The Charleston (AR) varsity football team will face Osceola (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 (Arkansas) – 2024 3A Football State Bracket,” where both teams will compete for a spot in the next playoff round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Osceola vs Charleston
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: Osceola vs. Charleston Preview

The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) are heating up, and one of the most exciting matchups today features Osceola facing Charleston in a neutral-site game at 7 p.m. This clash is part of the 3A Football State Bracket, where both teams will battle for a spot in the next round of the postseason. Here’s a closer look at both teams as they prepare for this crucial game.

Osceola: Dominant All Season

Osceola enters this playoff game with an impressive 9-1 overall record, ranking 50th in Arkansas and 3rd in their class. The team has been near-perfect in conference play, boasting a 7-0 record and winning every game at home (3-0). They’ve been formidable on the road as well, with a 5-1 record, and their performance in neutral-site games is perfect, standing at 1-0. The Osceola offense has been highly efficient, scoring 341 points and averaging 34.1 points per game. Their most potent scoring periods are the first two quarters, averaging 13.8 points in the first and 11.4 points in the second. Their defense has been equally strong, allowing only 178 points on the season.

Charleston: Resilient but Tested

Charleston, with a 7-4 record, ranks 88th overall in Arkansas and 12th in their class. The team’s 5-2 conference record shows their competitiveness, although they’ve faced a tougher schedule with more road challenges. Charleston has posted a 4-1 record at home and 2-3 on the road, but their 1-0 neutral-site record gives them some momentum as they enter this game. Despite some ups and downs, Charleston has been an offensive powerhouse, scoring 478 points this season—an average of 43.5 points per game. Their first-quarter offensive output is strong, averaging 18.5 points early in games, and they’ve also shown consistency with 13.2 points in the second quarter. However, their scoring drops in the later stages, averaging 7.3 points in the third and 4.5 points in the fourth.

Key Matchup Factors

• Osceola’s Balanced Attack: Osceola has been consistent throughout the season, with solid contributions across all quarters. Their high-scoring first and second quarters give them a strong foundation, but they will need to avoid complacency as Charleston has the ability to surge later in games.
• Charleston’s Explosive Start: Charleston has been a fast starter, with a high-scoring 18.5 points in the first quarter. If they can build an early lead, they will look to put pressure on Osceola. However, Charleston will need to maintain their offensive momentum, particularly in the second half, where they’ve been less productive.

What to Watch For

• Charleston’s Defense: With Osceola’s potent offense, Charleston’s defense will need to step up. They’ve given up 269 points this season, and limiting Osceola’s high-scoring first-half performances will be crucial.
• Osceola’s Second-Half Adjustments: Osceola has shown a slight dip in scoring during the second half, especially in the third and fourth quarters. Charleston will need to capitalize on any potential fatigue or dropped intensity from Osceola in the latter stages of the game.

Final Thoughts

This playoff game between Osceola and Charleston promises to be an exciting contest, with Osceola bringing a near-perfect record and well-rounded offense, while Charleston enters with the desire to prove themselves as a resilient and capable team despite their tougher season. With both teams boasting explosive offenses, this game could come down to which team can maintain their performance throughout all four quarters. Fans can expect an action-packed battle as both squads vie for advancement in the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs.

As the season nears its most critical stage, the matchup between Osceola and Charleston has garnered significant attention. Both teams have shown impressive performances, each with their own strengths and key players. This article dives into the comparison of team stats, key players, and their head-to-head records to set the stage for what promises to be an exciting game.

Team Stat Comparison: Osceola vs. Charleston

Osceola’s Breakdown:

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

Osceola has been dominant this season, showcasing a well-rounded offense and solid defense. Averaging 345.9 total yards per game, they’ve balanced their rushing and passing attack effectively. They also have a strong defensive unit, with 56.2 tackles per game, and they’ve proven themselves capable of scoring, averaging 34.1 points per game.

Charleston’s Breakdown:

• Overall Record: 7-4
• League Record: 5-2
• Non-League Record: 1-2
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 2-3
• Playoff Record: 1-0
• In-State Record: 6-4
• Out-of-State Record: 1-0

Charleston enters the game with a 7-4 overall record, showcasing their competitive spirit, especially in league play where they boast a 5-2 record. They have a potent offensive attack, averaging 136.2 passing yards per game and 345.9 total yards per game. Despite a few losses this season, Charleston has been competitive, especially in key matchups.

