Class 4A Week 1 Rankings, Notes & Picks

Class 4A Week 1 Rankings, Notes & Picks

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Hootens.com Rankings
Class 4A, Wk 1, 2021
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.

1. Shiloh Christian (1-0)
2. Stuttgart (1-0)
3. Warren (0-0)
4. Joe T. Robinson (0-1)
5. Ozark (1-0)
6. Crossett (1-0)
7. Malvern (0-0)
8. Prairie Grove (0-0)
9. Ashdown (1-0)
10. Lonoke (1-0)
11. Gosnell (0-1)
12. Nashville (0-1)
13. Arkadelphia (0-1)
14. Rivercrest (0-0)
15. Star City (1-0)
16. Mena (1-0)
17. Dardanelle (0-1)
18. Dumas (0-0)
19. Clinton (0-1)
20. Blytheville (0-1)
21. Monticello (1-0)
22. Pocahontas (1-0)
23. Elkins (1-0)
24. CAC (0-0)
25. Pottsville (1-0)
26. Jonesboro Westside (0-1)
27. Gentry (1-0)
28. Bauxite (1-0)
29. Trumann (0-0)
30. Lamar (1-0)
31. Mills (1-0)
32. Hamburg (0-1)
33. Fountain Lake (0-1)
34. Gravette (0-1)
35.  Bald Knob (0-1)
36. Waldron (0-1)
37. Huntsville (0-1)
38. Cave City (0-1)
39. De Witt (0-1)
40. Southside (0-1)
41. Heber Springs (0-0)
42. H. Grove Haskell (0-0)
43. Highland (1-0)
44. Helena (0-1)
45. Green Forest (0-0)
46. Berryville (0-1)
47. Dover (0-1)

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 3 Warren at Class 5A No. 7 White Hall
White Hall beat Warren 17-6 last fall, but this year's contest could be closer. White Hall walloped Class 6A Sheridan 41-0 last week, jumping to a 38-0 halftime advantage. Senior Zaire Green ran for a pair of TDs within the opening six minutes, helping the Bulldogs race to a 17-0 advantage in the first quarter. Green ran nine times for 116 yards, while senior Durran Cain banged in a pair of short TDs. The Bulldogs punted only once and gave up just 77 yards.
Warren opens its season after scoring on every possession in the first half last week in a scrimmage with Class 3A McGehee. Warren senior Cedric Calbert ran eight times for 198 yards and three TDs, while senior quarterback Riley Cornish completed 10 of 14 passes for 180 yards and a pair of TDs. Cornish tore his ACL in the first half last year against White Hall.

LAST WEEK
Hootens.com correctly predicted 30 of 34 games (88 percent).

WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS)
1-4A
West Fork at BERRYVILLE (6): Berryville has 13 wins the past six seasons, three of them against West Fork. First-year coach Bryan Hutson hopes several contributors return this week after missing last week's 22-point loss at Cedarville. West Fork week last week with Green Forest was postponed due to Covid issues.
Huntsville at CLINTON (1): Melbourne mauled Clinton 33-6 a week ago, and Clinton lost two linemen who won't play this week, Coach Chris Dufrene says. Lamar beat Huntsville by 18 points last week. Huntsville senior Tucker Bradley ran eight times for 83 yards and a TD, while junior Dugger Tipton racked up 12.5 tackles.
Greenland at ELKINS (10): Elkins impressed last week with a 40-0 victory over Lincoln, with the Elk D intercepting three passes. Greenland has won six of the past 11 in the series. 
Prairie Grove at FARMINGTON (2): This rivalry usually goes down to the wire. The teams have split the past four meetings, with Prairie Grove winning last fall by 12 points. Farmington sophomore QB Cameron Vanzant passed for more than 200 yards and Wildcat QB Myles Harvey ran for 100 yards in last week's 40-21 win at Class 7A Heritage. Prairie Grove scrimmaged Lamar two weeks ago. Coach Danny Abshier says junior wingback Ethan Miller and junior tight end Matt Velasco both enjoyed a good summer camp and scrimmage.
Gentry at LAMAR (1): Lamar's balanced rushing attack had four players rush for at least 60 yards in last week's 18-point win over Huntsville. Senior receiver Skylar Smith caught a TD pass last week and one in a preseason scrimmage game. Junior corner Jonathan Rice injured his knee on the opening kickoff and is questionable for the rest of the season. Coach Josh Jones hopes four quarantined players can return this week. Gentry beat Waldron by 26 points a week ago.
Gravette at INOLA, OKLA. (2): Gravette faces its second straight Oklahoma opponent after losing to Class 2A power Vian last week 37-0. Class 3A Inola beat Sequoyah by one point last week.
Green Forest at POTTSVILLE (10): CANCELED Green Forest has won two out of the three games its played since Pottsville launched its program two decades ago. Pottsville QB Cooper Duvall scored on 57- and 58-yard TD runs in the second half of last week's 20-16 win over EPC.
SHILOH CHRISTIAN (1) at Poteau, Okla.: Shiloh Christian avenges its only loss of 2020. The Saints posted more than 400 yards in the first half of last week's 55-13 win over Pea Ridge, and pulled most of its starters in the second quarter. Junior QB Eli Wisdom completed six of 10 passes for 256 yards and three TDs and ran three times for 45 yards and a pair of TDs. Poteau, Okla., beat Tulsa Bishop Kelly a week ago.

