The Mansfield (AR) varsity football team will face Newport (AR) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, under the 3A Football State Bracket. Both teams are vying for a spot in the next round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Newport vs Mansfield
When: Friday, November 22, 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: Newport vs. Mansfield Preview

The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs continue today at 7 p.m. with a thrilling 3A Football State Bracket showdown between Newport and Mansfield. This neutral-site playoff game will feature two strong teams looking to extend their postseason run and advance to the next round.

Newport: Offensive Power and Consistency

Newport enters this playoff contest with an impressive 9-2 record, having finished 5-2 in conference play. The team has shown impressive strength both at home (4-1) and away (4-1), while also maintaining a solid 1-0 neutral-site record. Their high-powered offense has averaged a remarkable 49.3 points per game, thanks to a strong performance in the first half, where they average over 31 points in the first two quarters. Newport’s scoring tends to drop in the later stages of the game, as they only average 5.7 points in the fourth quarter. If they can maintain their offensive pace and improve their late-game scoring, Newport will be tough to beat.

Mansfield: Perfect Conference Play and Balanced Attack

Mansfield has also posted a 9-2 record, with an undefeated 7-0 conference mark. The team has been dominant at home (5-0) and has also shown resilience on the road, with a 3-2 away record. Mansfield has been equally strong in neutral-site games, boasting a 1-0 record. Their offense has averaged 40.4 points per game, with a particularly strong second quarter, where they score an average of 15.6 points. Like Newport, Mansfield’s scoring tends to dip in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter, where they average just 5.1 points. However, their consistent offense and solid defense have allowed them to win most of their games by a wide margin.

Key Matchup Factors

• Offensive Efficiency: Both teams are known for their offensive strength, but Newport has the advantage in terms of overall scoring. Mansfield will need to match Newport’s pace in the first half and make adjustments in the second half to stay competitive.
• Defensive Strategy: While both teams have explosive offenses, Mansfield’s defense could play a key role in limiting Newport’s high-scoring attack. Mansfield’s ability to slow down Newport’s offense, particularly in the second half, will be critical to their success.

What to Watch For

• Newport’s First-Half Firepower: Newport’s ability to come out strong in the first two quarters will be crucial. If they can build a significant lead early, it will put more pressure on Mansfield to catch up in the second half.
• Mansfield’s Late-Game Adjustments: Mansfield’s offense tends to cool down in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter. They’ll need to maintain their scoring balance throughout the game, or risk being overtaken by Newport’s powerful offense.

Final Thoughts

This matchup between Newport and Mansfield promises to be an exciting and hard-fought game. Both teams are well-balanced, with explosive offenses and solid defenses. Newport’s high-scoring offense and early-game dominance give them the upper hand, but Mansfield’s undefeated conference record and ability to compete on the road make them a dangerous opponent. Fans can expect a competitive playoff game as these two teams battle for a spot in the next round of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs.

As the season heads into its crucial stages, the matchup between Newport and Mansfield promises to be one of the most anticipated games. Both teams have put together impressive seasons with 9-2 overall records, setting the stage for an exciting battle. This article will break down the teams’ key statistics, highlight standout players, and provide insight into what fans can expect from this thrilling contest.

Team Stat Comparison: Newport vs. Mansfield

Newport’s Breakdown:

• Overall Record: 9-2
• League Record: 5-2
• Non-League Record: 3-0
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 4-1
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Playoff Record: 1-0
• In-State Record: 9-2

Newport has been one of the most potent teams in the league, averaging an impressive 413.7 total yards per game. Their rushing attack, led by Kiandrea Barker, averages 263.8 yards per game, which ranks them among the top teams in the state. They complement this with a strong passing game that gains 149.9 yards per game. Newport’s offense is potent, scoring an average of 42.7 points per game. On the defensive side, they average 81.6 tackles per game, highlighting their ability to shut down opposing offenses.

