The Valley View varsity football team will face Morrilton today at 7 p.m. in a neutral-site playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 5A Football State Bracket, where both teams will compete for a chance to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Morrilton vs Valley View
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 5A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Morrilton vs. Valley View

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs heat up, one of the most exciting 5A matchups features Morrilton and Valley View. With both teams posting impressive records this season, this game promises to be a thrilling contest as they battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

Morrilton: A Strong Season with a Balanced Attack

Morrilton enters this game with a solid 9-2 record, boasting an .818 win percentage. The Devil Dogs finished 5-2 in conference play and have been strong both at home (4-1) and on the road (4-1). Their offense has been potent, averaging 45.7 points per game, with 16.9 points in both the first and second quarters. However, their scoring slows in the second half, averaging just 8.9 points in the third quarter and 6.1 points in the fourth. Morrilton will need to maintain their early-game momentum to challenge Valley View’s undefeated record and high-powered offense.

Defensively, Morrilton has allowed 336 points this season, but their ability to score early and often has been a key factor in their success. The Devil Dogs will need to continue their offensive firepower to keep pace with Valley View and try to build a lead before the second half.

Valley View: Undefeated and Dominant

Valley View has been the team to beat this season, finishing with an undefeated 11-0 record. They have been dominant in both conference and non-conference play, with a perfect 7-0 conference record. The Blazers have also been strong on the road (5-0) and in neutral-site games (1-0), making them a tough opponent in any environment.

Valley View’s offense has been impressive, averaging 41.1 points per game. The Blazers have been particularly effective in the first half, scoring 10.3 points in the first quarter and 12.1 points in the second quarter. Their scoring drops slightly in the second half, with 10.9 points in the third quarter and 5.8 points in the fourth. Despite this, Valley View’s early-game dominance and ability to control the tempo have made them a force to be reckoned with this season.

Key Matchup Factors

The key to this matchup will be Valley View’s ability to maintain their early-game dominance while Morrilton will look to continue its high-scoring offense and fast starts. Morrilton will need to outpace Valley View early, as the Blazers have shown the ability to build an early lead that can be tough to overcome.

For Valley View, they will need to avoid allowing Morrilton to catch up in the second half. While the Blazers’ second-half scoring drops off slightly, their overall dominance throughout the season gives them an edge in terms of consistency.

As the postseason approaches, the teams of Morrilton and Valley View are setting their sights on a deep run, with both boasting impressive records and powerful offensive units. The Morrilton Devil Dogs are 9-2 on the season, while the Valley View Warriors remain undefeated at 11-0. With explosive offenses, solid defenses, and key players who make the difference, this matchup has the makings of an intense, high-stakes battle.

Let’s take a closer look at both teams based on their statistical performances and key contributors.

Team Stat Comparison

Offensive Comparison:

• Rushing: While Morrilton does not list their rushing yards per game, Valley View has a solid ground game, averaging 212.7 rushing yards per game. Leading the charge for Valley View is Drew Gartman, who is also a dual-threat player, contributing 107.5 rushing yards per game. His ability to control the tempo of the game with his legs makes him a player to watch.
• Passing: Morrilton excels in passing yards, with Drew Gartman also taking the lead in this category, averaging 137.9 passing yards per game. Although Valley View’s offense is more focused on the run, their passing game still delivers, with 140.9 yards per game.
• Receiving: Andrew Jones of Morrilton leads his team with 71.3 receiving yards per game, showcasing his ability to stretch the field. On the other hand, Valley View has a more balanced receiving attack, with 140.8 receiving yards per game, though no individual player stands out quite as much as Jones.
• Total Yards: Morrilton generates a respectable 353.6 total yards per game. However, Valley View takes the lead in this category with 412.4 yards per game, powered by their strong rushing game and efficient passing attack.

Defensive Comparison:

• Tackles: Valley View edges Morrilton in tackles, averaging 49.7 tackles per game compared to Morrilton’s 47.6. Ryder Wooten is the team’s top tackler, averaging 6.0 tackles per game. Defensive leaders such as Payton Thomason, who contributes 0.3 sacks per game, will be key in slowing down the high-powered offenses they will face.
• Sacks: Both teams are solid in their pass rush, though neither excels in sacks. Morrilton averages 1.0 sacks per game, while Valley View averages 0.8. Though sack numbers are not overwhelming, the teams rely on pressure and disciplined defense.
• Points Per Game: Morrilton averages 41.7 points per game, a significant number driven by their balanced offensive attack. Valley View is slightly more explosive with 45.0 points per game, a testament to their potent rushing game and ability to create big plays.

Key Players to Watch

• Morrilton:
  • Drew Gartman: Gartman is a key player for Morrilton, not only leading the team in passing (137.9 yards per game) but also contributing heavily to the rushing game with 107.5 yards per game. His versatility and leadership make him a threat on every play.
  • Andrew Jones: Jones leads the team in receiving yards with 71.3 yards per game. His ability to stretch the field and make plays down the sideline gives Morrilton a big-play option in the passing game.
• Valley View:
  • Drew Gartman: As Valley View’s offensive centerpiece, Gartman is a dual-threat running back and quarterback who can take over a game with both his arm and legs. With 107.5 rushing yards and 137.9 passing yards per game, Gartman is a true playmaker.
  • Ryder Wooten: Wooten is the defensive anchor for Valley View, recording an average of 6.0 tackles per game. His leadership and ability to stop the run will be crucial as they face high-scoring teams in the postseason.

Record Breakdown

• Morrilton (9-2):
  • 5-2 in league play
  • 3-0 in non-league play
  • 4-1 at home, 4-1 away
  • 1-0 in playoff games
  • 9-2 in-state record
• Valley View (11-0):
  • 7-0 in league play
  • 3-0 in non-league play
  • 5-0 at home, 5-0 away
  • 1-0 in playoff games
  • 10-0 in-state record

Both teams have shown incredible consistency throughout the season. Valley View has managed to stay undefeated, a feat that speaks to the dominance of their offense and defense. Morrilton’s 9-2 record highlights their ability to compete at a high level, and they will undoubtedly be looking to extend their season with a strong playoff run.

Common Opponents

Both teams have shared common opponents, and they’ve both emerged victorious. For instance, Morrilton defeated Searcy 56-35, and Valley View also took down Searcy 49-29. Their performances against these teams suggest that they can both handle tough competition and execute well when it counts.

Conclusion

The matchup between Morrilton and Valley View promises to be a thrilling one. While Valley View brings a potent rushing attack and remains undefeated, Morrilton has shown its ability to execute through the air and on the ground, led by their versatile star, Drew Gartman. Both teams boast impressive defenses and high-scoring offenses, setting the stage for a competitive contest.

As the postseason approaches, both teams will look to continue their strong performances and make deep runs. Morrilton’s experience and explosive playmakers, paired with Valley View’s undefeated record, will make this matchup one to watch. Fans should expect an exciting game full of dynamic offensive plays and tough defensive battles.