Hootens.com Rankings
Class 4A, Week 0, 2019
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc. 

1. Arkadelphia
2. Nashville
3. Shiloh Christian
4. Joe T. Robinson
5. Warren
6. Ozark
7. Pea Ridge
8. Dumas
9. Rivercrest
10. Mena
11. Lonoke
12. Dardanelle
13. CAC
14. Bauxite
15. Pottsville
16. Prairie Grove
17. Southside Batesville
18. Helena
19. Stuttgart
20. Pocahontas
21. Heber Springs
22. Ashdown
23. Jonesboro Westside
24. Lincoln
25. Star City
26. Gosnell
27. Gentry
28. Hamburg
29. DeWitt
30. Trumann
31. Riverview
32. Fountain Lake
33. Crossett
34. Brookland
35. Waldron
36. Berryville
37. Mills
38. Malvern
39. H. Grove Haskell
40. Elkins
41. Bald Knob
42. Monticello 
43. Highland
44. Dover
45. Gravette
46. Cave City
47. Subiaco Academy
48. Green Forest

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
Class 5A No. 20 Magnolia vs. No. 5 Warren
This South Arkansas showdown is set for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at SAU as the first game of the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kickoff Classic.
Warren has won at least nine games each of the seven seasons. Senior Vincent Steppes ran for 179 yards and three touchdowns in last year's opener against Southside Batesville and finished the season with more than 1,500 yards. Four veteran linemen bolster Warren's offense, while the defensive line is stout with senior noseguard J.J. Hampton (6-0, 280) and tackle Michael Miranda (6-0, 260).
Mark King, who coached Foreman to the 2017 Class 2A state title, takes over a Panther program that has 23 wins the past seven seasons. Senior Amir Cooper (8.2 yards per carry in 2018) could shine in King's Flexbone scheme. Senior Noseguard Travasio Pearson (500-pound squat) anchors an attacking defense.
For more information on the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blueshield Kickoff Classic, go here. 
Hear more from Magnolia coach Mark King here. 

LAST YEAR
Hootens.com correctly predicted 240 of 278 games last year (86 percent).

WEEK 0 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS)
1-4A
HARRISON (8) at Pea Ridge: Pea Ridge was blown out last year at Harrison by 31 points. Expect a much closer game this season. The Blackhawks had 76 players complete fall camp with “a remarkable level of intensity and work ethic,” Coach Stephen Neal says. All-1-4A running back Sam Beard ran for more than 1,300 yards last year but missed the summer while in Georgia completing basic training. Harrison has 61 players, including 16 returning starters, after winning 12 games last year and advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 1999.
DARDANELLE (14) at Gentry: Dardanelle expects to compete for the 4-4A title this fall with starters returning at 17 positions. Senior receiver/safety Brandon Bunton “showed out with his work ethic,” Coach Phil Vega says. Bunton attended more than 30 summer workouts and teammates voted him team captain in August. All-state QB/linebacker Jordan Metcalf and all-conference running back Blake Chambers emerged from fall camp as team leaders. The Sand Lizard offensive line averages 285 pounds, and they have six players on the roster who weigh more than 300 pounds. Gentry has earned consecutive playoff berths in the 1-4A and the Pioneers plan to showcase senior QB Brandon Atwood this fall. Atwood passed for more than 1,500 yards and 17 TDs a year ago.
Gravette at CASCIA HALL, OKLA. (20): Gravette missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2006 after winning just one game. Former coach Doug Greenwood resigned May 29th. The Lions promoted former defensive coordinator Kelby Bohannon to head coach in late June. Gravette had 18 players go through spring drills and expect 25-30 to play this fall, while Cascia Hall has almost 100 players.
SHILOH CHRISTIAN (2) at Moore Haven, Fla.: Moore Haven is regarded as one of the top Class 2A program's in Florida and the Terriers lost in the playoff semifinals to eventual state runners-up Champagnat Catholic. Shiloh Christian averaged 41 points per game last season while advancing to the semifinals. The Saints return 13 starters and 23 seniors, including receiver Truitt Tollett (1,183 yards and 13 TDs).
Berryville is open.
Green Forest is open.
Lincoln is open.
Prairie Grove is open.

