Class 5A Week 10 Rankings, Notes & Picks
Hooten.com Rankings
Class 5A, Wk 10, 2021
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.
1. Pulaski Academy (8-1)
2. Wynne (9-0)
3. White Hall (7-2)
4. Vilonia (9-0)
5. Greenbrier (9-0)
6. LR Christian (7-2)
7. Camden Fairview (9-1)
8. Nettleton (9-0)
9. Farmington (7-2)
10. Harrison (6-3)
11. Valley View (6-3)
12. Magnolia (4-5)
13. Maumelle (4-6)
14. HS Lakeside (4-4)
15. Hot Springs (5-4)
16. Greene Co. Tech (4-5)
17. Batesville (3-6)
18. Morrilton (3-6)
19. Brookland (4-5)
20. Alma (3-6)
21. Beebe (3-5)
22. Pea Ridge (2-6)
23. Hope (2-7)
24. Clarksville (1-8)
25. Texarkana (1-6)
26. Jacksonville (1-7)
27. Watson Chapel (0-7)
28. Forrest City (2-7)
29. De Queen (1-8)
30. Paragould (0-8)
HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 4 Vilonia at No. 5 Greenbrier
A battle of 9-0 teams, with the winner getting the 5A West title and the Faulkner County Judge's Cup. Greenbrier has beaten Vilonia 12 times in the past 20 years, including 17-14 last fall. Greenbrier won back-to-back league titles in 2016-2017, while Vilonia's last conference crown came in 2003.
Vilonia standout senior quarterback Austin Myers owns multiple Division I scholarships. Myers completes 73.5 percent of his passes this season, which is tied for the best completion percentage in state history. He completed 15 of 26 passes for 234 yards and five touchdowns in last week's 42-21 win over Morrilton. He's passed for 2,881 yards and 41 TDs this fall, with only four interceptions. Versatile senior Kannon Bartlett caught a 36-yard TD pass against Morrilton. He has 46 receptions this fall for 1,013 yards and 13 TDs, and he averages 8.2 yards per carry. Senior Jamison Hinsley has 59 catches for 826 yards and 12 TDs.
Greenbrier counters with another dandy QB, senior Cooper Wilcox, who completed 13 of 16 passes for 327 yards and five TDs, and ran 11 times for 137 yards and a TD in last week's 59-28 victory at Alma. Wilcox has passed for 1,736 yards and 21 TDs this fall, with only one interception. “We've got to stop their running game and mobile quarterback,” Vilonia coach Todd Langrell says. Senior Nick Huett (11 carries, 123 yards and one TD at Alma) averages more than 7 yards per carry this fall. Junior receiver Carter McElhaney, one of the fastest players in program history, caught four passes for 175 yards and two TDs. He has 22 catches this fall for 618 yards and eight TDs. Defensively, Huett continues playing well at linebacker. He racked up six stops at Alma and has 40 tackles this fall. “We've got to win the turnover battle,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble says. Watch extended highlights of Vilonia’s 34-32 win over Maumelle earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Vilonia’s 40-28 win over Russellville earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Vilonia’s 28-14 win over Harrison earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Greenbrier’s 55-47 win over Arkadelphia earlier this year.
LAST WEEK
Hootens.com correctly predicted 13 of 14 games (93 percent). For the season, Hootens.com has predicted 153 of 173 games (88 percent).
WEEK 10 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS)
5A CENTRAL
LR CHRISTIAN (42) at Watson Chapel (Thurs.): LR Christian finishes as the No. 3 seed and plays next week at Vilonia or Greenbrier. The Warriors beat Jacksonville last week by 50 points after leading 42-6 at halftime. Senior Jayvean Dyer-Jones ran for 213 yards and three TDs. Sophomore QB Walker White, who owns an offer from Virginia and visited Notre Dame over the weekend, threw three TD passes. Watson Chapel junior guard/linebacker Mehki Brown has played well this fall. Watch extended highlights of LR Christian’s 14-10 loss to White Hall earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of LR Christian’s 38-20 win over Searcy earlier this year.
