Hootens.com Rankings
Class 4A, Week 1, 2019
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc. 

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

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 1 Arkadelphia at Class 6A No. 2 Benton
Benton blasted Arkadelphia by 39 points a year ago when the Badgers started the season 0-5 before winning 10 straight games, including the state title. But Benton, which finished as Class 6A runner-up a year ago, struggled in last week's 42-14 Salt Bowl loss to Class 7A Bryant. The Panthers trailed 21-0 in the first half and 42-7 early in the third quarter. Benton surrendered 463 yards. Panther senior running back D'Anthony Harper ran 16 times for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Arkadelphia, motivated by not repeating last year's 0-5 start, jumped on Sylvan Hills 19-0 early last week, coasting to a 57-22 decision. Sylvan Hills beat Arkadelphia by two points in 2018. “Everyone, coaches and players, want a better start this year,” Arkadelphia coach J.R. Eldridge says. “We've talked about it.”
Badger senior quarterback Cannon Turner ran for 167 yards and threw a TD pass against Sylvan Hills, while senior running back Kyren Harrison ran for six TDs. Harrison, a fourth-year starter at linebacker, ran for only five TDs last year as a backup. Senior tackle and team leader Lunden Cotton (6-4, 250), senior center Cabb Batson (6-0, 205) and left guard Lorenzo Lawson (6-0, 260) are solid offensive linemen. Defensive linemen Rickey Rogers, Jr. and Jayson Campbell free up Harrison and senior middle linebacker Cole Turner to make plays.
Highlights of Arkadelphia's win last week at Sylvan Hills HERE.

LAST WEEK
Hootens.com correctly predicted 20 of 26 games last year (77 percent).

WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS)
1-4A
PRAIRIE GROVE (3) at Farmington: The opener for both teams. Farmington's expected QB Tate Sutton will miss the season after labrum surgery in August. Farmington senior receiver Drew Sturgeon caught eight TD passes last fall. Prairie Grove junior QB Knox Laird played well in fall camp.
Maumelle at PEA RIDGE (2): Pea Ridge played well last week but endured a mercy-rule setback to Class 5A No. 2 Harrison. Senior QB Tate Busey (101 yards) and senior running back Sam Beard (62 yards) played well in the loss. Maumelle playmaker Zyon Slade caught eight TD passes last year, while averaging 10 yards per carry and 40 yards per kickoff return.
West Fork at BERRYVILLE (7): Two of Berryville's 10 wins over the past four years are against West Fork, including a 14-point triumph last season. Berryville junior J.D. Smith started the final three games last season at QB. West Fork will dress 20 players.
Huntsville at GENTRY (14): These teams have split the past 10 meetings, with Gentry winning the past two (including by 29 points a year ago). Gentry led Dardanelle in the third quarter last week before giving up the winning TD late in the fourth quarter. Gentry QB Brandon Atwood ran 25 times for 176 yards and passed for 113 yards against the Sand Lizards. Huntsville first-year coach Matt Williams was the defensive coordinator the past four years.
Yellville-Summit at GREEN FOREST (1): Yellville-Summit plans to unleash a Wishbone attack this fall. Green Forest junior QB Reiley Gordon played well in fall camp.
LINCOLN (24) at Westville, Okla.: Lincoln handled Westville, Okla., last year by 42 points. Lincoln junior QB Tyler Brewer runs the ball well. Westville, Okla., second-year coach Ed Baker previously coached in Arkansas at Huntsville and Perryville.
Gravette is open.
Shiloh Christian is open.

