Hootens.com Rankings
Class 3A, Week 1, 2016
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.

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

GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 9 Centerpoint vs. Class 2A No. 4 Mount Ida
Centerpoint clashes with Mount Ida at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29 at Ouachita Baptist's Cliff Harris Stadium in Arkadelphia during Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kickoff Classic.
Centerpoint won eight games last fall, including the school's first playoff victory. The talented Knights return starters at 17 positions, including two-time all-league quarterback Keenan Owens, who passed for 3,017 yards and 41 touchdowns a year ago. All-conference senior receiver Lance Chambers paced the Knights with 51 catches for 1,068 yards and 15 TDs. Senior Logan Taylor hauled in 43 passes for 534 yards and nine scores, while earning all-league honors at safety with 85 tackles. Senior Jarrod Graves moved back to tailback this spring after starting at noseguard in 2015. The 215-pound Graves rushed for 1,033 yards and 12 TDs as a sophomore.
Mount Ida owns a distinct size advantage over Centerpoint, dressing a dozen players who weigh at least 200 pounds. The Lions will be without all-conference senior tight end Anthony Spurling, who broke his leg in preseason camp. Mount Ida's Split Back Veer features junior Cade Helms (5-10, 208) and sophomore Jonathan Lagrange (6-0, 218). Coach Michael White calls Lagrange a punishing runner “with enough speed to hurt you.” Sophomore Cade Jackson will start at QB. All-7-2A senior tackle Logan Abernathy (6-3, 261) anchors the offensive line. The defensive line is stacked with Abernathy (54 tackles in 2015) at end and juniors Gunner Gilbert (5-10, 238) and Caleb Woodfield (5-11, 268) on the interior.
For more on this matchup watch: http://www.hootens.com/videos/8-state-title-contender-meet-in-first-games-of-2016/2783.html
For more on Centerpoint click here: http://katv.com/sports/high-school/31-teams-in-31-days-centerpoint-knights
For more on Mount Ida click here: http://katv.com/sports/high-school/31-teams-in-31-days-mount-ida-lions

LAST SEASON
Hootens.com correctly picked 260 of 331 games (79 percent) involving 3A teams.

WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS (favored team in CAPS followed by point spread)
1-3A
Green Forest at HUNTSVILLE (4): Green Forest senior QB Cory Bryant, a two-time all-league selection, works behind a deep offensive line. One of Huntsville's four wins a year ago came at Green Forest (47-24).
SHILOH CHRISTIAN (28) at Elkins: 1-4A favorite Shiloh Christian features 16 seniors, including all-conference QB Connor Reece (2,622 yards and 24 TDs in 2015) and explosive RB/LB Broc Berus (6-0, 210). Elkins lost to 1-4A members Pea Ridge and Huntsville in 2015. The Elks haven't won a non-conference game since 2011.
HEBER SPRINGS (3) at Clinton: Heber Springs has defeated Clinton the past two seasons. Clinton's deep backfield make the Yellow Jackets dangerous this fall.
GREENLAND (2) at West Fork: Class 4A West Fork has defeated rival Greenland six of the past seven meetings. Greenland senior RB Michael McAdoo ran the ball well this summer.
MELBOURNE (12) at Corning: Melbourne beat Corning the past two seasons, competing in the 3-3A. The Bearkat roster isn't deep but features 14 seniors, including RB/LB Kyle Minyard (778 yards, six TDs and 43.5 tackles in 2015). Corning, picked by 3-3A coaches to finish last this fall, has lost 13 of its past 14 games. Talented senior Cope Robinson, an All-3-3A receiver two years ago, debuts at QB after missing eight games in 2015 with a torn meniscus and dislocated patella. Senior NG Jacob Ward, who did not play last year while recovering from back surgery, has been unstoppable in preseason camp.
Marshall at HECTOR (33): Hector has defeated Marshall by an average of 30 points the past three seasons. Marshall recently promoted Deryk Hibbard to head coach.
MOUNTAIN VIEW (15) at Salem: Mountain View enters year three under Coach Michael Gray with 18 seniors, including all-league TB Chris Konkler (939 yards and 15 TDs in 2015). Salem first-year coach Clay Wiggins, a 32-year veteran, took over the program this summer after former coach Cody Curtis (22-22 in four seasons) moved into administration.
Yellville-Summit at PARIS (7): Yellville-Summit enters its fourth season under coach Tommy Britt, and the Panthers are pumped. Britt spent 10 years coaching at Paris before taking over at Yellville-Summit. Senior linemen Luke Dooley (5-9, 210), Jerin Siller (6-0, 310), Matt Thomas (6-0, 251) and Aaron Cornett (6-2, 273) provide leadership. Paris also features a strong group of linemen, including All-4-3A guard Dante Stanford (5-10, 215) and senior tackle Casey Rice (6-2, 345). Can Yellville-Summit stop Paris all-state senior TB Nate Davidson? Davidson rushed for 1,452 yards and 18 TDs in 2015.

