The Charleston (AR) varsity football team will face Melbourne (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: Melbourne vs Charleston
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: Melbourne vs. Charleston
As the 2024-2025 season progresses, two teams—Melbourne and Charleston—are showcasing their strengths in different areas, setting up intriguing matchups. Let’s dive into the statistics to see how these teams are performing overall, as well as in specific categories such as scoring averages and win percentages.
Melbourne’s Performance Overview
Melbourne has enjoyed a strong overall record of 8-2, with a .800 win percentage. The team has demonstrated solid performance both at home and away, with 4-1 records in each scenario. Their defense has been a key strength, allowing only 178 points against in total, which contributes to their strong .714 conference win percentage.
Breaking down their scoring by quarters, Melbourne’s offense has been consistent, averaging 9.3 points in the first quarter, and closing out games with 11.7 points in both the third and fourth quarters. Despite a slightly lower second-quarter output of 8.0 points, their ability to perform late in games gives them a competitive edge. Their overall average of 34.9 points per game underlines a well-balanced offense and defense strategy.
Charleston’s Performance Overview
Charleston, with a record of 6-4, has had a slightly more inconsistent season compared to Melbourne, reflected in their .600 win percentage. However, their conference performance has been solid with a .714 conference win percentage. On home turf, they’ve been strong with a 4-1 record, but their away performance has been less convincing at 2-3.
Offensively, Charleston has shown significant firepower, particularly in the first quarter, where they average an impressive 17.5 points. However, they have struggled in the latter stages of games, with their scoring dropping sharply in the second half. The team averages only 6.6 points in the third quarter and 5.0 points in the fourth, indicating potential issues with maintaining momentum throughout the game. Despite this, their total scoring average stands at 41.2 points per game, which is higher than Melbourne’s, suggesting they rely more on explosive early-game offense.
Head-to-Head Comparison
When looking at these teams side by side, Melbourne’s balanced approach stands out, particularly in their strong defense and consistency through all four quarters. Charleston, on the other hand, appears to be more of a fast-starting team, with a reliance on early scoring, but they may need to find ways to maintain their output as the game progresses.
In terms of total points scored (PF) and allowed (PA), Charleston has been more prolific offensively, scoring 412 points and allowing 234 points. Meanwhile, Melbourne has scored 349 points and allowed just 178 points, showcasing their emphasis on defense.
Conclusion
As the season continues, both teams have areas to improve but also clear strengths. Melbourne’s defensive prowess and consistent scoring could make them tough opponents, while Charleston’s ability to start strong could give them an edge if they can find more stability in the second half of games. The contrast in their styles sets the stage for a compelling finish to the season.
As the 2024-2025 high school football season draws closer to its climax, both Melbourne and Charleston have demonstrated strong performances throughout the year. With Melbourne holding an 8-2 record and Charleston at 6-4, the two teams have been competitive in their respective leagues and are looking to finish the season strong as they prepare for the postseason.
Record Breakdown
Melbourne
- Overall Record: 8-2
- League Record: 5-2
- Non-League Record: 3-0
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 4-1
- Neutral Record: 0-0
- Playoff Record: 0-0
- In-State Record: 8-2
- Out-of-State Record: 0-0
Melbourne has had a standout season with an 8-2 overall record. Their league play has been solid with a 5-2 record, and they’ve been perfect in non-league games with a 3-0 mark. Melbourne has been equally strong at home and on the road, each with a 4-1 record, which bodes well for their playoff hopes.
Charleston
- Overall Record: 6-4
- League Record: 5-2
- Non-League Record: 1-2
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 2-3
- Neutral Record: 0-0
- Playoff Record: 0-0
- In-State Record: 5-4
- Out-of-State Record: 1-0
Charleston has put together a solid season with a 6-4 overall record. They are tied with Melbourne in league play at 5-2, though their non-league record (1-2) has been more mixed. Charleston has performed well at home, posting a 4-1 record, but their away record (2-3) will be a key factor as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Key Insights
- League Performance
Both Melbourne and Charleston have been strong in their league play, with each team posting a 5-2 record. This competitive league performance has set both teams up for potential playoff contention, with the edge possibly going to Melbourne due to their superior non-league record. - Home and Away Performance
Melbourne has been nearly flawless on the road, with a 4-1 record, while Charleston has had more struggles away from home (2-3). This difference in road performance could be a decisive factor if both teams face challenging away matchups in the playoffs. - Playoff Push
With an 8-2 record, Melbourne is well-positioned for a playoff berth. While Charleston’s 6-4 record still gives them a chance to make the postseason, their away performances and non-league record will be critical in securing their spot.
Conclusion
Melbourne’s 8-2 record and solid performances both at home and on the road have made them a strong contender as the season enters its final phase. Charleston, despite their 6-4 record, has been competitive and will need to leverage their home-field advantage and improve their away form to make a strong playoff push. The matchups in the coming weeks will be crucial for both teams, and they will be looking to finish the season strong, positioning themselves for postseason success.