2-4A
Bald Knob at RISON (7): Gritty Rison lost to rival Fordyce last week by four points, surrendering the go-ahead TD in the final minutes. Rison juniors Isaac Gray (65-yard TD) and Bradyn Dupuy (30-yard TD) sparked the Wildcat offense. Bald Knob trailed Harding Academy 42-0 in the first half last week.
Riverview at CAC (28): CAC has won five of seven meetings with Riverview. The Mustangs Week 0 game with Mayflower was postponed until Week 3. Riverview lost to Bauxite last week, gaining just 160 yards.
Huntsville at CLINTON (1): Melbourne mauled Clinton 33-6 a week ago, and Clinton lost two linemen who won't play this week, Coach Chris Dufrene says. Lamar beat Huntsville by 18 points last week. Huntsville senior athlete Tucker Bradley ran eight times for 83 yards and a TD, while junior Dugger Tipton racked up 12.5 tackles.
Heber Springs at NEWPORT (3): This game was cancelled Wednesday due to covid quarantine. Newport lost to Prescott last week by 50 points. The Greyhounds' only TD was a scoop and score by junior DB Brendon Curry. Heber Springs sophomore QB Xander Lindley and sophomore TB/WR Thad Bray enjoyed a good summer.
Mayflower at SOUTHSIDE (10): Mayflower canceled its game last week with CAC, but hopes to return enough to play this week. Southside trailed Pocahontas last week 7-0 in the third quarter before losing 20-14.
Star City at STUTTGART (20): Stuttgart beat Arkansas County rival DeWitt 41-14 last week. Junior Cedric Hawkins shifted from RB to receiver after senior standout Arlie Lee broke his foreman in the first half, hauling in a pair of TDs. Lee is expected to return by late October. Star City fullback Cole Branson ran for three TDs in a 35-0 win over Forrest City. Junior RB/DB C.J. Turner ran 12 times for 77 yards and two TDs and returned an interception for a TD. 
MILLS (2) at Jacksonville: Jacksonville has won 10 of the past 14 in the series. Jacksonville lost its scrimmage game to Magnolia 56-28. Junior Kamron Dunbar ran for three TDs in the scrimmage. Senior right guard Armani Carl played well throughout the summer. Mills beat Hope 56-38 a week ago. Junior athlete Jabari Shaw, a transfer from Watson Chapel, impressed.
Lonoke is open

3-4A
Blytheville at OSCEOLA (6): Blytheville has beaten Osceola six of the past seven years. But the Chickasaws, with a new coaching staff and QB, committed three turnovers and failed to score in last week's 35-0 loss to Nettleton. Osceola surrendered 314 yards rushing in last week's seven-point loss at Crossett.
BROOKLAND (1) at Jonesboro Westside: Brookland senior Jack Henry Pettit won the QB spot in the summer and threw Brookland's only TD (to senior David York) last week. Jesus Ramiz kicked the winning PAT in the 7-6 win at Gosnell. Jonesboro Westside allowed 20 points in the third quarter of last week's 27-16 setback to Greene Co. Tech. Junior Cameron Hedger 16 times for 113 yards and a TD, while junior FB/DL Darvin Fowler and senior center Edward Wilson played well. 
Corning at CAVE CITY (14): Cave City gave up almost 500 yards in last week's 46-28 loss to Hoxie. Senior Maddox Moreland caught a TD pass and played well. Corning first-year coach Farrell Shelton led Kirkwood, Mo., to a 48-14 record the previous six years. He also coached at Eureka, Mo., for 25 years.
Highland at THAYER, MO. (7): Highland's 10-point win last week over Walnut Ridge was its first since Week 2 last season. Thayer, Mo. lost to Missouri's eventual state champion by two points in overtime last year in the semifinals. The Bobcats plan to dress 37 players. 
Pocahontas at NETTLETON (8): This game was postponed Tuesday due to covid quarantine. The teams will play Sept. 17. Pocahontas OLB Reed Bigger returned a fumble 78 yards for a crucial third-quarter TD in last week's 20-14 triumph at Southside. Junior QB/RB Connor Baker ran for 239 yards and a TD. Nettleton senior QB Cameron Scarlett threw two TDs and ran for a TD in last week's mercy-rule win at Blytheville.
Paragould at RIVERCREST (12): The opener for both teams, and they won't play next year. Rivercrest beat EPC 27-8 in a scrimmage game. Senior Brandyn Brownlee caught a 70 yard TD vs. EPC. Senior QB Mike Sharp threw the ball well in the summer, while junior OL/DL Trent Kimbrough (325-pound bench press) performed well in summer camp. Paragould has three wins over the past four years.
TRUMANN (3) at Harrisburg: Trumann, fresh off its first playoff win in a decade, returns starters at 16 positions. The Wildcats led Walnut Ridge 34-0 at halftime two weeks ago in a scrimmage. Senior receiver Anzani Smith and junior QB Murphy Williams had productive summers. Harrisburg hammered Cross County 28-8 a week ago. Hornet senior QB Samuel Moore threw a TD pass and ran for a TD. 

