Bentonville last team standing from 7A-West Conference

So, it’s three against one, huh?

Finally, the 7A-Central has the advantage against the 7A-West by placing three of the four teams in the semifinals of the Class 7A state playoffs. Bentonville High stands as the lone 7A-West representative against Bryant, Conway, and North Little Rock from the 7A-Central.

A team from central Arkansas hasn’t captured the state championship in the largest classification since Little Rock Central won in 2004. Spring-dale won in 2005 and began a dominant stretch for the 7A-West which, on occasion, has placed two league teams in the finals.

The finalists this year will be determined tonight when Bentonville hosts Bryant and Conway plays at North Little Rock.

The Tigers were mostly written off as a championship contender following a 1-2 start that included losses to Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst and Conway. But a win over Fayetteville started an eight-game winning streak that included a 37-28 victory over Bentonville West to claim another championship in the 7A-West.

Bentonville beat Cabot 31-6 and Bryant eliminated Fayetteville 21-20 in the quarterfinals last week to set up tonight’s showdown at Tiger Stadium.

“Truthfully, people who’ve written us off helps because it motivates our kids,” Bentonville coach Jody Grant said after the Tigers finished 7-0 in conference play. “Early on, people assumed because of the split (with Bentonville West) the Bentonville Tigers were just going to be a middle of the pack team. Our kids took it personally and played with a chip on their shoulders, which has been good for us.”

Bryant won’t be intimidated in facing a 7A-West team on its home field. The Hornets beat Fayetteville in overtime earlier this season after eliminating Har-Ber at Wildcat Stadium last year in the playoffs. The Hornets are in the semifinals for the second time while tonight’s game will mark Bentonville’s eighth consecutive appearance in the semis.

Three teams against one do not favor the 7A-West, but I like the odds when the team still standing from Northwest Arkansas is Bentonville.

RICK’S PICK Bentonville

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

CLASS 7A

Bryant at BENTONVILLE

Conway at NORTH LITTLE ROCK

CLASS 6A

West Memphis at GREEN-WOOD

CLASS 4A

Prairie Grove at WARREN

PEA RIDGE at Booneville

CLASS 3A

Osceola at CHARLES-TON

LAST WEEK 8-3 (72 percent)

OVERALL 221-53 (80 percent)

Rick Fires can be reached at rfires@nwadg.com or on Twitter @ NWARick.

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