The McGehee (AR) varsity football team faces Newport (AR) today at 7 p.m. in a neutral-site playoff game. This contest is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 2024 3A Football State Bracket. Both teams are vying for a chance to advance in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Newport vs McGehee
When: Friday, November 15, 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. McGehee

The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs continue to bring exciting matchups, and tonight at 7 p.m., the Newport (AR) and McGehee (AR) varsity football teams will square off in a neutral-site game with high stakes. This contest is part of the 2024 3A Football State Bracket, where both teams are fighting for a spot in the next round of the tournament.

Newport: A Dominant Force with Offensive Firepower

Newport enters the playoffs with an impressive 8-2 overall record and a 5-2 conference mark. The team has been an offensive juggernaut this season, averaging 48.8 points per game, one of the highest totals in the 3A classification. Newport’s scoring is well-distributed, with 15.7 points in the first quarter and 15.4 points in the second, allowing them to build strong first-half leads. Even though their scoring slows slightly in the second half, with just 12.4 points in the third quarter and 4.8 points in the fourth, they still possess the firepower to outscore most opponents.

Defensively, Newport has allowed 231 points on the season but has shown the ability to tighten up when needed. Their explosive offense, combined with a solid defense, has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the state heading into the playoffs.

McGehee: Battling for an Upset

McGehee enters the game with a 6-4 overall record and a 5-2 conference record. The team has had an up-and-down season, but they have been consistent in conference play. McGehee’s offense averages 26.9 points per game, with a particularly strong second-quarter showing at 7.9 points per quarter. The team also performs well in the fourth quarter, where they average another 7.9 points, demonstrating their ability to make late-game comebacks or maintain a close contest.

On the defensive side, McGehee has given up 170 points this season, which is among the better marks in their classification. They will need to be at their best defensively, especially against a Newport team capable of putting up huge numbers.

The Key to Victory

For Newport, continuing their high-scoring ways will be key to victory. Their offense, led by a balanced attack that can strike quickly and often, will need to overwhelm McGehee early. Newport will also need to avoid letting McGehee hang around late in the game, where their ability to score in the fourth quarter could pose a serious challenge.

For McGehee, the key to pulling off an upset will be to slow down Newport’s offense, especially in the early quarters. McGehee will need to keep pace offensively, particularly in the first half, and capitalize on any opportunities to force turnovers or limit big plays from Newport.

The upcoming matchup between Newport and McGehee promises to showcase two high-powered offenses. With both teams putting up solid numbers this season, it’s clear that this will be a game where points could come in bunches. Newport, with a strong 8-2 record, faces off against McGehee, who is looking to bounce back after a 6-4 season. The stage is set for an exciting clash as both teams aim to leave their mark.

Team Overview

• Newport (8-2, 5-2 League)
  Newport has been dominant this season, led by their impressive rushing attack and well-balanced offense. Kiandrea Barker, with 104.8 rushing yards per game, has been a key contributor to their ground game, while Luke Reynolds has been effective in the air, throwing for 132.9 passing yards per game and 203.6 total yards per game. The team also has an efficient receiving corps, with Demetric Denton averaging 52.0 receiving yards per game. The defense, anchored by Jack Sampson with 8.8 tackles per game, has been solid, giving up 41.0 points per game. With a total offensive yardage of 403.4 yards per game, Newport has been tough to stop on both ends of the field.
• McGehee (6-4, 5-2 League)
  McGehee has been a competitive team this season with a solid 6-4 overall record. They’ve found success by relying on their rushing attack, though specific stats for their offensive leaders have yet to be detailed. While McGehee has a less potent passing attack than Newport, their balanced offensive play has kept them competitive in tough games. McGehee has managed to put up an average of 41.0 points per game, indicating they can score with the best of them. Their defense, with strong tacklers and a decent pass rush (3.6 sacks per game), will need to be at its best to slow down Newport’s high-flying offense.

Key Matchup Breakdown

• Rushing Attack
  Newport’s running game, led by Kiandrea Barker (104.8 rushing yards per game), will go up against McGehee’s defense, which will have to find a way to slow down this powerful force. Newport has been effective at pushing the ball on the ground, and they will likely focus on running behind Barker to wear down McGehee’s defense. For McGehee, the defense must come prepared to stop the run and force Newport into passing situations where they can be more predictable.
• Passing Game
  Luke Reynolds has been an efficient quarterback for Newport, throwing for 132.9 passing yards per game and 203.6 total yards per game. If Newport can establish a solid running game early, Reynolds will be able to take advantage of play-action and stretch the field with his passing. On the other hand, McGehee will need to neutralize Newport’s balanced offensive attack and make Reynolds uncomfortable in the pocket. McGehee’s defense, which averages 3.6 sacks per game, will be tasked with putting pressure on Reynolds and limiting his effectiveness.
• Defensive Play
  Newport‘s defense has been reliable, led by Jack Sampson‘s 8.8 tackles per game. However, they will need to keep McGehee from scoring quickly and often, as McGehee is capable of putting up a lot of points. For McGehee, the defense will need to improve on their tackling and discipline to prevent big plays from Kiandrea Barker and Reynolds. With both teams averaging over 40 points per game, whichever defense can step up and make key stops will have a significant advantage.

Statistical Comparison

What to Watch For

• Newport’s Offensive Efficiency
  Newport will likely lean on their strong rushing attack and balanced offensive approach. How effectively Kiandrea Barker can move the ball on the ground will dictate how well Luke Reynolds is able to open up the passing game. If Newport can control the clock and wear down McGehee’s defense, they will have a big advantage in this game.
• McGehee’s Defense vs. Newport’s Offense
  McGehee’s defense, with 3.6 sacks per game, will need to be aggressive in pressuring Luke Reynolds and slowing down the rushing attack of Kiandrea Barker. If McGehee can’t disrupt Newport’s offensive rhythm, they will likely struggle to keep pace on the scoreboard.
• Turnovers and Special Teams
  As with any game between two high-scoring teams, turnovers will be crucial. McGehee will need to force Newport into mistakes, while Newport will aim to take care of the football and capitalize on McGehee’s weaknesses. Special teams could also play a pivotal role, especially in a game where field position and scoring opportunities will be at a premium.

Conclusion

With both teams showing the ability to score in bunches, this game is set to be a thrilling matchup. Newport, with their balanced offense and solid defense, comes into the game with a strong record and a proven ability to dominate both on the ground and through the air. However, McGehee has had success in the league, and they are more than capable of putting up points. The team that can control the line of scrimmage, create turnovers, and maintain offensive balance will likely come out on top in this exciting clash.