PULASKI ACADEMY (40) at Jacksonville (Thurs.): This game was moved to Thursday night. Pulaski Academy is the conference champion for the second straight season after blasting Beebe by 44 points a week ago. Senior Joe Himon caught two TD passes and a ran for another in the first half. The Bruins out gained Beebe 554-133 yards. Jacksonville has allowed at least 42 points in six games this year. Watch extended highlights of Pulaski Academy’s 63-14 win over Liberty Christian (Texas) earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Pulaski Academy vs Bryant (scrimmage). Watch extended highlights of Pulaski Academy’s 63-28 win over White Hall earlier this year. Watch highlights of Pulaski Academy’s 63-39 win over Madison Ridgeland, Tennessee earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Pulaski Academy’s 42-14 win over Maumelle earlier this year.
WHITE HALL (21) at Beebe: White Hall finishes as the No. 2 seed and hosts Farmington in the first round. The Bulldogs beat Maumelle by 33 points two weeks ago, and were off last week. White Hall's D gives up 12 points weekly. Beebe trailed Pulaski Academy 14-0 early in the first quarter last week, but fell behind 45-7 less than 11 minutes later. Watch extended highlights of White Hall’s 14-10 win vs LR Christian earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of White Hall’s 35-0 win over Warren earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Beebe’s 49-12 win over Junction City earlier this year.
MAUMELLE is open.
5A EAST
Batesville at VALLEY VIEW (10): Batesville has beaten Valley View five of the past seven seasons, including 37-16 a year ago. The Pioneers could miss the playoffs for only the second time since 2010 (need a win or some help to get in). Batesville led Greene County Tech 21-17 in the third quarter last week before losing 33-21. QB Rhett McDonald threw a pair of TD passes against GCT. Valley View finishes third in the league and travels to South Arkansas in the first round. Blazer sophomore Slade Caldwell ran eight times for 97 yards in last week's 14-7 loss at Nettleton, while senior LB Jaden Wells made 14 tackles.
Forrest City at BROOKLAND (11): Brookland qualifies for the playoffs for the first time in school history with a win (went to the postseason last fall due to Covid rules) and some help from Paragould. Senior Kaden Matthews ran 12 times for 130 yards and two TDs in last week's 28-8 victory at Paragould. Senior David York caught a 31-yard TD pass and returned an interception 72 yards for another TD, his sixth INT of the season. Forrest city gave up more than 300 yards rushing in last week's 47-0 loss to Wynne. Watch extended highlights of Forrest City’s 36-6 loss to Nettleton earlier this year.
Paragould at GREENE CO. TECH (7): Throw out the records in this rivalry game. The winner gets the Bell trophy, which was introduced in 1999. Greene Co. Tech has won 15 of the past 27 in the series, including an exciting 20-13 double overtime thriller last fall. The Eagles tuned up for the showdown with last week's 12-point win at Batesville. Junior QB Camden Farmer ran for 177 yards and passed for 97 yards, while senior Gage Snyder rumbled 10 times for 91 yards. Winless Paragould averages seven points per game. Watch extended highlights of Paragould’s 51-0 loss to Wynne earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Paragould’s 51-0 loss to Wynne earlier this year.
Nettleton at WYNNE (8): Game of the Week II. The winner gets the 5A East title, and Wynne has won 17 of the past 19 meetings. Nettleton had to cancel its final three regular season games last year (including Week 10 vs. Wynne) due to Covid quarantines. A year later, the Raiders are playing for a conference title with a defense that has allowed a TD or less in six straight games. Nettleton beat Valley View 14-7 a week ago. Senior QB Cameron Scarlett ran 22 times for 150 yards and a TD and completed 11 of 17 passes for 60 yards vs. Valley View, while senior Koby Bradley ran 13 times for 52 yards and a TD. Wynne's vaunted defense has shut out three straight opponents. Senior DL Tyrel Johnson made eight tackles and two sacks in the first half at Forrest City, while the Yellowjackets held Forrest City to negative 33 yards, including minus-35 yards rushing. Junior Alonzo Holmes ran three times for 73 yards and two TDs, while senior Carl Washington scored a pair of TDs. Watch extended highlights of Nettleton's 36-6 win over Forrest City earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Wynne’s 35-13 win over West Memphis earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Wynne's 51-0 win over Paragould earlier this year.
