Class 7A
Bentonville West at North Little Rock
Charging Wildcats Stadium
KICKOFF 7 p.m.
RECORDS Bentonville West 7-4; North Little Rock 11-0.
ON THE AIR The game is live-streamed on bentonvillesportsnetwork.com.
BETWEEN THE LINES This is the first meeting between the two schools. ... Their common opponents this season are Fort Smith Southside, Bryant and Conway. North Little Rock is 4-0 against the schools (two wins vs. Southside) while West is 1-3 (lost to Southside and Bryant, defeated Conway last week for the first playoff win in school history). ... West QB Will Jarrett threw for two touchdowns last week against Conway but barely missed out on three more when his passes were just out of reach. ... RBs Tyrese Smallwood and Tanner Anderson have combined for 1,163 yards and 18 TDs. ... NLR running backs Brandon Thomas and Tyler Day, two-thirds of an offensive backfield that has 1,000 yards rushing apiece, combined for 395 yards and five touchdowns last week against Southside.
PLAYERS TO WATCH West -- WR Will Jarrett (Sr., 6-1, 170), WR Jadon Jackson (Sr., 6-2, 175), RB Tyrese Smallwood (Sr., 5-7, 160), ATH Tucker Swoboda (Sr., 6-3, 175), DE Chris Busch (Sr., 6-4, 225). North Little Rock -- QB Kareame Cotton (So., 6-1, 185), RB Brandon Thomas (Jr., 5-11, 194), RB Oscar Adaway (Sr., 6-0, 205), RB Tyler Day (Sr., 6-3, 225).
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS West is No. 3 in Class 7A. North Little Rock is No. 1
HOOTEN'S LINE North Little Rock by 15.
OUR TAKE North Little Rock 41, Bentonville West 28.
-- Henry Apple • @NWAHenry
FS Northside at Bryant
Hornets Stadium
KICKOFF 7 p.m.
RECORDS FS Northside 8-4; Bryant 9-2
ON THE AIR The game is broadcast on the Northside YouTube channel.
BETWEEN THE LINES Northside enters today's game on a three-game win streak after knocking off Bentonville 30-17 last week. Bryant held off Fayetteville 28-25 last week to advance to its third straight semifinal. ... This game is a rematch of the Sept. 21 7A-Central Conference opener that ended at halftime with Bryant leading 16-7 and was declared the winner. ... Northside's defense and special teams play last week paved the way to the win over Bentonville by forcing two fumbles on special teams and an interception on defense to score 21 of its 30 points. ... Bryant led 28-25 in the closing seconds and partially blocked a Fayetteville game-tying field goal that would have sent the game into overtime. ... Northside senior quarterback Derrick Wise rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown last week and passed for another. On the season, Wise has 197 carries for 1,131 yards and 13 touchdowns and is 97 of 142 passing for 1,284 yards and 14 touchdowns. ... Bryant senior running back Latavion Scott tore through Fayetteville for 195 yards and has rushed for 1,470 yards on the year. ... Bryant has never played for a state championship, while Northside last won a state title in 1999.
PLAYERS TO WATCH Northside -- QB Derrick Wise (Sr., 5-11, 190), RB Eli Bolton (Sr., 5-7, 170), LB Anthony Travis (Sr., 6-2, 215), DB Elijah Tabut (Sr., 5-10, 185), DB Greg Washington (Sr., 6-1, 175), DL Raytel Rone (Sr., 6-2, 220). Bryant -- QB Ren Hefley (Sr., 6-1, 180), RB Latavion Scott (Sr., 5-10, 208), LB Jakob Neel (Sr., 6-0, 220), WR Hayden Schrader (So., 6-2, 195), WR Josh Robinson (Sr., 6-3, 173).
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS Northside is No. 5 in Class 7A. Bryant is No. 2.
HOOTEN'S LINE Bryant by 13
OUR TAKE Northside 24, Bryant 21
-- Chip Souza • @NWAChip
Class 6A
Sylvan Hills at Greenwood
Smith-Robinson Stadium
KICKOFF 7 p.m.
RECORDS Sylvan Hills 5-7; Greenwood 10-1.
ON THE AIR The game is live-streamed on the Bulldogs' mobile app.
BETWEEN THE LINES Sylvan Hills is the first No. 6 seed to advance to the state semifinals since the advent of the six-classification system in 2006. ... Top-ranked Greenwood has not allowed a point in nine quarters. ... The Bulldogs are led by athletic QB Peyton Holt, who racked up 382 yards and four touchdowns in last week's win over Searcy. ... The Bears have won two straight playoff games, after not winning a playoff game since 2007. ... Sylvan Hills avenged a 26-7 loss at Marion in September with a 17-14 win last week. ... Bulldogs receiver Luke Leonard had six catches for 101 yards last week.
PLAYERS TO WATCH Sylvan Hills -- WR Amaad Yancy (Sr., 5-7, 160), RB Trey Jackson (Sr., 6-0, 190), PK Tito Mendoza (Sr., 5-9, 160). Greenwood -- QB Peyton Holt (Sr., 5-9, 175), WR Luke Leonard (Sr., 5-10, 155), OL Noah Fox (Sr., 6-1, 260), DL Morgan Hanna (Sr. 6-4, 205), DB Aaron Ohl (Sr., 5-11 170).
