Hootens.com Class 4A Rankings, Picks and Notes

Week 0, 2023

1. Malvern

2. Warren

3. Rivercrest

4. Harding Academy

5. Elkins

6. Nashville

7. Arkadelphia

8. McGehee

9. H.G. Haskell

10. Lonoke

11. Gosnell

12. Ozark

13. Ashdown

14. Star City

15. Bauxite

16. Stuttgart

17. Crossett

18. Pottsville

19. Lamar 

20. Gentry

21. DeWitt

22. Clinton

23. Pocahontas

24. Monticello

25. Mena

26. Hamburg

27. Gravette

28. Blytheville

29. Trumann

30. Heber Springs

31. Lincoln

32. Jonesboro Westside

33. CAC

34. LR Hall

35. Riverview

36. Highland

37. Huntsville

38. Bald Knob

39. Cave City

40. Waldron

41. Mayflower

42. Dumas

43. Helena

44. Green Forest

45. Harrisburg

46. Berryville

47. Dover

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK

Class 5A No. 5 Valley View at NO. 4 HARDING ACADEMY

These teams have split their 2 meetings, with Valley View winning by 1 point 2 years ago and Harding Academy winning by 16 points last season. Valley View has 75 players on its roster. Coach Sean Cockrell says senior QB Carson Turley had a good summer, along with WR Andrew Jones (son of ASU head coach Butch Jones) and LB Brian Huff (Missouri commit). Turley passed for 1,879 yards and 18 TDs last season, and ran for 839 yards and 11 TDs.

Harding Academy has played in 4 consecutive state title games. The Wildcats put 48 players through preseason workouts and held an intrasquad scrimmage last week. Senior free safety Alex Jones performed well during the summer, Coach Neil Evans says. Senior linebacker Wyatt Simmons (84 tackles, 6 sacks in 2022) committed to Arkansas on Aug. 19. Junior QB Owen Miller started every game last fall, passing for 3,677 yards and 38 TDs.

LAST YEAR

Hootens.com correctly predicted 259 of 299 (87 percent) of games involving Class 5A teams.

WEEK 0 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS and highlighted)

1-4A

Pottsville at ELKINS: Elkins drilled 55 players in the summer. The Elks have won 2 of the 3 meetings between these programs, including 32-14 a year ago. Elkins senior QB Dizzy Dean passed for 2,836 yards and 37 TDs last season, while RB Da'Shawn Chairs earned all-state honors by running for 1,882 yards and 31 TDs. Chairs has 60 rushing TDs the past 2 years. Coach Zach Watson says he believes increased depth on the defensive front can help Elkins repeat as conference champion. 

OZARK at Clarksville: Ozark scrimmaged Alma last week with 45 players. First-year QB Koby Wilbanks played well in the summer, and LT/DT Charlie Vandenberg was physical in preseason workouts. Clarksville has 40 players on its roster, and the Panthers scrimmaged Green Forest last week. 

PEA RIDGE at Gravette: These are former conference foes. Pea Ridge beat Gravette by 7 points last season, as the Blackhawks won 3 games, their most since 2019. Senior QB Gavin Dixon, a 3-year starter, passed for 1,894 yards and 22 TDs a year ago. Gravette won 6 games last year, its best record since 2017. The Lions will rely on seasoned linemen this fall. Gravette was won 8 of the past 15 in the series.

GENTRY at Westville, Okla.: Gentry, which beat Westville by 33 points last year, scrimmaged West Fork last week. Gentry senior Addie Taylor, a converted receiver, enjoyed a productive summer at QB/S. Coach Justin Bigham says 6 expected contributors moved into the district over the summer. 

LINCOLN at Greenland: Cody Napier takes over as head coach for Lee Larkan (129 wins) at Greenland, which has won 10 of the past 12 in the series. Lincoln returns starters at 14 positions, including 3-year QB Drew Moore, who passed for 2,904 yards and 36 TDs last year.

Huntsville at LAMAR: Lamar has won 3 in a row over the Eagles, including 35-12 last year. Lamar relies on a strong running attack this fall, led by senior Jarrett Dalton (1,040 yards last year). Huntsville could start 4 seniors on the OL this fall.

