The Valley View (Jonesboro, AR) varsity football team will face Parkview (Little Rock, AR) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 8 p.m. This game is part of the “2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 5A Football State Bracket,” marking a critical postseason battle for both teams.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas State High School Football Playoff
Who: Valley View (AR) vs Parkview (AR)
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Bracket: 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2024 5A Football State Bracket
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Valley View vs. Parkview

In a thrilling showdown of two powerhouse teams, Parkview and Valley View have both demonstrated impressive statistics, solid performances, and dominance in their respective leagues and matchups against common opponents. This article compares the teams based on offensive and defensive stats, key players, and their records.

Offensive Firepower: Parkview vs. Valley View

Parkview:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 207.2
• Passing Yards Per Game: 147.2
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 147.1
• Total Yards Per Game: 354.3
• Points Per Game: 42.8

Parkview has built its offense around a strong ground game, averaging over 200 rushing yards per game. The team also maintains balance with 147.2 passing yards per game, bringing their total yards per game to 354.3. This balanced offensive attack is supported by a solid points-per-game average of 42.8, reflecting the team’s ability to move the ball effectively and put points on the board.

Valley View:

• Rushing Yards Per Game: 20.1
• Passing Yards Per Game: 50.8
• Receiving Yards Per Game: 17.2
• Total Yards Per Game: 36.4
• Points Per Game: 2.6

Valley View, in contrast, has struggled on offense, with incredibly low stats across the board. The team averages only 36.4 total yards per game and 2.6 points per game, suggesting major struggles in both the running and passing game. Valley View will need to significantly improve their offensive performance to compete with a team like Parkview.

Key Players: Parkview’s Standouts

Parkview features several key players who lead the team in critical areas:

• Drew Gartman leads in:
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 105.8
  • Passing Yards Per Game: 144.4
  • Total Yards Per Game: 250.2
  • Points Per Game: 12.0

Gartman’s versatility stands out as he contributes both on the ground and through the air, making him one of the top players nationally. His 250.2 total yards per game ranks second overall, and he also plays a central role in scoring for Parkview.

Andrew Jones, another standout player, leads the team in receiving yards with an impressive 74.4 yards per game, helping to stretch the defense and create more offensive opportunities.

On defense, Daniel Richardson is Parkview’s top tackler, averaging 6.2 tackles per game, ranking 23rd nationally. Payton Thomason also provides a strong presence with 0.4 sacks per game.

Valley View’s Defensive Struggles

While Valley View’s offense is severely limited, their defense, by comparison, is more effective:

• Tackles Per Game: 6.2 (Daniel Richardson leads)
• Sacks Per Game: 0.4 (Payton Thomason leads)

Despite these relatively modest stats, Valley View’s defense still outperforms their offense, but they’ll need to generate more pressure on the quarterback and increase their tackles to compete with the top-tier teams like Parkview.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Results

Both Parkview and Valley View have faced common opponents this season, and their records against these teams are identical:

• Parkview defeated Arkansas 57-7 and Wynne 42-10.
• Valley View triumphed over Arkansas 51-22 and Wynne 31-0.

Both teams showed dominant performances against these common opponents, though Parkview’s victories were somewhat higher-scoring compared to Valley View’s wins. The margin of victory suggests that Parkview’s offensive balance and explosiveness might give them an edge in high-scoring affairs.

Record Breakdown

• Parkview: 11-1 overall, 7-0 in league play, 2-1 in non-league games
• Valley View: 12-0 overall, 7-0 in league play, 3-0 in non-league games

Valley View has remained undefeated with a perfect 12-0 record, including a strong performance in league play. Parkview, at 11-1, has also had an impressive season but suffered a single loss. Despite the slightly better overall record for Valley View, Parkview’s offensive firepower could present a serious challenge in a head-to-head matchup.

Home and Away Performance

• Parkview: 3-1 at home, 6-0 away
• Valley View: 5-0 at home, 5-0 away

Both teams have been dominant away from home, with Parkview particularly impressive on the road, maintaining an undefeated away record. Valley View has matched this success, showcasing their consistency both at home and on the road.

Playoff Success

• Parkview: 2-0 in playoff games
• Valley View: 2-0 in playoff games

Both teams have navigated their way successfully through the playoffs, with perfect 2-0 records in postseason play. This indicates both Parkview and Valley View’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations, suggesting that they will be formidable opponents in any playoff matchups.

Conclusion

Parkview’s potent offense, led by Drew Gartman, is a key factor in their success this season, ranking high in rushing, passing, and total yards. In contrast, Valley View has struggled on offense but has managed to remain undefeated through solid defense and efficient play. While both teams have posted dominant records and proven themselves against common opponents, Parkview’s offensive explosion and balanced attack give them the edge in a potential showdown.

As both teams prepare for upcoming challenges, the clash of Parkview’s offensive power against Valley View’s defensive discipline will undoubtedly be a matchup to watch closely. With both teams excelling in their respective strengths, the ultimate battle for supremacy will hinge on which team can control the tempo and capitalize on their strengths.