The Fayetteville (AR) varsity football team will host Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, AR) in a home playoff game today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the “2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 7A Football State Bracket,” where both teams battle for a spot in the next round.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Pulaski Academy vs Fayetteville
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 7A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Pulaski Academy vs. Fayetteville
As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 7A Football State Bracket unfolds, an exciting playoff game between Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, AR) and Fayetteville (AR) is set to take place today at 7 p.m. This neutral-site clash will feature two competitive teams looking to secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs. Let’s take a deeper dive into the teams’ rankings, records, and scoring trends leading into this crucial postseason matchup.
Rankings and Records
- Pulaski Academy: Pulaski Academy enters the playoffs with an impressive 9-2 overall record, ranking 4th in Arkansas and 3rd in their class. With a 5-2 record in conference play, the team has shown resilience both at home (4-1) and on the road (4-1), along with a perfect 1-0 record in neutral-site games. Their offense has been potent, scoring 514 points this season, while their defense has allowed 287 points.
- Fayetteville: Fayetteville comes into this game with a strong 8-2 record, ranking 8th in Arkansas and 5th in their class. They had a stellar conference performance with a 6-1 record and have been solid both at home (4-1) and on the road (4-1). Fayetteville’s offense has put up 404 points, while their defense has allowed 226 points. They’ll look to build on this strong season as they face off against Pulaski Academy in the postseason.
Team Scoring Averages
- Pulaski Academy: Pulaski Academy averages an impressive 46.7 points per game, with strong scoring throughout the game. They start fast, averaging 17.8 points in the first quarter and 14.0 in the second. While their scoring slows down in the second half (9.3 points in the third and 3.5 points in the fourth), they have enough firepower in the first half to put themselves in a good position.
- Fayetteville: Fayetteville averages 40.4 points per game, but their scoring pattern differs. They struggle in the first quarter, averaging only 3.5 points, but they pick up the pace in the second quarter (7.8 points). Fayetteville scores even more in the second half, averaging 8.8 points in the third quarter and 9.0 points in the fourth. Their ability to ramp up in the second half could be key in closing any gaps.
What to Watch For
- Pulaski Academy’s First-Half Surge: Pulaski Academy’s ability to score quickly in the first half could prove crucial in this game. Their high-scoring first and second quarters put opponents on the back foot, and they’ll need to continue that aggressive start to maintain the advantage.
- Fayetteville’s Second-Half Comeback: Fayetteville has been more effective in the second half of games, especially in the third and fourth quarters. They will need to continue that momentum and use their strong second-half performances to battle back from any early deficits.
- Offensive Firepower: Both teams have potent offenses, with Pulaski Academy scoring an average of 46.7 points per game and Fayetteville putting up 40.4 points. The team that can maintain consistency across four quarters will likely come out on top.
Key Questions
- Can Pulaski Academy continue their high-powered first-half offensive performances, or will Fayetteville’s second-half surge give them an edge?
- Will Fayetteville’s defense, which has allowed just 226 points this season, be able to slow down Pulaski Academy’s potent offense?
- How will the neutral-site environment impact both teams, and which team will rise to the challenge under playoff pressure?
This playoff game promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams bringing impressive records and powerful offenses to the field. Pulaski Academy’s quick start and first-half dominance could put them in the driver’s seat, while Fayetteville’s second-half intensity will make them a dangerous opponent. Fans can expect an action-packed game as both teams fight for a spot in the next round of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs.
As the Arkansas high school football season heats up, the matchup between Pulaski Academy and Fayetteville stands out as a thrilling showdown. Both teams have demonstrated offensive firepower and defensive resilience, and their upcoming game promises to be a battle of strength and strategy. Here’s a look at the key stats and insights into these two powerhouse teams.
Team Stat Comparison: Pulaski Academy vs. Fayetteville
Pulaski Academy’s Breakdown:
- Overall Record: 9-2
- League Record: 5-2
- Non-League Record: 3-0
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 4-1
- Playoff Record: 0-0
- In-State Record: 7-2
- Out-of-State Record: 2-0
Pulaski Academy has proven to be one of the most dynamic teams in the state, with a balanced offensive attack and solid performances across the board. They are averaging 483.2 total yards per game, with standout performances in both passing and rushing yards. Their offense, led by quarterback Brandon Cobb, has been their primary strength, scoring an average of 35.1 points per game.