2-4A
JACKSONVILLE (7) at Mills: Jacksonville has won eight of the past 12 in the series. Jacksonville named Jordan Johnston as head coach in July, while Mills named former Cortez Lee head coach in April. Lee previously coached Dollarway and Altheimer and was an assistant last year at White Hall. 
VALLEY VIEW (25) at Bald Knob: Valley View beat Bald Knob last year by 21 points. The Bulldogs failed to score in the second half of last week's 35-point loss at Harding Academy. Seven Valley View running backs combined for 218 yards in last week's 17-point win over Class 3A No. 2 Osceola in the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kickoff Classic, while senior Connor Watson caught a TD pass and made five tackles. 
SOUTHSIDE BATESVILLE (11) at Cave City: Southside Batesville has won five of the past seven in this rivalry, including three straight. Southside Batesville trailed Pocahontas at halftime last week by 14 points. Senior QB Braden Jones passed for 148 yards and one TD and ran for 78 yards and a score in a 24-point setback. Cave City senior Jaron Price ran for 73 yards and a TD in last week's 27-point loss to Hoxie.
CLINTON (1) at Heber Springs: Clinton leads the overall series 39-38-5. Heber Springs named former assistant Will Cox as interim coach in late July. Clinton two-time all-state QB Weston Amos enjoyed a productive summer. Heber Springs QB Adam Martin could be the most dynamic player this year in the 2-4A.
Riverview at DEWITT (2): DeWitt's three-point triumph last season snapped a two-game losing streak to Riverview. Both teams were impressive a week ago, with Riverview rolling Brookland by 16 points and DeWitt slipping past Arkansas County rival Stuttgart by three points. Riverview senior QB Logan Miller ran for 110 yards three TDs against Brookland, while senior slotback Ashton Williams had 15 carries for 171 yards and three TDs. DeWitt senior QB Seth Courtney made timely runs and completed a four-down pass in the final minute to his brother, sophomore Dax Courtney, to seal the win over Stuttgart. Senior linebacker Caleb Brown came up with some crucial third down tackles.
STAR CITY (1) at Stuttgart: Stuttgart slammed Star City last year by 25 points, but the Ricebirds missed too many open receivers and made mental mistakes in last week's three-point loss to DeWitt. Stuttgart likely starts four sophomores. Star City led Class 5A Forrest City until the Mustangs threw the winning TD pass on the final play last week. Watch highlights from the 4th quarter of Stuttgart's season opener vs. rival DeWitt HERE.
CAC is open.
Lonoke is open. Watch highlights of Lonoke's opener at Carlisle HERE

3-4A
Brookland at GREENE COUNTY TECH (10): GCT won the inaugural meeting between these teams last year by four points. Eagle junior David Williams ran nine times for 53 yards and caught four passes for 92 yards, including an 89-yard TD catch, in last week's three-point setback to Jonesboro Westside. Brookland gave up six first half TDs last week at Riverview, but forced a pair of fumbles in the second half.
Pocahontas at NETTLETON (1): Nettleton scored on all but one possession (threw an interception with 19 seconds left in the first half) of last week's 37-point blowout at Gosnell. Senior QB Cade Carter passed for 182 yards and three TDs. Pocahontas vault to No. 11 this week after beating Valley View in a preseason scrimmage game and slamming Southside Batesville 42-18 a week ago. Junior QB Dawson Chester scored four TDs (two passing, two rushing) while completing passes to six different receivers. Senior linebacker Brian Lem paces the Redskin D.
Paragould at RIVERCREST (13): Rivercrest has won three of the past five over Paragould, including last season by 18 points. Rivercrest senior Riley jones nailed a 41-yard field goal as time expired I in last week's 19-16 triumph at Lewisburg, Miss. Kam Turner, a transfer from Osceola, threw a TD pass and a two-point conversion. Paragould hopes improved team speed bolsters a program that was gone 1-9 in three of the past four years.
SOUTHSIDE BATESVILLE (11) at Cave City: Southside Batesville has won five of the past seven in this rivalry, including three straight. Southside Batesville trailed Pocahontas at halftime last week by 14 points. Senior QB Braden Jones passed for 148 yards and one TD and ran for 78 yards and a score in a 24-point setback. Cave City senior Jaron Price ran for 73 yards and a TD in last week's 27-point loss to Hoxie. 
GOSNELL (2) at Kennett, Mo.: Gosnell usually plays well against out-of-state opponents and the Pirates beat Kennett, Mo., by 16 points a year ago. The Pirate D only stopped Nettleton once in last week's 37-point setback. Gosnell running back/safety Jydarian Young didn't play last week.
Highland at HARDING ACADEMY (17): Harding Academy has won four of the past five over Highland, including the past two by a combined 21 points. Harding Academy QB Caden Sipe passed for 292 yards and five TDs in last week's 35-point win over Bald Knob. 
HOXIE (3) at Trumann: Hoxie has won seven of the past 11 in the series. Hoxie gained almost 400 yards in last week's 48-21 win over Cave City, jumping to a 29-8 first-half advantage. Trumann senior wingback Ben Woodruff, who ran 30 yards for a TD last year against Hoxie before missing the final nine games with a knee injury, played well during the summer.. 
Piggott at JONESBORO WESTSIDE (20): Jonesboro Westside beat Piggott last year by 21 points, and  the hard-running Warriors should wear down the Mohawks. Warrior senior Logan McPherson ran for 55 yards and caught a pass in the first half of last week's three-point win over Greene County Tech before missing the second half with an injury. Junior fullback Tyler Ray got the bulk of the carries in the second half, running 28 times for 176 yards and two TDs.

