Hootens.com Rankings
Class 3A, Week 1, 2015
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.

1. Smackover
2. Charleston
3. Prescott
4. McGehee
5. Booneville
6. Harding Academy
7. Lamar
8. Fordyce
9. Hoxie
10. Episcopal Collegiate
11. Rivercrest
12. Osceola
13. H. Grove Haskell
14. C. Harmony Grove
15. Danville
16. Fouke
17. Bald Knob
18. West Fork
19. Paris
20. Mayflower
21. Centerpoint
22. Barton
23. Mountain View
24. Glen Rose
25. Greenland
26. Elkins
27. Marianna
28. Melbourne
29. Lavaca
30. Mansfield
31. Green Forest
32. Jessieville
33. Piggott
34. Manila
35. Two Rivers
36. Atkins
37. Corning
38. Perryville
39. Cedarville
40. Bismarck
41. Yellville-Summit
42. Rose Bud
43. Marshall
44. Genoa Central
45. Lake Village
46. Cedar Ridge
47. Horatio
48. Drew Central

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 1 Smackover vs. Class 4A No. 18 Warren
Kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 31 at UAPB's Golden Lion Stadium during Hootens.com Kickoff Week.
Smackover has won 25 games over the past two seasons, reaching the state championship game in 2014 for the first time in the modern era. Eleven seniors graduated in May, including five offensive linemen. The coaching staff evaluated 20 players at those positions this summer. All-state senior linebacker Keiandre Purifoy (100 tackles in 2014) and seven more defensive starters return. Purifoy (808 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns), all-state senior receiver and Razorback commit Jordan Jones (6-4, 200; 4.4 speed), senior running backs Dewayne Jones (839 yards, 14 TDs) and Marques White (4.6 speed) and junior Michael Edwards (4.6 speed) power the offense. Dewayne Jones returned to practice two weeks ago after knee surgery in January.
Defending Class 4A champ Warren (12-3 in 2014) graduated 10 offensive starters this spring. Three freshmen could start on offense. Warren has captured three state titles in the past 14 seasons. All-conference senior end Peyton Hargis (4.5 speed) and senior LB D'Angelo McCoy lead on defense. McCoy is the school's all-time leading tackler with more than 350 stops. Junior QB Hayden Lassiter, junior RB Dennis Daniels and senior receiver Franklin Gilmore fuel Coach Bo Hembree's Spread. Warren hasn't won a season-opener since 2010.

HOOTENS TV SHOW
Hooten's Arkansas Football airs 11 a.m. on KATV 7 (ABC-Little Rock) Saturdays this fall starting Sept. 5. The show features the Hogs and their opponents.

LAST SEASON
Hootens.com correctly picked 271 of 328 games (83 percent) involving 3A teams.

WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS (favored team in CAPS followed by point spread)
1-3A
Mountainburg at CEDARVILLE (21): Cedarville has lost 13 of its past 15 games. But the Pirates have defeated rival Mountainburg on the field by an average of 33 points the past three seasons (forfeited a 51-6 win in 2013). Cedarville will dress 28 players, rotating at least 18 of them on defense.
PEA RIDGE (6) at Elkins: Pea Ridge finished the regular season 10-0 last year, beginning with a 21-6 win over Elkins. The Elks haven't beaten Pea Ridge since 2010. Junior QB Eric Stills (5-10, 255) and junior HB Colten Vaught (5-7, 162) power Elkins' Spread. Zach Frost (6-0, 270), one of four seniors, anchors the line at guard. All-league junior LB Jake Strode recorded a team-high 124 tackles last fall.
WEST FORK (16) at Gentry: West Fork senior QB Colton Wise (3,163 career yards and 32 TDs) threw four TD passes in last year's 42-16 win over Gentry. Senior TB/LB Brayden Burnett ran for a TD and returned a fumble 60 yards for a score.
GREENLAND (35) at J.C. Westside: Greenland senior receiver Mason Miller caught four passes for 114 yards and two TDs in last year's 39-0 win over Westside. Westside has lost 11 of its past 12 games.
HUNTSVILLE (8) at Green Forest: Four of Huntsville's 10 wins since 2011 have been over 1-3A members Elkins and Green Forest. Green Forest returns eight defensive starters from a unit that allowed 39 ppg in eight losses last year.
HECTOR (12) at Marshall: Hector has defeated Marshall by an average of 31 points the past two seasons. Marshall returns 19 starters, including all-league senior RB Kendrick Campbell (1,083 yards, 11 TDs in 2014) and senior receiver Trey Kelley (33 catches, 434 yards, four TDs). The Bobcats focused on improving their passing game this summer.
MELBOURNE (12) at Yellville-Summit: Melbourne has beaten Yellville-Summit by an average of 20 points the past two years. Melbourne features four seniors on one of the bigger offensive lines in the state: LT Caleb Myers (6-3, 305), LG Quenton Harvey (6-4, 285), RG Jonathan Medina (6-2, 270) and RT Zack Holowell (5-11, 240). The Bearkatz expect all-league senior WR/CB Jon Adams to make plays on both sides of the ball. Yellville-Summit coach Tommy Britt praising the offensive line and linebackers in fall camp. Sophomore QB Tyler Ramey, senior RB Cale Howk (435 yards, three TDs in 2014), senior TE Freddy Nieto (23 catches, 468 yards, five TDs) and junior slotback Dylan Schlotman (12.7 yards per catch) fuel the Panthers.
Salem at MOUNTAIN VIEW (13): Salem has lost 12 of its past 15 games. Mountain View all-state senior TB Josh Burns rushed for a school-record 2,187 yards 23 TDs a year ago, including 262 yards and four TDs in a 42-26 win at Salem.

