CLASS 7A
Little Rock Catholic at Bentonville High
Tiger Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Catholic is the No. 4 seed from the 7A-Central; Bentonville is the No. 1 seed from the 7A-West.
COACHES: Little Rock Catholic -- John Fogleman. Bentonville -- Jody Grant.
RECORD: Little Rock Catholic 7-4. Bentonville 10-0.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Little Rock Catholic 17-19; Bentonville 30-14.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Little Rock Catholic defeated Van Buren 35-27 last week. Bentonville lost 30-17 to Fort Smith Northside in the 2018 state Class 7A quarterfinal round.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Little Rock Catholic -- QB/NG Jordan Eddington (Sr., 6-1, 250); WR/QB Nathan Johnson (Sr., 6-5, 195); WR Robert Bayvon (Sr. 6-3, 170); LB Cole Black-Ocken (Sr., 6-2, 220); LB Lance Hockersmith (Sr. 5-11, 215); S Grant Smithson (Sr., 6-0, 150); OL/DL Sam Plafcan (Sr. 6-2, 250). Bentonville -- QB/FS Ben Pankau (Sr., 6-2, 180), RB/LB Colby Reid (Sr., 5-11, 160), RB Preston Crawford (Sr., 5-11, 190), WR Trenton Kolb (Sr., 5-11, 170), LB Cole Joyce (Jr., 6-0, 215), LB Keegan Stinespring (Jr., 5-11, 180).
BETWEEN THE LINES: These two teams met in the 2016 Class 7A quarterfinals, and Bentonville came away with a wild 38-31 victory. ... Little Rock Catholic's win last week was the Rockets' first in a playoff game since 2008 and broke an eight-game playoff losing skid. ... Catholic scored the last 28 points in its come-from-behind win over Van Buren. ... Eddington threw two touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to fuel the Rockets' comeback. ... Bentonville had a bye last week, which it has done 11 of the last 12 playoffs. ... QB Ben Pankau has thrown for 1,540 yards and 12 TDs and has run for 450 yards and 7 scores. ... RB Preston Crawford, one of three brothers on the Tigers' roster, needs 105 yards rushing to reach 1,000 this season. ... Bentonville's defense, the stingiest in the 7A-West Conference, is led by LBs Cole Joyce and Keegan Stinespring.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Little Rock Catholic is No. 5 in Class 7A. Bentonville is No. 2.
HOOTEN'S LINE: Bentonville by 16.
UP NEXT: The winner advances to the semifinals and plays the winner of the Springdale Har-Ber vs. North Little Rock game. If Bentonville wins, the Tigers will host. If Catholic wins, the Rockets will either travel to North Little Rock or host Har-Ber.
Conway at Bentonville West
Wolverine Stadium, Centerton
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Conway is the No. 3 seed from the 7A-Central. West is the No. 2 seed from the 7A-West.
COACHES: Conway -- Keith Fimple. West -- Bryan Pratt.
RECORD: Conway 8-3; West 6-4.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Conway 20-28; West 1-3.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Conway defeated Rogers 63-21 in first-round action last week. West lost to North Little Rock 42-17 in the 2018 Class 7A semifinals.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Conway -- QB Nick McCuin (Sr., 6-2, 175), RB Manny Smith (So., 5-5, 150), WR Bryce Bohanon (Jr., 5-10, 170); LB Reed Hughes (Sr., 6-2, 215), LB Parker Prock (Sr., 6-1, 205), DE Terrian Harris (Sr., 6-0, 195). West -- QB Dalton McDonald (Jr., 6-0, 165), WR Stephen Dyson (Jr., 5-10, 160), RB/LB Nick Whitlatch (Sr., 6-0, 185), SS Maddox Thornton (Sr., 6-1, 185), WR/DB A.J. Moss (Jr., 6-1, 175), OL/DL Jadon Muskrat (Sr., 6-4, 270).
