The Mountain Home (AR) varsity football team will face Sheridan (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 6A Football State Bracket, as both teams compete for postseason advancement.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Sheridan vs Mountain Home
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 6A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here
Game Preview: Sheridan vs. Mountain Home
As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs heat up, the matchup between Sheridan and Mountain Home promises to be an intriguing contest. While Sheridan enters as the underdog with a losing record, Mountain Home comes into the game with a solid season behind them, making for an exciting clash in the 2024 6A Football State Bracket.
Sheridan’s Struggles This Season
Sheridan has had a tough year, finishing with a 3-7 overall record and a .300 win percentage. Their 2-5 conference record reflects their struggles in league play, and they have been particularly challenged on the road, with a 0-4 record away from home. Despite these challenges, Sheridan’s offense has shown flashes of potential, averaging 37.6 points per game:
- Q1: 9.3 points
- Q2: 11.7 points
- Q3: 4.7 points
- Q4: 4.3 points
Sheridan’s offense has been most effective in the first half, particularly in the second quarter, where they average 11.7 points. However, they have struggled to maintain that momentum in the second half, especially in the third and fourth quarters. Defensively, Sheridan has allowed 472 points, which highlights one of their biggest weaknesses. They will need to shore up their defense if they hope to keep pace with a team like Mountain Home.
Mountain Home’s Strong Season
Mountain Home has had a much stronger campaign, finishing with an 8-2 overall record and an .800 win percentage. Their 5-2 conference record and solid performance both at home and on the road have put them in a strong position entering the playoffs. Mountain Home’s offense has been consistently productive, averaging 34.3 points per game:
- Q1: 7.5 points
- Q2: 9.3 points
- Q3: 9.0 points
- Q4: 7.3 points
Mountain Home has been fairly consistent throughout the game, with their scoring spread across all four quarters. They are strongest in the third quarter, where they average 9 points, but their offense remains potent through the entire game. On the defensive side, Mountain Home has allowed just 202 points this season, demonstrating a much stronger defensive unit compared to Sheridan. This defensive strength will likely play a key role in their ability to shut down Sheridan’s high-scoring offense.
Key Factors in the Matchup
For Sheridan to have a chance in this game, they will need to capitalize on their ability to score in the first half and find ways to sustain their offensive output through the second half. Their defense, however, will need to step up significantly, as they cannot afford to allow Mountain Home’s potent offense to control the game.
Mountain Home, with their superior record and solid all-around game, will look to continue their strong defensive play while keeping their offense balanced and effective throughout the game. If they can limit Sheridan’s scoring opportunities and capitalize on their own offensive drives, they should be in a strong position to win.
Conclusion
Mountain Home enters this matchup as the heavy favorite, thanks to a strong record, balanced offense, and stout defense. Sheridan, while facing a tough challenge, will be looking to take advantage of their early-game success and find a way to keep the game close. If Mountain Home continues to play to their strengths, they should advance in the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs.
As the 2024-2025 high school football season moves into the final stretch, Sheridan and Mountain Home stand out as two teams with contrasting seasons. Sheridan, with a record of 3-7, has faced significant challenges, while Mountain Home has enjoyed a much stronger season at 8-2. This article compares the two teams based on their performance, statistics, and key players heading into the remainder of the season.
Record Breakdown
Sheridan
- Overall: 3-7
- League: 2-5
- Non-League: 1-2
- Head-to-Head: 0-0
- Common Opponents: 0-0
- Home: 3-3
- Away: 0-4
- Neutral: 0-0
- Playoffs: 0-0
- In-State: 3-7
- Out-of-State: 0-0
Sheridan’s 3-7 overall record reflects a difficult season, especially in league play where they are 2-5. While they’ve performed decently at home with a 3-3 record, their struggles on the road (0-4) have contributed to their poor overall standing. Sheridan’s one bright spot is their ability to compete against non-league opponents, with a 1-2 record, though they have yet to qualify for the playoffs.
