Hootens.com Rankings
Class 4A, Week 0, 2020
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.

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

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 1 Joe T. Robinson at Class 5A No. 1 Pulaski Academy.
A battle of defending state champions. This is the first meeting between these powers since 2011 (Pulaski Academy won 41-16). Joe T. Robinson has won 49 games over the past four seasons and played for consecutive state titles. Senior quarterback Buddy Gaston passed for 2,980 yards and 44 touchdowns last season, while senior running back Hunter Smith dashed for 1,922 yards in 13 games. Senator linemen E'marion Harris (6-6, 305) and D.J. Withers (6-4, 245) own multiple Division I scholarships.
Pulaski Academy (11 state title game appearances since 2003, including eight wins) impressed in last week's scrimmage against Class 7A Bryant, tying the Hornets 14-14 at halftime. Junior running back Joe Himon (2,038 total yards, 21 TDs in 2019) enjoyed a solid fall camp, then caught a TD and ran for another against Bryant. Senior linebacker Futa Shinkawa paced PA in tackles, while senior safety Cameron Mercer intercepted a pass and forced a fumble. Senior receivers Cooper White and Dylan Allison impressed at receiver.

LAST YEAR
Hootens.com correctly predicted 271 of 327 games last year (83 percent).

WEEK 0 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS)
1-4A
CEDARVILLE (8) at Berryville: Berryville has won four straight non conference games against Class 3A opponents. Cedarville expects its best season in history with starters back at 14 positions, including junior fullback Darryl Kattich (1,511 yards in 2019).
Lincoln at ELKINS (7): Elkins' scheme revolves around all-state QB Kain Johnson and four-year lineman Kelynn Daniel. Johnson passed for 269 yards in a scrimmage vs. Pea Ridge. Reed Mendoza returns at Lincoln, where he assisted before coaching Dover last fall.
Gentry at WALDRON (3): The Bulldog's scrimmage was canceled last week, but Waldron's cohesion and team speed impressed first-year coach Doug Powell. Former Rogers offensive coordinator Justin Bigham takes over as Gentry's third coach in seven years. Gentry playmaker Zach Jarnagan takes over at QB after playing slot receiver the past two years.  
VIAN, OKLA. (1) at Gravette: Gravette senior QB Cy Hilger passed for almost 1,600 yards a year ago. Vian finished as Oklahoma Class 2A runner-up last season, outscoring opponents 45-14.
West Fork at GREEN FOREST (1): Former Rose Bud coach Greg Tibbitt takes over at Green Forest, where the Tigers won seven games over the past four years, including two straight one-point triumphs over West Fork.
LAMAR (3) at Huntsville: Lamar bumps back into Class 4A after winning 19 games the past two years in the 1-3A. Senior Brady James ran for 1,214 yards and 19 TDs last season and caught 15 passes. Huntsville won five games over the past three years. 
Pea Ridge at SHILOH CHRISTIAN (7): These former conference foes battled for the 1-4A title the past three years. Pea Ridge, under first-year coach Jeff Williams, scored late to upend Elkins in a scrimmage last week. Shiloh Christian sophomore QB Eli Wisdom played well in fall camp, while junior Kaden Henley impressed at linebacker. 
Prairie Grove is open.

2-4A
CAC (14) at Mayflower: These teams split the past four meetings. CAC senior QB Palmer Gilbreth and running back Tyler Williams fuel the Mustang attack, while senior linebacker Cole Shoemaker and senior DB Carlito London rally an improved defense.
Melbourne at CLINTON (3): These former conference rivals battled for the 2-3A runner-up last season (Clinton won by 12 points last fall). Clinton won 41 games and three league titles the past four years in the 1-3A. Melbourne senior Ryan Worsham ran for seven TDs a year ago. 
STUTTGART (4) at DeWitt: DeWitt has won two straight over the Ricebirds. Dragon junior tight end Dax Courtney committed to Arkansas two weeks ago. The Dragons must clean up mistakes and penalties from its scrimmage against Barton. Stuttgart blasted Beebe in a scrimmage game last week, with the starters winning the first half 20-0. The Ricebirds went winless on the field last season (received a forfeit from Mills) but coaches picked them to win the 2-4A in the preseason.
Carlisle at LONOKE (8): Carlisle's 38-13 triumph last year snapped Lonoke's three-game winning streak in the series. Expect Lonoke to look sharper in this year's opener under second-year coach Harry Wright. Talented junior QB Spencer Pepper generated 2,546 yards and 30 TDs a year ago.
Mills at NEWPORT (9): Newport QB Eli Alcorn was injured in a firework accident in early July and should return later in the season. Mills has lost 23 straight games, including four forfeits a year ago.
POCAHONTAS (8) at Southside Batesville: These teams have split their two meetings, with Pocahontas winning 42-18 last season. The Redskins get solid play from senior QB Dawson Chester (2,141 yards, 28 TDs last year) and a speedy group of skill players. Pocahontas pounded Valley View 39-9 in last week's scrimmage. Brian Reardon takes over as Southside Batesville's coach after assisting the past 10 season, including seven as defensive coordinator. Southside impressed in last week's scrimmage vs. Riverview. Sophomore QB Chase Duncan passed for 240 yards and a pair of TDs, while junior LB Nick Risner racked up five tackles.
BALD KNOB is open.
HEBER SPRINGS is open.