4-4A
POTTSVILLE (3) at Newport: Pottsville slipped past Newport by seven points last season. The Apaches play physical up front and rely on junior QB Konnor Carpenter. Junior halfback/receiver Elijah Bradley enjoyed a good summer. Pottsville coach Bryant Rust says an improved defense will help in 2019. Newport senior Monquell Cox and junior Tharon Davis form one of the faster running back tandems in Class 3A, while sophomore Eli Alcorn takes over at QB.
ATKINS (10) at Dover: Dover has won four of the past five over Atkins, but the Red Devils won 28-0 a year ago. Dover hung with Danville for a half last week before losing by 23 points. First-year coach Reed Mendoza says the Pirates stress execution in the practice in the first year running the spread. 
OZARK (5) at Booneville: Booneville has won six of the past 10 in the series and the Bearcats lead the all-time series 51-26-2. Booneville lost to Clarksville last week by six points, the fourth time in the past five years for Booneville to lose its opener. Ozark junior QB Harper Faulkenberry threw the ball well in summer camps.
Charleston at DARDANELLE (7): Playmakers Jordan Metcalf, Blake Chambers and Brandon Bunton fuel Dardanelle's offense. Metcalf and Chambers ran for TDs in last week's three-point win at Gentry, while Bunton intercepted a pass in the final minute.
GREENLAND (2) at Elkins: Greenland has won six of the past nine in the series. Elkins plans to run the ball more this year. 
Lavaca at SUBIACO ACADEMY (7): Former Subiaco Academy coach Michael Berry returned as head coach late in the summer, making Subiaco Academy's third coach in three months. Lavaca had 146 yards in last week's mercy-rule non conference loss to Mountainburg. Mountainburg scored three TDs on its first five possessions. 
MANSFIELD (18) at Waldron: Loaded Mansfield appears poised for its first conference title since 2010 under first-year coach Tim Cothran. Senior all-state QB Ethan Stovall passed for more than 2,300 yards a year ago and impressed opposing coaches in the summer. Waldron junior QB Braden Williams should be more comfortable this fall after putting up 1,264 yards and 13 TDs a year ago.
PRESCOTT (6) at Mena: Mena and its first-year coach Craig Bentley dumped De Queen 36-0 last week, scoring all its points in the first half. Junior QB Max Montgomery passed for 200 yards and three TDs, completing passes to seven different receivers. Prescott lead Class 3A No. 2 Rison by 14 points at halftime last week but lost by two points in double overtime. Junior QB Jacobi Nolen passed for 215 yards and a TD and ran for 61 yards and two TDs. Watch extended highlights of Prescott's loss to Rison HERE.