BETWEEN THE LINES: If this game looks familiar, it's because these two teams have played in the playoff quarterfinals the last 2 years. Conway won the first meeting 48-40 at Bentonville's Tiger Stadium, while West enjoyed a 31-17 victory last year at its new stadium. ... The two teams have three common opponents this year -- Bentonville (Conway lost 17-10; West lost 30-7), Fort Smith Southside (Conway won 42-21; West won 37-13) and Bryant (Conway lost 42-7; West lost 38-0). ... Conway QB Nick McCuin has thrown for 1,736 yards and 14 TDs but also has 11 interceptions. ... The Wampus Cats have five runners with at least 280 yards, led by RB Manny Smith (70 carries, 682 yards, 8 TDs). ... LB Reed Hughes has 152 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss. ... Nobody else can stake the claim that West can -- that its football team has been to the playoffs every year of the school's existence. ... The Wolverines have also hosted their first playoff game each year and have progressed each year. West reached the quarterfinals two years ago, then made it to the semifinals last year. ... QB Dalton McDonald has thrown for almost 1,800 yards this season, with Stephen Dyson being his leading target.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Conway is No. 4 in Class 7A. West is No. 6.
HOOTEN'S LINE: Conway by 4.
UP NEXT: The winner faces the winner of the Fayetteville-Bryant game in next week's semifinal. Bryant will host the game if it wins. The Conway-West winner will host the game if Fayetteville wins.
Springdale Har-Ber at North Little Rock
Charging Wildcats Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Har-Ber is the No. 3 seed from the 7A-West; North Little Rock is the No. 2 seed from the 7A-Central.
COACHES: Har-Ber -- Chris Wood; North Little Rock -- Jamie Mitchell
RECORDS: Har-Ber 8-3; North Little Rock 6-4
POSTSEASON RECORD: Har-Ber 15-10; North Little Rock 20-23
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Har-Ber defeated Little Rock Central in the first round of the playoffs last week. North Little Rock had a first-round bye last week.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Har-Ber -- QB Blaise Wittschen (Sr., 6-0, 170), WR Hunter Wood (Sr., 6-2, 185), RB Jay Burns (Sr., 5-10, 172), DB JuJuan Boyd (Sr., 6-0, 165), DL Jorge Raya (Sr., 5-10, 253), DB Cole Bowen (Sr., 5-9, 140), TE Errington McRae (Jr., 6-2, 237). North Little Rock -- QB Kareame Cotton (Jr., 6-2, 185), RB Brandon Thomas (Sr., 5-10, 208), ATH Damon Bell (Jr., 6-1, 170), WR Bralin Battles (Sr., 6-3, 185), DT Terrell Allen (Sr., 6-2, 260)DB Sleighton Clark (Sr., 5-10, 165).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Har-Ber won its first playoff game since the 2016 season at home last week, hanging on to defeat Little Rock Central 16-10. ... The Wildcats struggled offensively against the No. 5 seed from the Central and turned the ball over three times on fumbles including their final two possessions that led to one Central score. The Har-Ber defense came up with a big stop in the final two minutes to avoid the upset. ... North Little Rock has played in three consecutive state championship games, winning the title in 2017. ... The Charging Wildcats have been plagued by injuries and other factors this season, resulting in four losses, but North Little Rock still managed to claim the No. 2 seed from the Central. ... Wittschen is 160-0f-275 (.582 percent) for 2.731 yards and 33 touchdowns with 8 interceptions. ... Burns has rushed for 1,211 yards and 16 scores despite missing 2 games. ... Wood has 59 catches for 944 yards and 14 touchdowns. His back-of-the-end zone TD grab last week against Central was the difference in the game.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Har-Ber is No. 7 in Class 7A; North Little Rock is No. 3.
HOOTEN'S LINE: North Little Rock by 5.
UP NEXT: The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Bentonville High vs. Little Rock Catholic game in the semifinals.
