The Elkins (AR) varsity football team will face Mills University Studies (Little Rock, AR) in a neutral-site playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 4A Football State Bracket, with both teams competing for a chance to advance further in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas State Football Championship
Who: Mills University Studies vs Elkins
When: Today, December 06, 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: Mills University Studies vs. Elkins

The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 4A Football State Bracket is gearing up for an exciting matchup between the undefeated Mills University Studies (Little Rock, AR) and Elkins (AR). Both teams enter the game with perfect records, setting the stage for a thrilling neutral-site showdown tonight.

Mills University Studies: Undefeated and Efficient

Mills University Studies has been dominant throughout the season, entering this playoff game with a flawless 12-0 record. The Comets were perfect in conference play, finishing with a 7-0 record. They have shown their strength both at home (5-0) and away (6-0), with an impressive 1-0 neutral-site record. Their offense has been high-powered, averaging 47.4 points per game.

Mills University Studies has been particularly strong in the first half, averaging 14.3 points in the first quarter and 14.0 in the second. Their scoring dips slightly in the second half, averaging 9.3 points in the third and 7.3 in the fourth quarter. Despite the drop in the final two quarters, the Comets’ early-game dominance has allowed them to control most matchups throughout the season.

Elkins: A Perfect Season and High-Scoring Attack

Elkins, like Mills University Studies, has been flawless this season, posting a 13-0 record. They, too, were perfect in conference play (7-0), dominating both at home (5-0) and away (5-0), and showing no signs of slowing down with a perfect 3-0 record in neutral-site games. The Elks boast one of the most potent offenses in Arkansas, averaging 47.6 points per game.

Elkins has been consistent throughout the game, scoring an average of 20.0 points in the first quarter alone. Their offensive attack stays strong in the first half, with 14.2 points in the second quarter. While their scoring drops slightly in the second half (9.0 points in the third and 4.5 points in the fourth), their ability to build an early lead has often been enough to secure victories.

Key Matchup: Offensive Powerhouses Collide

Both teams come into the game with high-scoring offenses, averaging nearly the same amount of points per game—Mills University Studies at 47.4 and Elkins at 47.6. The key to this game could be which team can maintain offensive momentum throughout the game. Mills University Studies has demonstrated its ability to control games early with a strong first half, while Elkins has been more balanced across all four quarters, especially in the opening quarter.

Both teams will look to exploit any defensive lapses from their opponents to keep their offenses rolling. If Mills University Studies can continue their strong first-half performance, they will look to build a commanding lead. On the other hand, Elkins will aim to sustain their offensive flow throughout the game, relying on their early scoring ability to set the tone.

Defensive Strategies

While both teams have potent offenses, their defenses have also played a crucial role in their success this season. Mills University Studies has allowed just 151 points this season, averaging only 12.6 points per game. Elkins has been even more impressive defensively, giving up only 128 points (9.8 points per game), which could prove to be a significant factor in this matchup.

The defense for both teams will face their biggest test yet in this playoff game. Mills University Studies will need to contain Elkins’ explosive offense, especially in the opening quarter, while Elkins will need to neutralize Mills University Studies’ fast-paced attack in the first half.

Looking Ahead

Tonight’s game between Mills University Studies and Elkins is one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs. Both teams come into the game with perfect records, boasting high-powered offenses and solid defenses. Fans can expect an intense and fast-paced game, with both teams battling for a chance to move one step closer to the state title.

With both teams showing no weaknesses this season, this game will be a true test of who can perform under the pressure of playoff football. Mills University Studies will look to continue their flawless season, while Elkins will aim to prove that their high-scoring attack is more than capable of overcoming the challenge. This neutral-site game promises to deliver a memorable contest that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

As the football season winds down, two powerhouse teams—Mills University Studies and Elkins—are set to square off in what promises to be an intense and competitive contest. Both teams have enjoyed outstanding success, remaining undefeated throughout the regular season. Here’s a breakdown of how these teams compare across various key metrics and their journey so far.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensive and Defensive Statistics:

• Mills University Studies has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 310.4 rushing yards per game, paired with 169.7 passing yards and 169.8 receiving yards per game. Their total offensive production stands at a robust 480.1 yards per game. This ability to move the ball effectively in all areas of the offense has contributed to their impressive 43.5 points per game.
• Elkins, while not as dominant on the ground as Mills, still boasts a solid rushing attack, averaging 192.7 yards per game. Their passing and receiving game is equally strong, with 176.3 passing yards and 175.2 receiving yards per game, resulting in a total of 369.0 yards per game. Elkins averages 38.6 points per game, showing they can score at a high level as well.

On the defensive side, Mills University Studies averages 65.5 tackles per game and is able to generate a strong pass rush with 3.1 sacks per game. Elkins, though not having specific sack statistics, has shown its ability to control the game with a balanced offense and solid defense.

Key Team Leaders

• Mills University Studies is powered by standout player Elijah Moody (#4), who leads the team with 161.1 rushing yards per game. Moody has also contributed significantly to the passing game, with 171.1 passing yards per game, and has a total of 332.2 yards per game. He also scores 12.7 points per game, making him a dual-threat player.
  • Chauncey Haynes (#8) has been an excellent receiving option for Mills, averaging 61.9 receiving yards per game.
  • Zion Smith (#21) has been a key defensive presence, with 7.9 tackles per game and contributing 0.9 sacks per game.
• Elkins has also had strong performances from their leaders:
  • Jaquae Walden (#9) leads the team in rushing with 119.2 yards per game, while Ben Napier (#2) has been effective in the passing game, with 164.8 yards per game, contributing to the team’s 190.5 total yards per game. Napier also scores 11.6 points per game.
  • Landon Martin (#3) has been a top receiver, averaging 56.5 yards per game.
  • Jaquae Walden not only leads the team in rushing but also scores 11.6 points per game, making him a key factor in both the running and scoring games for Elkins.

Performance Against Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Warren, and both came away victorious. Mills University Studies won a thrilling game against Warren 47-40 on November 29, 2024, while Elkins defeated Warren 49-14 in an earlier matchup on September 13, 2024. These victories show that both teams are capable of handling tough competition, though Mills had a more high-scoring battle, while Elkins demonstrated a dominant defensive effort.

Record Breakdown

• Mills University Studies enters the matchup with an undefeated 12-0 overall record, including a perfect 7-0 record in league play. They’ve been perfect both at home (5-0) and on the road (6-0), showing they can dominate in any environment. Mills also has a 3-0 record in neutral-site games and a spotless 3-0 record in the playoffs.
• Elkins has matched Mills’ perfection, with a 13-0 record and a 7-0 mark in league play. Elkins has also been strong both at home (5-0) and away (6-0). They’ve maintained their perfect record through challenging matchups and have proven themselves in the playoffs with a 3-0 record.

Conclusion

With both teams undefeated and boasting high-powered offenses and solid defenses, the showdown between Mills University Studies and Elkins is shaping up to be one of the season’s most highly anticipated games. Mills University Studies will rely on Elijah Moody’s all-around offensive production, while Elkins will counter with a balanced attack led by Jaquae Walden’s rushing and Ben Napier’s passing.

Both teams have demonstrated their ability to win against tough opponents, and this matchup will be a true test of their championship credentials. With both sides having key playmakers on offense and defense, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with big plays, strategic coaching, and high stakes.