Rick's Picks: Bentonville in search of another big win in 7A-West

I won a spelling bee in the fourth grade and stood proudly while the instructor presented me with a box of 32 crayons and a coloring book for my accomplishment.

Looking out into the audience, I saw my best friend pointing at me, which I interpreted as him saying, "You da man, Fires. You da man."

I did a pump fist back before leaving the podium and mixing with the masses, where I was told the fly on my britches was partially open. Zip it, rip it, and out the door I fled.

So, being embarrassed in public is nothing new for me and it continues today as a sports writer who attempts to predict the outcome of games not yet played. Two weeks ago all nine sports writers, myself included, picked Fayetteville to beat Bentonville in our weekly Pick'Em poll on ARPreps.com. Bentonville won the game, 24-21, for its 11th consecutive victory over the Bulldogs in the regular season.

So, let's try this again.

Bentonville faces another huge road test tonight at Springdale Har-Ber (4-1, 2-0), the state's top-ranked team. The Wildcats' only loss came at Jenks, Okla., to a powerhouse team that is 6-0 and ranked No. 24 nationally by USA Today.

Bentonville (4-1, 2-0) is tied with Har-Ber atop the 7A-West standings and the Tigers are coming off a 56-14 victory last week over Van Buren. It should be noted, too, that Bentonville beat Har-Ber 45-13 at Wildcat Stadium two years ago when Har-Ber finished 3-8 on the season.

Har-Ber is rolling again but Bentonville will not be intimidated, especially after going to Fayetteville and winning when so many expected them to lose after splitting with Bentonville West.

"Bentonville isn't going away," Bentonville coach Jody Grant told his players after the win.

He's right, of course. But beating Fayetteville and Har-Ber in consecutive road games is quite a challenge, even for these determined Tigers.

RICK'S PICK Springdale Har-Ber

Other games involving teams from Northwest Arkansas (selections are capitalized).

CLASS 7A/6A

SPRINGDALE at Bentonville West

FAYETTEVILLE at Rogers

ROGERS HERITAGE at Van Buren

GREENWOOD at Siloam Springs

CLASS 5A

Greenbrier at FARMINGTON

Vilonia at HARRISON

Alma at MORRILTON

CLASS 4A

Huntsville at GENTRY

PEA RIDGE at Gravette

BERRYVILLE at Lincoln

PRAIRIE GROVE at Shiloh Christian

West Fork at DARDANELLE

CLASS 3A

Marshall at ELKINS

Yellville-Summit at GREEN FOREST

MOUNTAIN VIEW at Greenland

CLASS 2A

HACKETT at Decatur

MOUNTAINBURG at Johnson County Westside

LAST WEEK 16-2 (88 percent)

OVERALL 69-20 (75 percent)

Sports on 10/07/2016

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