Fayetteville at Bryant
Hornet Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Fayetteville No. 4 seed 7A-West; Bryant No. 1 seed 7A-Central
COACHES: Fayetteville -- Casey Dick; Bryant -- Buck James
RECORDS: Fayetteville 6-5; Bryant 10-0
POSTSEASON RECORD: Fayetteville 35-21; Bryant 13-18
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Bryant won Class 7A state championship last season after 27-7 win over North Little Rock. Fayetteville was eliminated by Fort Smith Northside 30-17 in the state quarterfinals.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Fayetteville -- WR Connor Flannigan (Sr., 5-11, 170), LB Quade Mosier (Sr., 6-2, 220), LB Tyler Barnes (Sr., 6-1, 215), QB Hank Gibbs (Sr., 6-4, 215), QB Quinn McClain (Sr., 6-1, 215), DB Brooks Flannigan (Sr., 5-11, 190), OL Melvn Kumwenda (Sr., 6-2, 260). Bryant -- QB Austin Ledbetter (Jr., 6-1, 190), RB Ahmad Adams (Sr., 6-0, 235), WR Trevon Herron (Sr., 5-8, 180), RB Xavier Foote (Jr., 5-9, 155), WR Jake Meaders (Sr., 5-10, 175), C Devin Pitts (Sr., 6-3, 280), DL Austin Bailey (Sr., 6-1, 275).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Tonight's playoff game is a rematch from Sept. 20 when Bryant defeated Fayetteville 42-13 at Harmon Field. ... Ahmad Adams rushed for 176 yards and three touchdowns for the Hornets, who led 21-0 after one quarter. .... Bryant eliminated Fayetteville 28-25 in the playoffs last year after losing 36-35 to the Bulldogs in the regular season. .... Bryant had a first-round bye last week while Fayetteville advanced with a 44-14 win over Cabot. ... Adams is committed to Arkansas State while Bryant quarterback Austin Ledbetter is committed to playing baseball at Arkansas. ... Fayetteville linebacker Quade Mosier has committed to playing football at Central Florida. ... Ledbetter has thrown for 2,775 yards and 36 touchdowns with five interceptions. .... Gibbs has thrown for 2,537 yards and 29 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. .... Adams has rushed for 799 yards and 13 touchdowns. ... Connor Flannigan leads Fayetteville in receiving with 66 catches for 1,088 yards and 15 touchdowns.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Bryant is No. 1 in Class 7A; Fayetteville is No. 8.
HOOTEN'S LINE: Bryant by 29
UP NEXT: Winner will advance to face Bentonville West or Conway in state semifinals.
CLASS 6A
Siloam Springs at Greenwood
Smith-Robinson Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Siloam Springs is the No. 6 seed from the 6A-West; Greenwood is the No. 2 seed from the 6A-West.
COACHES: Siloam Springs -- Brandon Craig. Greenwood -- Rick Jones.
RECORD: Siloam Springs 5-6. Greenwood 9-1.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Siloam Springs 6-16; Greenwood 54-20.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Siloam Springs won at Marion 23-13 last week. Greenwood defeated Benton 49-14 in the 2018 Class 6A state championship game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Siloam Springs -- QB Taylor Pool (Sr., 5-11, 179), WR Gage Weaver (Sr., 5-9, 169), RB Jackson Norberg (Sr., 6-1, 173), OL/DT Mariano Dominguez (Sr., 6-0, 255), DE Kolby Fesler (Sr., 6-3, 254), LB Cam Collins (Jr., 6-2, 185). Greenwood -- QB Jace Presley (Sr., 6-4, 188), WR Treyton Dawson (Sr., 6-0, 178), RB Hunter Wilkinson (Jr., 5-10, 185), OL Braden Stein (Jr., 6-5, 293), OL Kevin Douglas (Sr., 6-2, 272), DL Beau Asher (Jr., 6-1, 209), DL Jordan Hanna (Jr., 6-1, 190), LB Garrett Newman (Sr., 5-8, 174), DB Eli Martin (Sr., 6-0, 187).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Greenwood defeated Siloam Springs 43-13 on Oct. 11 at Smith-Robinson Stadium. ... The Bulldogs led the Panthers 15-13 at halftime before outscoring Siloam Springs 28-0 in the second half. ... Siloam Springs traveled nearly 700 miles round-trip to stun East No. 3 Marion 23-13 in the opening round. ... It was the Panthers' first playoff win since 2014. ... Jackson Norberg shouldered the offensive load for the Panthers with 44 carries for 251 yards and one touchdown, while Harrison Losh kicked three field goals. ... Norberg has carried the ball 129 times for 823 yards in his last four games. ... The Bulldogs had a bye last week and haven't played a home game since shutting out Sheridan 42-0 on Nov. 1. ... Greenwood quarterback Jace Presley has completed 245 of 336 passes for 2,749 yards, 35 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. ... Receivers Treyton Dawson (49 catches, 677 yards, 11 TDs), Peyton Carter (44-598, 5 TDs), Caden Brown (57-511, 8 TDs) and Lazaro Angel (35-401, 6 TDs) have been Presley's top target. ... Running back Hunter Wilkinson has rushed 145 times for 819 yards and 16 touchdowns. ... Junior defensive lineman Jordan Hanna leads Greenwood with 95 total tackles and 14 tackles for loss, while Eli Martin has 94 total tackles and Garrett Newman 78 total tackles.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Siloam Springs is No. 7 in Class 6A. Greenwood is No. 2.
