitive and intriguing contest on the gridiron.