SPRINGDALE HAR-BER
Whittschen's return sparks Wildcats
Conference Standings
7A-WEST CONFERENCE
^Conference^^Overall
TEAM^W-L^Pts.^W-L
Bentonville High^2-0^26^2-3
Bentonville West^2-0^16^2-3
Fayetteville^1-1^13^4-1
Springdale High^1-1^13^4-1
Springdale Har-Ber^1-1^13^3-2
Van Buren^1-1^10^2-3
Rogers High^0-2^0^1-3
Rogers Heritage^0-2^0^0-5
Last Week’s Scores
Bentonville High 44, Van Buren 0
Bentonville West 35, Springdale High 22
Fayetteville 52, Rogers High 28
Springdale Har-Ber 31, Rogers Heritage 16
This Week’s Games
Rogers High at Bentonville West
Van Buren at Fayetteville
Bentonville High at Rogers Heritage
Springdale Har-Ber at Springdale High
7A-CENTRAL CONFERENCE
^Conference^^Overall
TEAM^W-L^Pts.^W-L
North Little Rock^2-0^26^5-0
Bryant^2-0^22^4-1
Conway^1-1^13^4-1
FS Northside^1-1^13^4-1
LR Catholic^1-1^2^4-1
FS Southside^1-1^6^2-3
Cabot^0-2^0^2-3
LR Central^0-2^0^1-3
Last Week’s Scores
Bryant 59, LR Catholic 28
Fort Smith Northside 35, LR Central 7
Fort Smith Southside 30, Cabot 24
North Little Rock 35, Conway 14
This Week’s Games
LR Central at Bryant
Conway at Cabot
LR Catholic at FS Northside
FS Southside at North Little Rock
6A-WEST CONFERENCE
^Conference^^Overall
TEAM^W-L^Pts.^W-L
Benton^2-0^26^4-1
Greenwood^2-0^26^4-1
Lake Hamilton^1-1^13^4-1
Russellville^1-1^13^3-2
Siloam Springs^1-1^10^3-2
El Dorado^1-1^13^2-3
Sheridan^0-2^0^2-3
LR Hall^0-2^0^0-4
Last Week’s Scores
Benton 54, Siloam Springs 14
Greenwood 44, El Dorado 27
Lake Hamilton 42, LR Hall 6
Russellville 21, Sheridan 0
This Week’s Games
Sheridan at El Dorado
Benton at LR Hall
Lake Hamilton at Russellville
Greenwood at Siloam Springs
5A-WEST CONFERENCE
^Conference^^Overall
TEAM^W-L^Pts.^W-L
Harrison^2-0^25^5-0
Alma^2-0^20^2-3
Farmington^1-1^13^3-2
Greenbrier^1-1^13^3-2
Morrilton^1-1^13^2-3
Vilonia^1-1^13^2-3
Huntsville^0-2^0^2-3
Clarksville^0-2^0^1-4
Last Week’s Scores
Alma 35, Farmington 28
Harrison 42, Clarksville 7
Morrilton 37, Greenbrier 7
Vilonia 53, Huntsville 24
This Week’s Games
Huntsville at Clarksville
Greenbrier at Farmington
Vilonia at Harrison
Alma at Morrilton
4A-1 CONFERENCE
^Conference^^Overall
TEAM^W-L^Pts.^W-L
Shiloh Christian^2-0^26^4-1
Prairie Grove^2-0^26^3-2
Pea Ridge^2-0^23^3-2
Lincoln^1-1^12^4-1
Gentry^1-1^13^1-4
Berryville^0-2^0^2-3
Green Forest^0-2^0^1-4
Gravette^0-2^0^0-5
Last Week’s Scores
Gentry 27, Berryville 13
Pea Ridge 24, Lincoln 14
Prairie Grove 42, Gravette 0
Shiloh Christian 58, Green Forest 0
This Week’s Games
Green Forest at Gentry
Pea Ridge at Gravette
Berryville at Lincoln
Prairie Grove at Shiloh Christian
4A-4 CONFERENCE
^Conference^^Overall
TEAM^W-L^Pts.^W-L
Dardanelle^2-0^26^5-0
Elkins^2-0^26^5-0
Ozark^2-0^26^3-2
Pottsville^1-1^13^2-3
Dover^1-1^6^1-4
Mena^0-2^0^2-3
Subiaco Academy^0-2^0^1-4
Waldron^0-2^0^1-4
Last Week’s Scores
Dardanelle 35, Waldron 0
Elkins 50, Dover 12
Ozark 56, Subiaco Academy 14
Pottsville 32, Mena 14
This Week’s Games
Subiaco Academy at Elkins
Dover at Mena