HOOTEN'S LINE: Greenwood by 21
UP NEXT: The winner advances to the Class 6A semifinals against the winner of Pine Bluff (5-East) at Searcy (1-East). If Siloam Springs wins, it will travel to whoever wins the Pine Bluff-Searcy game. If Greenwood wins, it will travel to Searcy if Searcy defeats Pine Bluff but would host Pine Bluff if the Zebras upset the Lions.
-- Graham Thomas • @NWAGraham
CLASS 5A
Pulaski Academy at Harrison
F.S. Garrison Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Pulaski Academy is the No. 2 seed from the 5A-Central. Harrison is the No. 1 seed from the 5A-West.
COACHES: Pulaski Academy -- Kevin Kelley. Harrison -- Joel Wells.
RECORD: Pulaski Academy 9-2; Harrison 11-0.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Pulaski Academy 60-20; Harrison 22-23.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Pulaski Academy defeated Magnolia 63-34 in a first-round game. Harrison earned a 49-14 victory over Batesville.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Pulaski Academy -- QB Braden Bratcher (Sr., 6-0, 185), RB Joe Himon (So., 5-9, 165), WR Mason Kolb (Sr., 6-2, 200), WR Jayden Kelley (Sr., 6-2, 190), OLB Futa Shinkawa (Jr., 5-8, 155), CB Clay James (Sr., 5-11, 170). Harrison -- RB Gabe Huskey (Sr., 5-10, 170), QB Ben Johnson (Sr., 6-0, 180), WR/DB Rilee Jones (Sr., 5-11, 150), WR/DB Colton Shaver (Sr., 5-11, 190), FB/LB Brooks Both (Sr., 6-0, 225), LB Bryant Ulrich (Sr., 5-11, 190).
BETWEEN THE LINES: The two teams have met over the past two years, with Pulaski Academy winning both games. Those games, however, were played in Little Rock. ... Pulaski Academy QB Braden Bratcher needs just 8 yards to have 4,000 yards passing this season and has thrown for 38 TDs. ... RB Joe Himon surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark last week when he ran for 113 yards against Magnolia. ... Bruins LB Futa Shinkawa has almost twice as many tackles (105) than the next-highest tackler on the team (Matthew Hugg with 53). ... Harrison RB Gabe Huskey has 89 career rushing touchdowns and needs nine more to pass Cedric Houston of Clarendon as the career leader in that category, according to the Arkansas Activities Association record book. ... QB Ben Johnson, who splits time with Coley Keylon, has thrown for almost 700 yards and 10 TDs, and he has run for 570 yards and seven scores. ... LB Brooks Both leads the defense with 109 tackles
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Pulaski Academy is No. 3 in Class 5A; Harrison is No. 2.
HOOTEN'S LINE: Pulaski Academy is No. 2
UP NEXT: The winner advances to next week's semifinal round and plays at home against the winner of the Morrilton-Texarkana game.
White Hall at Alma
Airedale Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: White Hall is the No. 4 seed from the 5A-Central; Alma is the No. 3 seed from the 5A-West.
COACHES: White Hall -- Bobby Bolding; Alma -- Doug Loughridge.
RECORDS: White Hall 7-4; Alma 5-6.
POSTSEASON RECORD: White Hall 15-28; Alma 52-37.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: White Hall defeated Hot Springs Lakeside 35-0 in the first round of the playoffs last week; Alma defeated Forrest City 34-33 in the first round last week.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: White Hall -- QB Matthew Martinez (So., 5-9, 165), RB Donte Buckner (Sr., 6-0, 185), WR Kam Robinson (Sr., 6-0, 180), LR Erwin Williams (Sr., 5-11, 215). Alma -- QB Landon Blair (Sr., 6-1, 250), RB Ben Henley (Sr., 6-0, 200), WR Grayson Bailey (Sr., 6-2, 160), LB Gabe Jensen (Sr., 6-3, 230), K Olof Olsson (Sr., 6-2, 165).