2-4A
Bald Knob at HARDING ACADEMY (7): Lynn Garner takes over as Bald Knob's head coach after assisting the the past six years. Harding Academy has won six of the past 11 over the Bulldogs.
RIVERVIEW (1) at Brookland: Brookland has more than 60 players, bolstered by juniors and sophomores who won the 2018 junior high conference title and finished as runners-up in 2017. New defensive coordinator John Proffitt installed an attacking scheme in August. Riverview first-year coach Drake Widener led Des Arc to a 34-14 record the past four years. Widener installed the Wing T in the spring/summer.
Mayflower at CAC (14): Mayflower has won two of the past three over CAC, but the Mustangs expect to contend this fall for the 2-4A title. Junior QB Palmer Gilbrech enjoyed a solid summer, while soccer goalie Brandon Bishop emerged as a top lineman. Mayflower won a school-record 21 games the past two years, and senior linebacker Tayshun Mattison performed well in the summer.
DeWitt at STUTTGART (1): DeWitt's one-point win last season was its first in the series in more than 20 years. DeWitt senior QB Seth Courtney tallied 1,829 yards and 15 TDs a year ago. Stuttgart Mitchell Stovesand takes over at QB and returns at linebacker. Junior Rhett Bohanon is the Ricebird's top receiver and cornerback, while junior Daniel Holladay makes plays at guard and defensive end. Sophomores Tymir Coppins and Arlie Lee were the only Ricebirds to score in the inter-squad scrimmage.
LONOKE (14) at Carlisle: Lonoke has beaten Carlisle the past three years by a combined 120-34. Jackrabbit first-year coach Harry Wright, a former defensive coordinator at Bentonville West, plans to pass the ball more this year with sophomore QB Spencer Pepper. Carlisle's four wins last year were over teams with a combined record of 7-32.
Hear more from Lonoke coach Harry Wright here.
SOUTHSIDE BATESVILLE (7) at Pocahontas: This was a Week 3 game last season which Southside Batesville won by 20 points. The Southerners should be stout in the secondary this year with cornerback Kylinn Dugger and senior safety Zach Howell. Pocahontas rallies around junior QB Dawson Chester after the offense last year failed to score more than two TDs in four games a year ago.
Heber Springs is open.
Mills is open.

3-4A
Greene Co. Tech vs. JONESBORO WESTSIDE (2) (Mon.): These teams kickoff the season at 5:30 p.m., on Mon., Aug. 26 at Arkansas State University. Greene County Tech beat the Warriors 53-52 last season. Jonesboro Westside expects the best season in school history with starters returning at 16 positions, including senior running back Logan McPherson, who ran for 1,149 yards and 18 TDs a year ago.
For more information on the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blueshield Kickoff Classic, go here.
NETTLETON (10) at Gosnell: Gosnell has almost 40 players on its roster after struggling with low numbers the past two seasons. First-year coach Lewis Earnest, a former Wynne assistant, plans to open the offense and pass the ball more after the Pirates ran the Wing T and Double Wing the past two decades. Nettleton returns just two defensive starters who helped them hold seven opponents to two TDs or less last season. 
RIVERVIEW (1) at Brookland: Brookland has more than 60 players, bolstered by juniors and sophomores who won the 2018 junior high conference title and finished as runners-up in 2017. New defensive coordinator John Proffitt installed an attacking scheme in August. Riverview first-year coach Drake Widener led Des Arc to a 34-14 record the past four years. Widener installed the Wing T in the spring/summer.
HOXIE (24) at Cave City: Hoxie has won seven of its past nine games over Cave City, including last year by 25 points. Cave City has just one win the past two seasons.
MCCRORY (4) at Highland: McCrory dresses 30 players, and could start five freshmen, who went 17-0 the past two years in junior high. Highland ran the Wing T in preseason scrimmages.
SOUTHSIDE BATESVILLE (7) at Pocahontas: This was a Week 3 game last season which Southside Batesville won by 20 points. The Southerners should be stout in the secondary this year with cornerback Kylinn Dugger and senior safety Zach Howell. Pocahontas rallies around junior QB Dawson Chester after the offense last year failed to score more than two TDs in four games.
Rivercrest is open.
Trumann is open.

4-4A
DeQueen at MENA (4): De Queen has won 11 of the past 19 in the series, but Mena has won two straight by a combined 49 points. Former Mena coach Tim Harper resigned in June after leading the Bearcats to 37 wins the past six years. First-year coach Craig Bentley, a former Mena defensive coordinator, led Class 3A Mansfield to eight wins last season. Mena junior tight end Mason Brotherton (6-4, 235) owns multiple scholarship offers. De Queen's only win last season was in overtime at Hope. The Leopards build around senior RB Marquez Ester, who ran for 753 yards and six TDs in 2018.
DARDANELLE (14) at Gentry: Dardanelle expects to compete for the 4-4A title this fall with starters returning at 17 positions. Senior receiver/safety Brandon Bunton “showed out with his work ethic,” Coach Phil Vega says. Bunton attended more than 30 summer workouts and teammates voted him team captain in August. All-state QB/linebacker Jordan Metcalf and all-conference running back Blake Chambers emerged from fall camp as team leaders. The Sand Lizard offensive line averages 285 pounds, and they have six players on the roster who weigh more than 300 pounds. Gentry has earned consecutive playoff berths in the 1-4A and the Pioneers plan to showcase senior QB Brandon Atwood this fall. Atwood passed for more than 1,500 yards and 17 TDs a year ago.
Dover at DANVILLE (3): This was a Week 2 game last year. Reed Mendoza, who played at nearby Dardanelle and coached at Mena, takes over at Dover, which won seven games the past two seasons. Danville dumped Dover by 24 points a year ago. The Class 3A Little Johns rely on stout linemen Max Barnes (5-10, 285; 505-pound squat) Josh Street (6-4, 265) and Jarrett Wilkins (5-9, 250; 420-pound squat).
Elkins is open.
Ozark is open.
Pottsville is open.
Subiaco Academy is open.
Waldron is open.

