Hootens.com Class 4A Rankings

Week 8, 2024

1. Elkins (7-0)

2. Arkadelphia (5-2)

3. Warren (5-2)

4. Mills (7-0)

5. Malvern (7-0)

6. Prairie Grove (5-2)

7. Gravette (7-0)

8. DeWitt (5-2)

9. Southside (7-0)

10. Dardanelle (6-1)

11. Mena (7-0)

12. Highland (5-1)

13. Clinton (6-1)

14. Monticello (4-3)

15. Hamburg (5-2)

16. Gentry (6-1)

17. Nashville (4-3)

18. Pottsville (5-2)

19. Helena (5-2)

20. Stuttgart (4-3)

Not Ranked

1-4A: Berryville (1-6), Green Forest (2-5), Huntsville (1-6), Lincoln (3-4)

2-4A: Bald Knob (0-6), CAC (2-5), Forrest City (2-5), Hall Steam (2-5), Heber Springs (4-3), Lonoke (4-3), Riverview (0-6)

3-4A: Blytheville (2-4), Cave City (3-4), Gosnell (3-4), Jonesboro Westside (1-6), Pocahontas (4-3), Trumann (2-5)

4-4A: Dover (1-6), Lamar (3-4), Ozark (3-4), Waldron (2-5)

7-4A: Ashdown (3-4), Bauxite (2-5), Fountain Lake (2-5), HG Haskell (1-6)

8-4A: Crossett (0-7), Star City (4-3)

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 6 Prairie Grove (5-2) at NO. 7 GRAVETTE (7-0): The winner puts itself in position to host a playoff game. Prairie Grove must get over last week's 52-0 loss at Elkins when the Tigers surrendered 42 first-half points and didn't cross midfield until late in the second quarter.

Gravette has won its 7 games by an average of 47-10. Lions senior RB Gabe Holmes ran 6 times for 120 yards and 3 touchdowns in the first half of last week's 57-0 victory over Berryville. Junior quarterback Cameron Bedwell threw a TD pass and ran 21 yards for a TD. Gravette's defense forced 2 turnovers, accounted for a score (James Marta's 38-yard fumble return for a TD) and held Berryville to 41 yards.

LAST WEEK

Hootens.com predicted 21 of 24 games (88 percent), and for the season has predicted 187 of 221 games (85 percent).

WEEK 8 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS)

1-4A

NO. 1 ELKINS (7-0, 4-0) at Green Forest (2-5, 1-3): Elkins jumped on Prairie Grove 42-0 in the second quarter of last week's highly-anticipated matchup, cruising to a 52-0 victory. Junior QB Ben Napier threw 5 TD passes, while James Townsend caught a 33-yard TD pass and intercepted a pass on defense. Green Forest senior Ridge Gordon-Swofford ran for 160 yards, 3 TDs and converted 3 two-point conversions in last week's 42-24 win over Lincoln. Mason Meador ran for 2 TDs and Diego Martinez had 7 tackles and 1 interception return for a TD.

No. 6 Prairie Grove (5-2, 3-1) at NO. 7 GRAVETTE (7-0, 4-0): Hootens.com Class 4A Game of the Week, above.

Huntsville (1-5, 0-4) at LINCOLN (3-4, 0-4): One team will get its first conference win. Lincoln has lost its 4 conference games by an average of 49-19, while Huntsville's 4 league losses are by an average of 40-4. Lincoln WRs Kayden Job, Colt Cushing and Caden Brewer played well in last week's loss to Green Forest.

Berryville (1-6, 1-3) at NO. 16 GENTRY (6-1, 3-1): Berryville gained 42 yards in last week's 57-0 loss to Gravette. Gentry beat Huntsville 40-0. Junior QB Tylan Owl, filling in for injured QB Talan Williams, threw 3 TD passes (Caydon Koons caught 2, Zeke Strong caught 1). Senior Houston Nance recorded 10 tackles, while Bennett Roberts had 9 stops (also ran for 2 TDs).

2-4A

NO. 4 MILLS (7-0, 4-0) at Hall Steam (2-5, 1-3): Coach Cortez Lee says the Mills Comets (4 TDs allowed all season) dominated both lines of scrimmage in last week's 63-7 win over Riverview. Freshman sensation Elijah Moody (8-11-98, 3 TDs passing; 4-114-1 rushing) sparks the offense, with seniors Omar Hunter (3-84 rushing, 2 TDs) and Rodney Jackson (6-86 rushing). Hall Steam lost consecutive conference games by a combined 9 points before getting blown out last week at Heber Springs 57-13.

