Hootens Arkansas Football Rankings

Class 4A, Week 8, 2023

Copyright Seventy Seven's Football Publishing, Llc

1. Malvern (5-2)

2. Warren (7-0)

3. Harding Academy (7-0)

4. Elkins (7-0)

5. Rivercrest (5-2)

6. Arkadelphia (3-3)

7. Ozark (6-1)

8. DeWitt (7-1)

9. Nashville (5-2)

10. Stuttgart (5-2)

11. Monticello (5-2)

12. Crossett (4-3)

13. Blytheville (5-2)

14. CAC (6-2)

15. Lamar (5-3)

16. McGehee (3-3)

17. Bauxite (4-3)

18. Heber Springs (4-2)

19. Mayflower (5-2)

20. Clinton (5-2)

21. Gentry (5-2)

22. Pottsville (5-3)

23. H.G. Haskell (4-4)

24. Gravette (4-3)

25. Dumas (4-3)

26. Highland (4-3)

27. Gosnell (4-3)

28. Ashdown (3-4)

29. Trumann (4-3)

30. Lincoln (5-2)

31. Mena (3-4)

32. Hamburg (2-6)

33. Pocahontas (2-5)

34. Lonoke (3-4)

35. Bald Knob (3-4)

36. Star City (1-7)

37. Hall Steam (2-5)

38. Jonesboro Westside (1-7)

39. Green Forest (2-5)

40. Berryville (2-5)

41. Dover (2-5)

42. Riverview (1-7)

43. Huntsville (0-7)

44. Helena (0-7)

45. Cave City (0-7)

46. Waldron (0-7)

47. Harrisburg (0-7)

LAST WEEK

Hootens.com correctly predicted 21 of 25 games (84 percent) involving 4A teams, and for the season has picked 179 of 213 games (84 percent).

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 4 ELKINS (7-0, 4-0) at No. 7 Ozark (6-1, 4-0): The winner likely gets the conference title and No. 1 playoff seed. Elkins, undefeated and averaging 56 points per game, gained 507 yards and beat Green Forest 73-14 a week ago. Senior quarterback Dizzy Dean (11-13-206-3 passing) led the first-half onslaught. Senior running back Da'Shawn Chairs showed his versatility (4-70-2 rushing; 1-35-1 receiving), while John "Pucci" Townsend (4-67-2) chipped in. Elkins' defense has recorded 2 shutouts and is giving up an average of 9.0 points per game. Senior inside linebacker Ryan Dugan (10 tackles, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery vs. Green Forest) and sophomore end Parker Wood (7 tackles, 1 forced fumble) topped the tackle chart a week ago. "Their defense can really run," Ozark Coach Jeremie Burns says. "And, they play a lot of guys so they stay fresh."

Ozark has won 5 in a row since losing to Booneville in Week 1, and the Hillbillies are outscoring conference opponents by an average of 46-12. Ozark took down Gentry 42-20 a week ago. Junior QB Koby Wilbanks (20-251-5 rushing; 5-8-107 passing) provided a dual threat, while Gavin Gilbreth averaged 5 yards per carry. Linebacker Eli Gilstrap (12 tackles), Charlie VanDenBerg (8 tackles), and Gavin Gilbreth (8 tackles) led the defense.

WEEK 8 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS)

1-4A

ELKINS (7-0; 4-0) at Ozark (6-1; 4-0): See Hootens.com Class 4A Game of the Week, above.

HUNTSVILLE (0-7; 0-4) at Berryville (2-5; 0-4): The winner moves out of the conference standings basement. Berryville lost to Gravette last week (56-0) while giving up 435 yards. Huntsville has been outscored by an average of 51-11 per game this season. The Eagles yielded 621 yards in last week's 63-34 loss to Lincoln.

GRAVETTE (4-3; 3-1) at Green Forest (2-5; 0-4): Gravette has beaten Green Forest 7 of the past 10 meetings. The Lions led Berryville 49-0 at halftime last week en route to a 56-0 win. Junior QB Gabe Holmes threw 4 first-half TDs, including 3 in the first quarter to sophomore Kayden Brown. Green Forest senior Ridge Gordon-Swofford (23-90-1 rushing; 1-17-1 receiving) led the way in last week's 73-14 loss at Elkins. "He's the heart and soul of the offense right now," Coach Greg Tibbett says. "Even when other teams are game-planning for him."

GENTRY (5-2; 3-1) at Lincoln (5-2; 2-2): The winner likely finishes among the conference's top 3. Gentry's Cayden Koons logged 16 carries for 107 yards and 1 TD in last week's 22-point loss to Ozark, while LB Bennett Roberts recorded 19 tackles and 1 sack. Lincoln used big plays (10 plays of 20 yards or more) in last week's 63-34 shootout win over Huntsville. The Wolves led 35-6 at halftime. Caden Brewer ran 56 yards for a TD and caught 8 passes for 170 yards and 1 TD.

