Hootens.com Rankings
Class 5A, Week 15, 2009
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.

1. Monticello (14-0)
2. Camden Fairview (10-4)
3. Pulaski Academy (9-4)
4. Greenbrier (9-4)
5. Greenwood (10-2)
6. White Hall (9-3)
7. LR Christian (8-4)
8. Greene County Tech (9-3)
9. Forrest City (8-3)
10. Alma (5-5-1)
11. West Helena (6-5)
12. Magnolia (7-4)
13. Vilonia (6-5)
14. LR Mills (6-5)
15. Wynne (5-5)
16. Pulaski Robinson (5-4-1)
17. CAC (5-5)
18. Blytheville (4-6-1)
19. Batesville (5-4-1)
20. Harrison (5-5)
21. Sylvan Hills (4-6)
22. Beebe (3-7)
23. Crossett (5-5)
24. Hope (3-7)
25. Morrilton (1-9)
26. Siloam Springs (3-7)
27. Paragould (2-8)
28. Hot Springs (2-8)
29. HS Lakeside (1-9)
30. North Pulaski (1-9)
31. LR McClellan (1-9)
32. Nettleton (1-9)

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME RECAP
Monticello won its second state title and first since 1994, capping a 14-0 campaign with a 38-7 triumph over Camden Fairview. With a roster loaded with 27 seniors, including eight three-year starters, the Billies were rarely challenged in 2009, winning 11 games by more than two touchdowns.

The Billies jumped to a 13-0 halftime advantage before its physical linemen dominated the second half. Senior wingback/safety Brishen Mathews earned title game MVP honors, rushing for 170 yards and a touchdown and making five tackles. Mathews, also a finalist for State Farm Awards Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year, rushed for 855 yards and 11 TDs this season. He also made more than 100 tackles and swiped four interceptions. Senior quarterback/linebacker Joe Carmical rushed 17 times for 117 yards and a TD in the state title game and completed all three passes for 39 yards. Carmical, a finalist for State Farm Awards Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year, finishes the year rushing for 1,253 yards and 20 TDs and passing for 1,196 yards and 18 TDs.

Camden Fairview's QB Chase Foster tore his ACL in Week 10, and the Cardinals couldn't run the ball against Monticello's stingy defense. Cardinal junior QB Brandon Keaton completed 12 of 30 passes for 156 yards and TD against Monticello, but he was intercepted twice when the Cardinals threatened to score.

NEXT SEASON
Monticello enjoyed its payoff season in 2009, and the Billies will have a hard time duplicating it next year with just one returning starter on offense. Camden Fairview returns seven starters, including Keaton at QB. Greenwood graduates QB Tyler Shook and receiver Spencer Harris, but the Bulldogs may rely on senior linebacker Marco Vota and their defense in 2010. Forrest City returns some of the top playmakers in Class 5A (running back Theodis Goodwin and receiver Dayvon McKinney), but the Mustangs haven't won a playoff game since 1975.

LAST WEEK
Hootens.com correctly predicted the state championship game. For the season, Hootens.com correctly predicted 166 of 212 games (78 percent).

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