The Pocahontas (AR) varsity football team will face off against Nashville (AR) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, specifically within the 4A Football State Bracket. Both teams are vying for advancement in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Nashville vs Pocahontas
When: Friday, November 15, 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: Pocahontas vs. Nashville

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs kick off, the Pocahontas and Nashville varsity football teams are set to face off in a highly anticipated neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. Both teams enter the postseason with identical records of 6-4, and their performance throughout the season has shown promising strength, making this matchup a must-watch.

Team Overview

Both Nashville and Pocahontas finished with a 5-2 record in conference play, and their overall win percentages sit at .600. Nashville, however, has demonstrated impressive consistency in their road games, finishing the regular season undefeated at 5-0 on the road. Their overall points scored this season (330) and their defense, which allowed 185 points, suggest a well-balanced team capable of putting up big numbers. Nashville has averaged 33.0 points per game, with a notable scoring surge in the second half, especially in the third quarter, where they average 12.3 points per game.

Pocahontas, while also posting a 6-4 record, has scored 269 points on the season. Their 26.9 points per game reflect a solid offensive attack, but with noticeable inconsistency in scoring throughout the game. The Redskins have struggled in the second half, failing to score after the first quarter in several key games. Their offense peaks early, averaging 6.0 points in the first quarter, but the lack of scoring in the latter parts of the game could be a challenge against a high-scoring team like Nashville.

Key Stats

Nashville:

• Record: 6-4
• Conference Record: 5-2
• Points Scored: 330
• Points Allowed: 185
• Points Per Game: 33.0
• Scoring Average:
  • Q1: 5.5
  • Q2: 4.7
  • Q3: 12.3
  • Q4: 8.8

Pocahontas:

• Record: 6-4
• Conference Record: 5-2
• Points Scored: 269
• Points Allowed: 168
• Points Per Game: 26.9
• Scoring Average:
  • Q1: 6.0
  • Q2: 0.0
  • Q3: 0.0
  • Q4: 0.0

What to Watch

One of the most intriguing storylines in this game will be Nashville’s ability to capitalize on their second-half scoring dominance, particularly in the third quarter, where they average over 12 points. Pocahontas will need to find a way to sustain their offensive momentum beyond the first quarter and shore up their late-game performance if they want to compete against Nashville’s high-scoring attack.

Pocahontas, on the other hand, will rely on their strong home-field advantage, despite this being a neutral-site game. Their balanced offense and defense, which has allowed only 168 points this season, may help them keep the game close and potentially secure a critical win if they can limit Nashville’s scoring.

Conclusion

Both teams bring unique strengths to the table, but Nashville’s consistent offensive output and strong road record may give them a slight edge heading into the game. Pocahontas will need to break out of their scoring slump in the second and third quarters to keep pace with Nashville and stay competitive in this high-stakes playoff clash.

Fans can expect an intense, high-energy matchup as both teams vie for a spot in the next round of the 2024 4A Football State Tournament.

As the season progresses, both Nashville and Pocahontas stand at an even 6-4 overall, with solid performances on both sides of the ball. Let’s dive deeper into their key team stats, standout players, and overall performance trends.

Offensive Comparison

Nashville has been an offensive powerhouse this season, with notable performances from both the passing and rushing game.

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Nashville leads with 148.6 yards per game. This demonstrates their ability to move the ball on the ground, with DJ Jefferson (52.5 YPG) leading the charge.
• Passing Yards Per Game: With 170.3 yards per game, Nashville has been efficient through the air, thanks in large part to quarterback Karson Chambers, who has racked up 157.4 passing yards per game.
• Receiving Yards Per Game: Kasen Morgan has been a key contributor here, accumulating 90.4 receiving yards per game.
• Total Yards Per Game: With a balanced attack, Nashville puts up 318.9 total yards per game, showcasing their versatility and depth.

On the other hand, Pocahontas doesn’t provide specific data on rushing, passing, or receiving yards per game, but they certainly have strong individual performances.

Defensive Comparison

Defensively, both teams have strengths, but there are differences in how they control the game.

• Tackles Per Game: Pocahontas leads with an average of 62.1 tackles per game, indicating a defense that’s actively involved in stopping plays and limiting yardage. Nashville is close behind with 59.5 tackles per game.
• Sacks Per Game: Nashville dominates in this category, averaging 2.6 sacks per game, which puts pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In contrast, Pocahontas only averages 0.1 sacks per game, suggesting they may struggle to generate consistent pass rush.
• Points Per Game: Nashville leads with an average of 30.3 points per game, showing their offensive efficiency. Pocahontas does not have specific data on their points per game, but their defense and overall performance will be critical in their success.

Individual Standouts

• Nashville:
  • Karson Chambers is a dual-threat, posting impressive numbers with 157.4 passing yards and 180.2 total yards per game.
  • Kasen Morgan has been a standout receiver, averaging 90.4 receiving yards per game, and has contributed 8.4 points per game.
  • DJ Jefferson leads the rushing attack with 52.5 yards per game.
• Pocahontas:
  • Ryder Baltz leads the team with an impressive 14.0 tackles per game, which puts him among the national leaders.
  • Makhi (MJ) Johnson and Ricky Regina have been key defensive players, with Johnson contributing 1.3 sacks per game and Regina adding a consistent 0.2 sacks per game.

Team Records and League Performance

Both teams are currently sitting at a .500 record, with 6 wins and 4 losses. Their performances within their leagues are comparable, with both teams posting 5-2 league records. However, Nashville has a slight advantage in overall consistency, while Pocahontas has been strong in away games with a perfect 5-0 record on the road.

• Nashville’s overall performance includes a solid 1-2 non-league record, with all of their losses coming in head-to-head matchups or in neutral settings.
• Pocahontas, similarly, has performed well in-state (6-4) but has struggled in non-league play, also standing at 1-2.

Conclusion

While both teams share an equal overall record, the comparison reveals Nashville as the more balanced and high-scoring team, thanks to strong offensive performances across the board. Pocahontas, however, demonstrates a particularly strong defensive presence, especially in tackling, though they will need to generate more consistent pass rush and offensive output if they are to challenge Nashville’s superior scoring ability.

As the season continues, these two teams will look to build on their strengths and refine their weaknesses to make a push for the playoffs.