The Elkins (AR) varsity football team will face Mena (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, 4A Football State Bracket. Both teams will look to advance further in the postseason with a victory.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Mena vs Elkins
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 4A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Mena vs. Elkins
As we take a closer look at the 2024-2025 high school basketball season, two teams stand out for their impressive records and dominant performances—Mena and Elkins. Both teams have made their marks in the standings, and their scoring averages highlight the contrasting yet effective styles of play. Here’s an in-depth analysis of their seasons so far:
Mena’s Strong Performance
The Mena team has posted a remarkable overall record of 10-1, with a 6-1 record in conference play. Their success has been powered by a strong defensive mindset and an ability to capitalize on opportunities when they arise.
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 4-1
- Neutral Site Record: 1-0
- Win %: .909
- Conference %: .857
The team has been efficient on both ends of the floor, scoring 386 points while allowing only 160. The offensive consistency is evident in their scoring averages, with 18.0 points in the second quarter being their strongest offensive output.
Mena’s Scoring Breakdown:
- Q1: 0
- Q2: 18.0
- Q3: 10.0
- Q4: 7.0
- Final: 35.1
While Mena may not have the explosive starts in the first quarter, their ability to adjust and dominate in the second quarter has been crucial to their victories. Their defensive prowess also plays a big role, allowing them to control the tempo and reduce scoring opportunities for their opponents.
Elkins: A Perfect Record
On the other side, Elkins has been nothing short of dominant, maintaining an undefeated record of 11-0 with a perfect 7-0 mark in conference play. The team has shown versatility in their ability to win both at home and on the road, which speaks to their consistency and depth.
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 5-0
- Neutral Site Record: 1-0
- Win %: 1.000
- Conference %: 1.000
Elkins has put up 539 points while holding opponents to just 81 points, demonstrating an elite-level defense and offense balance. With an average of 49.0 points per game, they outpace their opponents significantly.
Elkins’ Scoring Breakdown:
- Q1: 21.7
- Q2: 14.8
- Q3: 8.1
- Q4: 4.4
- Final: 49.0
One standout aspect of Elkins’ game is their offensive firepower in the first quarter, where they average over 21 points per game. This fast start has often set the tone for the remainder of the game, putting pressure on their opponents right from the tip-off.
Comparison: Defensive Strength vs. Offensive Firepower
Both teams exhibit strong defensive capabilities, but their offensive approaches differ greatly. Mena tends to wear opponents down with methodical play, especially excelling in the second quarter. Meanwhile, Elkins relies on fast-paced and high-scoring first quarters to build early leads, often rendering their opponents’ comeback efforts futile.
Despite these differences, both teams share a common trait: a commitment to team-oriented defense and disciplined offensive execution. Their records speak for themselves, and it’s clear that both Mena and Elkins are primed for success in the remainder of the season.
As the postseason approaches, the matchup between Mena and Elkins promises to be one of the most exciting games of the season. Both teams have put together impressive campaigns, with Mena boasting a 10-1 overall record and Elkins remaining undefeated at 11-0. In this article, we will break down the key team statistics, highlight standout players, and analyze how these two squads stack up against each other.
Team Stat Comparison: Mena vs. Elkins
Mena’s Breakdown:
- Overall Record: 10-1
- League Record: 6-1
- Non-League Record: 3-0
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 4-1
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Playoff Record: 1-0
- In-State Record: 9-1
Mena has had an exceptional season, averaging 340.6 total yards per game. Their offense is built on a balanced attack, rushing for 182.4 yards per game and passing for 158.3 yards per game. The team scores an average of 34.3 points per game, demonstrating their ability to put up big numbers. Defensively, they average 63.6 tackles per game, with Brody Peters contributing heavily both in rushing and scoring, racking up 127.4 rushing yards per game and 10.9 points per game.
Elkins’ Breakdown:
- Overall Record: 11-0
- League Record: 7-0
- Non-League Record: 3-0
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 5-0
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Playoff Record: 1-0
- In-State Record: 10-0
Elkins has been a dominant force this season, with an undefeated 11-0 record heading into this matchup. They have been incredibly efficient on offense, averaging 318.0 total yards per game. Their passing game, led by Ben Napier, has been the key to their success, with Napier throwing for 293.0 yards per game. Elkins’ offense is high-powered, with an average of 40.7 total yards per game. Defensively, Elkins has held teams to under 20 points on average, with their ability to shut down opponents highlighted by their strong defensive performances against teams like Dardanelle and Green Forest.