5A SOUTH
MAGNOLIA (14) at Hope: Magnolia has won 11 of the past 20 in this rivalry. The Panthers lock up the No. 2 seed and a home playoff game vs. Valley View next week with a victory. Senior guard/defensive tackle Jaden Cole played well in last week's 62-7 win over De Queen, as the Panthers limited De Queen to 40 yards rushing on 39 attempts. Magnolia senior Kendrick Carey ran three times for 120 yards and two TDs and returned a kickoff 93 yards for another score, while Deraylan Williams ran in four TDs. Junior B.J. Curry had 80 yards on four carries. Hope upended Texarkana last week and its two league wins this fall are the most since 2015. Senior Ammorrion Dempsy completed three of four passes for 43 yards, ran for 155 yards and caught two passes for 73 yards. On defense, Dempsey intercepted three passes, and returned a fumble 85 yards for a TD. Watch extended highlights of Magnolia’s 44-25 loss to Camden Fairview earlier this year.
HS LAKESIDE (1) at Hot Springs: HS Lakeside has beaten its rival 14 of the past 20 seasons. The winner finishes as the No. 3 seed, while the loser gets the No. 4 seed. HS Lakeside didn't play last week and has won three straight conference games by an average of 30 points. In week 8, the Rams led De Queen 35-0 at halftime before easing to a 48-0 decision. Senior QB Jordan Mills threw for three TDs in the first half, while sophomore Braylen Russell logged 10 carries for 80 yards and two TDs. Sophomore LB Mason Nguyen registered eight tackles, including three TFL's. Hot Springs must emotionally regroup after last week's three-point setback at league champion Camden Fairview. Senior Pierce Smalley tallied 158 yards at running back and eight tackles at safety, while senior QB Isaac Shelor completed 13 of 21 passes for 188 yards and a TD. Junior LB Kivan Barker made eight tackles, including three TFL's and one sack. Watch extended highlights of Hot Springs’ 31-28 loss to Camden Fairview earlier this year.
TEXARKANA (7) at De Queen: A battle of one-win teams. De Queen gets outscored 45-8 weekly, while Texarkana is outscored 30-12. The Razorbacks committed four turnovers in last week's 24-point loss to Hope.
CAMDEN FAIRVIEW is open.
5A WEST
Vilonia at GREENBRIER (4): Hootens.com Class 5A Game of the Week.
Alma at FARMINGTON (14): Farmington is the No. 3 seed and travels to White Hall in the first round, while Alma won't make the postseason. Farmington sophomore QB Cameron Vanzant passed for 199 yards and three TDs in last week's 49-22 win over Pea Ridge, while senior Caden Elsik ran for 167 yards and a TD. It was coach J.R. Eldridge's 100th career victory. Alma junior QB Joe Trusty passed for 265 yards and three TDs last week against Greenbrier, while senior Connor Stacy caught 12 balls for 156 yards.
Clarksville at MORRILTON (8): Since beating Alma Week 7 in overtime, Morrilton has been outscored in two games by a combined 84-28. Morrilton gave up five TD passes last week in a 21-point loss at Vilonia. Clarksville has lost its six 5A West games by an average of 38-12.
Pea Ridge at HARRISON (17): Harrison finishes as the No. 4 seed and heads to Pulaski Academy in the first round. The Goblins have beaten Pea Ridge three straight seasons, with the past two by a margin of 91-35. Harrison held Clarksville to 190 yards and three points, and forced two turnovers in last week's mercy-rule win. Senior QB Logan Plumlee threw three first-half TD passes. Improved Pea Ridge hung with Farmington last week (trailed 20-14 in the second quarter) before losing by 27 points. The Blackhawk D forced three turnovers. Watch extended highlights of Harrison’s 28-14 loss to Vilonia earlier this year.
Class 5A, Wk 10, 2021
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.