2-3A
CAC (24) vs. Mayflower (Tue.): 2-4A coaches expect CAC to repeat as league champs this fall. Mayflower debuts with a new QB under third-year coach Todd Langrell.
CEDAR RIDGE (6) at Brookland: Cedar Ridge won seven games a year ago, including a 32-12 triumph over Brookland. Senior WB Jordan Bumpous, a two-time All-3-3A selection, beefed up to 175 pounds this off-season after rushing for 764 yards and eight TDs. Coach Danny Brustrom's Timberwolves feature five more 'backs, including junior FB Kyler Northcutt (813 yards and six TDs), and every starter on the offensive line bench presses close to 300 pounds. Senior newcomer Megal Jones (6-2, 250) has emerged at defensive end.
HARDING ACADEMY (7) at Highland: Defending state champion Harding Academy meets a competitive Class 4A Highland squad that won six games in 2015. Harding first-year coach Neil Evans praised his defensive line in preseason camp. Senior NG Carter Sipe (6-4, 220) recorded 20 tackles (seven for loss) a year ago. Highland sophomore Tristan Hudson will start at QB. Senior defensive backs Chantz Thatch and Preston Gurley and senior LB Seth McCarty (81 tackles in 2015) lead on defense.
Bald Knob at DES ARC (2): Injuries bit Bald Knob in last year's 26-16 loss to Des Arc. Dynamic slot receiver DeShawn Gulledge, one of seven seniors for Bald Knob, scored 21 TDs in eight games last fall.
BARTON (36) at Marvell: Barton's blue-collar Bears adapted well this summer to first-year defensive coordinator J.C. Comet's Multiple 50 scheme. Marvell's Chester Smith became the school's sixth coach in eight years this summer.
EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE (6) at Conway Christian: Episcopal Collegiate has defeated Conway Christian the past three seasons. Episcopal will dress 15 players, including senior guard/defensive end Jackson Owens, talented junior tight end/linebacker R.J. Rice and junior QB Phillip Bryant. Owens, a two-time all-conference performer in the 5-3A, recorded 34 tackles and five sacks last year.
QUITMAN (7) at Rose Bud: These teams have split the past two meetings. Quitman first-year coach Brian Narretto inherits a veteran squad, featuring senior dual-threat QB Trey McGhee (2,106 total yards and 26 TDs in 2015). Rose Bud returned to the Spread this spring under first-year coach Michael Perez, who volunteered in 2006 when the program started under John Flaherty.
Potts Camp, Miss. at MARIANNA (6): Mississippi Class 2A Potts Camp went 1-10 a year ago. Marianna first-year coach Darrin Kidd succeeded former coach Clyde Noel (69-133-4) this summer.

3-3A
Osceola at BLYTHEVILLE (25): Blytheville has torched Osceola by a combined score of 91-12 the past two seasons. Osceola will dress close to 40 players, including all-league junior RB Derrell Brown and senior newcomer Darion Gilmore (6-4, 177).
RIVERCREST (3) at Paragould: Rivercrest's offensive line took a hit this spring when a starter was ruled academically ineligible and junior Cole Johnson broke his foot. Johnson was battling for the starting role at center.
Newport at GOSNELL (4): League newcomer Newport ready for a fresh start after a 2-8 finish last fall. Junior LB Oshae Pruitt (74 tackles in 2015) leads the Greyhounds. Gosnell hired Brandon Barbaree in June after former coach Gary Moody left for an assistant coaching position at Southside Batesville.
Jonesboro Westside at MANILA (6): Manila's marvelous 2015 season began with a 34-20 win at Westside.
TRUMANN (7) at Hoxie: Trumann enjoyed its best season last fall in five years, beginning with a 28-21 win over Hoxie. Hoxie coach Tom Sears pleased with preseason camp.  Stout senior H-back Colton Robins, junior RB Diamani Davis (1,399 yards and 16 TDs in 2015), junior H-back Caleb Littlejohn (5-11, 220) and senior center Nick Parker (6-0, 245) make the Mustangs go.
MELBOURNE (12) at Corning: Melbourne beat Corning the past two seasons, competing in the 3-3A. The Bearkat roster isn't deep but features 14 seniors, including RB/LB Kyle Minyard (778 yards, six TDs and 43.5 tackles in 2015). Corning, picked by 3-3A coaches to finish last this fall, has lost 13 of its past 14 games. Talented senior Cope Robinson, an All-3-3A receiver two years ago, debuts at QB after missing eight games in 2015 with a torn meniscus and dislocated patella. Senior NG Jacob Ward, who did not play last year while recovering from back surgery, has been unstoppable in preseason camp.
PIGGOTT (8) at Hazen: Piggott coach Michael Harrell praised his offensive line during preseason camp. All-league junior tackle Nate Mallard (6-3, 245) paces the Mohawks.
Poyen at WALNUT RIDGE (12): Walnut Ridge joins Class 3A with 24 players, including senior FB Luke Harper (1,439 total yards and 11 TDs in 2015).

