CLASS 3A, WEEK 0, 2024
 HOOTENS.COM RANKINGS

1. Prescott 

   
2. Booneville 

   
3. Rivercrest 

   
4. Mansfield 

   
5. Walnut Ridge 

   
6. Charleston 

   
7. McGehee 

   
8. Newport 

   
9. Osceola 

   
10. Salem 

    
11. Bismarck 

    
12. Fordyce 

    
13. Glen Rose 

    
14. Harmony Grove Ouachita County 

    
15. Dumas 

    
16. Perryville 

    
17. Hoxie 

    
18. Melbourne 

    
19. Centerpoint 

    
20. Jessieville 

    

Not Ranked:

1-3A: Cedarville, Greenland, Hackett, Lavaca, West Fork.

2-3A: Atkins, Episcopal, Mountain View, Quitman, Yellville-Summit.

3-3A: Harrisburg, Manila, Piggott

4-3A: Cutter Morning Star, Danville, Magnet Cove, Paris, Two Rivers

7-3A: Fouke, Horatio, Parkers Chapel, Smackover

8-3A: Barton, Drew Central, Lake Village, Palestine-Wheatley, Rison

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 4 MANSFIELD at No. 11 Bismarck

The last time Mansfield and Bismarck faced off was over a decade ago in the first round of the 2010 playoffs. Mansfield won 35-13. This season, both teams are top contenders in their respective conferences and in the 3A classification. Mansfield comes off an 11-3 record and a semifinal appearance under first year head coach and 2023 Farm Bureau Insurance Class 3A Coach of the Year Whit Overton. In its playoff run, the Tigers eliminated 2023 3-3A conference champion Hoxie 14-13 and 2-3A conference champion Salem 26-22. Both were road wins. Hoxie and Salem were undefeated prior to those matchups. This season, the Tigers return almost every key player including all-state quarterback Jeremy Strozier (34-of-78 passing, 425 yards, 3 TDs) and all-state running back and receiver Daniel Burton (131 rushes, 1,603 yards, 19 TDs; 12 catches, 190 yards, 2 TDs). Daniel’s brother, Andrew Burton (75 rushes, 426 yards, 6 TDs) gives the Tigers an additional weapon at fullback. Seniors Trayshon Powell, Samuel Burton and Leland Powell provide additional looks on offense. Junior all-conference players Zander Walters and Ethan Martin help bolster the line. Bismarck also comes off a solid 2023 season with a 10-3 record and making the quarterfinals. The Lions eliminated Hackett 42-13 at home, then pulled off a 35-27 upset on the road at 2022 defending class 3A state champion Charleston in the second round. Bismarck returns much of its players from last season including all-state quarterback Ben Keithley (135-of-236 passing, 1,956 yards, 23 TDs; 940 rushing yards, 15 TDs). Senior Johnny Diaz (55 rushes, 324 yards, 4 TDs) and junior Caedmon Keithley (21 catches, 412 yards, 5 TDs), brother of Ben Keithley, add to the depth of the offense. Senior all-state lineman Lucas Chapman leads up front.

LAST YEAR

Hootens.com correctly predicted 238 of 284 games (84 percent).

WEEK 0 PREDICTIONS (Favored team highlighted and CAPS)

1-3A

POTEAU, OKLA. at No. 2 Booneville: Booneville won the class 3A state championship last year and returns 8 starters on defense. Though the Bearcats lost a few of its offensive weapons, they bring back QB Jace Washburn (662 yards passing, 7 TDs; 465 yards rushing, 6 TDs) and slide junior Conner Lentz (510 yards rushing, 8 TDs) to the primary ball carrier at fullback. Poteau, Okla. went 12-1 last season scoring 24 points or more in 11 of its 12 games. The Pirates advanced as far as the 3rd round of last years state playoffs. 

No. 4 MANSFIELD at No. 11 Bismarck - See Hootens.com Game of the Week.

LAVACA at class 4A Dover (Thurs.) -Dover beat Lavaca in the last matchup 43-6 in 2017, but Dover has only won 4 games the past 2 seasons. Lavaca is under new leadership as Nick Stovall takes over as head coach for Mark Headley. The Golden Arrows return senior quarterback Cutler Winters (99-of-149 passing, 1,495 yards passing, 20 TDs) on offense. 