7-4A
Springdale at JOE T. ROBINSON (7):  Springdale beat Joe T. Robinson by 20 points last season, but this year will be closer and Class 4A Joe T. Robinson could pull off a mild upset. Joe T. Robinson returns just two starters, but most Senators played extensively last season in the second half of blowouts. Senator QB Buddy Gaston and QB/linebacker J.T. Towers played well in summer camps.
Hear from Joe T. Robinson coach Todd Eskola here.
ARKADELPHIA (7) at Sylvan Hills: Arkadelphia led Sylvan Hills 14-0 in the fourth quarter of last year's opener before losing 16-14 on a safety. The Badgers started last season with an 0-5 record before reeling off 10 straight victories and their second straight state title. Senior QB Cannon Turner and linebacker Kyren Harrison return for their fourth season as starters. Sylvan Hills advanced to the Class 6A semifinals a year ago behind junior QB Emil McCoy and all-conference RB Cole Bland.
NASHVILLE (6) vs. Watson Chapel (Tue.): Nashville has won four of the past five in the series, including last year by six points. The Scrappers expect to be better this fall with playmakers on offense. Junior Keyshawn Stewart ran for almost 1,200 yards a year ago and could take more direct snaps this fall. Watson Chapel QB Devin Curry returns for his third season (more than 3,500 yards the past two years). Senior receiver/safety Kevin Compton (290 yards and six TDs in 2018, and 38 tackles) owns offers from UT-Martin and Northeastern Louisiana. 
ASHDOWN (9) at Hamburg: Ashdown has won three of the past five over Hamburg, but Hamburg won by three points a year ago. Ashdown builds on its defense in 2019 with senior linebackers A.J. Hopkins and Brett Bond. Hamburg has at least one playoff win each of the past six seasons, but the 2019 Lions return four starters and the junior high has five wins the past three years.
BAUXITE (2) at Covington, Tenn.: This is the third game of the year for Covington, which beat Crockett County, Tenn., 9-0 on Aug. 16 and plays Munford, Tenn., on Aug. 23. Bauxite won nine games last year and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Coach Daryl Patton expects junior receiver Braylon Walker and senior lineman Nate Sky-Eagle to play well this fall.
Hear more from Bauxite coach Daryl Patton here.
Centerpoint at H. GROVE HASKELL (9): Harmony Grove Haskell should dress 38 players after being plagued last year with low numbers. Seniors Willie Newton and Ryan Riedmueller should get the bulk of the carries this fall in the Diamond T. Centerpoint senior running back Landon Way averaged 10 yards per carry in 2018.
Fountain Lake is open.
Malvern is open.

8-4A
Magnolia vs. WARREN (4): See Hootens.com Game of the Week.
Forrest City at STAR CITY (3): Star City's linemen impressed opposing coaches during summer workouts. Senior Kurt Conner (6-0, 235) plays guard and tackle, while junior Kristion Everrett (6-2, 270) plays every spot up front. Forrest City must find a successor for graduated three-year QB Randal Moore (1,429 yards in 2018). Mustang junior linebacker Marco Avant (67 tackles) owns multiple DI offers, including Memphis and Southern Miss.
ASHDOWN (9) at Hamburg: Ashdown has won three of the past five over Hamburg, but Hamburg won by three points a year ago. Ashdown builds on its defense in 2019 with senior linebackers A.J. Hopkins and Brett Bond. Hamburg has at least one playoff win each of the past six seasons, but the 2019 Lions return four starters and the junior high has five wins the past three years.
DeWitt at STUTTGART (1): DeWitt's one-point win last season was its first in the series in more than 20 years. DeWitt senior QB Seth Courtney tallied 1,829 yards and 15 TDs a year ago. Stuttgart Mitchell Stovesand takes over at QB and returns at linebacker. Junior Rhett Bohanon is the Ricebird's top receiver and cornerback, while junior Daniel Holladay makes plays at guard and defensive end. Sophomores Tymir Coppins and Arlie Lee were the only Ricebirds to score in the inter squad scrimmage.
Crossett is open.
Dumas is open.
Helena is open.
Monticello is open.