Hampton gives new turf test run

Former Little Rock Christian Academy wide receiver Joe Hampton is shown in this 2015 file photo.
Former Little Rock Christian Academy wide receiver Joe Hampton is shown in this 2015 file photo.

CONWAY -- Joe Hampton will get an opportunity to play on his college field Friday night.

Hampton, who played wide receiver at Little Rock Christian, signed with the University of Central Arkansas in February and is on campus this month for summer courses and workouts with the Bears.

All-Star football

WHEN 7 p.m. Friday

WHERE Estes Stadium, Conway

TICKETS $6

SERIES East leads 32-26-1

LAST YEAR Game canceled (weather conditions)

But the former Warriors star has one more high school activity left, and that is playing for the West All-Star team in the 61st annual Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star football game Friday night at Estes Stadium.

Hampton said it will be fun playing on the stadium's purple and gray turf for the first time.

"There won't be too much pressure," Hampton said. "I'll be able to go out there and enjoy myself for the first time on the stripes."

Last season, Hampton, 6-1, 180 pounds, caught 70 passes for 1,255 yards and 16 touchdowns as he helped the Warriors win the 5A-West Conference championship. Little Rock Christian advanced to the Class 5A semifinals before losing at home to Pulaski Academy in heavy rainfall Thanksgiving weekend.

It was a fun senior season for Hampton, regardless of the way the Warriors finished.

"It was good," Hampton said. "I've grown up with those guys. To be able to play with them and to get that far was a big memory for me. I'll remember it forever."

Little Rock Christian's football team got to see what a healthy Joe Hampton could do for a full season in 2015. Hampton missed most of his junior season in 2014 because of a finger injury. He came back in Week 9 of the 2014 season against Morrilton and had 200 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Warriors Coach Jeff Weaver, who is an assistant for the West All-Star team under Rogers Heritage Coach Tony Travis, called Hampton the missing link to the school's 2014 team that went 6-5 and lost in the Class 5A first round.

Hampton's late-season play in 2014 was a springboard to his stellar 2015 season, he believed.

"It was painful watching guys play," Hampton said. "But it motivated me to rehabilitate and get back out there and play with my team."

Hampton is joined by Weaver and two Little Rock Christian teammates this week. Linebacker Stone Boshears and free safety Josiah Weaver, the coach's son, also will play in the All-Star game.

"It's really an honor to come out here another time and play with these guys," Hampton said. "I'm looking forward to playing with them."

Sports on 06/23/2016

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