Mansfield’s Breakdown:

• Overall Record: 9-2
• League Record: 7-0
• Non-League Record: 1-2
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 3-2
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Playoff Record: 1-0
• In-State Record: 9-2

Mansfield enters this game with an equally impressive 9-2 record. They have demonstrated their offensive prowess with a balanced attack, totaling 413.7 yards per game. While their rushing game is less dominant compared to Newport’s, they have been effective in the passing game, averaging 149.9 yards per game. On the defensive side, they average 81.6 tackles per game and 3.3 sacks per game, showing their ability to apply pressure and stifle opposing offenses. Mansfield’s offense puts up 42.7 points per game, similar to Newport’s, ensuring this game will be a high-scoring affair.

Key Players to Watch:

Newport:

• Kiandrea Barker (Running Back) – Barker has been the backbone of Newport’s offensive attack, rushing for 117.8 yards per game. His ability to control the clock and gain tough yards will be critical in keeping Mansfield’s offense off the field.
• Luke Reynolds (Quarterback) – Reynolds has been efficient through the air, throwing for 140.4 yards per game. His ability to stretch the field and find playmakers like Demetric Denton will be essential for Newport’s success.
• Jack Sampson (Linebacker) – Sampson is a key leader on defense, averaging 8.8 tackles per game. His ability to stop the run and cover in pass situations will be crucial in limiting Mansfield’s offense.

Mansfield:

• Luke Reynolds (Quarterback) – Reynolds has been the catalyst for Mansfield’s offense, throwing for 140.4 yards per game. His leadership and decision-making will be key to keeping Newport’s defense on their heels.
• Tyler Ridley (Defensive Lineman) – Ridley’s ability to get to the quarterback, with 0.9 sacks per game, will play a big role in disrupting Newport’s passing game and forcing them into difficult third-down situations.
• Demetric Denton (Receiver) – Denton has been a reliable target for Newport, recording 56.9 receiving yards per game. He will look to make big plays down the field against Mansfield’s secondary.

Statistical Breakdown

• Offense: Newport has a more dominant rushing attack, averaging 263.8 yards per game compared to Mansfield’s 149.9. However, Mansfield has shown the ability to be effective in both the passing and rushing games, giving them a more balanced offensive attack. Both teams score at an impressive rate, with Newport averaging 42.7 points per game and Mansfield 42.7 as well.
• Defense: Both teams have similar defensive statistics, with each averaging 81.6 tackles per game. Mansfield has a slight edge in sacks, averaging 3.3 per game compared to Newport’s 0.9. This could be a crucial factor in the game, as pressure on the quarterback often leads to turnovers and missed opportunities.
• Key Areas of Focus: The game will likely hinge on whether Newport can control the ground game with Barker and sustain long drives. On the other hand, Mansfield will need to take advantage of their defensive line’s ability to disrupt Newport’s passing game and limit big plays.

Record Breakdown

Newport’s Record:

• Overall Record: 9-2
• League Record: 5-2
• Non-League Record: 3-0
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 4-1
• Playoff Record: 1-0

Mansfield’s Record:

• Overall Record: 9-2
• League Record: 7-0
• Non-League Record: 1-2
• Home Record: 5-0
• Away Record: 3-2
• Playoff Record: 1-0

Both teams have strong records, but Newport’s perfect away record (4-0) could give them the confidence needed to take on Mansfield on their home turf. However, Mansfield’s own strong home record (5-0) makes this an evenly matched contest.

Key Takeaways:

1. Newport’s Rushing Attack: Newport’s potent rushing game, led by Kiandrea Barker, will be a key factor in dictating the tempo of the game. Mansfield will need to find a way to slow down Barker to prevent long drives and keep the game in their control.
2. Balanced Attack for Mansfield: Mansfield’s ability to both run and pass the ball effectively gives them a slight advantage in terms of offensive versatility. Their balanced approach can force Newport’s defense to adapt to multiple threats.
3. Defensive Pressure: Mansfield’s defensive line will need to apply pressure to disrupt Newport’s passing game and get them off the field. On the other side, Newport’s defense must find a way to slow down Mansfield’s balanced offensive attack.

Conclusion

This game is shaping up to be an exciting and high-scoring affair between two evenly matched teams. Newport’s dominant rushing game will face off against Mansfield’s balanced attack, with both teams showcasing strong defenses and the ability to score quickly. Fans can expect a thrilling game, with every possession likely to have a big impact on the outcome.