The Harmony Grove (Benton, AR) varsity football team faces Southside (Batesville, AR) today at 7 p.m. in a neutral playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 2024 4A Football State Bracket, as both teams compete for a chance to advance further in the tournament.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: Southside vs Harmony Grove
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 4A Football State Bracket
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Southside vs. Harmony Grove

As the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs heat up, the Southside (Batesville, AR) and Harmony Grove (Benton, AR) varsity football teams are set to clash in a neutral site playoff game today at 7 p.m. This highly anticipated game will be part of the 2024 4A Football State Bracket, offering both teams a chance to advance further in the tournament.

Southside: Undefeated and Dominant

Southside enters this playoff contest as the top team in the 4A classification, boasting an undefeated record of 10-0 overall and a perfect 7-0 mark in conference play. Their dominance on both sides of the ball is evident, with an impressive average of 38.5 points per game. The Southside offense has been explosive, particularly in the first half, averaging 21 points in both the first and second quarters. Defensively, they’ve been equally tough, allowing just 14.8 points per game, with only 148 total points allowed over the course of their perfect season.

The team’s consistency and well-rounded play have earned them a reputation as one of the top contenders in the state, and they will look to continue that dominance against Harmony Grove in this neutral-site playoff game.

Harmony Grove: Battling Against the Odds

In contrast, Harmony Grove (3-7 overall, 3-4 in conference play) enters the postseason as the underdog. While their record doesn’t reflect the same level of success as Southside’s, the Harmony Grove Hornets have demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the season. Their offensive average of 21.7 points per game shows they can score, but the team has struggled to match up defensively, allowing 327 total points—an average of 32.7 points per game.

Despite their challenges, Harmony Grove’s ability to compete in the early quarters, particularly in the first half, where they average 12.6 points combined in the first and second quarters, shows they can start strong. However, they will need to sustain that intensity through all four quarters to have a chance against the high-flying Southside team.

The Key to Victory

For Southside, the key will be to maintain their fast-paced, high-scoring offense while continuing to stifle the opposition defensively. With a balanced attack that puts up 21 points per quarter, they will look to wear down the Harmony Grove defense early and often.

For Harmony Grove, success will hinge on controlling the game tempo and avoiding early mistakes. While they’ve struggled to put up points in the second half, their ability to make a strong first-half showing could be critical in keeping the game competitive.

The Southside team enters their upcoming matchup with Harmony Grove on a high note, sporting a perfect 10-0 record. With an undefeated season in their sights, Southside has demonstrated a powerful offensive game paired with a solid defense, making them one of the most formidable teams in the league. In contrast, Harmony Grove will look to overcome a challenging season, as they bring a 3-7 record to the field. Despite their struggles, Harmony Grove will look to disrupt Southside’s momentum and cause an upset in what promises to be an exciting contest.

Team Overview

• Southside (10-0, 7-0 League)
  Southside has been dominant this season, scoring an impressive 39.9 points per game. They rely heavily on a balanced offensive attack, with standout performances from Owen McLaughlin, who averages 155.6 rushing yards per game and 168.1 total yards per game. McLaughlin is a workhorse for the team and is the centerpiece of Southside’s attack. Alongside him, Trey Allen contributes 112.9 passing yards per game, helping keep opposing defenses honest. On defense, Layton Neal has been a standout with 13.8 tackles per game, anchoring the defense. Southside has not just relied on offensive prowess but also built a strong defensive unit that can limit opponents.
• Harmony Grove (3-7, 3-4 League)
  Harmony Grove has faced an uphill battle this season, struggling to find consistency. However, they still have the potential to create problems for any opponent. The team has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with their rushing attack and defensive resilience. While specific player stats aren’t available for Harmony Grove, they’ve been challenged in non-league matchups but remain competitive in league play. The team will need to find a way to slow down McLaughlin and limit Southside’s big plays if they want to stay competitive.

Key Matchup Breakdown

• Rushing Attack
  Southside’s McLaughlin is a true standout, dominating the ground game with 155.6 yards per game. His ability to control the clock and gain consistent yardage on the ground has been the key to Southside’s offensive success. Harmony Grove will have their hands full trying to stop McLaughlin. If they can contain him and force Southside into passing situations, it could play into Harmony Grove’s favor.
• Passing Game
  Southside is also effective through the air, with Trey Allen contributing 112.9 passing yards per game. While Southside’s strength lies in the running game, Allen’s ability to mix in the passing game prevents defenses from stacking the box against McLaughlin. Harmony Grove will need to be disciplined in coverage and not allow easy passing yards to Louis Calhoun, who leads Southside in receiving yards with 53.1 per game.
• Defensive Strengths
  Southside has shown resilience on defense, with Layton Neal averaging 13.8 tackles per game. They will need to be aggressive in stopping the run and not give Harmony Grove any easy opportunities. For Harmony Grove, defense will be key to keeping this game competitive. They will need to find ways to limit McLaughlin’s impact on the game, while also ensuring that Trey Allen doesn’t find a rhythm through the air.

Statistical Comparison

What to Watch For

• Southside’s Offensive Line Play
  With Owen McLaughlin running behind a stout offensive line, Southside’s ability to open up holes and gain ground on the ground will be crucial. The offensive line has accumulated 229 pancake blocks, showing their dominance in the trenches. If they can continue to push defenders off the ball, McLaughlin will have a huge day.
• Defensive Adjustments from Harmony Grove
  Harmony Grove’s defense will need to make significant adjustments to slow down Southside’s powerful running game. If they can keep McLaughlin in check and force Southside to pass more, they may find success by capitalizing on mistakes or turnovers.
• Turnovers and Special Teams
  With the way Southside controls the ball and puts up points, Harmony Grove will need to avoid mistakes, especially turnovers. A special teams play or key turnover could be the spark they need to shift the momentum.

Conclusion

Southside enters this game as the heavy favorite, riding high with a perfect 10-0 record. They boast one of the league’s most potent offenses, led by the powerful Owen McLaughlin and an aggressive defense spearheaded by Layton Neal. Harmony Grove, while struggling this season, will need to play their best football and look for any opportunities to disrupt Southside’s rhythm.

The game will likely hinge on whether Harmony Grove can slow down McLaughlin’s running game and force Southside into uncomfortable passing situations. If Southside can continue to dominate in both phases, they’ll extend their undefeated streak and move closer to their goal of a league title. However, in football, anything can happen, and Harmony Grove will certainly be looking to spoil Southside’s perfect season.