1. Pulaski Academy (8-1)
2. Wynne (9-0)
3. White Hall (7-2)
4. Vilonia (9-0)
5. Greenbrier (9-0)
6. LR Christian (7-2)
7. Camden Fairview (9-1)
8. Nettleton (9-0)
9. Farmington (7-2)
10. Harrison (6-3)
11. Valley View (6-3)
12. Magnolia (4-5)
13. Maumelle (4-6)
14. HS Lakeside (4-4)
15. Hot Springs (5-4)
16. Greene Co. Tech (4-5)
17. Batesville (3-6)
18. Morrilton (3-6)
19. Brookland (4-5)
20. Alma (3-6)
21. Beebe (3-5)
22. Pea Ridge (2-6)
23. Hope (2-7)
24. Clarksville (1-8)
25. Texarkana (1-6)
26. Jacksonville (1-7)
27. Watson Chapel (0-7)
28. Forrest City (2-7)
29. De Queen (1-8)
30. Paragould (0-8)
HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 4 Vilonia at No. 5 Greenbrier
A battle of 9-0 teams, with the winner getting the 5A West title and the Faulkner County Judge's Cup. Greenbrier has beaten Vilonia 12 times in the past 20 years, including 17-14 last fall. Greenbrier won back-to-back league titles in 2016-2017, while Vilonia's last conference crown came in 2003.
Vilonia standout senior quarterback Austin Myers owns multiple Division I scholarships. Myers completes 73.5 percent of his passes this season, which is tied for the best completion percentage in state history. He completed 15 of 26 passes for 234 yards and five touchdowns in last week's 42-21 win over Morrilton. He's passed for 2,881 yards and 41 TDs this fall, with only four interceptions. Versatile senior Kannon Bartlett caught a 36-yard TD pass against Morrilton. He has 46 receptions this fall for 1,013 yards and 13 TDs, and he averages 8.2 yards per carry. Senior Jamison Hinsley has 59 catches for 826 yards and 12 TDs.
Greenbrier counters with another dandy QB, senior Cooper Wilcox, who completed 13 of 16 passes for 327 yards and five TDs, and ran 11 times for 137 yards and a TD in last week's 59-28 victory at Alma. Wilcox has passed for 1,736 yards and 21 TDs this fall, with only one interception. “We've got to stop their running game and mobile quarterback,” Vilonia coach Todd Langrell says. Senior Nick Huett (11 carries, 123 yards and one TD at Alma) averages more than 7 yards per carry this fall. Junior receiver Carter McElhaney, one of the fastest players in program history, caught four passes for 175 yards and two TDs. He has 22 catches this fall for 618 yards and eight TDs. Defensively, Huett continues playing well at linebacker. He racked up six stops at Alma and has 40 tackles this fall. “We've got to win the turnover battle,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble says. Watch extended highlights of Vilonia’s 34-32 win over Maumelle earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Vilonia’s 40-28 win over Russellville earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Vilonia’s 28-14 win over Harrison earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Greenbrier’s 55-47 win over Arkadelphia earlier this year.
LAST WEEK
Hootens.com correctly predicted 13 of 14 games (93 percent). For the season, Hootens.com has predicted 153 of 173 games (88 percent).
WEEK 10 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS)
5A CENTRAL
LR CHRISTIAN (42) at Watson Chapel (Thurs.): LR Christian finishes as the No. 3 seed and plays next week at Vilonia or Greenbrier. The Warriors beat Jacksonville last week by 50 points after leading 42-6 at halftime. Senior Jayvean Dyer-Jones ran for 213 yards and three TDs. Sophomore QB Walker White, who owns an offer from Virginia and visited Notre Dame over the weekend, threw three TD passes. Watson Chapel junior guard/linebacker Mehki Brown has played well this fall. Watch extended highlights of LR Christian’s 14-10 loss to White Hall earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of LR Christian’s 38-20 win over Searcy earlier this year.
