The Atkins (AR) varsity football team will face Perryville (AR) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 2024 3A Football State Bracket, as both teams battle for postseason advancement.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Perryville vs Atkins
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: Perryville vs. Atkins

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs ramp up, one of the most evenly matched matchups in the 3A Football State Bracket will feature Perryville taking on Atkins. The game is set for Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. in a neutral-site venue, where both teams will look to advance further into the postseason. With identical overall records and conference success, this promises to be a hard-fought contest that could go down to the wire.

Perryville’s Balanced Offense and Strong Defense

Perryville comes into the playoffs with a solid 7-3 overall record and a .700 win percentage. They finished 5-2 in conference play, securing a spot in the postseason. The Perryville Panthers have demonstrated their ability to perform on both sides of the ball this season, and they will be looking to extend their playoff run.

Offensively, Perryville has averaged 35.1 points per game, with a well-balanced attack. They’ve been strong in the early and middle portions of games, scoring 13.1 points in the first quarter and 10.6 points in the second quarter. However, their production slows down in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they’ve averaged just 4.4 points. This could be a point of concern as they face Atkins, a team that has been consistent throughout all four quarters.

Defensively, Perryville has allowed 138 points throughout the season, giving them an average of 13.8 points allowed per game. Their defense will need to step up and be at its best if they hope to contain Atkins’ high-powered offense.

Atkins’ High-Powered Offense and Balanced Play

Atkins also enters the playoffs with a 7-3 overall record and a .700 win percentage, identical to Perryville’s. With a 5-2 conference record, Atkins has shown they are a formidable opponent. Much like Perryville, Atkins has been equally strong at home (3-2) and on the road (4-1), giving them confidence going into this neutral-site game.

Offensively, Atkins has been even more prolific than Perryville, averaging 38.6 points per game. Their offense is most effective in the first and fourth quarters, where they score 11.8 points and 8.0 points, respectively. While their production dips in the second and third quarters, scoring 6.8 and 7.8 points in those periods, their ability to capitalize in the first and final quarters gives them a significant edge. If they can maintain their offensive rhythm against Perryville’s defense, Atkins could very well control the tempo of the game.

Atkins has also allowed 249 points this season, which gives them an average of 24.9 points allowed per game. Their defense, while not as dominant as their offense, will need to step up to contain Perryville’s capable attack.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Keys to Victory

Both Perryville and Atkins are evenly matched in terms of overall record and scoring averages, with Perryville averaging 35.1 points per game and Atkins averaging 38.6 points. Where the teams differ, however, is in their consistency. Perryville has been strong early in games but tends to fade late, particularly in the fourth quarter. If they allow Atkins to build an early lead, they could struggle to recover.

On the other hand, Atkins has shown more consistent offensive output across all four quarters, although they, too, have had periods of scoring droughts. If they can avoid these lulls and continue to exploit their strengths in the first and fourth quarters, they will be tough to stop.

Defensively, Perryville will need to focus on containing Atkins’ high-scoring offense, particularly in the opening and closing periods, while Atkins’ defense will have to tighten up against Perryville’s balanced attack. If Atkins can get out to an early lead and maintain offensive production, they could force Perryville into a position where they struggle to catch up, especially if Perryville’s offense continues to slow down in the fourth quarter.

What to Expect in the Playoff Game

This 3A playoff matchup is likely to feature plenty of scoring, as both teams have demonstrated their ability to put up big numbers. Expect a fast-paced game, with Perryville attempting to build an early lead and Atkins looking to respond quickly with their explosive offense. Perryville’s defense will need to focus on limiting Atkins’ big plays, especially in the first and fourth quarters. Meanwhile, Atkins will be keen to exploit any defensive lapses from Perryville, while hoping their defense can stymie Perryville’s offense in the second half.

Conclusion

The Perryville vs. Atkins game promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. With both sides averaging high points per game, the difference may come down to which team can maintain consistent play throughout the entire game. Perryville will need to step up defensively and continue to score early, while Atkins will look to maintain their offensive firepower and close out the game strong. The winner of this matchup will move one step closer to a potential championship, and with both teams hungry for success, it’s sure to be a hard-fought battle.

As the 2024-2025 high school football season heats up, Perryville and Atkins find themselves in a crucial battle, both sporting identical 7-3 overall records. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two high-powered offenses, each averaging over 350 total yards per game, and defenses that will need to rise to the occasion. With similar overall records and strong league showings, the stage is set for a competitive and intense game.