Heber Springs (4-3, 3-1) at LONOKE (4-3, 4-0): Lonoke has won 4 in a row, including 39-0 last week over CAC, and the Jackrabbits have registered 3 consecutive opponents. Junior Jaden Mays has returned an interception for a TD in consecutive games, including a 90-yarder vs. CAC. Marquez Jackson, Jr. ran 6 times for 126 yards and 2 TDs. Heber Springs RB Weston Warden (29-287-4) and QB Liam Buffalo (12-162-1) led the Panthers in last week's 57-13 win over Hall Steam. Buffalo also threw a TD pass. Inside linebacker Brodie Basford had 12 tackles in his first game back from injury.

CAC (2-5, 2-2) at Bald Knob (0-7, 0-4): This game could decide the final playoff spot in the conference. CAC's 2-game win streak was snapped last week (39-0 loss at Lonoke). LB Cooper Bahnks (8 tackles), safety Lincoln Keim (5 tackles, 2 pass break-ups) and left tackle Jackson Allen played well. Winless Bald Knob has been outscored 279-38 this season, but the Bulldogs scored a season-high 14 points in last week's 30-point setback at Forrest City.

FORREST CITY (2-5, 2-2) at Riverview (0-6, 0-4): Forrest City's Vonterrious Williams caught 2 TDs in last week's 44-14 win over Bald Knob. Braelen Landon returned a kickoff for a TD and Roshawd Washington scored 2 TDs (1 rushing, 1 receiving). Winless Riverview has been outscored 263-73 this season. The Raiders gave up 431 yards in last week's 63-7 loss at Mills.

3-4A

NO. 9 SOUTHSIDE (7-0, 4-0) at Gosnell (3-4, 2-2): Southside can't afford a letdown after last week's emotional 21-14 win over Highland. Senior RB Owen McLaughlin (24-127-2) led the offense, while Andrew Plummer scored a TD on his only carry and registered 16 tackles from his linebacker spot. Gosnell has won consecutive games over Trumann and Blytheville by a combined 30 points. WR Jai Jacobs (5-88-1) ignited the offense at Blytheville a week ago, while Chad Stewart (2 interceptions) and Jaden Young (11 tackles, 2 sacks) solidified the defense.

Cave City (3-4, 1-3) at NO. 12 HIGHLAND (5-1, 3-1): Cave City's 29-15 win over Jonesboro Westside last week ended a 13-game conference losing streak. DE Christopher Robinson (10 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery) and QB Levi Jones (179 passing 3 TDs; 13-147 rushing, TD). Highland had a season-low 197 yards in last week's 21-14 setback at Southside. Senior Keagan Statler (18-74 rushing; 12 tackles), Lexxon Johnson (11 tackles), Wyatt Jason (9 tackles) and Kalei Tokanang (8 tackles) sparked the defense.

POCAHONTAS (4-3, 3-1) at Jonesboro Westside (1-6, 0-4): Pocahontas allowed 367 yards rushing in last week's 44-22 win over Trumann, and the Redskins will likely be playing for the No. 2 playoff seed at Highland in Week 10. Jonesboro Westside hasn't won a conference game since beating Harrisburg in Week 7 last year.

BLYTHEVILLE (2-4, 2-2) at Trumann (2-5, 1-3): This could determine a playoff spot. Blytheville's defense played well in last week's 34-28 loss to Gosnell. Courtney Rogers returned an interception for a TD, and CB Eugene Williams recorded an interception. WR Derick King caught a TD pass. Trumann's Bradon Whitsett (14-142-1) ran the ball well in last week's 22-point loss at Pocahontas, while Tony Postell, Jr. ran for 104 yards. Postell had 11 tackles, Isaiah Carrillo made 7 stops and Whitsett had 5.

4-4A

Ozark (3-4, 1-3) at NO. 10 DARDANELLE (6-1, 4-0): Ozark, decimated by injuries, has lost consecutive games to Mena and Pottsville by a combined 86-38. Senior LB Eli Gilstrap led the Hillbillies with 17 tackles and Landon Cooper had 5 tackles in last week's 51-20 setback to Pottsville. Dardanelle junior QB Creed Vega ran for 111 yards and 1 TD, passed for 210 yards and 2 TDs and recorded 3 tackles in last week's 51-14 win over Lamar. Ian Branson ran for 93 yards and 4 TDs, Bo Miller caught 2 TD passes and Jace Finkenbinder racked up 12 tackles for the Sand Lizards.

NO. 13 CLINTON (6-1, 3-1) at Waldron (2-5, 1-3): Clinton QB Brodie Dufrene threw 2 TD passes and 5 Yellow Jackets ran for TDs in last week's 47-16 win over Dover. Waldron's Cole Bailey ran for 100 yards and had 8 tackles in last week's 45-12 loss to Mena. Garrett Morris made 7 tackles, including 2 sacks.

NO. 18 POTTSVILLE (5-2, 2-2) at Lamar (3-4, 1-3): This game could have playoff seeding implications. Lamar WR Eli Jones caught 5 passes for 82 yards, and Caleb Green caught a TD in last week's 51-14 loss to Dardanelle. Lineman Drayke Boen led the Warriors. Pottsville pounded Ozark 51-20 a week ago behind solid play from QB Miller Mahan. Kaegan Jones tallied 3 TDs (1 rushing, 2 receiving) and Slayden Graham led the Apaches with 12 tackles.

