The Walnut Ridge (AR) varsity football team will take on Rison (AR) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7 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 vie for advancement in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Rison vs Walnut Ridge
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: Rison vs. Walnut Ridge: A Playoff Clash in the 2024 3A Football Bracket

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs progress, the upcoming neutral-site playoff game between Rison and Walnut Ridge is set to be an exciting and competitive showdown. Both teams bring strong records into the game, but their paths to this point in the tournament have been distinct, with Rison entering as the higher-ranked team.

Rison’s Dominance

Rison has had a stellar 2024 season, finishing with a 9-1 overall record and an impressive .900 win percentage. Their 6-1 conference record speaks to their dominance in league play, including a perfect 5-0 record at home. Rison has been one of the top teams in the state, with a potent offense that averages 37.9 points per game. Their scoring breakdown reveals consistency across all quarters:

• Q1: 13.2 points
• Q2: 9.5 points
• Q3: 5.8 points
• Q4: 9.0 points

While their offense sees a slight dip in the third quarter, they make up for it with strong first and fourth quarters, demonstrating their ability to control the game early and finish strong. Defensively, Rison has allowed just 144 points, showcasing their ability to limit opponents and maintain control throughout the season. This combination of offensive firepower and defensive strength makes Rison a formidable opponent as they look to advance further in the playoffs.

Walnut Ridge’s Solid Season

Walnut Ridge, with a 7-3 overall record, has had a successful campaign as well, though with a few more ups and downs compared to Rison. Their .700 win percentage and 4-3 conference record reflect a solid but somewhat inconsistent season. Walnut Ridge has shown strength at home, where they went 4-0, but struggled on the road with a 3-3 record. Offensively, they’ve been strong, averaging 34.2 points per game, with a scoring distribution that’s similar to Rison’s:

• Q1: 11.7 points
• Q2: 9.1 points
• Q3: 7.1 points
• Q4: 6.2 points

Walnut Ridge’s strongest quarter has been the first, where they average nearly 12 points per game. However, their scoring tends to dip in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, which may be a potential weakness against a team like Rison, who has shown the ability to close out games strong. Defensively, Walnut Ridge has allowed 217 points, which is notably higher than Rison’s total, and they will need to tighten up defensively to compete with Rison’s high-powered offense.

Key Factors in the Matchup

Rison’s offensive consistency and strong defense make them the favorites in this game. If they continue to execute their balanced attack, especially in the first and fourth quarters, they will be hard to stop. Walnut Ridge will need to start strong, much like they have in their opening quarters, and find a way to sustain their offensive output through the second half.

Additionally, Walnut Ridge’s defense will need to step up and find ways to limit Rison’s high-scoring offense. If they can neutralize Rison’s scoring early and prevent big plays, they may be able to stay competitive and force a close game in the later quarters.

Conclusion

While Rison enters as the more dominant team, Walnut Ridge has the potential to make this a competitive matchup. The key for Rison will be continuing their offensive dominance and tightening their defense, while Walnut Ridge will look to improve their second-half performance and control the tempo of the game. This playoff clash is sure to be a thrilling contest, as both teams fight for a spot in the next round of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs.

As the 2024-2025 high school football season progresses, the performance of both Rison and Walnut Ridge has stood out for their strengths and areas of improvement. While both teams have had impressive records and show clear talent, their playing styles and strategies have differed significantly. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these two teams, looking at their offensive and defensive stats, key players, and overall performance against common opponents.

Team Stat Comparison

Rushing Yards Per Game

• Rison: 327.3
• Walnut Ridge: N/A

Rison has been dominant on the ground, averaging an impressive 327.3 rushing yards per game. This potent rushing attack is a cornerstone of their offensive strategy, driving their ability to control the game. Walnut Ridge’s rushing statistics are not directly available for comparison, but Rison’s strong rushing game gives them a significant advantage in this area.

Passing Yards Per Game

• Rison: 39.3
• Walnut Ridge: N/A

Rison’s passing game, though functional, has not been as central to their offense, with an average of only 39.3 passing yards per game. Walnut Ridge’s passing stats are not provided, but given Rison’s reliance on the run, it’s clear that Rison prioritizes ground control over aerial play.

