The Salem (AR) varsity football team faces West Fork (AR) today at 7 p.m. in a neutral-site playoff game. This matchup is part of the 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs, within the 2024 3A Football State Bracket. Both teams are looking to advance in the tournament with a strong performance.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Arkansas High School Football
Who: West Fork vs Salem
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: West Fork vs. Salem

The 2024 AAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs are heating up, and tonight at 7 p.m., West Fork (AR) will face off against Salem (AR) in a neutral-site game that promises to deliver high stakes. This matchup is part of the 2024 3A Football State Bracket, where both teams will battle for a chance to advance further in the tournament.

West Fork: Struggling to Find Consistency

West Fork enters the playoffs with a 3-7 overall record and a 3-4 conference mark, reflecting a season marked by inconsistency. Their offensive production has been modest, averaging 19.1 points per game, but they’ve had trouble sustaining drives throughout the game. They have particularly struggled in the first and third quarters, where they average just 1.2 and 0 points, respectively. Despite some flashes of brilliance, West Fork has been outscored by an average of 9.7 points per game, and their defense has allowed 288 points this season.

For West Fork to have any chance in this matchup, they will need to improve their performance in the early stages of the game, particularly on offense, and capitalize on any opportunities to limit Salem’s potent scoring attack.

Salem: A High-Powered Offense and Strong Record

Salem enters the playoff game with a much stronger record of 7-3 overall and a 6-1 conference finish. The team has been dominant throughout the season, thanks in large part to their high-powered offense, which averages a staggering 37.6 points per game. Their first-half scoring has been particularly impressive, with averages of 13.1 points in the first quarter and 12.9 in the second. Their defense has been solid, allowing just 213 total points, but it’s their offensive depth that has allowed them to outpace their opponents.

Salem will look to carry that momentum into the playoffs, and their ability to score early and often makes them the heavy favorites in this matchup. The team has been nearly perfect at home with a 4-0 record and will aim to continue that success on neutral ground.

The Key to Victory

For West Fork, success hinges on generating a fast start and putting points on the board early. They’ll need to find a way to overcome their struggles in the first and third quarters while limiting Salem’s explosive offense. Defensively, West Fork will need to create turnovers and slow down Salem’s high-scoring attack.

Salem, on the other hand, will focus on continuing their offensive dominance. If they can score early and build a lead, they will likely prove too much for West Fork to handle. Salem’s balanced attack, with consistent scoring throughout the game, should allow them to control the tempo and potentially wear down the West Fork defense.

The upcoming matchup between West Fork and Salem promises to be an intriguing contest, as both teams bring different styles of play to the field. Salem (7-3) enters the game as the favorite, having enjoyed a solid season with a strong record, while West Fork (3-7) has faced challenges throughout the year but will look to disrupt Salem’s rhythm and pull off an upset.

Team Overview

• West Fork (3-7, 3-4 League)
  West Fork has had a difficult season, but they are no strangers to adversity. While their record may not reflect it, they have shown flashes of potential, particularly in the passing game and on defense. Jackson Taylor has been a bright spot for the team, averaging 81.9 passing yards per game and accounting for 10.4 points per game. His ability to move the ball through the air, along with Kaden Brink‘s contribution of 129.8 rushing yards per game, gives West Fork a solid offensive foundation. On defense, Skyler Payne leads the team with 8.6 tackles per game, and Keagan Sanderson contributes 1.5 sacks per game. West Fork will need to be at their best in all phases of the game to stand a chance against Salem.
• Salem (7-3, 6-1 League)
  Salem has had a successful season, marked by a potent offensive attack and a strong defense. Their offensive game revolves around a powerful rushing attack, with Kaden Brink leading the charge for 129.8 rushing yards per game. Jackson Taylor has also played a pivotal role, contributing 81.9 passing yards per game and 10.4 points per game. The team has been effective at controlling the clock and pushing the ball down the field, averaging 383.5 total yards per game. On the defensive side, Skyler Payne‘s 8.6 tackles per game and Keagan Sanderson‘s 1.5 sacks per game have been instrumental in stifling opposing offenses. Salem’s well-rounded attack and solid defensive play make them a formidable opponent.

Key Matchup Breakdown

• Rushing Attack
  The running game is a key strength for both teams, with Kaden Brink standing out for both West Fork and Salem. Brink has been a consistent performer, helping drive his team’s offense with an impressive 129.8 yards per game. Salem’s defense will need to step up and contain Brink if they want to avoid getting caught in long, clock-draining drives. On the other side, West Fork will need to be disciplined in their run defense to stop Salem’s rushing attack, which is averaging 309.5 yards per game.
• Passing Game
  Salem’s passing game has not been as prolific, with Jackson Taylor contributing 81.9 passing yards per game. However, his ability to manage the game and make key throws has been crucial to their success. West Fork will need to get pressure on Taylor and force him into uncomfortable situations. West Fork’s Jackson Taylor (no relation to Salem’s Taylor) will be relied upon to lead the offense through the air. His 81.9 passing yards per game will need to be higher if West Fork is to compete with Salem’s rushing attack.
• Defensive Adjustments
  West Fork’s defense, led by Skyler Payne with 8.6 tackles per game, will need to find a way to disrupt Salem’s running game and put pressure on their quarterback. The pass rush, with Keagan Sanderson contributing 1.5 sacks per game, will need to be more aggressive in this matchup to slow down Salem’s offensive flow. On the other hand, Salem will look to take advantage of West Fork’s vulnerabilities in both the run and pass defense. Salem’s defense has been strong all season, and they will aim to limit West Fork’s offensive output.

Statistical Comparison

What to Watch For

• West Fork’s Defensive Strategy
  With Salem’s heavy reliance on the run, West Fork’s ability to stop the rushing attack will be crucial. They’ll need to stack the box and focus on Kaden Brink to limit his effectiveness and force Salem into more predictable passing situations.
• Salem’s Dominance in the Trenches
  With 3.3 sacks per game and strong play in the trenches, Salem has the ability to impose their will on offense and defense. Skyler Payne and Keagan Sanderson will need to step up for West Fork, but Salem’s offensive line and defensive front have been a major factor in their success.
• Turnovers and Special Teams
  Salem will look to win the field position battle and avoid turnovers, which have been costly for West Fork in their losses. Special teams play could also be a deciding factor in a game where both teams are looking to control the clock and limit mistakes.

Conclusion

While Salem enters this game with a much stronger record and a dominant rushing attack, West Fork has shown they can compete against tough competition. The key for West Fork will be stopping Kaden Brink and finding a way to sustain offensive drives, particularly through the air. On the other hand, Salem will look to continue their strong offensive play and solid defense to put this game out of reach early. If West Fork can limit Salem’s ground game and force them to pass, they might just find an opportunity to keep it close and pull off the upset.