Dardanelle at Ozark
Pottsville at Waldron
3A-1 CONFERENCE
^Conference^^Overall
TEAM^W-L^Pts.^W-L
Booneville^2-0^26^5-0
Lamar^2-0^26^5-0
Mansfield^2-0^20^5-0
Greenland^1-1^13^3-2
Charleston^1-1^13^3-2
Cedarville^0-2^0^1-4
Paris^0-2^0^0-5
West Fork^0-2^0^0-5
Last Week’s Scores
Booneville 44, West Fork 14
Charleston 21, Cedarville 6
Lamar 41, Paris 14
Mansfield 36, Greenland 29
This Week’s Games
Greenland at Booneville
Charleston at Mansfield
Cedarville at Paris
Lamar at West Fork
2A-4 CONFERENCE
^Conference^^Overall
TEAM^W-L^Pts.^W-L
Hector^2-0^26^4-1
Mountainburg^1-0^13^3-1
Magazine^1-0^6^2-2
Lavaca^1-1^13^2-3
Hackett^1-1^13^2-3
Western Yell Co.^0-2^0^2-3
JC Westside^0-2^0^1-4
Last Week’s Scores
Hackett 45, Western Yell County 0
Hector 56, Johnson County Westside 12
Mountainburg 29, Lavaca 6
Magazine open
This Week’s Games
Mountainburg at Johnson County Westside
Hector at Magazine
Lavaca at Western Yell County
Hackett open
Arkansas Sports Media High School Football Poll
Following is the overall top 10 overall high school football teams in Arkansas and the top five in Classes 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A and 2A, as voted by a panel of sports media from around the state for the week ending Sept. 29. Ranking is given with first-place votes received, records, total points and last week’s rankings:
OVERALL
^Record^Pts^Prv
North Little Rock (30)^5-0^ 300^1
Bryant ^4-1^257^3
Fayetteville^^4-1^203^4
Conway ^4-1^160^2
Greenwood^^4-1^148^5
FS Northside^4-1^138^6
Pulaski Academy^4-1^105^8
Bentonville West^2-3^66^—
Benton^4-1^62^—
Warren^4-0^55^9
Others receiving votes: Bentonville 46, West Memphis 40, Springdale 37, LR Catholic 5, FS Southside 5, Joe T. Robinson 4 LR Christian 3, Booneville 3, Mount Ida 3, Nashville 3, Clinton 2, Springdale Har-Ber 1.
CLASS 6A
^Record^Pts^Prv
Greenwood (23)^4-1^ 140^1
Benton (4)^4-1^114^2
West Memphis (3)^5-0^105^3
Pine Bluff ^2-2-1 ^44^5
Marion^4-1^16^—
Others receiving votes: Searcy 15, El Dorado 13, Jonesboro 3, Lake Hamilton 2, Russellville 1.
CLASS 5A
^Record^Pts^Prv
Pulaski Academy (28)^4-1^147^2
LR McClellan (1)^5-0^103^3
LR Christian ^4-1^81^1
Harrison^5-0^71^4
Texarkana (1)^4-1^42^5
Others receiving votes: Hot Springs Lakeside 3, Nettleton 1, Blytheville 1.
CLASS 4A
^Record^Pts^Prv
Warren (27)^4-0^146^1
Joe T. Robinson (2)^4-1^115^2
Nashville (1)^5-0^94^3
Rivercrest^^5-0^51^4
Dardanelle ^5-0^22^5
Others receiving votes: Bauxite 11, Stuttgart 4, Hamburg 3, Arkadelphia 2, Shiloh Christian 1, Dumas 1, Elkins 1.
CLASS 3A
^Record^Pts^Prv
Booneville (22)^5-0^141^1
Clinton (6) ^5-0^109^2
Prescott (2)^5-0^92^3
Smackover (3-1)^39^5
Rison^5-0^30^—
Others receiving votes: Glen Rose 14, Newport 5, Atkins 4, Mayflower 2, Osceola 2, McGehee 1, Mansfield 1
CLASS 2A
^Record^Pts^Prv
Mount Ida (17) ^5-0^137^1
Foreman (13)^4-0^118^2
Hazen ^4-0^90^3
Junction City^3-2^54^4
Conway Christian3-2^17^—
Earle^4-1^17^—
Others receiving votes: Quitman 5, Salem 3, Hampton 2, Hector 1.