BETWEEN THE LINES: White Hall dominated Hot Springs Lakeside, the champions from the 5A-South to advance. It was White Hall's first postseason win since 2012. ... Alma roared back from a two-touchdown deficit to edge Forrest City on the road and now get a home playoff game this week. ... White Hall RN Dante Buckner is the team's offensive leader. Buckner has rushed for 1,635 yards and 24 touchdowns. ... Sophomore QB Matthew Martinez is 78-of-135 passing for 959 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Bulldogs. ... Alma QB Landon Blair leads the team. Blair is 86-of-153 passing for 1,159 yards and 9 touchdowns. His 45-yard strike last week set up his game-winning touchdown. Blair has rushed for 584 yards and 10 scores. ... Backs Ben Henley (799 yards) and Josh Davis (530 yards) have combined for more than 1,300 yards. ... Exchange student Olof Olsson has won two games with his leg this season including last week's game-winning extra point.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: White Hall is No. 7 in Class 5A; Alma is No. 8.
HOOTEN'S LINE: White Hall by 7.
UP NEXT: The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Little Rock Christian vs. Wynne game in the semifinals.
CLASS 4A
Pocahontas at Shiloh Christian
Champions Stadium, Springdale
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Pocahontas is the No.2 seed from the 4A-3; Shiloh Christian is the No. 1 seed from the 4A-1.
COACHES: Pocahontas -- Charles Baty; Shiloh Christian -- Jeff Conaway.
RECORD: Pocahontas 9-3; Shiloh Christian 11-0.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Pocahontas 13-25; Shiloh Christian 64-17.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Pocahontas defeated Gravette 68-28 in the opening round last week; Shiloh Christian defeated Heber Springs 62-27.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Pocahontas -- QB Dawson Chester (Jr., 5-10 180), WR C.J. Palmer (Jr., 6-1 190, WR Michael Martens (Jr., 6-1 160), DB Derek Whiley (Jr., 5-11 160), LB Zavior Taylor (Jr., 6-0 180). Shiloh Christian -- QB Eli Reece (Sr., 5-9 170), RB Logan Raben (Sr., 6-2, 220), RB Ben Walton (Sr., 5-8, 145), WR Truitt Tollett (Sr., 6-1, 175), LB Hunter Mason (Sr., 5-11, 210).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Shiloh receiver Truitt Tollett finished with 14 catches for 230 yards and 4 touchdowns in last week's win over Heber Springs. ... That leaves Tollett with 25 receiving TDs this season, just two away from the state record of 27 held by Greg Washington of Nashville. ... Saints QB Eli Reece completed 27 of 33 passes for 443 yards and 7 TDs in last week's win. ... Reece has now thrown 34 touchdown passes with only 2 interceptions in 285 pass attempts. ... Cam Wiedemann also enjoyed a big game with 104 yards rushing along with five receptions for 57 yards. ... Redskins QB Dawson Chester accounted for eight touchdowns, throwing for five and running for three in their first-round win over Gravette. ... Chester threw for 297 yards, completing 13 of 22 passes and ran for 204 yards on just 12 carries. ... Michael Martens finished with 7 receptions for 180 yards and 3 TDs in Pocahontas' win over Gravette. ... Chester has thrown for 2,067 yards and 27 TDs, while also rushing for a team-best 925 yards and 13 touchdowns. ... The Saints defeated the Redskins in their only other meeting (2014), also in the second round of the playoffs.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Pocahontas is No. 13 in Class 4A; Shiloh Christian is No. 2.
HOOTEN'S LINE: Shiloh Christian by 25.
UP NEXT: The winner takes on the Nashville-Dardanelle winner in the quarterfinals.
Warren at Ozark
Hillbilly Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Warren is the No. 2 seed from the 4A-8 Conference; Ozark is the No. 1 seed from the 4A-4 Conference.
COACHES: Warren -- Bo Hembree; Ozark -- Jeremie Burns.