7-4A
ARKADELPHIA (1) at Benton: Hootens.com Class 4A Game of the Week. Highlights of Arkadelphia's win last Friday at Sylvan Hills are HERE.
JOE T. ROBINSON (6) at Rogers: Joe T. Robinson continues its tour of the 7A West. The Senators handled Springdale last week by 21 points are 3-1 against teams from the West the past five years, including a mercy-rule win last year against Rogers. Joe T. Robinson junior Hunter Smith returned the opening kickoff 88 yards for a TD and ran for a pair of TDs against Springdale. 
De Queen at ASHDOWN (7): Ashdown has won 14 of the past 16 in the series. The Panthers struggled to slow Hamburg last week (trailed 23-7 in fourth quarter). De Queen failed to score last week against Mena, trailing 36-0 in the second quarter.
HOT SPRINGS (14) at Fountain Lake: These teams meet for the second time in 12 years (Fountain Lake won 18-0 last season). But they trended separate directions in the summer. Hot Springs impressed in team camps and its preseason scrimmage with team speed. Former Fountain Lake coach Brandon Barbaree resigned two weeks ago, along with another assistant coach. Former assistant coach Kenny Shelton will serve this fall as Fountain Lake's interim coach. 
Hope at NASHVILLE (24): Nashville has won 12 of the past 13 over Hope, including the past three by a combined 144 points. Nashville attempted just six passes, but ran for 467 yards, in last week's seven-point win over Watson Chapel. Junior QB Keyshawn Stewart, taking direct snaps out of the Wildcat formation, ran 25 times for 203 yards and three TDs. Senior running back Davont'e Whiterspoon tallied 10 tackles. 
BAUXITE (6) at Des Arc: Bauxite opened its offense more in last week's 25-point loss at Covington, Tenn. Bauxite senior Hayden Edwards ran for a TD a week ago. Des Arc senior fullback Jackson Morton ran for almost 300 yards in last week's win over England. 
GLEN ROSE (6) at Malvern: Glen Rose beat Malvern by three points last season. Malvern shifts to the Spread this fall under first-year coach J.D. Plumlee after the Leopards averaged just six points weekly in 2018. Glen Rose struggled in its preseason scrimmage against Class 5A Hot Springs.
H.G. Haskell is open.

8-4A
Crossett at MAGNOLIA (1): Magnolia has won four of the past seven in the series. Panther senior QB Braelyn Beasley left last week's loss to Warren with cramps, but should be healthy this week. Senior running back Amir Cooper ran for 112 yards and a TD against Warren. Crossett hung with Louisiana power Bastrop in last week's benefit game, trailing 20-13 at halftime. The improved Eagle defensive line could carry it to the playoffs this fall. Watch extended highlights of Magnolia's loss last week to Warren HERE.
Dumas at WHITE HALL (7): White Hall has beaten Dumas two of the past three years, with Dumas winning a year ago by 13 points. Dumas all-state QB Chris Harris ran passed for 1,807 yards and ran for 1,539 yards a year ago. Watch White Hall coach Bobby Bolding's preseason interview HERE.
Monticello at WATSON CHAPEL (23): Watson Chapel led No. 2 ranked Nashville in the fourth quarter a week ago before losing by seven points. The Wildcat D held Nashville to 8 yards passing. Senior Kevin Compton (offer from UL-Lafayette on Sunday) is a shutdown safety. Longtime assistant Randy Harvey becomes Monticello's third coach in as many seasons after the Billies went winless last year for the first time since 1959.
Riverview at DEWITT (2): DeWitt's three-point triumph last season snapped a two-game losing streak to Riverview. Both teams were impressive a week ago, with Riverview rolling Brookland by 16 points and DeWitt slipping past Arkansas County rival Stuttgart by three points. Riverview senior QB Logan Miller ran for 110 yards three TDs against Brookland, while senior slotback Ashton Williams had 15 carries for 171 yards and three TDs. DeWitt senior QB Seth Courtney made timely runs and completed a fourth-down pass in the final minute to his brother, sophomore Dax Courtney, to seal the win over Stuttgart. Senior linebacker Caleb Brown came up with some crucial third down tackles. Watch DeWitt's fourth-quarter highlights from last week's win at Stuttgart exclusively on hootens.com HERE.
HELENA (8) at Earle: Helena has beaten Earle the past three years, including last year by 20 points. The Cougars plan to run the ball more in 2019, with power 'back John Oliver getting the bulk of the carries.
HAMBURG (30) at Strong: Hamburg senior D.J. Johnson ran for 146 yards and a pair of TDs in last week's 10-point win over Ashdown, including a 94-yard fourth-quarter jaunt. Junior linebacker Gavin Harrod paced the defense with 16 tackles and a fumble recovery.
STAR CITY (1) at Stuttgart: Stuttgart slammed Star City last year by 25 points, but the Ricebirds missed too many open receivers and made mental mistakes in last week's three-point loss to DeWitt. Stuttgart likely starts four sophomores. Star City led Class 5A Forrest City until the Mustangs threw the winning TD pass on the final play last week. 
Warren is open. Watch extended highlights of Warren's win over Magnolia HERE.