PULASKI ACADEMY (40) at Jacksonville (Thurs.): This game was moved to Thursday night. Pulaski Academy is the conference champion for the second straight season after blasting Beebe by 44 points a week ago. Senior Joe Himon caught two TD passes and a ran for another in the first half. The Bruins out gained Beebe 554-133 yards. Jacksonville has allowed at least 42 points in six games this year. Watch extended highlights of Pulaski Academy’s 63-14 win over Liberty Christian (Texas) earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Pulaski Academy vs Bryant (scrimmage). Watch extended highlights of Pulaski Academy’s 63-28 win over White Hall earlier this year. Watch highlights of Pulaski Academy’s 63-39 win over Madison Ridgeland, Tennessee earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Pulaski Academy’s 42-14 win over Maumelle earlier this year.
WHITE HALL (21) at Beebe: White Hall finishes as the No. 2 seed and hosts Farmington in the first round. The Bulldogs beat Maumelle by 33 points two weeks ago, and were off last week. White Hall's D gives up 12 points weekly. Beebe trailed Pulaski Academy 14-0 early in the first quarter last week, but fell behind 45-7 less than 11 minutes later. Watch extended highlights of White Hall’s 14-10 win vs LR Christian earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of White Hall’s 35-0 win over Warren earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Beebe’s 49-12 win over Junction City earlier this year.
MAUMELLE is open.
5A EAST
Batesville at VALLEY VIEW (10): Batesville has beaten Valley View five of the past seven seasons, including 37-16 a year ago. The Pioneers could miss the playoffs for only the second time since 2010 (need a win or some help to get in). Batesville led Greene County Tech 21-17 in the third quarter last week before losing 33-21. QB Rhett McDonald threw a pair of TD passes against GCT. Valley View finishes third in the league and travels to South Arkansas in the first round. Blazer sophomore Slade Caldwell ran eight times for 97 yards in last week's 14-7 loss at Nettleton, while senior LB Jaden Wells made 14 tackles.
Forrest City at BROOKLAND (11): Brookland qualifies for the playoffs for the first time in school history with a win (went to the postseason last fall due to Covid rules) and some help from Paragould. Senior Kaden Matthews ran 12 times for 130 yards and two TDs in last week's 28-8 victory at Paragould. Senior David York caught a 31-yard TD pass and returned an interception 72 yards for another TD, his sixth INT of the season. Forrest city gave up more than 300 yards rushing in last week's 47-0 loss to Wynne. Watch extended highlights of Forrest City’s 36-6 loss to Nettleton earlier this year.
Paragould at GREENE CO. TECH (7): Throw out the records in this rivalry game. The winner gets the Bell trophy, which was introduced in 1999. Greene Co. Tech has won 15 of the past 27 in the series, including an exciting 20-13 double overtime thriller last fall. The Eagles tuned up for the showdown with last week's 12-point win at Batesville. Junior QB Camden Farmer ran for 177 yards and passed for 97 yards, while senior Gage Snyder rumbled 10 times for 91 yards. Winless Paragould averages seven points per game. Watch extended highlights of Paragould’s 51-0 loss to Wynne earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Paragould’s 51-0 loss to Wynne earlier this year.
Nettleton at WYNNE (8): Game of the Week II. The winner gets the 5A East title, and Wynne has won 17 of the past 19 meetings. Nettleton had to cancel its final three regular season games last year (including Week 10 vs. Wynne) due to Covid quarantines. A year later, the Raiders are playing for a conference title with a defense that has allowed a TD or less in six straight games. Nettleton beat Valley View 14-7 a week ago. Senior QB Cameron Scarlett ran 22 times for 150 yards and a TD and completed 11 of 17 passes for 60 yards vs. Valley View, while senior Koby Bradley ran 13 times for 52 yards and a TD. Wynne's vaunted defense has shut out three straight opponents. Senior DL Tyrel Johnson made eight tackles and two sacks in the first half at Forrest City, while the Yellowjackets held Forrest City to negative 33 yards, including minus-35 yards rushing. Junior Alonzo Holmes ran three times for 73 yards and two TDs, while senior Carl Washington scored a pair of TDs. Watch extended highlights of Nettleton's 36-6 win over Forrest City earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Wynne’s 35-13 win over West Memphis earlier this year. Watch extended highlights of Wynne's 51-0 win over Paragould earlier this year.
