The Bryant (AR) varsity football team will face Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, 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) – 7A Football State Bracket, where both teams will compete for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arkansas State High School Football Playoff
Who: Pulaski Academy vs Bryant
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 7A Football State Bracket
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Pulaski Academy vs. Bryant
The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs are heating up as the Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, AR) varsity football team faces off against Bryant (AR) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This exciting contest is part of the 2024 7A Football State Bracket, where both teams are vying for a chance to advance in the tournament.
Rankings & Records
- Pulaski Academy
- Overall Record: 10-2
- Conference Record: 5-2
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 5-1
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Win Percentage: .833
- Conference Win Percentage: .714
- Points For (PF): 553
- Points Against (PA): 319
- Class: 3
Pulaski Academy has had an impressive season, finishing 10-2 overall. Their offensive firepower has been on full display, scoring an average of 46.1 points per game. Their ability to perform both at home and away will be key as they enter this pivotal playoff matchup. With a neutral-site victory already under their belt, Pulaski Academy will be looking to continue their momentum.
- Bryant
- Overall Record: 11-0
- Conference Record: 7-0
- Home Record: 5-0
- Away Record: 5-0
- Neutral Record: 1-0
- Win Percentage: 1.000
- Conference Win Percentage: 1.000
- Points For (PF): 548
- Points Against (PA): 141
- Class: 1
Bryant enters the playoffs with a perfect 11-0 record, a testament to their dominant season. They have been nearly flawless, outscoring opponents by a significant margin, averaging 49.8 points per game. Their defense has been stingy, allowing just 141 points all season, which is among the best in the state. As the top seed in the 7A classification, Bryant is considered one of the favorites to take home the state championship.
Scoring Averages and Key Trends
- Pulaski Academy
- First Quarter: 17.8
- Second Quarter: 14.0
- Third Quarter: 9.3
- Fourth Quarter: 3.5
- Average Final Score: 46.1
Pulaski Academy’s offense has been potent throughout the season, especially in the first half. Averaging 31.8 points in the first two quarters, they come out fast and strong. However, their scoring drops off in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they score an average of just 3.5 points.
- Bryant
- First Quarter: 19.0
- Second Quarter: 14.9
- Third Quarter: 10.1
- Fourth Quarter: 5.8
- Average Final Score: 49.8
Bryant has been consistently strong across all quarters, averaging 19.0 points in the first quarter alone. Their ability to maintain offensive production throughout the game, even in the later stages, is one of the key reasons for their undefeated record.
Key Matchup Factors
- Offensive Firepower: Both teams are high-scoring, with Pulaski Academy averaging 46.1 points per game and Bryant averaging 49.8. The team that can better control the tempo and execute their offensive game plan will likely have the upper hand.
- Defensive Strength: While both teams have strong offenses, Bryant’s defense has been exceptional, allowing only 141 points throughout the season. Pulaski Academy will need to find a way to break through this defense and maintain their scoring pace.
- First Half vs. Second Half: Pulaski Academy’s offense has been more explosive in the first half, while Bryant has demonstrated consistent offensive production throughout the game. This difference could be crucial in a tight playoff battle.
What’s at Stake
With the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs in full swing, the winner of this matchup will advance further in the 7A State Bracket, moving one step closer to the state championship. For Pulaski Academy, this is an opportunity to continue their strong playoff run, while Bryant looks to maintain their perfect season and defend their top ranking.
This game promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the state’s top teams, each with their own strengths and strategies. Fans can expect an exciting atmosphere as Bryant and Pulaski Academy battle for a chance to continue their quest for the state title.
The stage is set for a thrilling matchup between two of Arkansas’ most formidable football programs—Pulaski Academy and Bryant. Both teams have been dominant this season, with Pulaski Academy sporting a 10-2 record and Bryant coming in undefeated at 11-0. This clash promises to be one of the most exciting games of the season, as both teams bring impressive offensive firepower and solid defensive performances.