2-4A

HARDING ACADEMY (7-0; 3-0) at Riverview (1-7; 1-3): Harding Academy trailed Ouachita Christian (La.) 14-7 in the second quarter last week before rallying for a 31-14 decision. Junior QB Owen Miller threw 2 TD passes and ran for another. Riverview has dropped consecutive games to Stuttgart and Bald Knob. The Raiders trailed Bald Knob 9-0 in the second quarter last week before losing 28-0.

Heber Springs (4-2; 3-0) at STUTTGART (5-2; 2-1): Upstart Heber Springs is hopping. The Panthers have won 4 in a row by an average of 39 points. Sophomore fullback Bryce Seigriest ran for 200 yards and 2 TDs in last week's 45-13 win over Lonoke, but QB Liam Buffalo was injured and his availability is doubtful, Coach Van Paschal says. Stuttgart clobbered Cave City 38-0 a week ago. Tank Hood, Carson Konecny, and Nykeal Bradley have played well for Stuttgart's defense, Coach Josh Price says

Bald Knob (3-3; 1-2) at LONOKE (3-4; 2-2): Bald Knob turned a 9-0 second-quarter lead into a 28-0 win last week over Riverview. Bulldogs senior Bohn Hickman returned an interception for a TD. Lonoke trailed Heber Springs 17-13 at halftime last week but lost 45-13. Junior Brady Evans played 3 different spots on the offensive line to mask injuries, while Denham Gooden caught 3 passes for 92 yards and 1 TD. The Jackrabbits have 25 players on their roster, but they should get help in 2 weeks when 27 freshmen from the 8-0 junior high move up to the varsity. Lonoke OL/DL Chauncey Johnson, an Oklahoma State commit, tore his MCL last week and will miss the remainder of the season.

OPEN Cave City (0-7; 0-4)

3-4A

Gosnell (4-3; 1-3) at RIVERCREST (5-2; 4-0): These teams are 10-10-1 against each other in the past 21 years. Gosnell has lost 3 of its past 4 games after a 3-0 start, including 32-8 last week vs. Blytheville. Sophomore RB Jai Jacobs (11-131-1 rushing) played well for Gosnell's offense, while junior LB Vanterrues Lucas recorded 12 tackles and 2 sacks. Rivercrest ran over Highland 43-6 a week ago. Seniors Michael Rainer and Coby Turner combined to rush for 233 yards and 3 TDs. Senior end Wyatt Lancaster made a mind-boggling 23 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks and forced 1 fumble.

HIGHLAND (4-3; 2-2) at Harrisburg (0-7; 0-4): Highland relies on junior Keagan Statler, who ran 23 times for 110 yards and 1 TD in last week's 43-6 setback to Rivercrest. Winless Harrisburg led Jonesboro Westside 12-0 in the second quarter last week before losing 21-18.

POCAHONTAS (2-5; 2-2) at Jonesboro Westside (1-6; 1-3): Pocahontas has won 19 of the past 22 meetings with Jonesboro Westside. The Redskins started the season 0-5 but have won consecutive games, including 14-8 over Trumann a week ago. Junior D.J. Coffey ran 17 times for 111 yards and 2 TDs. Coach Casey Chester credits OL Tyler White, TE/LB Ty Menard (12 tackles), FS Cooper Sorg (17 tackles), and freshman LB Isaac Molina (12 tackles) as instrumental in the victory. Jonesboro Westside rallied past Harrisburg 21-18 a week ago (trailed 12-0 in the first half) for its first win. QB/S Colton Carter played well for the Warriors, Coach Bobby Engle says.

BLYTHEVILLE (5-2; 4-0) at Trumann (4-3; 2-2): Blytheville can't get caught looking ahead to its Week 10 showdown with Rivercrest. The Chickasaws jumped on Gosnell 12-0 in the first quarter last week and pulled away for a 32-8 victory. Blytheville spreads carries between sophomore Courtney Rogers (8-125-2 rushing), junior QB Jontavious Johnson (9-84-1 rushing; 10-16-66-1 passing), and senior Timothy Brown (10-80-1). Trumann must bounce back from last week's 14-8 loss at Pocahontas. QB Jake Osment (25-134-1 rushing) and RB Cade Hatton (15-143 rushing) handled the bulk of the workload, while senior Gavin Greenwell (9 tackles) and Gavin Cubit (7 tackles, 2 TFL) led the defense.

4-4A

Hall Steam (2-5; 1-4) at LAMAR (5-2; 3-2) (Thursday): This game has playoff implications, especially for Lamar. The Warriors improved their playoff status with last week's 32-20 win over Pottsville. Pottsville led 14-0 in the second quarter before Lamar rallied. QB Caleb Green (5-10-48-1 passing; 9-84-1 rushing) keyed Lamar's offense, while the defense held Pottsville scoreless on 7 consecutive drives (from the end of the 1st quarter until :07 seconds left). Brandon Grice (13 tackles, 1 interception), Gavyn Edwards, and Logan Kendrick (8 tackles, 4 sacks) led Lamar's defense. Hall Steam's 2-game win streak was snapped last week at H.G. Haskell. QB Jakorie Carter was injured 2 weeks ago at Waldron (46-16 win) and won't return this season. Leading rusher Justin Dickerson missed last week's game but could return for Lamar.