Key Players to Watch:

Osceola:

• Jeremiah Jacobs (Running Back) – Jacobs is a dynamic force in Osceola’s backfield, averaging 87.4 rushing yards per game. His ability to gain yards on the ground will be crucial for setting the tone offensively.
• Tyler Bell (Quarterback) – Bell has been the leader of Osceola’s passing attack, averaging 124.7 passing yards per game and 167.7 total yards per game. His versatility makes him a dual-threat for opposing defenses.
• Maurice (MJ) Washington (Receiver) – Washington is a key target for Bell, averaging 9.1 points per game and contributing significantly to the passing game.

Charleston:

• Tyler Bell (Quarterback) – Bell has been the engine driving Charleston’s offense, contributing both through the air and on the ground. His leadership and ability to manage the game will be pivotal in their game plan.
• Jeremiah Jacobs (Running Back) – Like his counterpart in Osceola, Jacobs is a standout player who provides the bulk of the rushing production. His ability to break tackles and gain yards will be key.
• Garryn Cook (Offensive Lineman) – Cook has been a force in the trenches for Charleston, recording 38 pancake blocks. His ability to create running lanes will be vital in ensuring the success of their running game.

Key Statistical Breakdown

1. Rushing and Passing Yards: Osceola is a balanced team with 209.7 rushing yards per game and 136.2 passing yards per game. Meanwhile, Charleston is heavily reliant on their passing game, averaging 136.2 yards per game.
2. Scoring: Osceola averages 34.1 points per game, reflecting their explosive offensive capabilities, while Charleston has a slightly lower scoring average, at 31.8 points per game.
3. Defensive Play: Osceola has a stronger defensive presence, with 56.2 tackles per game and 0.9 sacks per game. Charleston will need to find a way to break through Osceola’s defense to keep the game close.

Common Opponents Breakdown

Both teams have faced similar competition, and analyzing their results against common opponents gives some insight into their respective strengths.

• Against Bentonville:
  • Osceola (Away): 34-20 Win
  • Charleston (Home): 38-30 Win

Both teams had close victories, showing their ability to compete with top-tier programs.

• Against Little Rock Southwest:
  • Osceola (Home): 42-14 Win
  • Charleston (Away): 40-20 Win

Osceola’s dominant win against Little Rock Southwest reflects their balanced attack and control of the game. Charleston’s victory was equally convincing, showing that they too can dominate weaker opponents.

Record Breakdown

Osceola’s Record:

• Overall Record: 9-1
• League Record: 7-0
• Non-League Record: 1-1
• Home Record: 3-0
• Away Record: 5-1
• In-State Record: 9-0
• Out-of-State Record: 0-1

Charleston’s Record:

• Overall Record: 7-4
• League Record: 5-2
• Non-League Record: 1-2
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 2-3
• In-State Record: 6-4
• Out-of-State Record: 1-0

Key Takeaways:

1. Offensive Depth: Osceola boasts a potent offense, both on the ground and through the air. Charleston has relied more on its passing game, making them vulnerable to defensive pressure from Osceola.
2. Defensive Strength: Osceola’s defense, with 56.2 tackles per game, will look to stifle Charleston’s passing attack. Charleston will need to create passing lanes and protect its quarterback.
3. Key Players: The battle between the two teams’ quarterbacks and running backs will be crucial. Osceola’s Jeremiah Jacobs and Tyler Bell lead the charge, while Charleston’s offensive game will be led by its own version of Bell and Jacobs.

Conclusion

The Osceola vs. Charleston game promises to be an exciting matchup between two teams with contrasting styles. Osceola brings a balanced offensive attack and a strong defense, while Charleston will need to rely on its passing game to keep up. As both teams prepare for what could be a pivotal game in their season, fans can expect a hard-fought battle filled with big plays, strategic decisions, and plenty of excitement. This clash could be a defining moment for both programs as they aim for playoff success.