4-4A
Ozark at BOONEVILLE (4): Hootens.com Class 3A Game of the Week. Booneville has won seven of the past 12 and leads the all-time series 52-27-2. Booneville forced four turnovers in last week's dominating 32-0 win over Dardanelle. QB Randon Ray ran seven times for 61 yards and a pair of TDs and tied a school record with three two-point conversions. Booneville hasn't allowed a point this year and held its scrimmage opponent Charleston to 32 yards. Ozark managed just 98 yards but forced a crucial interception to set up its only points in regulation in last week's 14-13 overtime win at Clarksville.
CLARKSVILLE (3) at Mena: Clarksville dominated Ozark last week (14-4 first down advantage, 236-98 yardage advantage), but lost in overtime by one point. The Panthers also missed three field goals, including two in the final two minutes. Senior QB Bryce Buckner scored both Panther TDs. Mena pulled away from De Queen last week, expanding a 14-0 halftime advantage into a 35-point decision. Senior QB Austin Rose threw a pair of TD passes and ran for another.
DARDANELLE (1) at Charleston: Charleston gained 34 yards two weeks ago in its 18-0 scrimmage loss to Booneville, while Dardanelle trailed Booneville 32-0 at halftime last week and surrendered more than 300 yards. But Dardanelle had multiple starters out due to injuries and quarantine. Junior QB Drew Vega missed last week with an injury but could return this week.
ATKINS (16) at Dover: Atkins has won three straight in the series, including 48-14 a year ago. Atkins relies on senior QB Zach Berkemeyer (1,778 yards, 22 TDs last year). Dover, with only 18 players on its roster, hung with Class 2A Hector last week before losing by 22 points. Hector outgained Dover 373-238.
Gentry at LAMAR (1): Lamar's balanced rushing attack had four players rush for at least 60 yards in last week's 18-point win over Huntsville. Senior receiver Skylar Smith caught a TD pass last week and one in a preseason scrimmage game. Junior corner Jonathan Rice injured his knee on the opening kickoff and is questionable for the rest of the season. Coach Josh Jones hopes four quarantined players can return this week. Gentry beat Waldron by 26 points a week ago.
Green Forest at POTTSVILLE (10): CANCELLED Green Forest has won two out of the three games its played since Pottsville launched its program two decades ago. Pottsville QB Cooper Duvall scored on 57- and 58-yard TD runs in the second half of last week's 20-16 win over EPC.
WALDRON (6) at Mansfield: CANCELLED Waldron gave up 418 yards (8.4 yards per play) in last week's 26-point setback to Gentry. Mansfield junior athlete Fisher Willsey ran in four TDs, including three in the first quarter, of last week's 41-7 win over Magazine.

