Hootens.com Class 4A Rankings

Week 0, 2024

1. Warren

2. Arkadelphia

3. Bauxite

4. Elkins

5. Ozark

6. Mills

7. DeWitt

8. Prairie Grove

9. Highland

10. Southside

11. Dardanelle

12. Nashville

13. Gravette

14. Forrest City

15. Malvern

16. Stuttgart

17. Clinton

18. Ashdown

19. Gosnell

20. Pottsville

Not Ranked:

1-4A: Berryville, Gentry, Green Forest, Huntsville, Lincoln.

2-4A: Bald Knob, CAC, Hall Steam, Heber Springs, Lonoke, Riverview.

3-4A: Blytheville, Cave City, Jonesboro Westside, Pocahontas, Trumann.

4-4A: Dover, Lamar, Mena, Waldron.

7-4A: Fountain Lake, Genoa Central, HG Haskell.

8-4A: Crossett, Hamburg, Helena, Monticello, Star City.

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 1 Warren at Class 5A No. 4 GREENBRIER

These teams meet for the first time, despite playing in the same classification at various times in the 1980's and 1990's. Warren enters this fall as the top-ranked team in Class 4A after wining 13 games a year ago. Sophomore QB Jackson Denton passed for 3,219 yards and 46 touchdowns last season. The Lumberjack group of senior receivers could be the best in the state, led by University of Arkansas commit Antonio Jordan (59-1,093-16), along with Neon'dre Thomas (39-849-14), Kam Davis (35-756-9) and Tramond Miller (37-452-9). The Lumberjacks scrimmaged former 8-4A member McGehee last week. “We played okay,” Coach Bo Hembree says. “Nobody really stood out.”

Greenbrier beat Batesville 28-3 in the first half of last week's scrimmage. Junior Enoch Assan ran for 100 yards in the scrimmage game, while QB Jack Palmer threw 3 TD passes and the offensive line played well, Coach Randy Tribble says. Greenbrier's defense was paced by linebackers Eric Huett and Parker Roberts.

LAST YEAR

Hootens.com correctly predicted 260 of 308 games (84 percent).

WEEK 0 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS followed by point spread)

1-4A

No. 4 ELKINS vs. Miami (Okla.): This game will be played Saturday. Miami went 6-5 a year ago, but return top QB Sam Lillard (1,600 yards, 15 TDs) and receiver Logan Sumagpang (31-703-7). Elkins won 13 games last year and build around defensive returnees Brooks Williams (84 tackles) and DE Owen Baublits (47 tackles, 6 sacks).

No. 13 Gravette at Class 5A PEA RIDGE: Pea Ridge has beaten Gravette by a combined 31 points the past 2 seasons. Gravette's versatile senior, Gabe Holmes, settles at RB this fall. He played QB, RB and WR last year (passed for 1,014 yards, 14 TDs; ran for 1,124 yards and 19 TDs; caught 9 passes, 257 yards and 3 TDs). Pea Ridge won 5 games last season. Senior tackle Peyton Kitterman enjoyed a good summer.

LINCOLN at Class 3A Greenland: Greenland has won 10 of the past 13 in the series against its former conference foe, but Lincoln beat Greenland by 35 points last season. Former Lincoln assistant Jacob Jarvis promotes to head coach. Senior Kale Jones (2,117 yards, 31 TDs in 2023) shifts from running back to QB.

GENTRY at Stilwell, Okla.: Former Gentry offensive coordinator Tyler Clark takes over as head coach. Senior LB Bennett Roberts (67 tackles, 3 sacks) lead the defense. Stilwell went 2-8 last season, losing the final 8 games.

GREEN FOREST at Hollister, Mo.: Hollister went winless last season, while Green Forest won 4 games (most since going 10-3 in 2013). Tiger senior fullback Ridge Gordon-Swofford tallied 1,245 yards and 16 TDs last season.

Huntsville at LAMAR: Lamar has won 4 straight over Huntsville, including 35-0 last season and 35-12 in 2022. Lamar's scheme revolves around QB Caleb Green (1,368 yards, 23 TDs). Huntsville went winless last year for the first time since in the modern playoff era (began in 1969).

Berryville is open.

Prairie Grove is open.

2-4A

Central Arkansas Christian at No. 7 DEWITT: J.D. Plumlee debuts as CAC's coach with a roster depleted by transfers after the Mustangs won 9 games a share of the 4-4A title last season. DeWitt's 10 wins last season was its most since 1980. The Dragons bank on an experienced defense this fall with senior LB Justin Ross (108 tackles, 4 interceptions in 2023) and senior safety J.J. Daniels (80 tackles, 2 interceptions).

