The Booneville (AR) varsity football team will face Magnet Cove (Malvern, AR) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This game is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 3A Football State Bracket. Both teams are looking to advance in the postseason.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Magnet Cove vs Booneville
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 3A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Booneville and Magnet Cove Set for Crucial 3A Playoff Matchup

Today at 7 p.m., the Booneville (AR) varsity football team will face Magnet Cove (Malvern, AR) in a neutral-site playoff game as part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 3A Football State Bracket. Both teams have fought hard to get to this point, but only one can continue their postseason journey.

Team Overview

Booneville enters this matchup with a dominant 9-1 record, finishing with a 6-1 mark in conference play. The Bearcats have been nearly unstoppable all season, averaging an impressive 39.5 points per game, with a defense that has only allowed 144 points. Their well-rounded game has been a big factor in their success, as they have proven to be strong on both sides of the ball. Booneville has excelled at home, going undefeated in five games, but they’ve also been solid on the road, with a 4-1 away record. With a scoring average of 16.0 points per game in the first quarter, they typically get off to fast starts, and they’ll look to continue that trend in this crucial playoff game.

Magnet Cove, with a 6-4 overall record and a 4-3 conference mark, has shown resilience throughout the season, especially in their ability to put up points. The Panthers have been able to score an average of 34.8 points per game, but they’ve allowed 328 points, which will be a concern heading into this high-stakes matchup. They’ve had a balanced scoring distribution, averaging 2.7 points in the first quarter, but picking it up in the second with 14.2 points per game. If Magnet Cove can keep up their strong offensive output, they might just surprise Booneville and make this a tightly contested game.

Key Stats

Magnet Cove:

• Record: 6-4
• Conference Record: 4-3
• Points Scored: 348
• Points Allowed: 328
• Points Per Game: 34.8
• Scoring Average:
  • Q1: 2.7
  • Q2: 14.2
  • Q3: 8.2
  • Q4: 8.2

Booneville:

• Record: 9-1
• Conference Record: 6-1
• Points Scored: 395
• Points Allowed: 144
• Points Per Game: 39.5
• Scoring Average:
  • Q1: 16.0
  • Q2: 12.6
  • Q3: 5.4
  • Q4: 3.0

What to Watch

For Magnet Cove, they will need to find a way to slow down Booneville’s high-powered offense. The Bearcats have been averaging nearly 40 points per game, and Magnet Cove’s defense will have to step up, particularly in the first half, to keep the game within reach. If the Panthers can improve their defensive play and sustain their offensive rhythm, they may have a shot at pulling off the upset.

Booneville’s fast starts will be key. With an average of 16.0 points in the first quarter, the Bearcats have shown they can quickly take control of games. Magnet Cove will need to focus on minimizing turnovers and controlling possession to avoid falling behind early. If Booneville can get an early lead, their defense will likely prove tough to crack.

In a matchup featuring two teams with contrasting seasons, Magnet Cove and Booneville will square off with a shared goal: securing a much-needed win and building momentum for the rest of the season. Both teams have had successful campaigns, but Booneville has been particularly impressive, entering the game with a strong 9-1 overall record.

Let’s break down how these two teams compare in terms of stats, individual performances, and their recent head-to-head encounters.

Team Stat Comparison

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, most notably Paris. While both Magnet Cove and Booneville secured victories against Paris, the margins and the style of victories have been slightly different, which could play a role in the outcome of their head-to-head meeting.

• Magnet Cove defeated Paris 56-48, while Booneville won 35-9 against the same team, showcasing Booneville’s ability to control the game more defensively. Booneville’s defense seems to have the edge in this comparison, potentially giving them an advantage in this upcoming match.

Record Breakdown

• Magnet Cove (6-4)
  Magnet Cove enters the game with a solid 6-4 overall record, with a 4-3 record in league play. Their non-league performance (2-1) shows they are competitive against teams outside their conference but have faced challenges within their league. With a mix of home and away games, they’ve managed a decent record but will need to step up to compete with Booneville.
• Booneville (9-1)
  Booneville has had a remarkable season, boasting a 9-1 overall record and a dominant 6-1 league record. Their non-league performance is also impressive, sitting at 3-0. Booneville’s strong defense and efficient offense have helped them achieve success both at home and on the road, with an undefeated 5-0 record at home and a solid 4-1 mark away.

Head-to-Head

• Common Opponent (Paris):
  Both teams have faced Paris and managed to win, but Booneville’s victory (35-9) stands out as a more convincing result compared to Magnet Cove’s closer win (56-48). This could indicate that Booneville is more dominant defensively and may be able to control the pace of the game.

Key Matchup Breakdown

• Offensive and Defensive Strengths:
  Magnet Cove has had a somewhat up-and-down season, with some high-scoring games, but they’ll need to find consistency on both sides of the ball. They’ve shown they can compete, but in their losses, they’ve often struggled to stop the opposition’s offense.Booneville, on the other hand, has a balanced team with an impressive defense that has been stifling opposing offenses, as seen in their dominant performance against Paris. Their ability to lock down teams defensively, combined with an efficient offense, will make them a tough opponent for Magnet Cove.
• Magnet Cove’s Keys to Success:
  For Magnet Cove to pull off an upset, they will need to continue their high-scoring ways and capitalize on Booneville’s weaknesses. They’ll also need to focus on improving their defense, particularly against Booneville’s more balanced attack.
• Booneville’s Keys to Success:
  Booneville will look to control the tempo of the game with their defense, forcing Magnet Cove into uncomfortable situations. Their offense, led by a solid quarterback and reliable playmakers, will need to execute well and avoid mistakes that could keep Magnet Cove in the game.

Conclusion

While both teams have had solid seasons, Booneville enters this matchup as the clear favorite with a 9-1 record and a stifling defense. Magnet Cove has shown they can score in bunches, but their defense will need to be much more effective than it has been in their losses. With home-field advantage and a more consistent overall record, Booneville appears to be in a strong position to come away with a victory in this contest, but Magnet Cove could surprise if they manage to hit their stride offensively. Expect a competitive game, with Booneville likely coming out on top if they can continue their defensive dominance.