STATISTICAL LEADERS
CLASS 7A
TEAM OFFENSE
TEAM^RUSH^PASS^TOTAL^AVG/GM
Springdale^931^1410^2341^468.2
Fayetteville^780^1557^2337^467.4
FS Southside^1104^971^2075^415.0
FS Northside^1134^687^1821^364.2
Bentonville West^659^1151^1810^362.0
Van Buren^662^1030^1692^338.4
Bentonville^783^857^1640^328.0
Rogers High^522^674^1196^299.0
Springdale Har-Ber^761^724^1485^297.0
Rogers Heritage^816^563^1379^275.8
TEAM DEFENSE
TEAM^RUSH^PASS^TOTAL^AVG/GM
Rogers Heritage^1450^1074^2524^504.8
FS Southside^1289^743^2032^406.4
Van Buren^1118^891^2009^401.8
Bentonville West^914^1084^1998^399.6
Rogers High^794^640^1434^358.5
Fayetteville^687^1045^1732^346.4
Springdale Har-Ber^660^936^1596^319.2
Springdale^875^626^1501^300.2
Bentonville^795^664^1459^291.8
FS Northside^460^605^1065^213.0
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
PASSING
PLAYER, SCHOOL^COMP^ATT^INT^YDS^TD
Allen, Springdale^88^132^1^ 1,410 ^14
Morrow, Van Buren^93^164^7^ 973 ^6
Gatewood, FS Southside^68^114^4^ 971 ^10
Bowers, Fayetteville^65^95^0^ 963 ^9
McDonald, Bentonville West^61^112^0^ 869 ^16
Hughes, Bentonville^62^106^3^ 860 ^6
Wise, FS Northside^38^52^1^ 638 ^5
Loyd, Rogers^58^121^6^ 617 ^4
Gibbs, Fayetteville^44^83^3^ 594 ^8
Z.Brown, Rogers Heritage^50^104^9^ 535 ^2
Wittschen, Springdale Har-Ber^32^70^0^ 476 ^6
Jarrett, Bentonville West^14^22^0^ 243 ^2
RUSHING
PLAYER, SCHOOL^ATT^YDS^TD^AVG.
Vaughan, Springdale^114^722^11^6.3
Savoy, FS Southside^76^582^5^7.7
Pena, Springdale Har-Ber^76^475^3^6.3
Crawford, Bentonville^75^468^6^6.2
Z.Brown, Rogers Heritage^71^428^4^6.0
Smallwood, Bentonville West^64^411^5^6.4
Zamarron, Rogers^81^401^3^5.0
Gatewood, FS Southside^63^385^6^6.1
Wise, FS Northside^62^379^6^6.1
Rivas,Van Buren^68^322^5^4.7
Morrow, Van Buren^74^248^4^3.4
Bolton, FS Northside^35^237^5^6.8
Shepard, FS Northside^34^219^2^6.4
Lemmond, Rogers Heritage^54^213^3^3.9
Farmer, Fayetteville^26^192^1^7.4
Wood, Springdale Har-Ber^37^178^2^4.8
Allen, Springdale^42^155^1^3.7
Sharits, Fayetteville^39^141^1^3.6
Ried, Bentonville^29^136^2^4.7
RECEIVING
PLAYER, SCHOOL^NO^YDS^TD^AVG.