Team Comparison: Key Stats and Strengths

Perryville (24-25)

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 212.8
• Passing Yards Per Game: 142.3
• Total Yards Per Game: 355.1
• Points Per Game: 33.0
• Tackles Per Game: 44.7
• Sacks Per Game: 0.8

Perryville has been impressive on both the ground and through the air, with an average of 212.8 rushing yards per game, led by Jacob Saugey, who contributes 77.3 yards per game. Their passing game, directed by Connor Frith, has been solid, with Frith averaging 160.3 yards per game. This balanced offensive attack has helped Perryville rack up 355.1 total yards per game and score an average of 33 points per game. Defensively, Perryville has been steady, posting 44.7 tackles per game and limited sacks, with Avery Bowie leading the charge with 0.5 sacks per game.

Atkins (24-25)

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 241.4
• Passing Yards Per Game: 152.7
• Total Yards Per Game: 394.1
• Points Per Game: 36.8
• Tackles Per Game: 71.8
• Sacks Per Game: 2.6

Atkins boasts an even more potent offensive attack, averaging 241.4 rushing yards per game, one of the top marks in the state. Jaden Martin, the standout running back for Atkins, is responsible for much of this production, with 104.5 rushing yards per game. The passing game has been efficient as well, with Cole Crawford averaging 142.7 yards per game. Their total offensive output is even more impressive, with Atkins averaging 394.1 total yards per game and scoring 36.8 points per game, showcasing their ability to put up big numbers. Defensively, Atkins has been aggressive, averaging 71.8 tackles per game and leading the way with 2.6 sacks per game, spearheaded by Dayton Rawlings with 0.6 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

• Perryville:
  • Jacob Saugey (RB) – With 77.3 rushing yards per game, Saugey is the key to Perryville’s offensive success, and his ability to move the chains on the ground will be critical against Atkins’ tough defense.
  • Connor Frith (QB) – Averaging 160.3 passing yards per game, Frith will need to stay poised in the pocket and find open receivers to keep the defense honest and open up the run game.
  • Ethan Evans (WR) – Leading the team with 43.1 receiving yards per game, Evans could be a key playmaker in the passing game, especially on third downs or in big moments.
• Atkins:
  • Jaden Martin (RB) – The centerpiece of Atkins’ offense, Martin’s 104.5 rushing yards per game make him one of the state’s top running backs, and his ability to control the game on the ground will be pivotal.
  • Cole Crawford (QB) – As the quarterback, Crawford is responsible for running the offense and has proven to be effective both passing and handing off the ball. His 142.7 passing yards per game give Atkins the balance they need to keep defenses guessing.
  • John Davis (LB) – With 12.4 tackles per game, Davis is the anchor of the Atkins defense and will be instrumental in limiting Perryville’s rushing attack.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Record

Both Perryville and Atkins have faced similar opponents this season, with a relatively balanced performance against common teams. However, Atkins holds an edge in their head-to-head series, having won the only meeting between the two teams, with Perryville looking to even the score.

• Common Opponents: Both teams have posted a 2-1 record against common opponents, demonstrating that they are well-matched in terms of their ability to compete against similar competition.
• Head-to-Head Record: Atkins leads the all-time series 1-0, but Perryville will be hungry to reverse that trend and prove themselves against a formidable Atkins squad.

Record Breakdown:

Perryville (24-25)

• Overall Record: 7-3
• League Record: 5-2
• Non-League Record: 2-1
• Home Record: 3-2
• Away Record: 4-1

Atkins (24-25)

• Overall Record: 7-3
• League Record: 5-2
• Non-League Record: 2-1
• Home Record: 3-2
• Away Record: 4-1

Both teams share identical overall records and league performance (5-2), demonstrating they are evenly matched in their respective conferences. Perryville has been solid at home, but Atkins has shown resilience on the road with a 4-1 away record.

Game Outlook:

This game promises to be a clash of styles, with Perryville looking to establish its power running game behind Jacob Saugey, while Atkins will look to dominate on the ground with Jaden Martin. Both teams feature potent offenses, but it is likely to come down to which team can execute better in the trenches. Perryville’s defense will need to find a way to contain Atkins’ rushing attack, while Atkins will aim to pressure Perryville’s passing game and limit big plays.

Perryville has the home advantage and a balanced offensive attack, but Atkins will be favored based on their more explosive offense and aggressive defense. Ultimately, this game could have playoff implications, with both teams needing a win to solidify their postseason hopes.

Conclusion:

With both teams posting strong records and entering this game with plenty on the line, Perryville vs. Atkins is shaping up to be one of the more exciting matchups of the 2024-2025 season. Will Perryville’s balanced attack be enough to challenge Atkins’ high-powered offense, or will Atkins continue its winning ways? Fans can expect a hard-fought, competitive game that could go down to the wire.