3-4A
Blytheville at NETTLETON (2): These are former conference foes. Blytheville has won two straight in the series, but forfeited a 30-13 triumph in 2018. Nettleton's scrimmage with Osceola was canceled last week. Raider junior Cameron Scarlett looked solid at QB in fall camp after playing Wildcat QB and receiver last fall. Senior receiver Kyle Tolley and junior linebacker Koby Bradley also enjoyed good fall camps. Blytheville beat West Memphis 3-0 in a scrimmage last week.
GOSNELL (13) at Brookland: These are former conference foes. Gosnell has never lost to Brookland, but the Pirates won by only 13 points last season and the 2018 the game went into overtime. Gosnell aims for its fifth league title in nine years with a stable of possible Division I skill players, including QB Cooper Pieri (an ASU baseball commit) and running back Travelle Anderson (Kansas offer). Former Auburn and Valley View assistant Eric Munoz takes over at Brookland. 
Cave City at HOXIE (28): Hoxie has won eight of its 10 meetings with Cave City, including three straight (the past two a combined 52 points). Cave City has one win over the past three years.
HIGHLAND (2) at Walnut Ridge: Highland has gone 2-18 the past two years. But the Rebels should improve this year with seven starters back on offense. Walnut Ridge won six games last season, but only one against a team with a winning record (26-22 vs. Salem).
JONESBORO WESTSIDE (2) at Greene Co. Tech: GCT won this matchup 53-52 in 2018, and Jonesboro Westside won by three points last season. Neither team scrimmaged last week. The Warrior attack revolves around senior QB River Engle and RB Tyler Ray. GCT looks for QB Storm Harris and all-state RB David Williams to make plays behind an improved offensive line.
POCAHONTAS (8) at Southside Batesville: These teams have split their two meetings, with Pocahontas winning 42-18 last season. The Redskins get solid play from senior QB Dawson Chester (2,141 yards, 28 TDs last year) and a speedy group of skill players. Pocahontas pounded Valley View 39-9 in last week's scrimmage. Brian Reardon takes over as Southside Batesville's coach after assisting the past 10 season, including seven as defensive coordinator. Southside impressed in last week's scrimmage vs. Riverview. Sophomore QB Chase Duncan passed for 240 yards and a pair of TDs, while junior LB Nick Risner racked up five tackles.
RIVERCREST is open.
TRUMANN is open.

4-4A
Dardanelle at BOONEVILLE (7): These former conference foes meet for the first time since Week 8, 2017, when Booneville won by one point. Dardanelle has won 79 games over the past eight seasons and should compete for the 4-4A title behind junior running back Jordan Branson. Dardanelle beat Atkins 14-12 last week in a scrimmage.
Valley View at Ozark: This game was added to the schedule last week after Ozark rescheduled Clarksville on Sept. 11, and Manila asked out of its contract against Valley View, but then it was cancelled on Wednesday morning.
MENA (13) at De Queen: De Queen has won 11 of the past 20 games in the series, but Mena has won three straight by a combined 85 points. De Queen first-year coach Brad Chesshir, former defensive coordinator at Nashville and Jonesboro, installs a fast-tempo Spread offense.  
Dover at HECTOR (11): Dover went winless last fall and hasn't produced a winning season since 2016. First-year coach Will Cox served last year as Heber Springs' interim coach. Hector, winners of five conference titles the past seven seasons, gets plays from all-conference QB Gunner Garrison.
POTTSVILLE (14) at EPC: This game was originally scheduled for Pottsville, but the installment of new turf at John Needham Stadium isn't complete. EPC, a 3-2A title contender, returns all-state performers in QB Preston Rains (4.0 GPA) and WR Deuce Moore. Promising sophomore linemen Ethan Tucker and Emery Constant promote off a 6-1-1 junior high squad.
Gentry at WALDRON (3): The Bulldog's scrimmage was canceled last week, but Waldron's cohesion and team speed impressed first-year coach Doug Powell. Former Rogers offensive coordinator Justin Bigham takes over as Gentry's third coach in seven years. Gentry playmaker Zach Jarnagan takes over at QB after playing slot receiver the past two years.   
LAMAR (3) at Huntsville: Lamar bumps back into Class 4A after winning 19 games the past two years in the 1-3A. Senior Brady James ran for 1,214 yards and 19 TDs last season and caught 15 passes. Huntsville won five games over the past three years. 