No. 6 MILLS at Blytheville: Mills beat Blytheville by 20 points in last year's opener. Mills' Chauncey Haynes will play multiple spots on both sides of the ball. He made 57 tackles, 2 interceptions last year at cornerback/safety, he'll work at QB, RB and WR on offense. Blytheville impressed in its scrimmage win over West Memphis. Senior QB Jonatavious Johnson had 1,555 yards and 16 TDs last year.

No. 20 POTTSVILLE at Heber Springs: Pottsville beat Heber Springs by a combined 92-42 in the only 2 previous meetings (non conference games in 2012 and 2013). Pottsville senior QB Miller Mahan tallied 1,862 yards and 29 TDs a year ago. Caleb Carmikle takes over as Heber Springs' fourth coach in the past 6 years. Carmikle coached at Magnet Cove and Rison the past 7 years.

No. 16 STUTTGART at Lonoke: Stuttgart has won 10 of the past 18 over its former conference rival, including 45-34 a year ago. The Ricebird starters led White Hall 22-14 after the first half in last week's scrimmage game. Stuttgart threw the ball well but must improve its running attack, Coach Josh Price says. Lonoke trailed Des Arc 20-7 in the first of last week's scrimmage.

No. 14 Forrest City at No. 10 SOUTHSIDE: These teams were members of the 5A East the past 2 years, with Southside winning both games (36-0 in 2022, 59-26 in 2023). Southside trailed Nettleton 16-14 after 3 quarters of its scrimmage game last week. Southside must find a few pieces on defense, Coach Kenny Simpson says. Forrest City rallied to beat Bauxite in its scrimmage game. Sophomore QB Kendrick Patterson (6-4, 190) played well in the summer.

Hall Steam at No. 11 DARDANELLE: Dardanelle has beaten Hall Steam in the past 2 season openers by a combined 81-14. Dardanelle junior QB Creed Vega accounted for 2,497 yards and 31 TDs last season. Hall builds around a solid offensive line.

Bald Knob is open.

Riverview is open.

3-4A

No. 14 Forrest City at No. 10 SOUTHSIDE: See comment in 2-4A.

No. 6 MILLS at Blytheville: See comment in 2-4A.

Class 5A NETTLETON at Trumann: These teams haven't played since Nettleton's 47-0 victory Week 2, 2013. Nettleton has won 3 straight in the series, including 47-0 in Week 2, 2013 (last time these teams played). Nettleton scrimmaged Southside last week. Trumann's last win over Nettleton was 17-6 in 2010, and the Wildcats last win over a Class 5A opponent was 42-8 vs. Paragould in 2021.

Jonesboro Westside at Class 5A BROOKLAND: Jonesboro Westside has won 9 of 12 in the series, but Brookland notched a 39-0 victory in last year's opener. Brookland relies on senior 3-year starting QB Hayden Elder (1,169 yards in 2023). Senior WR/FS Caden Chambers played well in the summer and was voted as team captain. Senior RB Calvin Spearman moved from Greene County Tech in the winter and “is a great pick-up for us,” Brookland coach Mark Hindsley says. “He runs the ball hard.”

HIGHLAND at Class 3A Piggott: Highland expects to contend for the 3-4A title this fall with starters back at 19 positions, including senior RB Keagan Statler (1,776 yards, 22 TDs last year) and senior QB Zac Huckabee (1,514 yards, 17 TDs). Piggott has gone winless the past 2 years.

POCAHONTAS at Class 3A Salem: Salem returns 8 starters on defense after winning 11 games and a conference title last season. Pocahontas beat Rivercrest 21-20 in a scrimmage game. The offensive line, RB D.J. Coffey (3 TDs), sophomore RB Xayver Ballard and junior WR/DB/K Brendyn Arnold played well.

GOSNELL at Class 5A Greene Co. Tech: Gosnell led Paragould 18-0 at halftime of last week's scrimmage. Gosnell junior WR Jai Jacobs (5-105-2) and RB Marcus Arnold (13-145-1) played well, along with LB Vanterrues Lucas (9 tackles, 1 forced fumble). Greene County Tech should rely on its passing game this fall. Junior Tucker Beasley passed for 889 yards and 12 TD last year in junior varsity games.

CAVE CITY at Class 3A Mountain View: Cave City scrimmaged talented Marked Tree last week. Senior OT Gage Huff, DE Christopher Robinson and ILB John Lewallen played well for the Cavemen. Mountain View returns to 11-man football after going 19-0 the past 2 years in 8-man club division.

4-4A
No. 20 POTTSVILLE at Heber Springs: See comment in 2-4A.

Huntsville at LAMAR: See comment in 1-4A.

Hall Steam at No. 11 DARDANELLE: See comment in 2-4A.

MENA at Class 5A De Queen: Mena has won 12 of the past 23 in the series, including last year 39-7. Mena beat Mansfield in last week's scrimmage. Mena relies on senior RB Brody Peters (859 yards, 11 TDs last year), and a strong offensive line this fall. De Queen has lost 26 consecutive games.