Mayflower (5-2; 3-2) at BAUXITE (4-3; 3-2): Another game with playoff implications. Bauxite should be rested after last week's open date. Two weeks ago, Bauxite junior Marcus Wimberly scored 6 TDs in a 55-32 win over Clinton. Mayflower has won consecutive games over Lamar (20-13) and Dover (35-0). The Eagles outgained Dover 402-110.

Pottsville (5-3; 4-2) at CLINTON (5-2; 3-2): Pottsville has dropped consecutive games to CAC (44-43) and Lamar (32-20). The Apaches led Lamar 12-0 in the first quarter last week but didn't score again until :07 left in the game. Clinton moved back into playoff contention with last week's 53-50 win at CAC. Senior Zane Widener ran 38 times for 399 yards and 6 TDs (and caught a TD pass), as the Yellow Jackets put up 536 yards rushing. Clinton is yet to win consecutive conference games this year.

CAC (6-2; 4-2) at Dover (2-5; 0-5): CAC must bounce back from last week's 3-point loss to Clinton when the Mustangs allowed 572 yards (536 rushing). Junior QB Grayson Wilson (13-19-251-2 passing; 7-59-3 rushing) and RB Renaslon Sullivan (19-152-2 rushing) led CAC's offense. Dover has lost 5 in a row.

OPEN H.G. Haskell (4-4; 3-3)

7-4A

Ashdown (3-4; 1-2) at ARKADELPHIA (3-3; 2-0): Arkadelphia has won 12 of the past 21 games with Ashdown. The Badgers are on a 3-game winning streak, including 55-12 last week at Waldron. RB DeAngelo Buckley (5-41-3 rushing) led the offense, while LB Chase Vantilborg (8 tackles), DE Skyler McClure (8 tackles, 3 TFL) and DT KD Young (7 tackles, 1 fumble return for a TD) were key on defense. Ashdown has lost consecutive games to Malvern and Nashville by a combined 90-34. Ashdown trailed Nashville 24-14 in the third quarter last week but surrendered 496 yards (361 rushing).

Waldron (0-7, 0-3) at NASHVILLE (5-2; 2-1): Nashville put up 28 second-half points in last week's 52-26 win over Ashdown. Senior RB Tre Hopkins (21-187-3 rushing) and WR Kasen Morgan (7-102-2 receiving) ignited the offense, while DL Zaccheus Harris (5 sacks) and Omari Benson (6 tackles, 2 TFL and 1 sack) were forces up front. Winless Waldron gets outscored 46-9 weekly.

3A Fouke (5-3, 2-2) at MENA (3-4; 0-3): A nonconference game. Mena has won 2 of the past 3 with Fouke, but the Bearcats have lost 3 conference games this fall to Top 10 teams Arkadelphia, Malvern and Nashville by a combined 154-35. Sean Sullivan caught 6 passes for more than 100 yards and 1 TD in last week's 57-14 loss to Malvern.

OPEN Malvern (5-2; 3-0)

8-4A

Monticello (5-2; 4-1) at WARREN (7-0; 5-0): The winner of this rivalry gets a 146-pound Saline River Shootout Trophy. Warren is 20-2-1 against Monticello under coach Bo Hembree. Warren beat DeWitt 39-23 last week. Senior RB Treylon Jackson (19-221-1 rushing) and junior Antonio Jordan (6-123-1 receiving; 4-14-2 rushing) played well in the second half at DeWitt, as the Lumberjacks rolled up 527 yards. Monticello didn't play last week, but the Billies have won 4 in a row, including 34-30 at Hamburg 2 weeks ago. Senior QB Brooks Bowman has passed for 1,300 yards and 16 TDs with 4 interceptions this fall.

Helena (0-7; 0-4) at CROSSETT (4-3; 3-2): Helena has lost its 7 games by an average of 42-11. Crossett escaped McGehee 35-34 last week after trailing 20-14 in the third quarter. Senior QB Max Brooks passed for 259 yards and 3 TDs, with senior Taylin Paskel catching 6 passes for 201 yards and 3 TDs.

Dumas (4-3; 2-3) at MCGEHEE (4-2; 2-3): A big game with playoff implications. McGehee must bounce back from last week's 35-34 setback to Crossett. QB Ky Bell, sophomore FB Rashawn Brown and Ryan Banister played well, Coach Marcus Haddock says. Dumas snapped a 3-game conference losing streak with last week's 38-21 victory over Star City. Senior QB Joseph Jones (21-29-301-4 passing; 1 TD rushing) and senior WR Jaylyne Jones (9-151-2 receiving) torched Star City, while DL Samuel Mondragon made 8 tackles.

HAMBURG (2-6; 2-4) at Star City (1-7; 1-4): Hamburg needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive after beating Helena 42-0 last week. Willis Robinson ran for 170 yards and 1 TD and had 40 yards receiving, while Peyton Sellers made 14 tackles. Star City needs to win its final 2 games (Hamburg this week, and Monticello next week) to have a shot at the playoffs. QB Peyton Taylor ran for 115 yards, while Morgan Leopard made 12 tackles.