Danville at HACKETT - Coach DJ Crane returns ast the head coach of the Little Johns taking over for Kody Hamlin after winning 4 games the last 3 seasons. Hackett made the state playoffs last season and finished with a 6-5 record. Danville won the last matchup 28-6 in 2017. 

Class 4A LINCOLN at Greenland - Greenland has won 10 of the past 13 in the series, but Lincoln won by 35 points last season. 

CEDARVILLE at class 2A Magazine - Cedarville beat Magazine 23-8 in the last matchup in 2005. Cedarville went 1-9 under first year head coach Spencer Adams last season, but return key offensive seniors in quarterback Chasyn Oden and fullback Matthew House. Magazine also won just one game a year ago. The Rattlers return senior runningback Kolton McCubbin (500 yards rushing).  

Charleston is open.

West Fork is open.

2-3A

Class 4A POCAHONTAS at No. 10 Salem - Pocahontas beat Rivercrest 21-20 in its pre-season scrimmage with a strong showing from its offensive line and 3 TDs from running back D.J. Coffey. Salem finished last season with an 11-1 record making it to the second round of the playoffs. The Greyhounds lose a key offensive player in Elijah Romaine who posted a career 5,000 yards rushing. Junior running back Kaden Brink is still a reliable option for the Greyhounds as the starter after rushing for over 1,200 yards last season. Kaiden Hollis (201 yards receiving) also returns.  

MAYFLOWER at Jessieville - Mayflower moves down from 4A after an 8-4 season last year. Senior left tackle Hugh Teas returns up front and has offers from multiple D2 schools. Jessieville finished with a 7-5 record last year, including a first round playoff win over Rison. The Lions return senior quarterback Dalton Ellison this season.  Jessieville beat Mayflower 38-16 in the last matchup in 2019. 

Melbourne at No. 17 HOXIE - This will be the second time these teams play each other in their last 3 games as their last game against each other was in the first round of the playoffs where Hoxie won 41-6. Hoxie won the regular season matchup as well in Melbourne 42-13. Melbourne won 3 games last season under first year head coach Clayton McWilliams. The Bearkatz return 8 players on both offense and defense. Hoxie loses some punch on both sides of the ball, but still have reliability on offense with senior Prechton Wilkerson (308 rushing yards, 3 TDs; 461 receiving yards, 7 TDs) splitting time between receiver and running back. Senior Stanley Boggs bolsters the Mustangs line up front. 

Atkins at No. 16 PERRYVILLE - Perryville won last years matchup 22-16 and has won three straight over the Red Devils. Austin Dobbs takes over as head coach at Atkins for Matt Porter. The Red Devils return Junior Cole Crawford (1,230 passing yards, 14 TDs) at quarterback and senior Jaden Martin (579 yards rushing, 4 TDs) at fullback. Perryville went 8-4 last year and return elite two-way performer Connor Frith (1,315 yards passing, 9 TDs; 12 interceptions on defense). On defense, Frith led the state and  finished 5th in the nation in total interceptions. Running back Jonathan Pritchard and senior receiver Wyatt Drennan also return.  


Mountain View at class 4A CAVE CITY - Mountain View moves up to 11-man football after winning the unsanctioned 8-man state championship last year. Seniors Drew Isbell and Rush Sullivan return on offense for the Yellowjackets. Cave City scrimmaged Mark Tree in the pre-season and senior offense tackle Gage Huff played well. 

YELLVILLE-SUMMIT at class 2A Izard County - Chaseton McCarthy takes over as head coach at Yellville-Summit for Justin Crain who won just 3 games last season. Junior quarterback Noah Cantrell, junior running back Eli Gerth (340 yards rushing, 4 TDs) and senior receivers Kyloh Koksma and Caleb Hartle return on offense for the Panthers. Izard County moves up to 11-man football as Chase Brody takes over as head coach for Jared Johnson. Senior Cash Arnheart returns at quarterback for the Cougars.

SMACKOVER at Episcopal - Don Harrison takes over as head coach replacing David Osborn at Smackover. The Buckaroos will switch to a spread offense under Harrison this season with senior quarterback Thomas Smith leading the way alongside junior all-conference running back Joseph Brown. Cody Fortner replaces Tyrell Johnson as head coach at Episcopal as the Wildcats move up to class 3A. The wildcats won 1 game last season after winning 7 in 2022. 

Quitman is open.