RECORDS: Warren 10-1; Ozark 10-1.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Warren 48-21; Ozark 26-22
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Warren defeated Elkins 34-19 in the first round last week; Ozark defeated Malvern 21-0 last week.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Warren -- QB Riley Cornish (So., 5-11, 160), RB Vincent Steppes (Sr., 5-9, 175), ATH Tre'Lon Marshall (Jr., 5-10, 150), LB Cedrick Calbert (So., 5-8, 185). Ozark -- QB Harper Faulkenberry (Jr., 5-11, 180), RB Tyler Sanders (Jr., 5-7, 150), RB Duke Walker (So., 5-11, 175), TE Bryant Burns (Sr., 6-3, 220), LB Keystan Durning (Jr., 5-11, 165).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Warren, one of the elite programs in Class 4A, ran over Elkins last week for its seventh straight win. ... The Lumberjacks lost in the second round of the playoffs last season, an uncharacteristic early exit from the postseason. ... Warren pounded the Hillbillies in the 2017 playoffs and advanced to the championship game where it lost 28-27 to Arkadelphia. ... Warren RB Vincent Steppes powers the offense with almost 1,800 yards. He had 5 total touchdowns against Elkins last week. ... Faulkenberry has put together a sensational season in his first year as the starting quarterback for Ozark. Faulkenberry is 55-of-88 passing for 922 yards and 9 touchdowns and leads the team with 1,192 yards rushing and 19 scores. ... Injuries have hampered the Hillbillies, especially at running back where junior Tyler Sanders has carried the ball just 54 times for 384 yards after rushing for more than 1,100 yards as a sophomore. ... Ozark LB Keystan Durning is a dude. He leads the Hillbillies with 111 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks. ... DB Ethan Foster has 4 interceptions and 10 passes defended. On offense, Foster has a team-high 24 catches for 407 yards.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Warren is No. 6 in Class 4A; Ozark is No. 5.
HOOTEN'S LINE: Warren by 1.
UP NEXT: The winner of this game advances to take on the winner of the Star City vs. Pea Ridge game next week in the quarterfinals.
Star City at Pea Ridge
Blackhawk Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Star City is the No. 4 seed from the 4A-8; Pea Ridge is the No. 2 seed from the 4A-1
COACHES: Star City -- Chris Vereen. Pea Ridge -- Stephen Neal.
RECORD: Star City 7-4. Pea Ridge 7-4.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Star City 21-18, Pea Ridge 16-19.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Star City defeated Batesville Southside 47-20 last week, while Pea Ridge defeated Lonoke 49-13.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Star City -- RB Adam Fonville (Sr., 5-10, 170), WR Quin Jackson (Sr., 5-11, 180), OL/DL Jake King (Sr., 5-7, 200), LB McCoy Vereen (Sr., 5-9, 220), DL Nakia Jackson (Jr., 6-0, 250). Pea Ridge -- QB Tate Busey (Sr., 6-1, 170), RB Samuel Beard (Sr., 6-2, 185), WR/DB Hunter Rains (Sr., 5-7, 140), MLB Lance Nunley (Sr., 5-10, 180), DE Mazon Harris (Sr., 6-4, 200)
BETWEEN THE LINES: Star City advanced to the second round with a 21-point second quarter against Batesville Southside last week. ... The Bulldogs won just four games last year, their first under Chris Vereen, but reached the playoffs. ... RB Adam Fonville ran for 915 yards as Star City adopted the flexbone offense last year and has drawn interest from a number of NCAA Division II schools. ... LB McCoy Vereen, the coach's son, led the Bulldogs' defense with 82 tackles last year. ... Pea Ridge is 8-3 in playoff games in four years under Stephen Neal. ... The Blackhawks led Lonoke 14-7 midway through the third quarter before scoring 35 points, including two touchdowns in 18 seconds. ... QB Tate Busey, who has signed to play baseball at Central Arkansas, has thrown for almost 1,300 yards and 19 TDs while running for 674 yards and 11 more scores. ... RB Samuel Beard has 1,066 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. ... Hunter Rains, Pea Ridge's leading receiver, caught a TD pass and returned an interception 55 yards for a score against Lonoke. ... The Blackhawks' defense forced five turnovers last week and scored on two of them.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Star City is No. 12 in Class 4A; Pea Ridge is No. 9.
HOOTEN'S LINE: Pea Ridge by 8.
UP NEXT: The winner advances to next week's quarterfinal game and travels to the winner of the Warren-Ozark game.
CLASS 3A
Lamar at Rison
Wildcat Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Lamar is the No. 2 seed from the 3A-1 Conference; Rison is the No. 1 seed from the 3A-6 Conference.
COACHES: Lamar -- Josh Jones; Rison -- Clay Totty.
