The Rivercrest (Wilson, AR) varsity football team faces off against Rison (AR) in a high-stakes neutral playoff game tonight at 7 p.m. This exciting matchup is part of the “2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 3A Football State Bracket” tournament, with both teams vying for advancement.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football Playoff
Who: Rison vs Rivercrest
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: Rison vs. Rivercrest

As the high school football season unfolds, two powerhouse teams—Rison and Rivercrest—are making waves with their exceptional performances. Here’s a closer look at their rankings, records, and team stats that set the stage for an exciting showdown.

Rankings and Records

Both Rison and Rivercrest have enjoyed remarkable seasons, boasting identical records of 10-1 overall and 6-1 in conference play. They each have an impressive win percentage of .909 and a conference win percentage of .857, demonstrating their consistency against tough opponents.

• Rison: Ranked 61st in Arkansas overall and 7th in their class, the team has been dominant on both sides of the ball, scoring 428 points while allowing just 165. Their ability to perform well at home (5-0), on the road (4-1), and in neutral-site games (1-0) highlights their adaptability.
• Rivercrest: Ranked 56th in Arkansas overall and 5th in their class, Rivercrest edges out Rison slightly in offensive production, scoring 468 points over the season. However, their defense has given up more points, allowing 222. Like Rison, they remain unbeaten at home (5-0) and have a strong road record (4-1) and neutral-site performance (1-0).

Team Scoring Averages

Offensively, Rivercrest has a slight edge with an average of 42.5 points per game compared to Rison’s 38.9. However, the dynamics of their scoring distribution tell an intriguing story:

• Rison:
  • Starts strong in the first quarter with an average of 13.2 points.
  • Experiences a dip in the third quarter, managing just 5.8 points.
  • Finishes solidly in the fourth quarter, scoring 9.0 points on average.
• Rivercrest:
  • Slower out of the gate, averaging just 7.8 points in the first quarter.
  • Peaks in the second and third quarters, averaging 14.6 and 13.3 points, respectively.
  • Sees a drop-off in the fourth quarter with 6.7 points on average.

What to Watch For

This matchup is shaping up to be a clash of strategies and strengths. Rison’s defense has been one of the best, allowing just 165 points all season. They will look to neutralize Rivercrest’s high-powered offense, which has scored 40 or more points in most of their games.

On the other hand, Rivercrest’s ability to dominate the middle quarters could be pivotal in establishing control. Rison’s early-game explosiveness will likely be tested against Rivercrest’s depth and endurance.

Key Questions

• Can Rison maintain their defensive dominance against a potent Rivercrest offense?
• Will Rivercrest’s third-quarter surge overwhelm Rison’s steady fourth-quarter finishing?
• Which team will rise under pressure in a game with evenly matched records and rankings?

With both teams showcasing exceptional talent and discipline, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter. Fans can expect a display of high-energy football that highlights the best of what Arkansas high school sports have to offer.

The 2024 football season has showcased two powerhouse teams, Rison and Rivercrest, both boasting stellar 10-1 records. With impressive offensive and defensive capabilities, these teams appear evenly matched on paper. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their performances and key players heading into the next stage of competition.

Team Statistics

Rivercrest Highlights:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 178.1
• Passing Yards Per Game: 210.8
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 220.7
• Total Yards Per Game: 388.9
• Tackles Per Game: 66.6
• Sacks Per Game: 0.5
• Points Per Game: 42.5

Rivercrest’s offense is a balanced machine, capable of delivering in both rushing and passing games. Defensively, their high tackle rate reflects their ability to control the line of scrimmage and limit opponent production.

Team Leaders – Rivercrest

• Cavonta Washington (#11) is the standout player, excelling in multiple areas:
  • Rushing: 82.0 yards per game
  • Passing: 194.1 yards per game
  • Total Yards: 276.4 yards per game
• Buddah Harris (#1) leads in receiving with 82.9 yards per game, adding versatility to the offense.
• On defense, Andrew Lomack (#56) anchors the team with 6.2 tackles per game, while Lamont Lee (#55) contributes with 0.3 sacks per game.
• Jayden Young (#5) is a scoring machine, averaging an impressive 12.5 points per game.

Rison’s Performance

Although detailed team statistics for Rison aren’t provided, their 10-1 record and perfect playoff win indicate a strong, disciplined team capable of competing with the best.

Common Opponent Comparison

Both teams faced Walnut Ridge, with similar dominant performances:

• Rison: A decisive 49-21 victory on November 15, 2024.
• Rivercrest: A commanding 51-20 win on October 18, 2024.

The results show that both teams handled the shared opponent with ease, highlighting their respective strengths.

Record Breakdown

• Overall: Both teams stand at 10-1.
• League Records: Identical 6-1 records.
• Home/Away Records: Both teams are undefeated at home (5-0) and have strong away records (4-1).
• Playoff Performance: Each team is 1-0 in the playoffs, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.

Key Matchup Insights

Rivercrest’s balanced offensive attack, led by Cavonta Washington, could prove challenging for any opponent. His ability to excel as both a passer and a rusher makes him a dual threat. Meanwhile, Rison’s overall record and playoff success suggest a team that thrives in high-stakes games, even without detailed individual statistics available.

Conclusion

This matchup is shaping up to be a thrilling contest between two elite teams. Rivercrest’s offensive firepower, led by Washington and Harris, will test Rison’s defense, while Rison’s resilience and consistency could be the deciding factor.

With both teams enjoying strong records and impressive playoff performances, the game promises to be a highlight of the season, showcasing two programs at the top of their game. Fans should expect a high-energy clash filled with big plays and key moments.