Green Forest at WEST FORK: West Fork, which impressed with its size in last week's scrimmage against Gentry, has beaten Green Forest 8 of the past 14 years. Green Forest has 7 wins total over the past 5 years.

Berryville is open.

2-4A

Valley View at HARDING ACADEMY: Hootens.com Class 4A Game of the Week.

CAC at LONOKE: CAC has won 10 of the past 15 meetings over its former conference foe, but Lonoke notched a 28-point decision a year ago. Lonoke has 32 players on its roster and Coach Chris Norton says the Jackrabbits had 100 percent attendance during its 2-week fall camp. “A drastic improvement over last year,” the coach says. The Jackrabbits return 2-time all-state QB Bradon Allen (2,482 yards, 32 TDs in 2022), and offensive linemen Brady Evans, Chauncey Johnson, Judson Caldwell, Matthew Boyles and Cade Norton played well in the summer.

Stuttgart at WARREN: Warren, which lost last year’s season opener at Stuttgart, has won 14 of the past 17 over the Ricebirds, including 62-24 in the second round of the playoffs last season. The Lumberjacks put 46 players through fall camp. Stuttgart has 53 players on the roster. The Ricebirds lost to White Hall 20-13 in the first half of last week's scrimmage. Coach Josh Price says junior WR Deontae Clark and senior LB's Cade Coats and Kemarion Pickett played well in the summer.

Riverview at H.G. HASKELL: This game was scheduled during the winter after Riverview dropped its matchup against Malvern and Lake Village dropped Harmony Grove Haskell. HG Haskell, which won a school-record 10 games a year ago, had 31 players complete fall camp. Senior LB Maddox Moore and senior linemen Kaden Harmon and Gabe Wilmoth played well in the summer, Coach Mike Guthrie says. 

MELBOURNE at Bald Knob: Clayton McWilliams takes over as Melbourne's 4th coach in as many seasons. The Bearkatz won a school-record 13 games last season, losing by 5 points to Booneville in the semifinals. Bald Knob Coach Lonnie Roberson eyes improvement for an offense that averaged 10.6 points per game a year ago.

Cave City at CLINTON: Clinton has won all 3 of its meetings over Cave City, including last season by 16 points. The Yellow Jackets had 35 players complete fall camp. Senior WB/LB Zane Widener, senior WR/TE Dawson Burgess, junior RT Cash Carpenter and sophomore Alec Huie played well in the summer. Cave City had 28 players complete fall camp, including TE/DE move-in Christopher Robinson (6-2, 225).

Heber Springs is open.

3-4A

Manila at RIVERCREST: Rivercrest, with 42 players on the roster, looks to contend for the conference and state titles. Senior RB/LB Koby Turner and WR/DB Mike Rainer played well in the summer. Manila, which has 2 consecutive playoff appearances, returns starters at 14 positions. Former Blytheville Coach Ben Fisher succeeds Cain White as Manila's coach.

SOUTHSIDE at Pocahontas: Southside expects to contend for a playoff spot this year, its second in Class 5A. The Southerners have 44 players on the roster after scrimmaging Melbourne last week.

Blytheville at Class 5A MILLS; This game was a late addition to the schedule. Blytheville alum Jett Howard takes over as the Chickasaws third coach in as many seasons. All-state RB Tim Brown (1,468 yards, 18 ; last year) powers the offense. Mills Coach Cortez Lee says OT Nick Carter, receiver Dylan Parks and S Kammarrion Jefferson all played well in the preseason.

GOSNELL at Piggott: These teams were conference foes from 1991-2002. Gosnell has 49 players on its roster. Senior WR/DB Cam Williams, who has more than 15 Power 5 offers, played well in the summer, along with junior LB Vanterrues Lucas, a transfer from Blytheville. 

HOXIE at Trumann: Hoxie has won 9 of the past 13 in the series. Trumann first-year Coach Gunner Cook put 45 players through fall workouts. QB Jake Osment developed into a leader in the summer. Tackle Evan Shrout anchors the offensive line, while high-energy fullback/DL Gavin Cubit “had a tremendous summer,” Cook says.

CROSS COUNTY at Harrisburg: Cross County expects to contend for a state title after some talented players moved into the district in the summer. Former Mountain Home assistant Austin Jarrett takes over as Harrisburg's third coach in 3 years.