Mountain Home
- Overall: 8-2
- League: 5-2
- Non-League: 3-0
- Head-to-Head: 0-0
- Common Opponents: 0-0
- Home: 4-1
- Away: 4-1
- Neutral: 0-0
- Playoffs: 0-0
- In-State: 6-2
- Out-of-State: 2-0
Mountain Home has had an impressive season, posting an 8-2 overall record. Their 5-2 league performance highlights their competitive edge in conference play. Mountain Home has been dominant both at home (4-1) and on the road (4-1), proving they can win in all environments. With a perfect 3-0 record in non-league matchups, they have also demonstrated their ability to succeed against outside competition.
Team Stat Comparison
Sheridan
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 152.6
- Passing Yards Per Game: 353.9
- Receiving Yards Per Game: 353.6
- Total Yards Per Game: 506.5
- Tackles Per Game: 50.7
- Sacks Per Game: 1.2
- Points Per Game: 36.4
- Pancake Blocks: 37
Sheridan has shown they can accumulate yards, averaging 506.5 total yards per game, which suggests they have the ability to move the ball effectively. However, their struggles to convert these yards into wins have been evident, as they allow 50.7 tackles per game, a number that suggests they might struggle defensively. With 1.2 sacks per game, their defense has room for improvement, particularly in pressuring the quarterback.
Mountain Home
- Rushing Yards Per Game: –
- Passing Yards Per Game: –
- Receiving Yards Per Game: –
- Total Yards Per Game: –
- Tackles Per Game: –
- Sacks Per Game: –
- Points Per Game: –
- Pancake Blocks: 14
Mountain Home does not have all the key statistics available, but their 14 pancake blocks stand out, showcasing their dominance in the trenches. This speaks to the team’s physicality, particularly in the offensive line, which could be a major factor in their successful season.
Team Leaders
Sheridan
- Rushing Yards Per Game: #6 Zay Stephens (137.8)
- Passing Yards Per Game: #12 Dax McMellon (331.0)
- Receiving Yards Per Game: #34 Payton Sterritt (113.1)
- Total Yards Per Game: #12 Dax McMellon (316.0)
- Tackles Per Game: #25 Jacob Pilkington (7.3)
- Sacks Per Game: #37 Hayden Wilkerson (0.3)
- Points Per Game: #6 Zay Stephens (16.6)
Zay Stephens and Dax McMellon are key players for Sheridan, with Stephens leading the team in rushing yards and McMellon in passing yards. Payton Sterritt provides an additional weapon in the receiving game, while Jacob Pilkington leads the defense in tackles.
Mountain Home
Unfortunately, Mountain Home’s team leaders in specific statistics were not provided, but their performance speaks volumes. The fact that they have been able to achieve such a strong season with a focus on solid defense, offensive execution, and overall balance is indicative of a well-coached team with standout performances across the board.
Key Takeaways
- Team Performance
Mountain Home’s 8-2 record dwarfs Sheridan’s 3-7, signaling a clear difference in overall team success. While Sheridan has shown some potential, especially on offense, they have struggled to convert their yardage into victories. - Offensive Strengths
Sheridan’s total yardage of 506.5 yards per game is a major strength, with both the running game (Zay Stephens) and passing game (Dax McMellon) producing solid numbers. However, Mountain Home’s overall consistency in both offense and defense has contributed to their impressive season. - Defensive Struggles
Sheridan’s defense, with only 1.2 sacks per game and 50.7 tackles per game, suggests they may have difficulty against strong offenses. Mountain Home’s ability to pressure the ball and make key defensive stops has been a factor in their success.
Conclusion
While Sheridan has had a tough season overall, they remain a team capable of explosive offensive plays, particularly in the rushing and passing game. However, their lack of consistent defense and struggles on the road have hindered their ability to find sustained success. Mountain Home, on the other hand, has found a winning formula through balanced play, strong defensive performances, and key offensive leaders. With their strong finish to the season, Mountain Home will look to continue their momentum heading into the playoffs, while Sheridan will aim to build on their offensive capabilities to improve in future seasons.