Flannigan, Fayetteville^44^675^9^15.3
Pounders, Springdale^33^624^4^18.9
Stuckey, Fayetteville^29^481^6^16.6
Bartholomew, Van Buren^27^350^0^13.0
Jackson, Bentonville West^21^420^5^20.0
Solomon, FS Southside^21^238^2^11.3
Charboneau, Fayetteville^20^285^1^14.3
Campbell, Bentonville^19^354^1^18.6
Cornelius, Springdale^19^272^3^14.3
Dake, Rogers^18^240^1^13.3
Humphreys, Van Buren^18^236^4^13.1
Sims, Rogers^18^203^1^11.3
Dyson, Bentonville West^18^172^1^9.6
King, FS Northside^17^202^2^11.9
Rivas, Van Buren^17^128^0^7.5
Seawood, Springdale Har-Ber^16^276^1^17.3
Smallwood, Bentonville West^16^162^2^10.1
Hodges, Rogers Heritage^15^176^1^11.7
Swoboda, Bentonville West^14^260^1^18.6
Phillips, Van Buren^14^100^1^7.1
Vaughan, Springdale^13^195^0^15.0
Smith, Bentonville^13^161^2^12.4
CLASS 6A AND BELOW
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS^
PASSING
PLAYER, SCHOOL^COMP^ATT^INT^YDS^TD
Holt, Greenwood^89^119^1^ 1,092 ^6
Caudle, Charleston^81^139^3^ 1,025 ^8
McClain, Elkins^69^107^3^ 953 ^12
Dietz, Ozark^57^87^4^ 862 ^9
Stovall, Mansfield^59^97^1^ 847 ^12
Busey, Pea Ridge^40^86^8^ 786 ^9
Vaughn, Greenland^57^82^2^ 768 ^5
Johnson, Harrison^39^60^1^ 759 ^10
Atwood, Gentry^74^126^3^ 756 ^5
Reece, Shiloh Christian^48^71^0^ 730 ^8
Hill, Farmington^44^82^2^ 565 ^8
Ellis, Siloam Springs^46^103^6^ 549 ^4
Hester, Hackett^32^57^3^ 540 ^1
Blair, Alma^42^79^2^ 507 ^5
RUSHING
PLAYER, SCHOOL^ATT^YDS^TD^AVG.
Huskey, Harrison^98^762^11^7.8
Thrailkill, Siloam Springs^136^758^8^5.6
Heltemes, Prairie Grove^63^640^6^10.2
Stout, Greenland^112^555^8^5.0
Armistead, Lavaca^70^538^7^7.7
Sanders, Ozark^64^528^6^8.3
McClain, Elkins^60^521^9^8.7
Ray, Booneville^73^473^8^6.5
Turner, Farmington^75^472^5^6.3
Hester, Hackett^76^468^4^6.2
Taylor, Mountainburg^35^402^6^11.5
Beard, Pea Ridge^85^384^1^4.5
Holt, Greenwood^59^367^6^6.2
Buckner, Clarksville^66^366^2^5.5
RECEIVING
PLAYER, SCHOOL^NO^YDS^TD^AVG.
Leonard, Greenwood^33^403^2^12.2
Tollett, Shiloh Christian^32^529^5^16.5
Wright, Gentry^31^253^1^8.2
Bryant, Greenland^27^470^4^17.4
Graham, Elkins^26^359^6^13.8
Dawson, Greenwood^24^344^3^14.3
Kengla, Charleston^24^171^1^7.1
Sturgeon, Farmington^22^258^5^11.7
Bailey, Alma^20^290^2^14.5
Rains, Pea Ridge^19^300^3^15.8
Nason, Charleston^19^267^2^14.1
Sanders, Ozark^19^257^3^13.5
Griffin, Mansfield^18^229^5^12.7
Burns, Ozark^16^337^5^21.1
Dunn, Elkins^16^207^3^12.9
Keener, Charleston^15^206^1^13.7
Huskey, Harrison^14^360^4^25.7
Weaver, Siloam Springs^14^188^1^13.4
Angel, Greenwood^14^136^0^9.7
Tomlin, Gentry^14^129^0^9.2
Quarterbacks across the state have had a rough go of it this season, and Har-Ber was no exception as junior Blaise Wittschen missed two-plus games with a concussion.
Wittschen finally passed concussion protocol and his return sparked Har-Ber to a 31-16 home win against Rogers Heritage last week. Wittschen passed for three touchdowns and ran for another.
"We were excited to have him back," Har-Ber coach Chris Wood said. "Getting your No. 1 quarterback back always helps, He did a nice job after being out for two weeks. Just having him back there with his experience, the rest of the team just builds off that."
Har-Ber (3-2, 1-1 7A-West) trailed twice early before locking the game down in the second half. Max Pena rushed for 200 yards as Wittschen's passing opened up the run game.
This week Har-Ber will take on crosstown Springdale High, who is coming in off its first loss of the season.
"It's always a great environment when we play," Wood said. "Our community comes out and supports both teams. It will be electric. Our guys are excited about it."
An underlying tone in the game is the six players who transferred from Har-Ber to Springdale at the end of last season. But Wood said that won't be the focus on the field.
"We wish them the best and want them to be successful," Wood said. "We just don't want it to be this Friday night."
Kickoff at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium is 7 p.m.
-- Chip Souza • @NWAChip
SPRINGDALE HIGH
Bulldogs look to rebound from first loss
Adversity is an issue all teams deal with, and that is where Springdale is this week after suffering its first loss of the season.
