The Van Buren (AR) varsity football team will take on Marion (AR) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, specifically within the 6A Football State Bracket. Both teams are looking to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Marion vs Van Buren
When: Friday, November 15, 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: Van Buren Faces Off Against Marion in 6A Playoff Showdown

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs continue, the Van Buren (3-7) varsity football team will take on Marion (7-3) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This contest is part of the 6A Football State Bracket, with both teams eager to advance in the tournament.

Team Overview

Marion enters the game with a solid 7-3 record and a 5-2 conference mark, ranking 18th overall in Arkansas 6A football. They have been strong both at home and on the road, boasting a 4-1 record at home and a 3-2 road record. Their offense has been prolific, averaging 32.2 points per game, with a well-balanced attack that produces consistent scoring throughout the game. Their first-quarter average of 8.8 points sets the tone, and they maintain a strong offensive presence with 8.6 points in the fourth quarter, reflecting their ability to close games strong.

On the other hand, Van Buren has struggled this season with a 3-7 overall record and a 2-5 conference record. The team has had difficulty finding consistency, especially in the first quarter, where they average just 1.6 points. However, Van Buren has shown resilience in the second quarter, where they score 9.8 points on average. Despite a rough season, they will look to build on their second-half performances, where they have been more competitive, averaging 4.9 points in the third quarter and 5.8 points in the fourth.

Key Stats

Marion:

• Record: 7-3
• Conference Record: 5-2
• Points Scored: 322
• Points Allowed: 253
• Points Per Game: 32.2
• Scoring Average:
  • Q1: 8.8
  • Q2: 5.8
  • Q3: 7.7
  • Q4: 8.6

Van Buren:

• Record: 3-7
• Conference Record: 2-5
• Points Scored: 226
• Points Allowed: 366
• Points Per Game: 22.6
• Scoring Average:
  • Q1: 1.6
  • Q2: 9.8
  • Q3: 4.9
  • Q4: 5.8

What to Watch

Marion’s strong offense and ability to score at all points of the game give them a significant advantage in this matchup. Van Buren will need to overcome their early-game struggles and capitalize on their second-quarter scoring burst if they hope to compete. The key to the game will likely be whether Van Buren can improve their first-quarter performance and keep pace with Marion’s high-scoring offense.

Marion will look to dominate early, using their balanced attack to establish control and avoid giving Van Buren any hope of an upset. With a strong finish to the regular season and solid playoff positioning, Marion appears to be the favorite in this game.

Conclusion

While Marion enters as the clear favorite with their high-powered offense and solid overall record, Van Buren will look to prove they can pull off a playoff upset. This game promises to be a compelling test of whether Van Buren can overcome their early-game difficulties and make a competitive stand against a formidable Marion squad. Fans can expect a high-energy game as both teams battle for a spot in the next round of the 2024 6A Football State Tournament.

As the season nears its conclusion, the matchup between Marion and Van Buren offers an intriguing contrast in playing styles and performance. With Marion sitting at a 7-3 overall record and Van Buren at 3-7, the two teams have shown different strengths and weaknesses throughout the season. Let’s break down their team stats, individual leaders, and overall performance to understand what to expect in this head-to-head clash.

Offensive Comparison

Marion has been a dominant force on offense, with a balanced yet run-heavy approach that has seen them put up significant yards.

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Marion leads with 223.6 rushing yards per game, led by standout Jalen Smith who averages 127.9 rushing yards per game. This dynamic running game is a cornerstone of Marion’s offensive strategy.
• Passing Yards Per Game: While their rushing attack is dominant, Marion’s passing game remains effective, averaging 118.2 passing yards per game. Zayden Walker has been efficient with 86.5 passing yards per game, supporting the ground game with a balanced aerial threat.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: The team averages 116.4 receiving yards per game, with Mitrell Lewis contributing 45.5 yards per game as a key target in the passing attack.
• Total Yards Per Game: Marion’s offense generates a robust 341.8 total yards per game, relying on both a powerful rushing game and a modest, efficient passing game.

Van Buren, while not as dominant in the rushing department, has excelled in the passing and receiving game.

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Van Buren averages 117.6 rushing yards per game, with Cameron Keller leading the charge, rushing for 111.4 yards per game. This ground game is solid but lacks the explosive playmaking ability of Marion’s rushers.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Hayden Williford has been the key playmaker for Van Buren’s passing attack, putting up impressive numbers with 194.5 passing yards per game, leading a passing-heavy offense.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Van Buren’s receiving game mirrors its passing attack, averaging 193.8 receiving yards per game. Trenton Cooley leads the team with 105.0 receiving yards per game, providing a reliable target downfield.
• Total Yards Per Game: Van Buren’s offense totals 311.4 yards per game, which is significantly lower than Marion’s but reflects their more balanced yet pass-heavy offensive scheme.

Defensive Comparison

Both teams have shown strong defensive play, but Van Buren appears to have a slight edge in terms of tackles per game.

• Tackles Per Game: Van Buren averages 63.7 tackles per game, slightly ahead of Marion’s 61.2. This indicates a defense that’s active and involved in stopping the ball carrier.
• Sacks Per Game: Marion has been more effective at pressuring the quarterback, averaging 1.4 sacks per game compared to Van Buren’s 0.6. This gives Marion a distinct advantage in forcing negative plays and disrupting the opposing offense.

Despite the difference in sack numbers, Marion has allowed fewer points per game, with an average of 27.3 points per game, compared to Van Buren’s 22.5 points per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Marion:

  • Jalen Smith has been the star of Marion’s offense, contributing 127.9 rushing yards per game and 13.8 points per game, making him a dual-threat who can change the game at any moment.
  • Zayden Walker offers stability at quarterback with 86.5 passing yards per game, ensuring the passing game complements the powerful rushing attack.
  • Tayshon Lowery leads the defense with 7.0 tackles per game, playing a key role in stopping opposing offenses.

• Van Buren:

  • Hayden Williford has been the standout performer for Van Buren, contributing 194.5 passing yards per game and 201.1 total yards per game, making him a significant threat in the passing game.
  • Trenton Cooley is Williford’s top target, averaging 105.0 receiving yards per game and providing a consistent downfield presence.
  • Darren Mays has been a key defensive player, contributing 7.8 tackles per game and playing an important role in limiting yardage on the field.

Record Breakdown

Marion enters this matchup with a strong 7-3 record, buoyed by their 5-2 performance in league play. They have also performed well at home (4-1) and on the road (3-2), showing their ability to win in various settings. In contrast, Van Buren has struggled with a 3-7 overall record, including a 2-5 record in league play. However, they have been notably better on the road (2-3) than at home (1-4), which suggests they might be more resilient when facing away challenges.

Conclusion

Marion enters this matchup as the clear favorite with a 7-3 record and a well-balanced offense. Their ability to dominate the ground game with Jalen Smith and disrupt opposing quarterbacks with their sack pressure gives them an edge on both sides of the ball. Van Buren, however, remains a dangerous team with a potent passing attack led by Hayden Williford, and their defensive unit, while not as dominant in sacks, has been able to make stops when needed.

If Marion continues to control the clock with its run game and defense, they should be able to secure a victory. Van Buren will need to rely on Williford’s arm and hope their defense can slow down Marion’s explosive plays. This promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams with contrasting styles and strategies.