Key Players to Watch:
Mena:
- Brody Peters (Running Back) – Peters is the heart of Mena’s offense, rushing for 127.4 yards per game. His ability to break tackles and extend plays will be crucial in keeping Elkins’ defense on their heels.
- Michael Sullivan (Quarterback) – Sullivan has been effective through the air, passing for 158.3 yards per game. His decision-making and ability to connect with receivers like Sean Sullivan (45.2 receiving yards per game) will be important in maintaining a balanced attack.
- Jair Hernandez (Linebacker) – Hernandez leads the defense with 10.7 tackles per game. His ability to read plays and disrupt the run will be essential in stopping Elkins’ offense.
Elkins:
- Ben Napier (Quarterback) – Napier has been outstanding this season, throwing for 293.0 yards per game. His leadership and ability to connect with receivers like Landon Martin (136.0 receiving yards per game) have been key in Elkins’ high-scoring offense.
- Landon Martin (Wide Receiver) – Martin has been a favorite target of Napier, posting 136.0 receiving yards per game. His ability to make big plays down the field will be critical in stretching Mena’s defense and creating scoring opportunities.
- Tucker Stricklin (Defensive End) – Stricklin’s ability to pressure the quarterback and make tackles in the backfield will be important in limiting Mena’s offensive attack. His defensive efforts could disrupt Mena’s rhythm and cause turnovers.
Statistical Breakdown
- Offense: Mena boasts a strong rushing game, averaging 182.4 yards per game, but Elkins is the more efficient team in total yards, averaging 318.0 yards per game. Mena’s passing game has been effective, with 158.3 passing yards per game, while Elkins excels through the air, with Napier throwing for 293.0 yards per game. Both teams have the ability to score, with Mena averaging 34.3 points per game and Elkins scoring 40.7.
- Defense: Both teams are stout defensively. Mena averages 63.6 tackles per game, and Elkins has been strong at stopping the pass and rush. Elkins has a slightly stronger defense, limiting opponents to under 20 points per game. Mena will need to break through Elkins’ defensive line, which has been one of the best in the league.
- Key Areas of Focus: Mena will need to rely on their ground game and control the clock to limit Elkins’ offensive possessions. On the other hand, Elkins’ success will depend on the arm of Napier and the playmaking ability of Martin to break through Mena’s defense.
Record Breakdown
Mena’s Record:
- Overall Record: 10-1
- League Record: 6-1
- Non-League Record: 3-0
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 4-1
- Playoff Record: 1-0
Elkins’ Record:
- Overall Record: 11-0
- League Record: 7-0
- Non-League Record: 3-0
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 5-0
- Playoff Record: 1-0
Both teams have impressive records, but Elkins enters this game undefeated and with a slight edge in overall performance. However, Mena’s strong home record (5-0) could give them the confidence they need to take on Elkins in what is sure to be a high-stakes contest.
Key Takeaways:
- Mena’s Balanced Offense: Mena will look to control the game with their balanced offensive attack, led by Brody Peters. If they can establish the run early, they may be able to limit Elkins’ potent passing game.
- Elkins’ High-Powered Passing Game: Elkins will rely heavily on their passing game, with Ben Napier leading the charge. His connection with Landon Martin and other key receivers will be crucial in creating big plays and putting pressure on Mena’s defense.
- Defensive Showdowns: Both teams boast strong defenses. Mena’s ability to stop the pass and Elkins’ ability to shut down the run will likely determine the outcome of this game.
Conclusion
This matchup between Mena and Elkins is set to be an exciting, high-energy contest. Both teams have explosive offenses and solid defenses, making for a thrilling game. While Mena will rely on their strong rushing attack to control the game, Elkins will look to capitalize on their dominant passing game and undefeated record. The team that can impose their style of play will have the upper hand in what promises to be a hard-fought battle.
