The Lavaca (AR) varsity football team will face Mayflower (AR) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 2024 3A Football State Bracket, as both teams compete for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Mayflower vs Lavaca
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: Mayflower vs. Lavaca
As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs heat up, Mayflower and Lavaca will square off in a highly anticipated game. Both teams bring distinct records and scoring trends into this neutral-site matchup, but their performances this season reveal contrasting strengths and weaknesses.
Mayflower’s Impressive Season
Mayflower has enjoyed a strong 2024 campaign, entering the playoffs with an 8-2 overall record. Their .800 win percentage underscores their consistency, and they’ve maintained a solid 5-2 conference record, with a 4-1 mark at home and on the road. Their offense has been dynamic, scoring an average of 34.1 points per game this season, largely driven by solid contributions across all four quarters:
- Q1: 10.5 points
- Q2: 7.0 points
- Q3: 10.0 points
- Q4: 3.5 points
Despite their impressive overall numbers, Mayflower’s scoring slows down in the fourth quarter, which may become a point of focus in high-stakes playoff scenarios. Defensively, they have allowed just 113 points, showing their ability to keep opponents in check throughout the season. With a balanced offensive attack and a stout defense, Mayflower enters the playoffs as the favorite in this matchup.
Lavaca’s Struggles and Strengths
Lavaca has had a more inconsistent 2024 season, finishing with a 5-5 overall record, giving them a .500 win percentage. Their 4-3 conference record indicates they’ve had some success in their league but have struggled with consistency, particularly at home, where they have a 2-3 record. Offensively, Lavaca has averaged 19.8 points per game, which is considerably lower than Mayflower’s total, and their scoring has been more sporadic:
- Q1: 3.0 points
- Q2: 3.5 points
- Q3: 5.3 points
- Q4: 5.8 points
Lavaca’s offense has been slow to get going in the first half, with minimal points in the first and second quarters. However, they tend to improve in the latter half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they average 5.8 points. With 294 points allowed this season, Lavaca has struggled defensively, giving up a significant number of points compared to their opponents.
Key Factors in the Matchup
The game will largely depend on Lavaca’s ability to improve its early-game performance and adapt to Mayflower’s high-powered offense. If Lavaca can find a way to break through Mayflower’s defense and capitalize on any fourth-quarter lapses, they may be able to pull off an upset. However, Mayflower’s combination of strong offensive depth and solid defense makes them a tough contender in this playoff game.
Ultimately, Mayflower enters as the favorite, but Lavaca will look to use their late-game momentum to turn the tide in this crucial playoff contest. This matchup promises to be an exciting showdown with playoff implications on the line.