After a week-long delay because of winter weather, the Arkansas high school football championships are underway Friday night with the Class 7A game between Cabot and Bentonville.
The Tigers enter the game with a 10-2 record and haven’t lost to an in-state team all season. Coach Barry Lunney’s squad last fell on Sept. 20 to nationally-ranked Euless (Texas) Trinity, 21-13. Bentonville has been known in recent years as not just a state power, but a national force on the prep football scene. The Tigers have made an appearance in the five of the last six state championship games, winning titles in 2008 and 2010.
Cabot and long-time coach Mike Malham have two state titles to their credit, in 1983 and 2000. The Panthers (12-0) feature multiple talented running backs in their Dead T offensive attack. Malham has compiled more than 250 wins as coach at Cabot.
Classes 2A, 3A and 4A will decide their state finalists on Friday night as well, with Bearden playing at Des Arc and Carlisle visiting Junction City for the right to play in the 2A title game next weekend. In Class 3A Smackover plays Glen Rose at Benton Harmony Grove’s stadium, while Charleston hosts Earle with a 3A championship game berth on the line.
Pine Bluff Dollarway hosts Booneville and Warren plays Valley View at home in the Class 4A semifinal games.
Arkansas Online will have complete coverage of the Class 7A state title game Friday night, as well as scores from the state’s remaining games.