3-3A

No. 5 WALNUT RIDGE at Class 2A EPC - Walnut Ridge comes off an 8-4 season and returns a strong group of 7 offensive and 9 defensive players from last years roster. Quarterback Jersie Cunningham (889 rushing yards, 12 TDs), all-state running back Enrique Perez (1,694 rushing yards, 16 TDs) and all-state lineman Collin Andrews highlight the strong group of offensive retuners. All-conference middle linebacker Gunner Theilemier (113 tackles) returns on defense. EPC was the 2A state runner-up last season with a 12-2 record on the season. The Warriors lose Dennis Gaines on offense and Cooper Argo at quarterback, but still return some players from last years roster. 

No. 8 NEWPORT at class 2A Marked Tree - Newport moves over to the 3-3A and return a strong group of 10 players on both offense and defense from last years 6-6 team. The big addition for the Greyhounds comes in the form of senior elite running back Kiandrea Baker who made a name for himself his sophomore year as an all-state player in Texas. Add the experience of returners Aamonii Wren (1,500 yards receiving) Tonio Phillips and senior lineman Tyler Ridley for a strong Greyhound roster. Marked Tree went 10-3 last season and made the semifinals last season. The Indians return 7 players on both sides of the ball and look to compete for a state title in class 2A this season.

Melbourne at No. 17 HOXIE: see 2-3A note.

Manila at Class 5A PARAGOULD - Manila won 3 games last season under first year head coach Ben Fisher. The Lions return 8 players on offense and 7 on defense including junior quarterback Isaac Moore (1,100 yards passing) to lead the offense. Randy Phillips enters his second season at Paragould as head coach. The Rams won 2 games last year, its most since 2017.

Harrisburg at Class 2A CROSS COUNTY - Harrisburg moves down to 3A after a winless 2023 season under first year head coach Austin Jarrett. Senior Evan Henley returns at receiver for the Hornets. Van Paschal takes over for Cody Goulart as the head coach at Cross County. The Thunderbirds won 5 games last season.

Class 4A HIGHLAND at Piggott - Highland returns starters at 19 positions including running back Keagan Statler and quarterback Zac Huckabee who played well last season. Expect Highland to compete for a conference title this season. Piggott has won 1 game in the past 3 seasons and change direction this season as Clinton Haley replaces Don Simmons as head coach of the Mohawks. 

Rivercrest is open.

Osceola is open.

4-3A

No. 13 Glen Rose at Class 4A BAUXITE - Glen Rose made the semifinals last season under first year head coach Steven Kehner. The Beavers return only 3 players on offense and 2 players on defense from last years roster, but still posses skilled players with experienced coaching to stay atop the 4-3A pre season standings. Bauxite lands No. 3 in the preseason rankings for class 4A. The Miners scrimmaged Forest City in the pre-season. 

Atkins at No. 16 PERRYVILLE - see 2-3A note.

MAYFLOWER at Jessieville - See 2-3A note. 

PARIS at class 4A Waldron - In last years matchup, Paris won 32-14 over Waldron. Paris won 4 games last season, up from its 1 win in 2022. The Eagles return 8 started on offense and 9 on defense from last years roster. Waldron sees its third coach in three seasons and was winless last season. 

Class 2A Gurdon at MAGNET COVE - Magnet Cove won the last matchup 16-13 in 2021. Gurdon moves down to 2A after winning 3 games last season, its worst record since 2016. The Go Devils bring back experience as 9 starters return on offense and 8 on defense including senior quarterback Rhett Ledbetter. Magnet Cove won 6 games last year and made the playoffs. The Panthers return senior quarterback Wilson Ballentine and senior running back Carter Tugwell (854 yards rushing, 7.0 yards per carry). 

Danville at HACKETT - See 1-3A note.

Two Rivers is open.

Cutter Morning Star is open.

7-3A

No. 1 PRESCOTT at class 4A Crossett - Prescott opens at No. 1 in class 3A after finishing as the state runner-up last season. The Curley Wolves return some strong names on both sides of the ball including senior receiver D’Wayne White (960 yards receiving, 11 TDs) on offense and Levonte Gleason (81 tackles) on defense. Prescott also has a weapon at quarterback with senior Decari Prater who already has interest from division 1 schools. Jamarion Monk transfers from Hope to bolster the roster. Jason Grissom takes over as Crossetts third coach in 4 years. The offensive line should be the strength of Crossett this season.

