The Arkadelphia (AR) varsity football team will face Ozark (AR) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 6:45 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, specifically within the 2024 4A Football State Bracket, as both teams aim for postseason success.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Ozark vs Arkadelphia
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 6:45 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 4A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Ozark vs. Arkadelphia

As the 2024 Arkansas high school football season enters the playoff rounds, Ozark and Arkadelphia are preparing for a crucial matchup. Both teams have shown different strengths throughout the season, and their upcoming game promises to be an exciting contest as they face off in the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs.

Ozark’s Performance Breakdown

The Ozark Hillbillies have had a challenging season, finishing with a 4-6 overall record and a .400 win percentage. Their performance in conference play has been even more difficult, holding a 2-5 record. Despite struggles away from home, where they are 0-5, Ozark has been notably better on their home turf with a 4-1 record.

Scoring has been a mixed bag for Ozark, with their offense averaging 24.7 points per game. They are typically slow starters, with only 6.8 points scored in the first quarter, but they improve as the game progresses, averaging 7.8 points in the second quarter and 5.3 points in the third. However, they have struggled to finish strong, with just 4.1 points in the fourth quarter, limiting their ability to mount comebacks in tight games.

Arkadelphia’s Dominance

In contrast, Arkadelphia has been a powerhouse in the 2024 season, finishing with an 8-2 overall record and an impressive .800 win percentage. The team was perfect in conference play, going 7-0, and they have shown consistency both at home and away with records of 4-1 in both situations. Arkadelphia’s success has been driven by both their high-scoring offense and suffocating defense.

Arkadelphia’s offense has been explosive, averaging an impressive 46.2 points per game, making them one of the highest-scoring teams in the state. They dominate early in games, averaging 20.0 points in the first quarter alone, and maintain solid production throughout. Their second-quarter output is 7.8 points, followed by 9.6 points in the third quarter. Despite a slight dip in the final quarter (4.8 points), Arkadelphia’s offensive depth and capability to score quickly gives them a major advantage.

Head-to-Head Comparison

When comparing the two teams head-to-head, Arkadelphia has a clear upper hand in most categories. Their dominant offense and perfect conference record set them apart from Ozark, who has struggled both overall and within their conference. While Ozark has managed to score over 24 points per game, Arkadelphia’s high-powered offense is more than capable of overwhelming their opponents.

Ozark’s defense will be tested heavily against Arkadelphia, as they have allowed 332 points over the course of the season, giving up an average of 33.2 points per game. In contrast, Arkadelphia has been exceptional defensively, allowing just 168 points in total and averaging only 16.8 points per game against.

What to Expect in the Playoff Matchup

This playoff matchup will likely hinge on whether Ozark can improve their consistency and contain Arkadelphia’s explosive offense. While Ozark has shown moments of strength, particularly in the middle of games, Arkadelphia’s ability to put up points quickly could overwhelm them. If Ozark can minimize mistakes and capitalize on any potential weaknesses in Arkadelphia’s defense, they may have a chance to keep the game close.

For Arkadelphia, maintaining their momentum and continuing their dominant play will be key to advancing further in the playoffs. Their offensive versatility and defensive control make them formidable contenders in the 4A Football State Bracket.

Conclusion

As the teams head into this pivotal playoff matchup, Arkadelphia looks to continue their strong season, while Ozark aims to defy the odds and pull off an upset. With their high-scoring offense and perfect conference record, Arkadelphia enters as the favorite, but Ozark’s resilience and potential for improvement in the postseason make this a contest to watch closely.

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses toward the playoffs, Ozark and Arkadelphia find themselves on different paths. While Arkadelphia has enjoyed a successful campaign with an 8-2 record, Ozark has faced more challenges, ending the regular season at 4-6. Despite the difference in their overall records, both teams have standout players and key statistics that make this matchup one to watch.

Record Breakdown

Ozark

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

Ozark has had a challenging season, finishing with a 4-6 overall record. The team has struggled in league play, posting a 2-5 record, but they have performed well at home with a 4-1 mark. Their away form, however, has been a significant issue, with a 0-5 record on the road. This will be something they will need to address moving forward.

Arkadelphia

• Overall Record: 8-2
• League Record: 7-0
• Non-League Record: 1-2
• Home Record: 4-1
• Away Record: 4-1
• Neutral Record: 0-0
• Playoff Record: 0-0
• In-State Record: 8-2
• Out-of-State Record: 0-0

Arkadelphia has been one of the top teams this season, boasting an 8-2 overall record. Their league performance has been stellar, with a perfect 7-0 record, and they have also been strong both at home and on the road, each with a 4-1 record. Their only real blemish has been a 1-2 record in non-league play, but they’ve dominated their in-state competition, putting them in a strong position as they look to finish the season on a high note.

Team Statistics

Ozark

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 218.9
• Passing Yards Per Game: 108.8
• Total Yards Per Game: 327.7
• Points Per Game: 24.7
• Tackles Per Game: 55.9
• Sacks Per Game: 1.7
• Pancake Blocks: 14

Ozark’s offensive strength lies in their rushing attack, with 218.9 rushing yards per game. Their rushing game is led by #13 Koby Wilbanks, who is both a key rusher and a dual-threat with his passing ability (109 passing yards per game). The team also puts up solid yardage with 327.7 total yards per game. However, they’ve struggled to convert this into points, averaging just 24.7 per game. On defense, Ozark has been decent, with 55.9 tackles per game and 1.7 sacks per game.

Arkadelphia

• Rushing Yards Per Game: N/A
• Passing Yards Per Game: N/A
• Total Yards Per Game: N/A
• Points Per Game: N/A
• Tackles Per Game: N/A
• Sacks Per Game: N/A
• Pancake Blocks: N/A

Unfortunately, specific team statistics for Arkadelphia were not provided. However, their impressive 8-2 record, including a perfect 7-0 mark in league play, suggests that they have excelled both offensively and defensively throughout the season.

Key Players

Ozark

• Koby Wilbanks – The star player for Ozark, Wilbanks has been a key contributor in both rushing and passing, with 125.6 rushing yards and 109 passing yards per game. His ability to accumulate 234.6 total yards per game has been a bright spot for the team.

Arkadelphia

• Easton Fox – Leading the team in receiving yards (40.9 yards per game), Fox has been a reliable target for Arkadelphia’s offense.

Conclusion

This matchup sees two teams with contrasting records heading into the final stretch of the season. Arkadelphia’s 8-2 record and league dominance make them the favorites, but Ozark’s potent rushing attack led by Koby Wilbanks will provide a stiff challenge. The key to Ozark’s success will be their ability to perform away from home, where they’ve struggled this season, while Arkadelphia will be looking to continue their winning ways and capitalize on their strong all-around play. As both teams look ahead to potential playoff appearances, this game promises to be an exciting contest.