Class 5A Clarksville at No. 5 OZARK: Ozark has won 16 of the past 23 in the series, including the past 4 by a combined 70 points. Ozark senior QB Kolby Wilbanks ran for 1,917 yards and 27 TDs last year and passed for 1,232 yards and 27 TDs Wilbanks stood out in Ozark's scrimmage vs. Harrison. Mitchell Powers takes over for Khris Buckner as head coach after the Panthers failed to win a game the past 2 years. They've won 15 games in the past 8 years.

No. 17 CLINTON at H.G. Haskell: Clinton returns 9 offensive starters, and the Yellow Jacket offensive line and RBs Brayson Littell and RB Rylan Jones played well in last week's scrimmage vs. Riverview. Josh Smith promotes to head coach at H.G. Haskell. He installed the Dead T offense in the off season. Haskell returns starters at only 3 spots this fall.

Class 3A PARIS at Waldron: Paris has won 10 of the past 15 in the series. Doug Milholen takes over as Waldron's fourth coach in the past 6 years. The Bulldogs went winless last fall, with its closest game a 16-point setback at Paris.

Class 3A LAVACA at Dover: Dover has won 4 games over the past 2 seasons. Nick Stovall promotes from offensive coordinator to head coach at Lavaca. The Golden Arrows lost their final 4 games last season, all to teams that won at least 1 playoff game.

7-4A

No. 17 CLINTON at H.G. Haskell: See comment in 4-4A.

No. 2 Arkadelphia at Class 5A CAMDEN FAIRVIEW: Camden Fairview has beaten Arkadelphia 6 of the past 8 meetings. Camden Fairview has advanced to the semifinals the past 2 seasons. Senior QB Juney Atkins (3,058 yards, 26 TDs) and RB Trent Haygood (1,971 yards and 17 TDs) spark an offense that averaged 29 ppg last fall. Arkadelphia boasts one of the state's better defensive fronts with senior tackle Nykkisson Wimberly (56 tackles) and junior end Skyler McClure (74 tackles). Arkadelphia has won consecutive conference titles.

Class 3A Glen Rose at No. 3 BAUXITE: Bauxite led Forrest City after three quarters in last week's scrimmage. Sophomore QB Elijah Perry and RB/QB/S Marcus Wimberly played well in the summer. Glen Rose won 11 games last year but only 5 starters return.

Class 5A Jacksonville at No. 15 MALVERN: Jacksonville drops from 6A in the 5A Central after winning 5 games over the past 6 years. John Fogleman returns for his second stint as Malvern's coach (43-27 record from 2007-2013). Malvern struggled to slow Sheridan's starters in last week's scrimmage, but the Leopards scored 3 TDs in the first half.

Class 5A Magnolia at No. 12 NASHVILLE: Both teams have new coaches. Adam Kirby takes over for Mark King (31-22 record in 5 years) at Magnolia. Panther senior RB Jameion “J2” Young ran for 438 yards last fall. Shawn Jackson succeeds Mike Volarvich (86-27 record, 1 state championship in 9 seasons) in Nashville. The Scrappers build around junior DT M.J. Johnson (41 tackles, 6 sacks) and junior DE Zaccheus Harris (62 tackles, 23 sacks).

Genoa Central at Class 2A SPRING HILL: Both teams return to 11-man football after playing 8-man. Spring Hill beat Genoa Central 14-12 last season in an 8-man contest.

Ashdown is open.

Fountain Lake is open.

8-4A
No. 16 STUTTGART at Lonoke: See comment in 2-4A.

Central Arkansas Christian at No. 7 DEWITT: See comment in 2-4A.

No. 1 Warren at Class 5A GREENBRIER: Hootens.com Game of the Week.

MONTICELLO at Class 3A Fordyce: Monticello has won 11 of the past 21 in this competitive series, but Fordyce notched a 35-12 victory last season. Fordyce expects to start freshman Andrell Ellison at QB. Monticello returns 7 starters from a defense that gave up 2 TDs or less in 4 games last year. Monticello “beat” Rison 7-2 in last week's one-half scrimmage. Senior LB Blaine Hayden led the Billies in tackles, along with DL AJ Robins.

Class 3A PRESCOTT at Crossett: Jason Grissom takes over as Crossett's third coach in four years. The Eagles rely on a strong offensive line this fall. Prescott coach Brian Glass has won 59 games over the past 5 years. Curley Wolf senior WR D'Wayne White had 960 yards and 11 TDs last year.

Helena at Class 5A WATSON CHAPEL: These teams were members of the former AAA-Southeast and later AAA-Southeast from 1996-2001. Steven Heard takes over as Watson Chapel coach. Watson Chapel has 1 win over the past 3 years, while Helena has 1 win over the past 4 years.

Hamburg is open.

Star City is open.