Receiving Yards Per Game

• Rison: 42.2
• Walnut Ridge: N/A

Again, Rison’s receiving yards are relatively modest, averaging 42.2 yards per game. This reflects their more run-heavy approach. Walnut Ridge’s receiving data is also not specified, but given their style, they may lean on more balanced offensive plays.

Total Yards Per Game

• Rison: 366.6
• Walnut Ridge: N/A

With a total of 366.6 yards per game, Rison has a well-rounded offensive output, driven primarily by their rushing game. Walnut Ridge’s total yardage per game is not provided, but Rison’s offensive capabilities suggest they are formidable in moving the ball down the field.

Tackles Per Game

• Rison: 45.3
• Walnut Ridge: N/A

Rison’s defense, with an average of 45.3 tackles per game, demonstrates their aggressive and active defensive play. Walnut Ridge’s defensive performance is not available for comparison, but Rison’s defense clearly plays a key role in their success.

Sacks Per Game

• Rison: 0.3
• Walnut Ridge: 0.2

Rison’s defense has been able to generate minimal pressure on the quarterback, averaging only 0.3 sacks per game. Walnut Ridge’s pass rush has been slightly less effective, with an average of 0.2 sacks per game, showing that both teams’ defenses struggle to create major disruption in the backfield.

Points Per Game

• Rison: 30.8
• Walnut Ridge: N/A

Rison averages 30.8 points per game, showcasing their ability to put up significant offensive numbers. Walnut Ridge’s point-scoring average is not specified, but Rison’s ability to score at a high rate certainly makes them a potent team on the offensive side.

Team Leaders

Rison

• Rushing Yards Per Game: #11 Jersie Cunningham – 142.1 yards
• Passing Yards Per Game: #11 Jersie Cunningham – 46.6 yards
• Receiving Yards Per Game: #82 Trevor Augustine – 32.3 yards
• Total Yards Per Game: #11 Jersie Cunningham – 188.7 yards
• Tackles Per Game: #42 River Davis – 8.6 tackles
• Sacks Per Game: #42 River Davis – 0.1 sacks
• Points Per Game: #6 Enrique Perez – 8.0 points

Jersie Cunningham has been a standout player for Rison, leading in both rushing and passing yards. He has averaged 142.1 rushing yards and 46.6 passing yards per game, and also leads in total yards with 188.7 per game. On defense, River Davis has been a key contributor with 8.6 tackles per game.

Walnut Ridge

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

While Walnut Ridge’s individual statistics are unavailable in this comparison, Rison’s strong team leadership with Cunningham and Davis gives them a clear edge in terms of both offensive and defensive execution.

Record Breakdown

Rison

• Overall: 9-1
• League: 6-1
• Non-League: 3-0
• Head-to-Head: 0-0
• Common Opponents: 0-0
• Home: 5-0
• Away: 4-1

Rison has had an exceptional season with a 9-1 overall record, including a dominant 6-1 league performance. Their ability to win both at home (5-0) and on the road (4-1) showcases their consistency across different environments.

Walnut Ridge

• Overall: 7-3
• League: 4-3
• Non-League: 3-0
• Head-to-Head: 0-0
• Common Opponents: 0-0
• Home: 4-0
• Away: 3-3

Walnut Ridge has had a solid season with a 7-3 overall record. Their strong performance at home (4-0) is notable, but they have struggled somewhat on the road, with a 3-3 mark. Their non-league performance, however, is perfect at 3-0, highlighting their ability to compete outside of their league.

Conclusion

Both Rison and Walnut Ridge have showcased solid seasons, but Rison stands out with its strong rushing game, balanced offense, and aggressive defense. Rison’s ability to control the game through the run and its consistent performance on both sides of the ball gives them a clear edge in this matchup. Walnut Ridge, while strong, faces an uphill battle against a team as well-rounded as Rison, especially in the trenches and on the scoreboard.

As the season progresses, Rison’s dominating rushing attack and overall team balance make them a team to watch, while Walnut Ridge will need to improve their performance on the road and continue to leverage their strengths in the non-league matchups. With a strong record and impressive individual performances, Rison is poised to make a deep run in the playoffs, while Walnut Ridge will look to continue building on their momentum.