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS Sylvan Hill is No. 9 in Class 6A. Greenwood is No. 1.
HOOTEN'S LINE Greenwood by 21.
OUR TAKE Greenwood 35, Sylvan Hills 10.
Paul Boyd • @NWAPaulB
Class 5A
Harrison at Pulaski Academy
Joe B. Hatcher Stadium
KICKOFF 7 p.m.
RECORDS Harrison 12-0. Pulaski Academy 11-1.
ON THE AIR None.
BETWEEN THE LINES This is a rematch of last year's quarterfinal game won by the Bruins, 57-20, but Harrison was missing all-state running back Gabe Huskey because of a shoulder injury. ... Pulaski Academy averages 567 yards and almost 50 points per game and is searching for its fifth straight state title. ... Pulaski Academy QB Braden Bratcher has thrown for 4,103 yards and 47 touchdowns. ... Arkansas commit TE Hudson Henry paces the Bruins receiving corps with 80 catches for 1,114 yards and 13 TDs. ... Huskey has been an offensive machine for the Goblins, racking up 1,957 rushing yards and 30 TDs, along with 24 catches for 656 yards and six touchdowns.
PLAYERS TO WATCH Harrison -- RB Gabe Huskey (Jr., 5-10, 170), FB/LB Brooks Both (Jr., 6-1, 220), QB Ben Johnson (Jr., 6-0, 170), WR Thailer Lovell (Sr., 5-9, 155), DL Hayden Vanderpool (Sr., 6-3, 290). Pulaski Academy -- QB Braden Bratcher (Jr., 6-0, 185), RB Jayden Kelley (Jr., 6-1, 180), TE Hudson Henry (Sr., 6-5, 230), WR John David White (Sr., 5-11, 175).
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS Harrison is No. 3 in Class 5A. Pulaski Academy is No. 1.
HOOTEN'S LINE Pulaski Academy by 12.
OUR TAKE Pulaski Academy 35, Harrison 28.
Paul Boyd • @NWAPaulB
Class 4A
Joe T. Robinson at Ozark
Hillbillies Stadium
KICKOFF 7 p.m.
RECORDS Robinson 10-2; Ozark 9-2
ON THE AIR None
BETWEEN THE LINES Robinson outscored Hamburg 49-29 last week. Ozark shut out Lonoke 34-0. ... Robinson senior DL Zach Williams is the son of former Arkansas star Ricky Williams. He has verbally committed to the Razorbacks. Williams has 80 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 13 sacks ... Ozark showed no signs of rust from its opening round bye as it dismantled Lonoke by forcing five fumbles and an interception. ... Ozark senior QB Dawson Dietz leads the Hillbillies' offense, completing 105 of 168 passes for 1,892 yards and 19 touchdowns. Dietz has rushed for 534 yards. ... Sophomore running back Tyler Sanders leads the Hillbillies in rushing with 1,160 yards and 13 touchdowns. ... Robinson quarterback Greyson Tackett is 79 of 141 for 1,445 yards and 18 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions. ... Mekel Kentle is the Senators' top rusher with 899 yards and 15 touchdowns, and has 26 catches for 465 yards and 7 scores. ... The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Stuttgart vs. Arkadelphia game in the semifinals next week.
PLAYERS TO WATCH Robinson -- QB Greyson Tackett (Sr., 6-3, 215), RB Mekel Kentle (Sr., 5-9, 170), RB Tyler Jones (Sr., 5-9, 185), WR Traveon James (Sr., 6-2, 170), FS Isaac Dubose (Sr., 6-2, 175). Ozark -- QB Dawson Dietz (Sr., 5-10, 175), RB Tyler Sanders (So., 5-7, 160), WR Hayden Sanders (Sr., 5-9, 140), TE Bryant Burns (Jr., 6-3, 215), RB Eddie Graham (Sr., 5-10, 180).
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS Robinson is No. 2 in Class 4A. Ozark is No. 4.
HOOTEN'S LINE Robinson by 20
OUR TAKE Robinson 34, Ozark 21
-- Chip Souza • @NWAChip
Nashville at Shiloh Christian
Champions Stadium
KICKOFF 7 p.m.
RECORDS Nashville 10-2; Shiloh Christian 11-1
ON THE AIR The game is live-streamed at shilohchristianfootball.com.
BETWEEN THE LINES Nashville trounced Bauxite 41-18 last week. Shiloh Christian crushed Mena 59-7 for its 11th consecutive win. ... Nashville is making its deepest playoff run since it won the state title in 2015. ... The Scrappers boast a high-powered offense with alternating quarterbacks Jake Moorer and Tristen Jamison. They have combined to pass for 1,529 yards passing and 15 touchdowns, but 16 interceptions. ... Nashville's run game is solid with both Keyshawn Stewart and Carmillias Morrison over 1,000 yards for the season. ... Shiloh Christian is an explosive on offense, keyed by quarterbacks Eli Reece and Jaiden Henry. Reece is 117 of 169 passing for 1,768 yards and 23 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions. Henry is 47 of 73 for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns, 46 carries for 379 yards rushing, 13 catches for 158 yards and has two interceptions on defense. ... Saints defensive end Jack Lotspeich has 4.5 sacks and 9.0 tackles for loss. ... The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Rivercrest vs. Dumas game in the semifinals next week.