4-3A
Dardanelle at CHARLESTON (3) (Tue.): 4-4A favorite Dardanelle promoted Phil Vega from defensive coordinator to head coach in June. The Sand Lizards held opponents to 10 ppg a year ago. Charleston returns nine starters on offense, including all-league senior QB Jackson Rowland (2,096 yards and 17 TDs in 2015).
Two Rivers at DANVILLE (35) (Tue.): Two Rivers welcomed back Coach Josh Harrison this spring. Three years ago, Harrison's Gators won seven games, including a playoff victory. Senior QB Anthony Dominguez will target several receivers, including seniors Cody Davenport and Dawson Heflin and juniors Lance Johnson and Austin Lacy. Class 2A Danville won the 4-3A a year ago, defeating Two Rivers 42-7.
LAMAR (30) at Clarksville: Lamar clobbered Clarksville 42-12 in last year's Battle of Highway 64. Senior QB Hunter Davenport passed for 155 yards and three TDs. The 275-pound Davenport also plays linebacker. Look for senior receiver/cornerback Zedrick Lee (5-9, 150) to make plays for the Warriors.
DOVER (10) at Atkins: Dover has defeated Atkins by an average of 41 points the past two seasons. Atkins senior RB Jessie Jones (6-0, 180) rushed for 889 yards and five TDs in 2015.
Waldron at MANSFIELD (1): Mansfield has won 10 in a row over Waldron, including a 36-14 victory last year. Former Mena defensive coordinator Craig Bentley took over as Mansfield's coach on July 11, inheriting a deep and talented group of linemen. Keep your eyes on senior TB/LB Joseff Buccella, senior receiver/LB Spencer Davis and senior Jason McAlester, who recently emerged at receiver.
Yellville-Summit at PARIS (7): Yellville-Summit enters its fourth season under coach Tommy Britt, and the Panthers are pumped. Britt spent 10 years coaching at Paris before taking over at Yellville-Summit. Senior linemen Luke Dooley (5-9, 210), Jerin Siller (6-0, 310), Matt Thomas (6-0, 251) and Aaron Cornett (6-2, 273) provide leadership. Paris also features a strong group of linemen, including All-4-3A guard Dante Stanford (5-10, 215) and senior tackle Casey Rice (6-2, 345). Can Yellville-Summit stop Paris all-state senior TB Nate Davidson? Davidson rushed for 1,452 yards and 18 TDs in 2015.
Cedarville at MOUNTAINBURG (8): Cedarville coach Max Washausen praised his offensive line this summer. The Pirates return four starters up front, including seniors Steven Heckard (6-2, 238) and Kyle Davis (6-0, 220). Mountainburg returns starters at 15 positions off last year's team, which beat Cedarville 34-19.
PERRYVILLE (9) at Bigelow: These Perry County rivals have split the past four meetings. Perryville returns eight starters on both sides, including senior linemen Jesse Nelson and Michael Woodward.