Team Stat Comparison
When comparing the teams’ offensive capabilities, both Pulaski Academy and Bryant feature high-scoring offenses. Pulaski Academy has averaged 475.3 total yards per game, driven by a potent passing attack with Brandon Cobb leading the charge. Cobb has amassed 334.0 passing yards per game, and he also contributes significantly in the running game, with 70.4 rushing yards per game. The team’s offense is well-rounded, with William Svoboda (76.6 receiving yards per game) and Cobb’s total yards (404.2 per game) leading the way.
In contrast, Bryant relies more on a balanced offensive approach, with a slight emphasis on the running game. Myron Thrash Jr. leads the team with 73.1 rushing yards per game, while Jordan Walker adds 195.0 passing yards per game. The team averages 458.4 total yards per game, nearly as much as Pulaski Academy, and their offense is just as explosive, posting 42.5 points per game—the highest in this comparison.
On defense, Pulaski Academy is the more aggressive unit, with 4.2 sacks per game, compared to Bryant’s modest 0.5 sacks per game. However, Bryant excels in tackling, averaging 62.6 tackles per game, a substantial advantage over Pulaski Academy’s 17.4 tackles per game. Despite the difference in tackles, Pulaski Academy’s pass rush and overall defensive playmaking ability could be key to slowing down Bryant’s high-powered offense.
Key Players to Watch
For Pulaski Academy, the standout player is Brandon Cobb (#2), who is an all-around threat, leading the team with 334.0 passing yards per game and contributing 70.4 rushing yards per game. His ability to stretch the field both through the air and on the ground makes him a key player in this matchup. Defensively, Kaden Nash (#9) will be essential, averaging 8.6 tackles per game and being a key part of the defensive unit. Jackson Redman (#10) also adds pressure on opposing quarterbacks, with 1.3 sacks per game.
For Bryant, Myron Thrash Jr. (#17) is the focal point of the offense with 73.1 rushing yards per game, and Jordan Walker (#13) will lead the passing attack with 195.0 passing yards per game. Karter Ratliff (#12) is another crucial offensive weapon, contributing 67.9 receiving yards per game. On defense, Nick Miller (#9) is a standout with 9.5 tackles per game, and Omar Sanchez (#95) provides pressure with 1.0 sack per game.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced a similar set of opponents this season, and the results have been telling. Pulaski Academy holds a 5-1 record against common opponents, while Bryant is undefeated at 7-0. Both teams secured impressive victories over North Little Rock, with Pulaski Academy winning 47-0, while Bryant won 63-7. Other notable victories for both squads include wins over Cabot and Little Rock Christian Academy, with both teams managing to dominate these matchups.
Record Breakdown
- Pulaski Academy: The 10-2 record reflects a season of solid performances, including a 5-2 league record. The team has been strong in both non-league and playoff matchups, with a perfect 2-0 playoff record. However, their lone loss in league play came against Conway, which will be a key learning point for the team as they face off against another top-tier opponent in Bryant.
- Bryant: With an undefeated 11-0 record, Bryant enters this game as the team to beat. The 7-0 league record is a testament to their dominance throughout the season, and their perfect 5-0 record at home further emphasizes their strength. Bryant has also been perfect in playoff action, with a 2-0 record.
What to Watch For
- Offensive Firepower: Both teams possess explosive offenses, but Pulaski Academy’s ability to pass the ball effectively and run with Cobb will be a test for Bryant’s defense. On the flip side, Bryant’s balanced offense, led by Thrash Jr. and Walker, will need to find ways to break through Pulaski Academy’s defense, which is known for creating pressure.
- Defensive Strategies: While Bryant has the advantage in tackles, Pulaski Academy can make up for this with their strong pass rush and aggressive defensive playmaking. Bryant’s defense will need to be at its best to slow down Cobb’s dual-threat abilities.
- Playoff Performance: Both teams are coming off impressive playoff runs, with Bryant entering the game undefeated in the postseason. Expect both teams to bring their best as they look to secure a spot in the next round.
Prediction
Bryant’s overall balance and strong defensive performance give them the edge heading into this game. However, Pulaski Academy’s high-powered offense, led by the versatile Brandon Cobb, will keep them in the fight. It will likely come down to whether Pulaski Academy can overcome Bryant’s solid defense and exploit weaknesses in their secondary. Expect a competitive matchup, but Bryant’s depth and defensive strength should ultimately lead them to victory in a hard-fought game.