No. 4 MANSFIELD at No. 11 Bismarck - See Hootens.com game of the week.

Harmony Grove Ouachita County at class 2A JUNCTION CITY - In last years matchup, Harmony Grove Ouachita County won 34-28. Harmony Grove Ouachita County won 9 games, its most since 2019, and made the quarter finals last season. The Hornets lose production on offense, but return 6 strong starters on defense including all-state lineman Peyton Ross. Junction City moves down to 2A and opens as the No. 1 favorite in class 2A. The Dragons return senior quarterback Taylen Owens, junior running back Brady Penister and senior receiver Dominique Grimes (700 yards receiving, 8 TDs; 604 yards rushing, 10 TDs) for a loaded group of offensive players. Junction City also sees strong numbers on defense with 8 returners. Multiple transfers make their way to Junction City to round out a loaded roster this season.

No. 19 Centerpoint at Class 2A MURFREESBORO: Centerpoint won 5 games last season, but returns 8 starters on offense. The Knights see the return of senior all-conference quarterback Drew Diggs (1,714 yards passing, 19 TDs) and senior left tackle Tate Spray. Spray is currently grabbing attention from division 1 programs such as Oklahoma State and TCU. Murfreesboro finished with the best defense in the state of Arkansas last season holding opponents to just 8.6 points per game. Layton Wilcher returns as the starting quarterback and running back Jordan Hill (1,000 yards rushing, 14 TDs) transfers in from Dierks. 

FOUKE at class 2A Dierks - Fouke won 6 games last season, its most since 2017. The Panthers return 6 starters on offense and 7 on defense. All-conference running back Dylan Sprayberry (1,231 yards rushing, 17 TDs; 383 yards receiving, 5 TDs) and all-conference lineman Dakota Escobar highlight the group of returners. Dierks won 3 games last season, its lowest amount since 3 wins in 2018. The Outlaws lose an offensive starter as he transferred out.

SMACKOVER at Episcopal - See 2-3A note.

Class 2A Foreman at PARKERS CHAPEL - Ed Baker takes over as the new head coach at Foreman after the Gators have won 2 games in the last 3 seasons. Jonathan Hicks takes over as head coach for Josh Williford at Parkers Chapel. The Trojans won 3 games last season. 

Horatio is open. 

8-3A

Class 4A MONTICELLO at No. 12 Fordyce - Monticello has beaten Fordyce 11 of the past 21 years with Fordyce winning last years matchup. Monticello returns 7 starters on  a defense that gave up 2 touchdowns or less in 4 games. The Billies scrimmaged Rison and was 7-2 after one half of play. Fordyce won 6 games last season and advanced as far as the second round of the playoffs. The Redbugs return 7 starters on offense and 8 on defense. Senior all-state running back Brenton Sledge (1,000 yards rushing, 8 TDs) highlights the group of returners on offense, while senior middle linebacker Brenden Simmons (67 tackles, 3 sacks) highlights the defensive returners.

Class 2A CARLISLE at Drew Central - Carlisle opens at No. 2 in class 2A after a run to the semifinals under first year head coach Gary Wilson. The Bison return 6 starters on both sides of the ball and move some guys up to starting roles who still had solid experience as backups last season. Senior receivers Gavin Davis and Kaidon Clingman highlight the group of returning starters on offense. Drew Central won 2 games last season after winning 5 in 2022. The Pirates return starting quarterback Tra’Bennett Fuller and senior running back Kalani Collins (800 rushing yards, 7 TDs) this season.

PALESTINE-WHEATLEY at class 2A Clarendon (Thurs.)- Tyler Paschal takes over as the new head coach at Palestine-Wheatley. The Patriots won 3 games last season, its most since 2020 and return 6 starters on both sides of the ball highlighted by returning running back Erik Jimmerson. Clarendon won 2 games last season, its lowest since 2015 and move over to the 4-2A conference. The Lions return 11 players at starting positions from last years roster. Clarendon won the last matchup 12-6 in 2019.

West Bolivar (Miss.) at LAKE VILLAGE - West Bolivar won 2 games last season. In last years matchup, Lake Village won 28-22 on the road in Mississippi. Lake Village won 2 games last year under first year head coach Sirl Wright. Expect senior Jaymari Porter to be the go to guy at slot receiver this year for the Beavers.   

McGehee is open. 

Dumas is open.

Barton is open.

Rison is open.