PLAYERS TO WATCH Nashville -- QB Jake Moorer (Sr., 5-11, 180), QB Tristen Jamison (Sr., 6-3, 175), RB Keyshawn Stewart (So., 5-11, 180), RB Carmillias Morrison (Jr., 5-7, 145). Shiloh Christian -- QB Eli Reece (Jr., 5-8, 160), QB Jaiden Henry (So., 5-9, 150), WR Truitt Tollett (Jr., 6-1, 165), WR Blake Thomson (Sr., 6-0, 185), DE Jack Lotspeich (Sr., 5-11, 205).
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS Nashville is No. 6 in Class 4A. Shiloh Christian is No. 1
HOOTEN'S LINE Shiloh Christian by 3.
OUR TAKE Shiloh Christian 38, Nashville 31
-- Chip Souza • @NWAChip
Class 3A
Camden Harmony Grove at Booneville
Bearcat Stadium
KICKOFF 7 p.m.
RECORDS: Camden Harmony Grove 9-3; Booneville 12-0.
ON THE AIR None.
BETWEEN THE LINES Camden Harmony Grove is making its third straight quarterfinal appearance, but first in Class 3A. ... Top-ranked Booneville rolled last week against Walnut Ridge and have just two of its 12 wins decided by 21 points or less. ... Booneville coach Scott Hyatt and Camden Harmony Grove coach Ernie Horstkamp were college football teammates at Southern Arkansas. ... Senior fullback Carson Ray has rushed for 1,377 yards and 24 touchdowns, but teammates Andrew Robertson and Michael Hesson have added 715 and 612 respectively in the Bearcats' potent rushing attack. ... Senior Noah Reyes has also been a disruptive force on defense for Booneville with five sacks and 25 tackles for loss. ... The Bearcats defense has also been opportunistic, causing 53 turnovers with 25 interceptions and 28 fumble recoveries. ... Hesson is also a force on defense with four interceptions and four fumble recoveries.
PLAYERS TO WATCH Camden Harmony Grove -- QB Gannon Bearden (Sr., 5-11, 200), RB Xaylan Falls (Jr., 5-9, 150), RB Shaun Lucas (Sr., 5-11, 180), LB Daniel Hicks (Jr., 5-10, 200).Booneville -- FB/LB Carson Ray (5-7, 200), HB Mike Hesson (Sr., 5-10, 170), OL Noah Reyes (Sr., 6-2, 240), OL Sammy Haynes (Sr., 5-10, 250), DL Marcus Nichols (Sr., 5-9, 235).
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS Booneville is No. 1 in Class 3A. Camden Harmony Grove is No. 6.
HOOTEN'S LINE Booneville by 7.
OUR TAKE Booneville 28, Camden Harmony Grove 14.
Paul Boyd • @NWAPaulB
Lamar at Rison
Wildcats Stadium
KICKOFF 7 p.m.
RECORDS Lamar 10-2; Rison 11-0
ON THE AIR None
BETWEEN THE LINES Lamar knocked off Harding Academy 32-13 last week. Rison crushed Mayflower 62-20 last week. ... Lamar has won two straight games after closing the regular season with back-to-back losses to Booneville and Charleston. ... The Warriors are a junior-dominated team, led by quarterback Ike Pelts, who accounted for four touchdowns last week. On the season, Pelts is 61 of 116 passing for 806 yards and has 531 yards rushing and 22 combined touchdowns. ... Junior running back Jacob Parmenter has 952 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns and also leads the team in receiving with 13 catches for 232 yards. ... Five Lamar backs have at least 200 yards rushing. ... Rison is in its first year back in Class 3A, and the Wildcats have made the adjustment without a hitch. ... The Wildcats are led by Arkansas verbal commit Malik Chavis, who plays running back and defensive back. Last week Chavis scored a pair of touchdowns. ... Running back Jamarien Frye, a sophomore, powered for 181 yards and two touchdowns last week. ... The winner of this game will take on the winner of the McGehee vs. Prescott game in the semifinals next week.
PLAYERS TO WATCH Rison -- QB Ike Pelts (Jr., 5-10, 160), RB Jacob Parmenter (Jr., 5-10, 175), RB Jonathan Mayes (Sr., 5-10, 200), Josh Stepp (Jr., 5-10, 150), LB Bryr Bruton (Sr., 6-0, 210), DE Dyce Ross (Sr., 5-10, 200). Rison -- RB Malik Chavis (Sr., 6-2, 185), RB Jamarien Frye (So., 6-2, 205), QB Jaylon Henry (Jr., 5-7, 150).
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS Lamar is No. 9 in Class 3A. Rison is No. 5.
HOOTEN'S LINE Rison by 14
OUR TAKE Rison 37, Lamar 24
-- Chip Souza • @NWAChip
Preps Sports on 11/23/2018