The Malvern (AR) varsity football team faces Elkins (AR) in a high-stakes neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. as part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs – 4A Football State Bracket. Both teams are vying for a spot in the next round of this thrilling postseason tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arkansas State High School Football Playoff
Who: Malvern (AR) vs Elkins (AR)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 4A Football State Bracket
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Elkins and Malvern Clash in the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs
As the 2024-2025 high school football season reaches its climax, two powerhouse teams, Elkins and Malvern, are dominating the field with impressive records and standout performances. Both teams are riding the wave of remarkable seasons and appear poised to leave their mark in the playoffs. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two programs.
Team Statistics
Elkins and Malvern have exhibited contrasting styles of play, as seen in their statistical profiles.
- Elkins:
- Rushing: 12.9 yards per game
- Passing: 24.4 yards per game
- Receiving: 24.4 yards per game
- Total: 37.3 yards per game
Despite relatively modest rushing and total yardage, Elkins has proven its efficiency on the field, reflected in its perfect 12-0 record.
- Malvern:
- Rushing: 162.7 yards per game
- Passing: 62.8 yards per game
- Receiving: 74.4 yards per game
- Total: 225.5 yards per game
Malvern’s balanced offensive attack emphasizes the run game while showcasing a productive passing game that complements its strategy.
Individual Leaders
Key players on both teams have been instrumental in their success, but their roles highlight the teams’ differing strategies.
- Elkins:
- Jaquae Walden leads the rushing attack with 96.0 yards per game.
- Ben Napier dominates the passing game, averaging an astounding 293.0 yards per game, and leads in total yards with 318.0 per game.
- Landon Martin is a standout receiver, hauling in 136.0 yards per game.
Elkins thrives on explosive plays, driven by Napier’s ability to distribute the ball effectively.
- Malvern:
- Tavien Clegg spearheads the ground game with 130.2 rushing yards per game.
- Sedrick “Bishop” Allen is a dual-threat quarterback, contributing 164.2 passing yards and 166.7 total yards per game.
- Kahlen Cooper adds depth to the offense with 47.6 receiving yards per game.
Malvern’s offensive balance allows it to adapt to any game situation, whether through the air or on the ground.
Record Breakdown
Both teams have been nearly flawless this season:
- Elkins (12-0):
- League: 7-0
- Non-League: 3-0
- Home: 5-0
- Away: 5-0
- Neutral: 2-0
- Playoffs: 2-0
- In-State: 11-0
- Out-of-State: 1-0
Elkins has been impeccable in all conditions, showing resilience in league and non-league games alike.
- Malvern (11-1):
- League: 6-1
- Non-League: 3-0
- Home: 4-1
- Away: 5-0
- Neutral: 2-0
- Playoffs: 2-0
- In-State: 11-1
Malvern’s sole loss came in league play, but they’ve been dominant ever since, particularly in the playoffs.
Playoff Prospects
Both teams have shown they can rise to the occasion under pressure, with identical 2-0 playoff records. Elkins enters the postseason undefeated, while Malvern’s lone blemish serves as a lesson they’ve seemingly learned from.
Conclusion
Elkins and Malvern have each crafted extraordinary seasons, but their paths to success differ. Elkins relies heavily on its aerial attack, with Ben Napier at the helm, delivering consistently explosive plays. Malvern, on the other hand, uses a balanced offensive strategy centered on a strong ground game led by Tavien Clegg and the versatile Sedrick Allen.
While Elkins holds the advantage of an unblemished record, Malvern’s adaptability and balanced attack make them a formidable opponent. If these two teams meet in the postseason, fans can expect a thrilling battle between contrasting styles of play.