The Bulldogs (4-1, 1-1) were outscored 21-6 in the second half in a 35-22 loss to Bentonville West. Quarterback Grant Allen was sacked five times in the second half, and West held Springdale running back Garrett Vaughan to under 100 yards.
"That game was typical of how we've played every game," Springdale coach Zak Clark said. "We played well in the first half and felt like we should have been up by anywhere from 10 to 21 points. But it didn't happen. And in the second half, they capitalized on every opportunity."
The schedule doesn't get any easier this week as Springdale hosts crosstown Har-Ber in what is always an emotional game between rival schools. The matchup has been dominated by Har-Ber, who owns an 10-year win streak.
"I don't know if these kids really think about that," Clark said. "I know they can't remember ever beating Har-Ber in their lifetime, but actually they are oblivious to it."
Six former Har-Ber players who transferred to Springdale after last season will go against their former teammates.
"This is much more of a factor with people on the outside, the fans and the students," Clark said. "It's been a while since they transferred and we are midway through the season. They are Springdale Bulldogs now."
-- Chip Souza • @NWAChip
ALMA
Airedales' offense comes to life
Alma's offense has switched gears since 5A-West Conference play began.
The Airedales (2-3, 2-0), who were held to under 200 yards total offense in nonconference losses against Springdale High and Russellville, compiled 335 yards as they opened league play with a win over Vilonia. Alma improved on that last week as it compiled 451 yards in a victory over Farmington.
"Once we got away from Springdale and Russellville, we started looking better," Alma coach Doug Loughridge said. "That's what helps us get ready for conference play because we went into the fire. It showed us our weaknesses. We made some changes where they were needed, and now we've exploded."
Keagan Rosebeary has been instrumental to Alma's success the past two weeks. The senior tailback had 94 yards rushing and a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass against Vilonia, then had 106 yards rushing and two scores last week.
Tanner Shelton and Landon Blair continue to share the quarterback duties, while Grayson Bailey, Marquis Peter and Felix Wright have done their job at their receiver spots. Loughridge said his team those performances will be needed again this week as Alma travels to Morrilton.
"A win this week will be a big step toward our goal of a conference championship," Loughridge said. "Morrilton has always been a hard place to play, but that's why we play the Springdales and Russellvilles -- to get ready for these type of games."
-- Henry Apple • @NWAHenry
GENTRY
Offensive line reconstructed
Gentry coach Paul Ernest and his staff had their work cut out for them during last week's game against Berryville.
The Pioneers (1-4, 1-1 4A-1 Conference), who started the season thin in linemen, were already without starting center Brett Hester because of an injury. Three more linemen were suspended from the game because of disciplinary matters, then Kerlose Rusek went down with an injury during the game.
It meant Gentry would have to play with a makeshift line throughout its 27-13 victory, the Pioneers' first of the season.
"The offensive line played better than it had in other games," Ernest said. "We had some other players that filled in some pretty big roles. We did a great of job of piecing things together, and we had to do the same thing with our defense because of the same things."
Garrett Hays, normally a tackle, moved to center since nobody was left at that position. Jose Barrios, who previously played fullback and guard, and Kyle Dilbeck filled in the tackle spots while Damien O'Neal and Austin Williamson were at the guard positions.
"Williamson normally plays at right tackle and had never played guard before," Ernest said.
Ernest said the three suspended players will be back for this week's game against Green Forest, while he wasn't sure if Hester or Ruzek would be ready in time.
-- Henry Apple • @NWAHenry
OZARK
Hillbillies getting healthy
The injury bug has bitten Ozark hard this season, but sophomore Tyler Sanders has taken advantage of his opportunity.
The Hilbillies (3-2, 2-0 4A-4Conference) has lost three running backs to injuries, but Sanders (5-7, 150) has stepped into a starting role and ran with it.
"Tyler Sander is having a heck of a year," Ozark coach Jeremie Burns said. "He was going to be one of those running backs, but he's done it full-time. We've had younger guys step up in this situation and he's one of them."
He currently leads the team with 528 yards rushing on 64 carries (8.3 avg.) with six touchdowns. That's not all though. Sanders' 50 tackles from his safety position is also tops on the team.
Junior running back Daniel Woolsey, who led the team with 839 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns a year ago, will see his first action on Friday after being sidelined by a quad injury. Senior RB/S Eddie Graham could also return in a couple of weeks, Burns said.