Dover (1-6, 0-4) at NO. 11 MENA (7-0, 4-0): Dover QB Talvin Leavell passed for 241 yards and 2 TDs and sophomore LB Riley Cunningham made 12 tackles in last week's 47-16 loss to Clinton. Mena gets a final tuneup before Week 9 and 10 showdowns with Clinton and Dardanelle. Bearcat QB Michael Sullivan passed for more than 300 yards and 5 TDs in last week's 45-12 win over Waldron, while Brody Peters had more than 100 total yards. Sean Sullivan and Elijah Smith each caught 2 TD passes, and Jair Hernandez had a TD grab, 1 field goal and an interception on defense.

 7-4A

NO. 2 ARKADELPHIA (5-2, 4-0) at Ashdown (3-4, 2-2): Arkadelphia QB Bryston McCoy passed for 178 yards and 4 TDs in last week's 49-17 win over H.G. Haskell. WR Jay Purifoy (6-99-3) was the big-play threat, while Quentavion Morris blocked a punt that Amari Ford returned for a TD. Ashdown trailed Nashville 16-6 in the third quarter last week before losing 53-18. Ashdown surrendered 338 yards passing vs. Nashville.

BAUXITE (2-5, 1-3) at Genoa Central (0-7, 0-4): Bauxite was up on Malvern 20-17 in the third quarter last week before committing 3 late turnovers (5 total turnovers) in a 52-27 loss. Bauxite QB Eli Perry broke his fibula on the first play and will miss the remainder of the season. Marcus Wimberly filled in at QB, running for 56 yards and 2 TDs.

Fountain Lake (1-6, 0-4) at NO. 5 MALVERN (7-0, 4-0): Malvern overcame a second-half deficit last week to beat Bauxite by 25 points. The Leopards forced 5 turnovers, including Gabe Jamie's fumble return for a TD. Luey Jamie recovered a fumble that set up a Malvern TD. Tavien Clegg, in his first game back from injury, ran for 119 yards and 1 TD. Fountain Lake beat Genoa Central 42-12. Sophomore QB Cooper Buss passed for 384 yards and 5 TDs, while Peyton Harwood had 12 catches for 205 yards and 3 TDs.

NO. 17 NASHVILLE (4-3, 3-1) at H.G. Haskell (1-6, 1-3): Nashville outscored Ashdown 37-12 in the second half last week to pull out a 53-18 decision. Senior QB Karson Chambers passed for 338 yards and 5 TDs against Ashdown, while WR Kason Morgan caught 7 passes for 228 yards and 3 TDs. Nashville continues alternating QBs, with D.J. Jefferson running for 79 yards and 2 TDs. Haskell's James Foster ran for 76 yards and 2 TDs in last week's 49-17 loss at Arkadelphia.

8-4A

No. 20 Stuttgart (4-3, 2-2) at NO. 3 WARREN (5-2, 4-0): Warren has won 15 of the past 18 over the Ricebirds, including 62-24 in the 2022 playoffs and 42-7 in last year's opener. The Lumberjacks tallied 377 yards in last week's 41-7 win at Star City. Junior Aaron Davis improves weekly at running back. Stuttgart kept its playoff hopes alive with last week's 38-21 win over Monticello. QB Cain Price passed for 337 yards and 4 TDs, and ran for another TD, while WR Deontea Clark caught 22 passes for 220 yards and 1 TD.

Crossett (0-7, 0-4) at NO. 8 DEWITT (5-2, 3-1): DeWitt has won consecutive conference games over Star City, Stuttgart and Helena by a combined 114-67. Junior Korri Graham ran in 4 TDs and the defense recorded 2 safeties in last week's 45-24 win at Helena. Winless Crossett has been outscored by an average of 43-8.

NO. 15 HAMBURG (6-1, 2-2) at Star City (5-2, 2-2): Hamburg jumped on Crossett 42-0 in the second quarter en route to a 48-0 decision. Lions RB Nikel Lewis ran for 154 yards and 4 TDs in the first half, and senior LB Peyton Sellers recorded 15 tackles. Star City trailed Warren 13-0 early in the third quarter before losing 41-7. CB Caleb Williams made 4 tackles and 1 interception, while Zairen Beene caught 5 passes for 57 yards.

No. 19 Helena (5-2, 2-2) at NO. 14 MONTICELLO (4-3, 2-2): Monticello has won 12 of the past 16 in the series. Both teams coming off losses: Monticello fell to Stuttgart 38-21 while Helena lost to DeWitt 45-21. Monticello's A.J. Robinson made 5 tackles, including 2 TFL. Helena surrendered 431 yards vs. DeWitt, and the Cougars were held to minus-15 yards rushing.