2-3A
Atkins at DOVER (35): Dover (8-3 in 2014) beat Atkins a year ago for the first time in three years. Senior TB Luke Price (6-2, 200; 11.92 100-meters) owns a scholarship offer from Air Force. Atkins has 24 players on its roster, including strong-armed junior QB Seth Haney, explosive receiver Devin Dollar (24.4 yards per catch in 2014) and physical senior RB Brandon Haney (736 yards, 14 TDs).
Augusta at MARIANNA (36): Augusta has lost 14 of its past 17 games. Marianna blanked Augusta 38-0 last year. Senior RB/LB Jermarcus Arnold, senior QB/DB Donte Weems, senior RB/WR Tarrike Turner and senior RB/LB Terrance Martin lead the Trojans.
Des Arc at BALD KNOB (6): Bald Knob lost four turnovers but big-played Des Arc in last year's 21-13 win. Des Arc first-year coach Drake Widener inherits 17 returning starters off a 10-win team. Bald Knob all-league junior RB DeShawn Gulledge rushed for 940 yards and 11 TDs in 2014.
Marvell at BARTON (45): Marvell hired former Minden (La.) Glenbrook coach Chris Norton in June as its fifth head coach in seven years. Norton coached at West Memphis Christian in 2012-13. Barton blasted Marvell 42-0 a year ago. Senior slotback Cameron Anderson (3,014 career yards, 32 TDs) and senior receiver Kedarius Davis are the only returning starters. The Bears will start three freshmen, including one of them at QB.
BIGELOW (16) at Perryville: Bigelow has beaten Perryville two of the past three seasons, including 34-6 a year ago. Perryville still searching for answers on its offensive line after losing senior tackle Robert Halpaine (car accident) and senior guard Jacob Hill (shoulder surgery) for the season.
MAYFLOWER (1) at Dumas: Mayflower has defeated Dumas three years in a row, including 46-41 in 2014. Second-year coach Todd Langrell worked 40 players in fall camp, including senior RB Marcus Harper (11.36 100-meters), who did not play last year. Dumas has lost 25 of its past 31 games.
Highland at HARDING ACADEMY (6): Highland promoted defensive coordinator Adam Carter to head coach this spring. The Rebels claimed a share of the 3-4A title in 2014. Harding Academy lost to eventual 3-4A tri-champ Gosnell 40-15 in last year's opener. The Wildcats will dress 32 players, including a talented receiving corps led by junior Ryan Turley (78 catches, 1,027 yards, 12 TDs in 2014). Seniors Alex Francis (2,996 yards, 31 TDs), Ty Mote (two-time all-league center) and Miles Clements (55 tackles, 18 TFL at end) also return.
Rose Bud at QUITMAN (1): Rose Bud won two games in 2014 by a combined nine points, including a 30-25 victory over Quitman. Senior end Kaleb Herring and senior safety Ky Graham stood out in fall camp. Can the Ramblers stop Quitman junior dual-threat QB Trey McGhee (6-0, 195; 4.6 speed)? McGhee generated 1,443 yards and 16 TDs a year ago.