Walnut Ridge at HIGHLAND: Former Highland all-state QB Sterling Stowers takes over as head coach at Highland. The Rebels have 9 wins over the past 5 seasons. Walnut Ridge returns 4 offensive linemen. Walnut Ridge has won 2 of the past 3 games in the series, including last season by 10 points.

Brookland at JONESBORO WESTSIDE: Jonesboro Westside, which has won 9 of its 11 games against Brookland, put 38 players through fall camp. Senior QB Colton Carter, TE Jordan Hall, center Tyler Watlington and RT Tyler Felts performed well in the summer. Brookland enters with momentum after winning its final 2 games last season. 

4-4A

Bauxite at STAR CITY: Bauxite enters the season with high expectations (picked by 4-4A coaches to win the conference title). QB Marcus Wimberly committed to the University of Arkansas in the summer. Star City finished second in the 8-4A last season. Coach Chris Vereen put 49 players through fall camp and a scrimmage with Class 5A Camden Fairview. Junior QB Peyton Taylor, senior RB Jamaal Hickman, FB Latrell Burris, TE Lane Tucker and LB Kevin Johnson enjoyed a good summer camp.

Riverview at H.G. HASKELL: This game was scheduled in the winter after Riverview dropped its matchup against Malvern and Lake Village dropped Harmony Grove Haskell. HG Haskell, which won a school-record 10 games a year ago, had 31 players complete fall camp. Senior LB Maddox Moore and senior linemen Kaden Harmon and Gabe Wilmoth played well in the summer, Coach Mike Guthrie says.

Cave City at CLINTON: Clinton has won all 3 of its meetings over Cave City, including last season by 16 points. The Yellow Jackets had 35 players complete fall camp. Senior WB/LB Zane Widener, senior WR/TE Dawson Burgess, junior RT Cash Carpenter and sophomore Alec Huie played well in the summer. Cave City had 28 players complete fall camp, including TE/DE move-in Christopher Robinson (6-2, 225).

Huntsville at LAMAR: Lamar has won 3 in a row over the Eagles, including 35-12 last year. Lamar relies on a strong running attack this fall, powered by senior Jarrett Dalton (1,040 yards last year). Huntsville could start 4 seniors on the OL this fall.

Pottsville at ELKINS: Elkins, which drilled 55 players in the summer, has won 2 of the 3 meetings between these programs, including 32-14 a year ago. Elkins senior QB Dizzy Dean passed for 2,836 yards and 37 TDs last season, while RB Da'Shawn Chairs earned all-state honors by running for 1,882 yards and 31 TDs. Chairs has 60 rushing TDs the past 2 years. Coach Zach Watson says he believes increased depth on the defensive front can help Elkins repeat as conference champion. 

CAC at LONOKE: CAC has won 10 of the past 15 meetings over its former conference foe, but Lonoke notched a 28-point decision a year ago. Lonoke has 32 players on its roster and Coach Chris Norton says the Jackrabbits had 100 percent attendance during its 2-week fall camp. “A drastic improvement over last year,” the coach says. The Jackrabbits return 2-time all-state QB Bradon Allen (2,482 yards, 32 TDs in 2022), and offensive linemen Brady Evans, Chauncey Johnson, Judson Caldwell, Matthew Boyles and Cade Norton played well in the summer.

DARDANELLE at Hall Steam: Dardanelle, with has 34 players on its roster, won the first meeting over Hall Steam last season 43-7. Seniors Jacob Freeman and Cameron Heflin enjoyed good summer workouts and emerged as leaders. 

Smackover at MAYFLOWER: Expect a close game (Smackover beat Mayflower last year by 3 points). Mayflower worked on developing linemen in the offseason. Smackover won 7 games a year ago and the Buckaroos expect big plays from senior WR Tanner Mitchell (479 yards, 4 TDs last year).

DOVER at J.C. Westside: Dover's 43-16 win over J.C. Westside last season was its first victory since 2018. The Pirates return starters at 14 positions this season, including all 5 offensive linemen.

7-4A

Camden Fairview at ARKADELPHIA: Hootens.com Class 5A Game of the Week.

Walnut Grove, Texas vs. Malvern (at OBU): Prosper won 13 games last season before losing in the semifinals against eventual Texas state champion Duncanville. Malvern won its second state title last season. The Leopards return starters at 15 positions (50 players went through summer practice), including 2-time all-state RB Jalen Dupree (Colorado State commit), who ran for 2,828 yards and 41 TDs a year ago.