7-4A
ARKADELPHIA (2) at Hot Springs: Arkadelphia turned the ball over four times and gave up six sacks in last week's 41-21 loss to Camden Fairview. Hot Springs gained almost 400 yards in last week's 52-7 win over undermanned Fountain Lake, but turned the ball over four times and were penalized for 123 yards in the first half.
De Queen at ASHDOWN (24): Ashdown has won 16 of the past 18 in the series. Panther junior TE and Arkansas Razorback commit Shamar Easter caught a pair of TD passes and blocked a punt for a safety in last week's 37-7 win at Hamburg. Opposing coaches say improved De Queen plays hard. The Leopards trailed Mena 12-0 in the third quarter last week but lost 42-7. Senior Donyea Whitmore ran for De Queen's only TD.
Monticello at BAUXITE (1): Bauxite junior QB Hunter Ferrell passed for 298 yards and three TDs in last week's 35-7 win at Riverview, with senior Roman Muniz hauling in 10 passes for 146 yards. Bauxite's D held Riverview to 160 yards. Monticello senior H-back Cade Pigott ran for two TDs in a 14-point win at Lake Village.
FOUNTAIN LAKE (17) at England: Fountain Lake lost every starting running back early in last week's 45-point loss to Hot Springs, and the Cobras played a defensive lineman in the secondary in the second half due to injuries. Coach Kenny Shelton hopes at least one can return this week, along with two starters who were quarantined. Defensive tackle Demarius Grant played well. England's game last week with Mineral Springs was canceled Thursday due to Covid.
H. Grove Haskell at JESSIEVILLE (2): This is the season opener for both. Jessieville has won four of the nine meetings between these teams, including last fall by 15 points. The Lions lost to Class 2A Poyen by two TDs in a preseason scrimmage. Improved Harmony Grove Haskell has 11 straight losses.  
Hope at NASHVILLE (13): Nashville has won 14 of the past 15 in the series, including five straight by a combined 222 points. Hope moved the ball well (more than 300 yards) in last week's 56-38 setback to Mills. Nashville lost to Pleasant Grove, Texas last week 57-0. The Scrappers haven't lost consecutive games (in the same season) since Weeks 3-4, 2012. 
MAUMELLE (3) at Joe T. Robinson: Maumelle didn't allow a point in the second half of last week's 31-21 win over Sylvan Hills. Senior defensive lineman Nico Davillier racked up five tackles for loss. Joe T. Robinson jumped on Pulaski Academy 7-0 last week, but trailed 46-7 early in the second quarter (lost 60-27).
Glen Rose at MALVERN (2): The opener for both teams. Malvern seeks its third straight win in the series. The Leopards beat Sheridan 21-14 in a scrimmage two weeks ago. Junior QB Cedric Simmons wowed opposing coaches during the summer. Glen Rose lost its scrimmage go to Hot Springs, 20-13.

8-4A
WARREN (2) at White Hall: Hootens.com Class 4A Game of the Week.
Monticello at BAUXITE (1): Bauxite junior QB Hunter Ferrell passed for 298 yards and three TDs in last week's 35-7 win at Riverview, with senior Roman Muniz hauling in 10 passes for 146 yards. Bauxite's D held Riverview to 160 yards. Monticello senior H-back Cade Pigott ran for two TDs in a 14-point win at Lake Village.
Crossett at MAGNOLIA (5): Crossett ran for 314 yards in last week's 33-26 win over Osceola. Senior QB Tyrique Jones passed for 102 yards and two TDs and ran for a team-best 144 yards and a TD. Magnolia gained 148 yards on 42 carries in last week's 26-7 setback to Harrison. The Panthers fumbled 10 times, losing two of them. Magnolia's D played well, Coach Mark King says.
MCGEHEE (14) at DeWitt: DeWitt played inspired last week against Stuttgart, jumping to a 7-0 first quarter advantage before losing 41-14. Junior left tackle Will Moss was injured against Stuttgart. McGehee gave up eight TDs last week in a scrimmage with Warren.
DUMAS (5) at Lake Village: Lake Village's D played well in last week's 14-point loss to Monticello. Dumas failed to score in its scrimmage game two weeks ago.
HAMBURG (2) at Forrest City: This game was canceled last year due to Covid. Hamburg hung with Ashdown for more than one quarter last week before giving up four first half TDs. Forrest City gave up more than 300 yards rushing in last week's mercy-rule loss to Star City.
HELENA (1) at Earle: Helena has won four of the past five over Earle. Helena didn't win a game last season, but the Cougars were tied with Dollarway 12-12 late in the fourth quarter last week before surrendering two TDs. Senior QB Clayton Dyer ran for a TD and threw a 60-yard TD pass.
Star City at STUTTGART (20): Stuttgart beat Arkansas County rival DeWitt 41-14 last week. Junior Cedric Hawkins shifted from RB to receiver after senior standout Arlie Lee broke his foreman in the first half, hauling in a pair of TDs. Lee is expected to return by late October. Star City fullback Cole Branson ran for three TDs in a 35-0 win over Forrest City. Junior RB/DB C.J. Turner ran 12 times for 77 yards and two TDs and returned an interception for a TD. 

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