5-3A
CENTERPOINT (6) vs. Mount Ida (Mon.): Read Hootens.com Game of the Week above.
For more on this matchup watch: http://www.hootens.com/videos/8-state-title-contender-meet-in-first-games-of-2016/2783.html
For more on Centerpoint click here: http://katv.com/sports/high-school/31-teams-in-31-days-centerpoint-knights
For more on Mount Ida click here: http://katv.com/sports/high-school/31-teams-in-31-days-mount-ida-lions
Bauxite at H. GROVE HASKELL (8) (Thurs.): It's been named the Saline River Rivalry Showdown. Bauxite first-year coach Daryl Patton (hired May 26) inherits a strong sophomore class, featuring QB Cameron Landry. The Paul Calley era at Harmony Grove began in January. The Cardinals have 22 seniors, including all-league performers Blake Gwatney (64 tackles in 2015 at linebacker), Dillon Hager (43 tackles at safety) and Joe Small (41 stops at tackle). Junior newcomer Hunter Hilson quarterbacked Benton's 6-2 junior varsity last season.
MALVERN (1) at Glen Rose: Malvern has defeated Glen Rose the past four seasons. Glen Rose still unsettled at running back but will be tough up front. Sophomore RB Jay'shawn Cox (4.7 speed) moved this summer from Bearden.
Prescott at STAR CITY (2): Expect to see a heavy dose of Prescott senior RB Carlos Vanhook, who rushed for 1,507 yards and 26 TDs last fall. Junior defensive tackle Laroderick Walker (5-10, 235) turned heads in preseason camp.
SPRING HILL (17) at Bismarck: Spring Hill first-year coach Matt McBride inherits a veteran squad, featuring senior linemen Josh Winfield, Dustyn Watson, Kyle Reardon and Brady Gentry. Gentry's uncle, Bobby, joined the staff this summer as an assistant coach. Bobby Gentry was an all-league kicker on Arkansas State's National College Division Champion team in 1970. Bismarck enters 2016 with 22 players, including senior RB Zaine Umer, senior center Tanner Corley and sophomore QB Dylan Clayton.
GURDON (21) at Lafayette County: Gurdon has defeated Lafayette County the past six seasons. The Go-Devils join Class 3A with little depth but have enough talent to compete.
DIERKS (6) at Horatio: Dierks hired Vince Perrin in June after former coach David Bennett left for Horatio. Horatio's roster down to 19 players.
Mountain Pine at JESSIEVILLE (35): Mountain Pine first-year coach Sam Counce installed the Wing T this summer. Look for Jessieville to spread the ball around under first-year coach T.J. Burk.

6-3A
Baptist Prep vs. MCGEHEE (6) (Mon.): Baptist Prep returns starters at 14 positions after reaching the Class 4A playoffs last fall. The less experienced McGehee Owls will rely on their linemen to wear down the Eagles.
SMACKOVER (8) at C. Harmony Grove: Smackover has defeated Harmony Grove the past four seasons. All-league senior QB Beau Burson (1,247 yards and 19 TDs in 2015), all-league senior RB Michael Edwards (655 yards, five TDs) and all-state senior guard Reave Mullens (6-5, 248) return for the Buckaroos.
HAMPTON (29) at Drew Central: Hampton all-state senior RB Monta' Thomas (1,049 yards and 17 TDs in 2015) and All-8-2A senior RB Kevin Childs moved this summer from Hermitage. Drew Central hired former Camden Fairview defensive coordinator Rob Cox as head coach in June.
Fordyce at RISON (2): Fordyce has defeated Rison four of the past five seasons, including a 35-32 victory last fall. Junior QB Ketric Sledge, last year's backup, looked good in preseason camp. Senior two-way tackle Tyler Dawn (6-3, 295) and junior tight end/defensive end Billy Ferrell (6-4, 295) are hard to handle.
Mineral Springs at FOUKE (16): Fouke has defeated Mineral Springs by an average of 15 points the past three seasons. All-state junior RB Jarrett Easley (1,361 yards and 18 TDs in 2015), senior QB Landon Gonzales, senior FB Adam Roberts and junior RB Charley Baker fuel the Panthers.
FOREMAN (2) at Genoa Central: Foreman hired Mark King in April as its fourth head coach in five years. The Gators are 5-1 against Genoa Central.
JUNCTION CITY (15) at Bearden: Junction City has won seven in a row over Bearden. Senior TB C.J. Johnson paced the Dragons last fall with 1,271 yards and 10 TDs.
Lake Village at HAMBURG JV (2): Lake Village was scheduled to play Hermitage, which has dropped varsity football this season. The Beavers will dress more than 30 players for first-year coach Chris Norton. Sophomore QB Aarion Kilgore (5-11, 195) won the starting role this summer. Senior LB Sayvonne Pitts (6-0, 215), last year's QB, leads the defense. Lake Village has lost 16 consecutive games.