7-4A
Joe T. Robinson at PULASKI ACADEMY (6): Hootens.com Class 4A Game of the Week.
Arkadelphia at CAMDEN FAIRVIEW (12): Camden Fairview beat Monticello 40-6 last week in a scrimmage game, despite three potential college players moving in the off-season. Senior QB Gunner Branch runs the scheme well. Arkadelphia first year coach Trey Schucker installed a new system in August. 
HAMBURG (2) at Ashdown: These teams have split the past three meetings. It's senior night at Ashdown, which starts two seniors on offense and four on defense. Ashdown scrimmaged Prescott last week, giving up three long TD passes. Senior noseguard Vincent Jones (5-10, 260) enjoyed a good fall camp. Hamburg's scrimmage against Junction City was canceled.
Riverview at BAUXITE (7): Riverview didn't play well in last week's scrimmage against Southside Batesville. Bauxite first-year coach Caleb Perry says the Miners can thrive in the Spread scheme with senior dual-threat QB Conner Stacy. 
PLEASANT GROVE, TEXAS (9) at Nashville: This is the first meeting between these teams since Pleasant Grove won 31-6 in 2003. Nashville beat HS Lakeside 28-7 in the first half last week in a scrimmage. The Scrappers run the ball well with senior QB Ty Gordon and running back Keyshawn Stewart (combined for 2,060 yards and 31 TDs last year). Pleasant Grove went 15-1 last season, capturing the Texas Class 4A state title.
FOUNTAIN LAKE is open.
H.G. HASKELL is open.
MALVERN is open.

8-4A
HAMBURG (2) at Ashdown: These teams have split the past three meetings. It's senior night at Ashdown, which starts two seniors on offense and four on defense. Ashdown scrimmaged Prescott last week, giving up three long TD passes. Senior noseguard Vincent Jones (5-10, 260) enjoyed a good fall camp. Hamburg's scrimmage against Junction City was canceled.
CROSSEST (7) at Osceola (Sat.): A matchup of first year coaches. Crossett's Shawn Jackson, a former Blytheville assistant, coached teams to five state titles in 11 years as a head coach. Junior playmaker Tyrique Jones, who ran for eight TDs in 2019, shifts from RB to QB. Osceola first-year coach Jamie Carter assisted at Marion last year and played at Alabama. The Seminoles won 36 games and played for a pair of state titles in three years under former coach Robert Hooks.
DeWitt at STUTTGART (4): DeWitt has won two straight over the Ricebirds. Dragon junior tight end Dax Courtney committed to Arkansas two weeks ago. The Dragons must clean up mistakes and penalties from its scrimmage against Barton. Stuttgart blasted Beebe in a scrimmage game last week, with the starters winning the first half 20-0. The Ricebirds went winless on the field last season, received a forfeit from Mills, but coaches picked them to win the 2-4A in the preseason.
Dollarway at DUMAS (1): Dumas enters the season with almost 30 players, including senior RB Kylin James, who missed last season with a back injury. Dollarway won six games last year, including a first-round playoff triumph at Jessieville. The Cardinals plan to utilize senior RB Cameron Henderson more after he averaged 8.5 yards per carry in 2019.
STAR CITY (1) at Forrest City: This game has gone to the wire the past two years, with Star City winning by one point in 2018 and Forrest City outscoring the Bulldogs 20-0 in the fourth quarter last season for a 42-34 triumph. Star City lineman Kristion Everett impressed in the off-season. Forrest City's Jatavis Summage is the only Mustang to catch a varsity pass last season.  
Lake Village at MONTICELLO (8): These are former conference rivals. Monticello won the last matchup, 61-7 in 2015. The Billies must improve on last week's scrimmage game against Camden Fairview (lost 40-6). Lake Village senior running back Keavorris Campbell (6-1, 205) delivered big plays in the summer after missing last season with a torn ACL.
WARREN is open.
HELENA is open.