Here’s a detailed breakdown of the upcoming high school football matchup between the Little Rock Christian Academy Warriors and the Bentonville West Wolverines. This preview covers how to watch, team overviews, key players to watch, and an in-depth prediction for what’s anticipated to be an exciting game under the Friday night lights.
Game Details
- Teams: Little Rock Christian Academy Warriors vs. Bentonville West Wolverines
- Date: Friday, November 15
- Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Little Rock Christian Academy, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Watch: Live on NFHS Network
How to Watch
You can watch the game live on the NFHS Network, which provides nationwide streaming of high school sports events. A subscription to the NFHS Network will give fans access to live broadcasts, replays, and other coverage of high school games across the country.
Game Preview
Little Rock Christian Academy and Bentonville West are both coming off strong seasons and enter this game with momentum. Both teams have developed into playoff contenders through solid team play and standout performances, setting up an exciting matchup.
Team Overview
Little Rock Christian Academy Warriors
- Record: 9-2
- Coach: Eric Cohu
- Key Players: QB Walker White, RB Brian Gittens, WR Corey Burns, LB Isaiah Coleman
- Strengths: Balanced offense, dynamic quarterback play, aggressive defense
- Weaknesses: Depth in the secondary
Bentonville West Wolverines
- Record: 8-3
- Coach: Bryan Pratt
- Key Players: QB Jake Casey, RB Mason Miller, WR Jalen Tate, DB Carson Rogers
- Strengths: High-scoring offense, solid defensive front, versatile passing attack
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent defense against the run
Team Comparisons
- Offense
- Little Rock Christian Academy: The Warriors have a balanced offensive attack led by standout QB Walker White. Known for his mobility and arm strength, White is adept at making plays both in and out of the pocket. RB Brian Gittens adds a powerful run game that complements the pass, while WR Corey Burns is a reliable target downfield. Little Rock Christian’s offense is versatile and aims to keep defenses off-balance by mixing up play-calling.
- Bentonville West: The Wolverines boast a potent passing attack led by QB Jake Casey, who’s had an impressive season distributing the ball to his playmakers. WR Jalen Tate is a consistent deep threat, capable of stretching the field and creating space. RB Mason Miller brings balance to the offense, ensuring defenses can’t focus solely on stopping the pass. The Wolverines thrive on big plays, making them a constant threat to score.
- Defense
- Little Rock Christian Academy: The Warriors’ defense is aggressive, particularly up front, where they put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. LB Isaiah Coleman is a key player in the defensive scheme, often disrupting plays before they develop. While their front seven is solid, the Warriors have occasionally struggled with depth in the secondary, which could be tested against Bentonville West’s passing attack.
- Bentonville West: The Wolverines’ defense is solid against the pass, led by DB Carson Rogers, who anchors the secondary. Their defensive line is also effective, helping control the line of scrimmage and limit opponents’ rushing yards. However, they have struggled at times against powerful rushing attacks, so they will need to step up to contain Gittens in the backfield.
- Special Teams
- Little Rock Christian Academy: The Warriors have a reliable kicker and a disciplined special teams unit that focuses on field position. Their return game is strong, often giving the offense good starting positions, which could prove important in a tight game.
- Bentonville West: Bentonville West’s special teams are dependable, particularly in the kicking game, where they can execute both short and long field goals. Their coverage units are solid, though they may not take as many risks in the return game as their opponents. Special teams could play a pivotal role in what’s expected to be a close game.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Quarterbacks: Little Rock Christian Academy’s Walker White vs. Bentonville West’s Jake Casey
- Both quarterbacks have had impressive seasons, each showing the ability to make plays with both their arm and legs. White is known for his mobility and ability to keep defenses on their heels, while Casey’s decision-making and accuracy make him a constant threat in the passing game. This matchup will be a key factor in deciding the game’s outcome.
- Running Backs: Little Rock Christian Academy’s Brian Gittens vs. Bentonville West’s Front Seven
- Gittens is a powerful runner capable of wearing down defenses over the course of a game. Bentonville West’s defensive front will need to limit his yardage to prevent Little Rock Christian from controlling the clock. If Gittens can establish a rhythm, the Warriors will be able to open up their passing game, making their offense even more dangerous.
- Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs: Bentonville West WR Jalen Tate vs. Little Rock Christian Academy Secondary
- Tate has been a go-to target for Casey all season and can stretch the field with his speed. Little Rock Christian’s secondary will need to play tight coverage to prevent big plays. This is an important matchup, as a few deep completions to Tate could swing momentum in Bentonville West’s favor.
- Linebackers: Little Rock Christian LB Isaiah Coleman vs. Bentonville West’s Offensive Line
- Coleman is a game-changer on defense, with the ability to disrupt both the run and pass. Bentonville West’s offensive line will need to account for him on every play, as his pressure can create opportunities for mistakes. If Coleman is able to disrupt Bentonville’s offensive flow, it could be a major advantage for Little Rock Christian.
Odds & Prediction
Odds
High school games generally don’t have official betting odds, but Little Rock Christian Academy has a slight edge due to their balanced offense, home-field advantage, and the strength of their quarterback play. Bentonville West, however, has the talent and playmaking ability to make this a close game.
Prediction
Little Rock Christian Academy Warriors 31, Bentonville West Wolverines 24
This matchup is expected to be competitive, with both teams capable of scoring points. Little Rock Christian’s balanced offense and aggressive defense could give them the edge, particularly with home-field advantage. However, Bentonville West’s explosive passing game and high-scoring potential make them a formidable opponent.
Key Factors to Watch
- Game Tempo: The Warriors may attempt to control the tempo with a strong ground game, while the Wolverines will likely seek to push the pace with their high-octane passing attack. Controlling the clock could be crucial in a close matchup, especially if one team can keep the other’s offense off the field.
- Turnover Battle: Both defenses are skilled at creating turnovers, and a key interception or fumble recovery could be the turning point in a close game. Bentonville West’s aggressive style has led to turnovers at times, and ball security will be essential.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Both teams will need to maximize their scoring opportunities in the red zone. Converting drives into touchdowns rather than field goals will be critical, particularly if the game is close.
- Special Teams Impact: Field position and special teams play may come into focus, especially in the second half. A big return, a blocked kick, or even a successful field goal could be pivotal if the game is close.
The matchup between Little Rock Christian Academy and Bentonville West promises to be one of the best high school games of the week, with both teams fighting for a chance to advance further in the playoffs. With strong quarterback play, high-scoring offenses, and aggressive defenses, fans can expect a thrilling and hard-fought game from start to finish.
Tune in to the NFHS Network to witness what’s likely to be an exciting battle under the Friday night lights!