NASHVILLE at Magnolia: Nashville, which drilled 55 players in fall camp, advanced to the semifinals last season for the first time since 2015. Senior RB Tre Hopkins impressed opposing coaches in summer team camps. Coach Mike Volarvich says defensive linemen Omari Benson, Fernando Perez, Zaccheus Harris and Makhi Johnson played well in the summer. Magnolia has 64 players on its roster. Antonio Brooks and Daylon Glass continue battling at QB, and the OL/DL had a good summer, Coach Mark King says.

De Queen at MENA: These teams have split the past 22 meetings. Mena’s 4 returning offensive linemen provide a foundation. Receiver Sean Sullivan, RB Mike Sullivan, RB/LB Brody Peters and K Jair Hernandez played well in the summer. De Queen alum Richard Bell becomes the Leopards’ third coach in as many seasons. 

WALDRON at Paris: Paris has won 9 of the past 14 meetings over Waldron. Cain White (12-11 record in 2 years at Manila) takes over as Waldron's coach, succeeding Doug Powell (8-20 record in 3 years). White plans to use the Flexbone to keep the ball away from opponents.

8-4A

De Queen at MENA: These teams have split the past 22 meetings. Mena’s 4 returning offensive linemen provide a foundation. Receiver Sean Sullivan, RB Mike Sullivan, RB/LB Brody Peters and K Jair Hernandez played well in the summer. De Queen alum Richard Bell becomes the Leopards’ third coach in as many seasons. 

CROSSETT at Glen Rose: Glen Rose won the first meeting between these teams by 10 points last season. Steven Kehner succeeds his dad Mark Kehner (140-46 record) as Glen Rose coach. Crossett has 42 players on its roster. Coach Vincent Newton says the linebacker group made the biggest jump over the summer, and that senior WR Taylin Paskel (435 yards, 6 TDs in 2022) has developed into a playmaker.

Bauxite at STAR CITY: Bauxite enters the season with high expectations (picked by 4-4A coaches to win the conference title). QB Dakota Wimberly committed to the University of Arkansas in the summer. Star City finished second in the 8-4A last season. Coach Chris Vereen put 49 players through fall camp and a scrimmage with Class 5A Camden Fairview. Junior QB Peyton Taylor, senior RB Jamaal Hickman, FB Latrell Burris, TE Lane Tucker and LB Kevin Johnson enjoyed a good summer camp.

ASHDOWN at Hamburg: Six of the past 9 meetings have been won by Ashdown. The Panthers’ defense is bolstered by group of veteran linebackers. Hamburg put 52 players through summer workouts and scrimmaged Junction City last week. Senior linemen Jackson Grubb and Stratton Herring both gained recruiting traction in the summer.

Barton at DEWITT: Former Barton assistant Steve Sexton succeeds Spencer Adams as Barton's coach. DeWitt, which won its second playoff game in 43 years last fall, relies on senior slotback Owen St. John (430 yards, 12 TDs in 2022) this fall.

Fordyce at MONTICELLO: Monticello has won 11 of the past 20 meetings in this competitive series. The Billies enter the season with 45 players on the roster after scrimmaging Rison. Senior QB Brooks Bowman and slotback Ja'Quayvius Rhodes played well in the summer, along with senior CB Jeremiah Daniels. Fordyce scrimmaged Warren last week.

Dumas at RISON: First-year Rison Coach Caleb Carmikle put 37 players through summer workouts. QB Owen Morrison and senior linemen Cole Dedman and Ryan Cottrell had good fall camps. Dumas Coach Antonio Lovelady says senior QB Joseph Jones and WR Jaylyne Jones played well in the summer, along with junior WR Raylen Spratt and senior lineman Samuel Mondragon. Dumas beat Drew Central 20-12 in last week's scrimmage.

CLARENDON at Helena: Helena has 1 win since Week 6, 2019. The Cougars’ strong point in 2023 should be linebackers, coach Russell Smith says. Clarendon senior QB Jaxon Hampton passed for 825 yards and 8 TDs and ran for 576 yards and 5 TDs last season.

McGehee is open.