5A SOUTH
MAGNOLIA (14) at Hope: Magnolia has won 11 of the past 20 in this rivalry. The Panthers lock up the No. 2 seed and a home playoff game vs. Valley View next week with a victory. Senior guard/defensive tackle Jaden Cole played well in last week's 62-7 win over De Queen, as the Panthers limited De Queen to 40 yards rushing on 39 attempts. Magnolia senior Kendrick Carey ran three times for 120 yards and two TDs and returned a kickoff 93 yards for another score, while Deraylan Williams ran in four TDs. Junior B.J. Curry had 80 yards on four carries. Hope upended Texarkana last week and its two league wins this fall are the most since 2015. Senior Ammorrion Dempsy completed three of four passes for 43 yards, ran for 155 yards and caught two passes for 73 yards. On defense, Dempsey intercepted three passes, and returned a fumble 85 yards for a TD. Watch extended highlights of Magnolia’s 44-25 loss to Camden Fairview earlier this year.
HS LAKESIDE (1) at Hot Springs: HS Lakeside has beaten its rival 14 of the past 20 seasons. The winner finishes as the No. 3 seed, while the loser gets the No. 4 seed. HS Lakeside didn't play last week and has won three straight conference games by an average of 30 points. In week 8, the Rams led De Queen 35-0 at halftime before easing to a 48-0 decision. Senior QB Jordan Mills threw for three TDs in the first half, while sophomore Braylen Russell logged 10 carries for 80 yards and two TDs. Sophomore LB Mason Nguyen registered eight tackles, including three TFL's. Hot Springs must emotionally regroup after last week's three-point setback at league champion Camden Fairview. Senior Pierce Smalley tallied 158 yards at running back and eight tackles at safety, while senior QB Isaac Shelor completed 13 of 21 passes for 188 yards and a TD. Junior LB Kivan Barker made eight tackles, including three TFL's and one sack. Watch extended highlights of Hot Springs’ 31-28 loss to Camden Fairview earlier this year.
TEXARKANA (7) at De Queen: A battle of one-win teams. De Queen gets outscored 45-8 weekly, while Texarkana is outscored 30-12. The Razorbacks committed four turnovers in last week's 24-point loss to Hope.
CAMDEN FAIRVIEW is open.
5A WEST
Vilonia at GREENBRIER (4): Hootens.com Class 5A Game of the Week.
Alma at FARMINGTON (14): Farmington is the No. 3 seed and travels to White Hall in the first round, while Alma won't make the postseason. Farmington sophomore QB Cameron Vanzant passed for 199 yards and three TDs in last week's 49-22 win over Pea Ridge, while senior Caden Elsik ran for 167 yards and a TD. It was coach J.R. Eldridge's 100th career victory. Alma junior QB Joe Trusty passed for 265 yards and three TDs last week against Greenbrier, while senior Connor Stacy caught 12 balls for 156 yards.
Clarksville at MORRILTON (8): Since beating Alma Week 7 in overtime, Morrilton has been outscored in two games by a combined 84-28. Morrilton gave up five TD passes last week in a 21-point loss at Vilonia. Clarksville has lost its six 5A West games by an average of 38-12.
Pea Ridge at HARRISON (17): Harrison finishes as the No. 4 seed and heads to Pulaski Academy in the first round. The Goblins have beaten Pea Ridge three straight seasons, with the past two by a margin of 91-35. Harrison held Clarksville to 190 yards and three points, and forced two turnovers in last week's mercy-rule win. Senior QB Logan Plumlee threw three first-half TD passes. Improved Pea Ridge hung with Farmington last week (trailed 20-14 in the second quarter) before losing by 27 points. The Blackhawk D forced three turnovers. Watch extended highlights of Harrison’s 28-14 loss to Vilonia earlier this year.
Have your say
Feel free to take part in the discussion! Please be nice and do not include any abusive comments or spam. All comments are moderated and Hootens.com reserves the right to delete any comment.