3-3A
BLYTHEVILLE (21) at Osceola: Class 5A Blytheville beat Osceola 47-12 a year ago before reaching the playoffs for the first time in three years. Osceola coming off its first league title and trip to the quarterfinals since 2009.
CORNING (2) at Walnut Ridge: Corning promoted defensive coordinator Jeremy Stout to head coach this spring. Starters return at 15 positions, including all-league QB Austin Scrogin, fearless senior receiver Jon Rangel and junior RB/LB Connor Daniels. Corning held Walnut Ridge to 66 total yards in last year's 20-8 victory.
HOXIE (2) at Trumann: Hoxie has defeated Trumann by an average of 33 points the past three seasons. Senior QB James Johnson has performed well since taking over the offense this spring. Hoxie coach Tom Sears says his defense is faster and more physical than a year ago.
Manila at JONESBORO WESTSIDE (25): Manila switched from the Wishbone to the Spread this spring, featuring athletic senior Jake Helton at QB. Westside beat Manila 40-0 a year ago. Bobby Engle became Westside's fourth coach in five years this spring.
Marked Tree at PIGGOTT (1): Marked Tree defeated Piggott 28-16 last year. The Mohawks failed to score four times inside the red zone. Second-year coach Michael Harrell praises Piggott's depth on the defensive line and talent at linebacker. Senior T/DT John Daniel Beck (6-1, 228) leads up front.
MELBOURNE (12) at Yellville-Summit: Melbourne has beaten Yellville-Summit by an average of 20 points the past two years. Melbourne features four seniors on one of the bigger offensive lines in the state: LT Caleb Myers (6-3, 305), LG Quenton Harvey (6-4, 285), RG Jonathan Medina (6-2, 270) and RT Zack Holowell (5-11, 240). The Bearkatz expect all-league senior WR/CB Jon Adams to make plays on both sides of the ball. Yellville-Summit coach Tommy Britt praising the offensive line and linebackers in fall camp. Sophomore QB Tyler Ramey, senior RB Cale Howk (435 yards, three TDs in 2014), senior TE Freddy Nieto (23 catches, 468 yards, five TDs) and junior slotback Dylan Schlotman (12.7 yards per catch) fuel the Panthers.
Paragould at RIVERCREST (4): Paragould beat Rivercrest 38-33 last year. Rivercrest all-state senior RB Cecil Langston has rushed for 3,044 yards and 29 TDs in his career.
BROOKLAND (7) at Cedar Ridge: Brookland is 4-1 against Class 3A teams since starting varsity football in 2012. Cedar Ridge has won four games in as many seasons. Coach Danny Brustrom says his Timberwolves are three deep at every skill position. Senior newcomer Keagan Harrison (6-0, 200) will provide immediate help on defense.

4-3A
CHARLESTON (3) vs. Shiloh Christian (Tue.): Two-time defending Class 3A champ Charleston chasing its 30th consecutive win during Hootens.com Kickoff Week. The Tigers beat Shiloh Christian 42-14 a year ago. For more, see Hootens.com Class 4A Game of the Week.
Danville at DARDANELLE (28) (Tue.): Class 4A No. 1 Dardanelle has defeated Danville by an average of 36 points the past three seasons. The Little Johns return starters at 16 positions, including senior twins Rhett (LG/DE) and Jordan Sullivan (C/DE), junior QB Jake Madding (1,683 yards, 16 TDs in 2014) and junior RT Jesus Dominguez (6-1, 310).
Ozark at BOONEVILLE (13): Booneville has won eight of the past 11 regular-season meetings over its rival. Booneville coach Scott Hyatt says he's pleased with the offensive line's progress this summer.
PARIS (16) at Centerpoint: Paris rushed for 425 yards in last year's 57-31 win over Centerpoint.
Clarksville at LAMAR (27): The Battle of Highway 64. Lamar won nine games last fall for the second straight season, beginning with a 42-14 win at Clarksville. Junior QB Hunter Davenport, a defensive standout in 2014, ahead of schedule, Coach Josh Jones says. Lamar's offensive line averages 268 pounds per man, featuring seniors Dillon Lovell (6-3, 270), Blake Dybala (6-5, 315) and Jamico Chenault (6-0, 290).
HACKETT (8) at Two Rivers: Two Rivers enters 2015 with its third coach (former Palestine-Wheatley assistant Richard Havner) in three years. The Gators will rely on their defense early, while fine-tuning Havner's Multiple Wing. Hackett completed a pair of halfback passes on third down in last year's 21-18 win over Two Rivers.
LAVACA (28) at Union Christian: Both teams debut with a new head coach. Lavaca, which beat Union Christian 49-14 last year, promoted former defensive coordinator Brian Schlinker to head coach in April. Senior RB Kasey Neimann leads the Golden Arrows. Sophomore FB Cody Harris (5-11, 230) enjoyed a good fall camp. Union Christian first-year coach Josh Brown took over in mid-June.
MANSFIELD (21) at Waldron: Mansfield has won nine straight over Waldron, including 34-14 a year ago.

