Hootens.com 8-Man Rankings

Week 11, 2024

Top 12 Sanctioned

1. Strong (5-0)

2. Midland (9-0)

3. Cedar Ridge (8-1)

4. Rector (4-3)

5. Brinkley (6-2)

6. Woodlawn (6-3)

7. South Side Bee Branch (4-3)

8. Marvell (4-5)

9. Augusta (1-6)

10. Dermott (2-6) 

11. Hermitage (0-8)

12. Guy-Perkins (1-7)

Top 4 Unsanctioned

1. Corning (8-1)

2. Subiaco Academy (5-4)

3. Marshall (3-6)

4. Rose Bud (2-7)

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK

(North-3) RECTOR (4-3) at (South-2) Brinkley (6-2): Brinkley is hosting a playoff game for the second consecutive season after slipping past Woodlawn last week to clinch the South No. 2 seed. The Tigers' losses have come to unsanctioned state champion Corning and sanctioned No. 1 Strong. They are led by do-it-all junior Chris Williams, who totaled 240 yards (128 passing, 112 rushing) and a touchdown in the Tigers’ 18-12 win over Woodlawn. He also intercepted 2 passes. Defending sanctioned state champion Rector snapped a 2-game skid in a convincing win over South Side Bee Branch to close out the regular season. The Cougars have battled through early season injuries while trying to rebuild after last season's title run. Austin Avery, Grayson Bryant (319 yards rushing combined over the past 2 games) and Chance Lopez have carried the load at the skill positions on offense. It all starts with Dalton Lamar up front on both sides of the ball, while other key contributors have been Lawson Green and Kolton Watson.

ROUND 1 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS and highlighted)

(South-4) Marvell (4-5) at (North-1) MIDLAND (9-0): Midland has averaged 48.2 points per game during its first undefeated regular-season run, and the Mustangs will try to take their success to the playoffs. Midland has been led by Chase Rascoe, Brayden York and Jayce Adams on offense. Defensively, Chris Azlin, Hunter May and Hunter Williford anchor a defense that has held 4 opponents to less than 10 points, including a shutout. Marvell has dropped 4 of its past 5 games after a 3-1 start. The Mustangs' offense goes as Terry Bledsoe goes, while Tre Campbell, LaRon Harris and Justin Burrell have been notable contributors.(North-4) South Side Bee Branch (4-3) at (South-1) STRONG (5-0): Strong's season came to an abrupt halt at this time last year, but the Bulldogs, despite playing a limited schedule, have outscored 4 opponents 200-36 and received a forfeit victory. Kaiden McHenry (more than 1,000 total yards, 19 TDs) and Germyren McHenry (more than 300 rushing yards, 4 TDs) have led the offense; Jay Taylor and Jakiem Woods have also been top contributors for the Bulldogs. South Side Bee Branch started 4-0 in its first football season, but Coach Todd Langrell's team has allowed a combined 161 points in 3 consecutive losses before last week's Week 10 bye.(South-3) Woodlawn (6-3) at (North-2) CEDAR RIDGE (8-1): Cedar Ridge has already put together a season to remember after coming over from the unsanctioned ranks. Save for a loss to Midland that got away from them in the second half (the game was tied 6-6 at halftime), the Timberwolves have been consistent on offense and overall played well defensively. Quarterbacks Aiden Jones (48-64 passing, 517 yards, 7 TDs) and Jonas Elms (38-57 passing, 542 yards, 6 TDs; 21-244 receiving, 4 TDs) have combined for 768 rushing yards and 12 TDs while splitting duties. Jace McNeil (81-378 rushing, 7 TDs) and Lawson Bruce (22-288 receiving, 5 touchdowns) have contributed mightily. Wesley Horton (98 total tackles, 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 TD) is having a monster year on defense. Woodlawn had a disappointing outing in its most recent loss to Brinkley with the South No. 2 seed up for grabs after outscoring Dermott and Marvell by a combined 120-32 in the previous 2 games. Garrett Weatherford has been the workhorse for the Bears and is right around the 1,000-yard mark for the year, along with Aden Moore and Ethan Adair, who have helped shoulder the load.