Fayetteville’s Breakdown:
- Overall Record: 8-2
- League Record: 6-1
- Non-League Record: 2-1
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 4-1
- Playoff Record: 1-0
- In-State Record: 7-1
- Out-of-State Record: 1-1
Fayetteville enters the game with a strong 8-2 record, and like Pulaski Academy, they’ve relied heavily on their offense to win games. Averaging 434.9 total yards per game, Fayetteville is also known for its ability to score points, putting up 31.8 per game. Quarterback Garyt Odom has been a key driver for their success, and they also have a high-caliber receiving corps, led by Walker Blake.
Key Players to Watch:
Pulaski Academy:
- Brandon Cobb (Quarterback) – Cobb has been exceptional this season, throwing for an average of 335.5 passing yards per game and racking up a total of 407.6 yards per game. His dual-threat ability will be a significant factor in breaking down Fayetteville’s defense.
- William Svoboda (Receiver) – Svoboda is a reliable target for Cobb, accumulating 70.7 receiving yards per game, and is always a threat for a big play.
Fayetteville:
- Garyt Odom (Quarterback) – Odom has had an outstanding season, with 226.1 passing yards per game, making him a key player to watch in the aerial attack. He’ll need to find success against Pulaski Academy’s defensive schemes.
- Walker Blake (Receiver) – Blake is one of the top receivers in the state, averaging 94.0 receiving yards per game. His ability to stretch the field will be vital for Fayetteville’s offense.
Common Opponents Breakdown
Both teams have faced some similar competition throughout the season, and comparing their results against common opponents can provide insights into how each might fare in this matchup.
Against Cabot:
- Pulaski Academy (Away): 56-47 Win (10/18/24)
- Fayetteville (Home): 48-13 Win (8/30/24)
Both teams had impressive victories over Cabot, but Fayetteville’s 48-13 win stands out as a more dominant performance. Pulaski Academy, however, still managed to secure a hard-fought 56-47 win, showing their resilience.
Against Har-Ber:
- Pulaski Academy (Home): 58-20 Win (11/15/24)
- Fayetteville (Home): 53-7 Win (11/8/24)
Both teams posted dominant wins against Har-Ber, with Pulaski Academy winning by 38 points and Fayetteville securing a 46-point victory. This demonstrates the offensive power both teams bring to the field.
Record Breakdown
Pulaski Academy’s Record:
- Overall Record: 9-2
- League Record: 5-2
- Non-League Record: 3-0
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 4-1
- In-State Record: 7-2
- Out-of-State Record: 2-0
Fayetteville’s Record:
- Overall Record: 8-2
- League Record: 6-1
- Non-League Record: 2-1
- Home Record: 4-1
- Away Record: 4-1
- In-State Record: 7-1
- Out-of-State Record: 1-1
Key Takeaways:
- High-Powered Offenses: Both Pulaski Academy and Fayetteville boast powerful offenses that can put up points in a hurry. Pulaski Academy averages 35.1 points per game, while Fayetteville is close behind at 31.8 points per game.
- Quarterback Play: The quarterbacks, Brandon Cobb for Pulaski Academy and Garyt Odom for Fayetteville, will be the focal points of their respective offenses. Both have proven themselves to be efficient passers, and whichever quarterback can perform better on the big stage may tilt the game in their team’s favor.
- Defensive Edge: Pulaski Academy has the edge in total tackles per game (63.5), but both teams have shown the ability to stymie opposing offenses. Fayetteville’s defense will need to contain Cobb, while Pulaski Academy will look to limit Odom’s connection with his receivers.
Conclusion
This matchup between Pulaski Academy and Fayetteville is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of the season. Both teams come into the game with explosive offenses and strong records. With playmakers like Brandon Cobb and Garyt Odom leading the way, this game could be decided by the smallest of margins. Fans can expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair as these two Arkansas powerhouses clash in what promises to be an unforgettable showdown.