5-3A
Conway Christian at EPISCOPAL (22): Episcopal has beaten Conway Christian the past two seasons, including 41-0 a year ago. All-state senior playmaker Allie Freeman has 226 career receptions for 4,182 yards and 43 TDs. Senior RB Kelvin Robinson ran 59 times for 821 yards (13.9 ypc) and 10 TDs last fall.
H. GROVE HASKELL (8) at Poyen: Harmony Grove all-state senior RB Jon Johnson rushed for 1,916 yards and 20 TDs last fall, including 148 yards and two scores in a 21-7 win over Poyen.
BISMARCK (8) at Spring Hill: Bismarck beat Spring Hill 24-8 last year before reaching the playoffs for the first time in three years. Seniors Zack Roberts (900 yards, 12 TDs in 2014) and Ben Ramirez (700 yards, five TDs) return to fill the backfield.
PARIS (16) at Centerpoint: Paris rushed for 425 yards in last year's 57-31 win over Centerpoint.
CUTTER M. STAR (12) at Horatio: Horatio has dropped 16 of its past 17 games, including last year's 54-26 loss to Cutter Morning Star.
Glen Rose at MALVERN (21): Class 4A No. 7 Malvern has defeated Glen Rose (2-8 in 2014) the past three seasons. Glen Rose senior RB Jordan Johnson enjoyed a solid summer.
Gurdon at PRESCOTT (13): Prescott popped Gurdon 47-14 a year ago on its way to an 11-win season. All-state senior QB Trevor Pipkin passed for 3,215 yards and 44 TDs, including 204 yards and a score at Gurdon.
JESSIEVILLE (20) at Mountain Pine: Jessieville rushed for 318 yards in last year's 37-14 win over Mountain Pine. Mountain Pine (30-game losing streak) hired David Jordan as head coach in April.

6-3A
SMACKOVER (7) vs. Warren (Mon.): See Hootens.com Game of the Week.
BEARDEN (4) at C. Harmony Grove: Bearden has beaten Harmony Grove by an average of 19 points the past two seasons. Harmony Grove (40-man roster) returns talent at the skill positions and will start three sophomores on the offensive line. The Hornets gave up 457 yards rushing in last year's 31-14 loss to Bearden.
RISON (6) at Fordyce: Fordyce fell to rival Rison 34-30 last year for the first time in four seasons.
Genoa Central at FOREMAN (6): Foreman hired Neil Evans in July as its third head coach in four years. Evans, a 2005 Murfreesboro graduate, coached defensive backs last season at Class 4A CAC. The Gators are 4-1 against Genoa Central. Genoa Central won two of its final four games in 2014 and returns 17 starters.
FOUKE (15) at Mineral Springs: Fouke has defeated Mineral Springs by an average of 19 points the past two years. All-league junior QB Landon Gonzales continues to mature, while sophomores Jarrett Easley and Charley Baker ran the ball well in fall camp. Mineral Springs has won five games over the past two seasons.
McGehee at HAMBURG (7): Hamburg has won seven of the past 11 meetings, including 39-14 a year ago. McGehee all-state senior TB Ty Grant will miss at least six weeks with a back injury. The Owls will dress 34 players.
MONTICELLO (21) at Lake Village: Monticello has defeated Lake Village by an average of 21 points the past three years.
Drew Central at MONROE (LA.) ST. FREDERICK (21): Drew Central looks to snap its 42-game losing streak at Louisiana 2-1A member St. Frederick Catholic (7-4 in 2014). Two years ago, St. Frederick won 10 games and finished runner-up in Class 1A.
JUNCTION CITY (7) at Smackover (Sat.): Smackover plays host to Class 2A juggernaut Junction City (40-game win streak) five days after taking on defending Class 4A champ Warren in Pine Bluff during Hootens.com Kickoff Week. Junction City beat Smackover 33-19 a year ago.