Woolsey's return is just in time since Ozark takes on 5-0 Dardanelle this week.
Senior quarterback Dawson Dietz has put together a strong season thus far. He has thrown for 862 yards and nine touchdowns, while rushing for 277 more on just 35 carries and three touchdowns.
"He's done a great job getting better each week," Burns said. "He's also been great with our younger quarterbacks. He's like having another coach on the field.
-- Paul Boyd • @NWAPaulB
LAMAR
Added depth aids Warrior defense
Lamar has added numbers this season and that's paid big dividends on defense, coach Josh Jones said.
The Warriors' roster grew from mid-30s last year to 47 now and are off to a 5-0 start. Lamar's lone close gam was a 19-18 victory over Danville in the season opener, but won the other four by an average score of 35-11.
"We've got 10 more kids that have ability to be on the field, too," Jones said. "You can have numbers without players. But We've got six or seven kids that play defense only. They stay fresh and have really done a good job.
Jones said quickness on the Warrior's defensive line has caused opponents all kinds of problems, leading to lots of negative plays.
"Last year in the entire season we had two sacks," Jones said. "This year we're leading the state in sacks with 18 if you look at the stats on Max Preps. We're tied with Alma. My 100-meter sprinter is our nose man."
Jones is also fond of a two-tight end set and he praised the blocking of senior Braydon Grace and junior Drake Bacchus.
"Braydon is 6-5 and 275 and Drake is 6-3 and 245," Jones said. "When those guys block down they move people. One reason we go two tights is they get the job done."
Lamar travels to winless West Fork on Friday, but Jones knows the final four games, which ends with Booneville and Charleston, will be difficult.
"It's murderer's row," Jones said. "That's four weeks of really good football."
-- Paul Boyd • @NWAPaulB
PRAIRIE GROVE
Guenther settles in at new position
Shiloh Christian will host Prairie Grove Friday in a midseason showdown of top contenders in the 4A-1 Conference.
Both teams have put together winning streaks following early-season losses. Shiloh Christian has won four consecutive since losing to Texarkana and Prairie Grove has won three straight following defeats to Farmington and Dardanelle to begin the season.
The Tigers posted their third consecutive shutout last week in a 42-0 victory over Gravette.
Senior Ethan Guenther has shown much progress at quarterback since taking over for senior Ethan Scates, who was injured against Dardanelle. Guenther guided an offense last year that piled up 465 yards in total offense. Guenther throw sparingly and completed 4 of 6 passes for 87 yards.
"Ethan is doing a terrific job," Prairie Grove coach Danny Abshier said. "He know the offense and he can play anywhere on the field. The only thing is he was our starter at defensive end and he really liked playing that position. Tight end, too."
Shiloh Christian quarterback Jaiden Henry threw two touchdown passes and returned a punt for a touchdown in a 58-0 rout over Green Forest. Prairie Grove must also be aware of Jaret Russ, a senior playmaker at receiver and running back for the Saints.
Russ had 80 all-purpose yards and scored two touchdowns last year when Prairie Grove pulled away for a 35-21 victory over Shiloh Christian.
"It's not just (Russ)," Abshier said. "They can hurt you in a variety of ways."
-- Rick Fires • @NWARick
MOUNTAINBURG
Sophomore QB playing well
Mountainburg coach Tom Harrell is pleased with the performance of sophomore quarterback Ethan Gregory, who has guided the Dragons to a 3-1 record heading into Friday's game at Johnson County Westside.
Gregory rushed for 106 yards last week in a 29-6 victory over Lavaca to open 4-2A Conference play.
"Ethan is a great athlete," Harrell said. "The job's not too big for him. He hasn't been overwhelmed at all. He's been super."
Gregory's ability adds more options to a Mountainburg offense with four backs who've already eclipsed 240 yards rushing through four games. Austin Taylor leads the team with 402 yards rushing, followed by Gregory with 353 yards on the ground.
"We've been able to spread it out to where we've had four backs close to 100 yards about every game," Harrell said. "Austin is a speedster and Jesse Quick is just about as fast. When teams key on Austin, we've got other guys we can give the ball to and have them do a good job."
Mountainburg will face Johnson County Westside and Western Yell County before the Dragons hit a rugged three-game stretch against Hackett, Magazine, and Hector that will determine the seedings at the top of the conference.
"Our kids realize there's a lot we can get better at," Harrell said. "So, we're going to focus on us more than the team we're up against."
-- Rick Fires • NWARick
Sports on 10/04/2018