RECORDS: Lamar 9-2; Rison 10-1.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Lamar 11-13; Rison 76-36
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Lamar belted Lake Village 57-8 in the first round of the playoffs last week; Rison routed Baptist Prep 59-6 last week.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lamar -- QB Jacob Parmenter (Sr., 5-8, 190), RB Brady James (Sr., 5-10, 160), LB Josh Salinas (Sr., 5-7, 180), LB Joesiah Munoz (Jr., 5-7, 170), DL Zuriel Barton (Jr., 6-1, 195). Rison -- QB Jaylon Henry (Sr., 5-7, 150), RB Jamerian Frye (Jr., 6-2, 215), DB Keshawn Lea (So., 5-7, 145).
BETWEEN THE LINES: The Warriors had no problem rolling in their first-round game last week. ... Lamar QB Jacob Parmenter leads the way. Parmenter is 38-of-64 passing for 422 yards and 5 TDs and has rushed for 638 yards and 7 touchdowns. ... Warriors RB Brady James, who scored 3 touchdowns last week, leads the team in rushing with 1,192 yards and 19 touchdowns. James also has 12 catches for 130 yards. Defensively, James has 5 interceptions ... Josh Salinas and Zuriel Barton have 8.0 sacks each for Lamar. ... Rison smacked Lamar 53-15 last season in the third round of the playoffs before losing to Osceola in the semifinals the following week. ... The Wildcats were 13-1 last season after moving up from Class 2A. ... Rison's offense is led by QB Jaylon Henry and RB Jamerian Frye, who combined for 4 touchdowns last week in the win against Baptist Prep.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Lamar is No. 12 in Class 3A; Rison is No. 1
HOOTEN'S LINE: Rison by 14
UP NEXT: The winner advances to the quarterfinals against the winner of Harmony Grove vs. Clinton.
Greenland at Osceola
Seminole Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Osceola is No. 1 seed from 3A-3 Conference; Greenland is No. 3 seed from 3A-1.
COACHES: Greenland -- Lee Larkan; Osceola -- Robert Hooks
RECORDS: Greenland 7-4; Osceola 9-1
POSTSEASON RECORD: Greenland is 10-22; Osceola is 40-25
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Osceola advanced to the championship game last year in Class 3A, where the Seminoles lost 35-0 to Booneville. Greenland lost 37-13 to Harding Academy in the first round last year.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Greenland -- QB Gabe Wilson (Jr., 6-2, 195), RB Jett Dennis (Jr., 5-9, 160), WR Zeyland Bryant (Sr., 5-10, 160), OL Luke Osburn (Sr., 6-1, 220), NG Dylan Reed (Jr., 5-10, 210). Osceola -- QB M.J. Vance (Sr., 5-9, 210), WR Greg Hooks (Sr., 6-1, 177), LB Don Littleton (So., 6-0, 175), CB Trey Moore (Sr., 5-10, 170).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Greenland faces a tough road test at Osceola, which finished 13-2 last season after losing to Booneville in the state championship game in Class 3A. ... Osceola received a first-round bye last week while Greenland advanced with a 54-24 win over Mountain View. ... Zaylen Bryant made his first start at tailback and rushed for 198 yards and six touchdowns to spark the Pirates. ... Bryant filled in for the injured Jett Dennis, who leads Greenland with 1,093 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season.
HOOTEN'S LINE: Osceola by 21
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Greenland is No. 16 in Class 3A. Osceola is No. 3.
UP NEXT: The winner will play Glen Rose or Melbourne in a third-round game.
Hoxie at Booneville
Bearcat Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Booneville is No. 1 seed from 3A-1 Conference; Hoxie is No. 3 seed from 3A-3 Conference.
COACHES: Hoxie -- Tom Sears; Booneville -- Scott Hyatt
RECORDS: Hoxie 9-2; Booneville 8-2
POSTSEASON RECORD: Hoxie 10-15; Booneville 67-36
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Hoxie lost 50-19 to Rison last year in a first-round game. Booneville defeated Osceola 35-0 to win the state championship in Class 3A.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Hoxie -- RB Daylon Powell (Jr., 5-11, 175), RB Hayden Riggs (Sr., 6-0, 175), QB Shunderrick Powell (Jr., 5-7, 145), OL Cooper Sifford (Sr. 5-10, 265), NG John Washburn (Sr., 6-0, 285). Booneville -- QB Evan Schlinker (Sr., 5-1, 165), LB Andrew Robertson (Sr., 5-7, 160), FB Cam Brasher (Sr., 5-9, 200), DL Cort Mitzell (Sr., 6-1, 230), TE Anthony McKesson (Sr., 6-1, 230).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Booneville begins defense of its state championship after receiving a first-round bye. .... The Bearcats won their fourth state championship last year after beating Osceola 35-0 in the Class 3A state championship game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. ... Booneville went 7-0 in conference play after starting 0-2 on the season. .... Hoxie defeated Drew Central 54-38 last week for its first playoff victory since 2015. .... Hoxie QB Shunderrick Powell has rushed for over 2,200 yards this season, including a 56-yard touchdown run last week against Drew Central. Powell is one of three brothers on the team for Hoxie.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Hoxie is No. 10 in Class 3A; Booneville is No. 6.
