The Salem (AR) varsity football team will face Rivercrest (Wilson, 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) – 2024 3A Football State Bracket,” where both teams aim to secure a spot in the next playoff round.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas State High School Football Playoff
Who: Rivercrest vs Salem
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 3A Football State Bracket
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Rivercrest vs. Salem

Tonight at 7 p.m., the Rivercrest (Wilson, AR) varsity football team will face Salem (AR) in a neutral-site playoff game as part of the “2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 3A Football State Bracket.” Both teams enter the postseason with strong records and the desire to keep their playoff dreams alive, making this a highly anticipated matchup.

Team Comparisons

Rivercrest heads into this game with an impressive 11-1 record and a strong .917 win percentage. The Colts were dominant in conference play, finishing 6-1, and have proven their ability to win on the road (4-1) and in neutral-site games (2-0). With 520 points scored and 256 points allowed, Rivercrest has displayed both offensive firepower and defensive strength. Their high-scoring offense, led by a balanced attack, is one of the team’s biggest strengths as they look to extend their playoff run.

Salem, with a 9-3 record, has also had a solid season, finishing 6-1 in conference play. The Greyhounds have been especially strong at home (5-0), but they’ve been challenged on the road (3-2) and in neutral-site games (1-1). Salem’s offense has scored 438 points while allowing 230. Though they have a slightly lower scoring average than Rivercrest, Salem’s ability to compete in close games has made them a formidable opponent throughout the season.

Scoring Breakdown

Rivercrest averages 43.3 points per game, with a strong second quarter (15.3 points) and a solid third quarter (12.7 points). The Colts have shown they can generate consistent offense throughout the game, though their scoring drops a bit in the fourth quarter (7.5 points). Their early-game explosiveness and ability to put up points in the middle of the game will be critical to taking control of this matchup.

Salem averages 36.5 points per game. They get off to a strong start, averaging 12.9 points in the first quarter, and maintain a steady offensive rhythm in the second quarter with 12.4 points. However, the Greyhounds have struggled to maintain that momentum in the second half, particularly in the third (5.8 points) and fourth quarters (4.8 points). To succeed, Salem will need to generate more offense in the second half and not allow Rivercrest to pull away.

Keys to Victory

• Rivercrest: The Colts need to keep their offensive momentum flowing, particularly in the second and third quarters. A fast start and a strong second half will be key to maintaining control of the game. Defensively, Rivercrest will need to slow down Salem’s offense and limit big plays.
• Salem: The Greyhounds must find a way to sustain their offensive production throughout all four quarters. Adjusting their game plan for a stronger second half and improving their ability to execute in crunch time will be crucial to upsetting Rivercrest.

A Crucial Playoff Battle

This matchup between Rivercrest and Salem promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest. Rivercrest enters with a high-powered offense, but Salem will look to take advantage of their own strengths and challenge the Colts in a crucial playoff battle. Fans can expect a game filled with intensity, strategy, and plenty of action.

With both teams having something to prove, this 3A playoff game is sure to be a thrilling experience for fans and players alike. Don’t miss out on tonight’s exciting clash as Rivercrest and Salem fight for a spot in the next round of the state playoffs.

As the season reaches its critical stages, both Rivercrest and Salem have proven themselves to be formidable opponents in their respective leagues. With strong records and impressive individual performances, the two teams have set the stage for a thrilling showdown. This article will dive into their team statistics, key players, and recent performances to offer an in-depth look at how these two teams measure up against each other.

Offensive Overview: Rivercrest vs. Salem

Rivercrest:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 182.5
• Passing Yards Per Game: 213.9
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 223.0
• Total Yards Per Game: 396.4
• Points Per Game: 43.3

Rivercrest’s offense is balanced, with strong contributions from both the running and passing games. The team averages 182.5 rushing yards per game, while also generating a significant 213.9 passing yards per game. Their ability to gain 396.4 total yards per game makes them a potent offensive force. Additionally, with 43.3 points per game, Rivercrest has demonstrated an ability to put up big numbers and consistently outscore opponents.

Salem:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 308.3
• Passing Yards Per Game: 70.9
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 64.6
• Total Yards Per Game: 379.3
• Points Per Game: 33.9

Salem’s offensive strategy is centered around a dominant ground game, averaging 308.3 rushing yards per game, which is a remarkable figure. The team is more conservative in the passing game, with just 70.9 passing yards per game, but they make up for it with their powerful rushing attack. Despite the low passing yardage, Salem is still able to rack up 379.3 total yards per game and score 33.9 points per game, reflecting their strong focus on controlling the ball and chewing up clock.

Key Players: Rivercrest and Salem

Rivercrest has several standout players:

• Cavonta Washington is the driving force behind their offense, leading the team with 78.8 rushing yards per game, 195.3 passing yards per game, and 274.4 total yards per game. His versatility makes him one of the top players in the state, and he is also a key contributor with 13.3 points per game.
• Buddah Harris is the team’s top receiver, with 78.9 yards per game, and he is an important target in the passing game.
• Jayden Young leads the defense with 6.3 tackles per game, helping to anchor the defensive unit.

For Salem, key players include:

• Kaden Brink, who is the engine behind their rushing attack, gaining 136.4 yards per game. He is also a key player in the passing game with 136.4 total yards per game, highlighting his dual-threat capability.
• Jackson Taylor contributes significantly both on the ground and in the air, adding 9.1 points per game.
• Skyler Payne is the team’s leader on defense, with 7.9 tackles per game, while Keagan Sanderson provides pass-rushing pressure with 1.3 sacks per game.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Results

Both teams faced Newport this season, and their results were markedly different:

• Rivercrest won their game against Newport 48-44 on October 4, 2024.
• Salem, on the other hand, suffered a heavy loss to Newport, falling 42-6 on September 13, 2024.

Rivercrest’s victory over Newport shows their ability to thrive in high-scoring games, while Salem’s loss to Newport raises questions about their ability to perform against tougher competition, especially when the game is not entirely within their control.

Record Breakdown

• Rivercrest: 11-1 overall, 6-1 in league play, 3-0 in non-league games
• Salem: 9-3 overall, 6-1 in league play, 1-2 in non-league games

Both teams have enjoyed solid seasons, but Rivercrest’s 11-1 record stands out, highlighting their consistency and ability to win big games. Salem’s 9-3 record is impressive, but their struggles in non-league games could be a concern going forward.

Home and Away Performance

• Rivercrest: 5-0 at home, 4-1 away
• Salem: 5-0 at home, 4-1 away

Both teams have been strong at home, remaining undefeated in their own stadiums. Rivercrest has also been successful on the road with just one loss, while Salem has shown similar resilience with only one road loss as well.

Playoff Success

• Rivercrest: 2-0 in playoff games
• Salem: 2-0 in playoff games

Both teams have successfully navigated the playoff rounds, showcasing their ability to handle the pressure of elimination games. With both teams still alive in the playoffs, their experience in high-stakes games will be crucial in the coming weeks.

Conclusion

Rivercrest and Salem have both had stellar seasons, but their paths have been different. Rivercrest’s dynamic, balanced offense, led by Cavonta Washington, has been highly effective, while Salem’s strength lies in their dominant rushing game, with Kaden Brink leading the way. While both teams have been successful in their leagues and have proven themselves in the playoffs, Rivercrest’s stronger passing game and ability to win high-scoring games could give them an edge in a potential showdown with Salem.

Salem’s reliance on their ground game makes them dangerous, but they will need to prove they can compete with teams that have more balanced offenses like Rivercrest. This matchup promises to be an exciting contest, with each team’s strengths and weaknesses playing a significant role in determining the outcome.