HOOTEN'S LINE: Booneville by 9
UP NEXT: Winner will face Prescott or Pine Bluff Dollarway next week in a third-round game.
CLASS 2A
Mountainburg at Des Arc
Rollins-Hinson Field at Eagle Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Mountainburg is the No. 3 seed from the 2A-4; Des Arc is the No. 1 seed from the 2A-6.
COACHES: Mountainburg -- Tom Harrell. Des Arc -- Tyler Paschal.
RECORD: Mountainburg 6-4: Des Arc 8-2.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Mountainburg 8-17; Des Arc 31-24.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Mountainburg defeated Murfreesboro 44-12. Des Arc defeated Bearden 44-0.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Mountainburg -- RB/QB Malachi West (Sr., 6-3 250), RB Dylan Coughran (Sr., 5-7 160), RB Ethan Jones (Sr 5-6 145), Des Arc -- QB Luke Morton (Jr. 5-9 170), RB Jackson Morton (Sr., 5-8 185), RB Cooper Roberts (Sr., 6-0 185), RB C.J. Conway (Sr., 5-9 185).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Mountainburg's Dylan Coughran and Malachi West rushed for a combined 244 yards and five TDs in the win at Murfreesboro. ... Mountainburg scored touchdowns on six of seven possessions and faced third down just four times, converting on three of them. ... Des Arc rolled through the 2A-6 this fall, outscoring league opponents 300-62. The Eagles blanked Bearden 44-0 last week, holding the 2A-8 fifth seed to 2 yards while forcing three turnovers. ... Des Arc senior RB C.J. Conway rushed for a team-high 171 of 391 rushing yards. ... The same two teams met in the second round of the playoffs three years ago with Des Arc coming out on top 34-28.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Mountainburg is No. 13 in Class 2A; Des Arc is No. 5.
HOOTEN'S LINE: Des Arc by 9.
UP NEXT: The winner of this game faces the Junction City-Hector winner in the quarterfinals.
Magazine at Fordyce
Redbug Field
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Fordyce is No. 2 seed from 2A-8 Conference; Magazine is No. 1 from 2A-4.
COACHES: Fordyce -- Tim Rodgers; Magazine -- Doug Powell
RECORDS: Fordyce 9-2; Magazine 8-1
POSTSEASON RECORD: Magazine 11-8; Fordyce 29-23
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Magazine lost 38-26 in a second-round game last season. Fordyce lost 31-28 in a second-round game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Fordyce -- QB Jaheim Brown (Jr., 5-11, 185), FB Gary Lewis (Jr., 6-2, 200), WR Quartey Shelton (Jr., 5-8, 185), WR De'Arius Sledge (Jr., 6-1, 190), OL Jeavion Thomas (Sr., 5-10, 260). Magazine -- FB Caleb Hyatt (Sr., 6-0, 220), QB Tatum Scott (Jr., 5-11, 160), DL Bryce McDowell (Sr., 6-0, 280), CB Xeng Yang (Sr., 5-6, 140), LB Kobe Faughn (Jr., 5-11, 205).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Fordyce won 42-0 over Lavaca last week while Magazine advanced with a 54-22 win over Mineral Springs. ... Senior fullback Caleb Hyatt has over 3,000 career rushing yards for Magazine. .... Fordyce quarterback Jaheim Brown threw for 130 yards and three touchdowns last week against Lavaca. ... Fordyce is the home of former Alabama coach Paul Bear Bryant, who led the Redbugs to a state championship in 1930. ... Fordyce also won consecutive state championships in 1990 and 1991.
HOOTEN'S RANKINGS: Fordyce is No. 2 in Class 2A. Magazine is No. 12.
HOOTEN'S LINE: Fordyce by 10
UP NEXT: The winner will play Hazen or Earle in a third-round game next week.
Sports on 11/22/2019