Hootens.com Rankings

Week 12, 2024

Top 12 Sanctioned

By KYLE SUTHERLAND

1. Strong (6-0)

2. Midland (10-0)

3. Cedar Ridge (9-1)

4. Brinkley (8-2)

5. Rector (4-4)

6. Woodlawn (6-4)

7. South Side Bee Branch (4-4)

8. Marvell (4-6)

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)

ROUND 2 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS and highlighted)

(North-2) Cedar Ridge (9-1) at (South-1) STRONG (6-0): Strong has only played 5 games (plus a forfeit win over Hermitage), but the Bulldogs have outscored the opposition 252-42. Kaiden McHenry, possibly the most versatile player in 8-man football, has compiled more than 1,300 offensive yards and 25 touchdowns; Germyren McHenry has rushed for more than 500 yards and 6 scores. The defense is headlined by Jakiem Woods, Jamarion Mitchell and Jay Taylor. Mitchell recorded 11 total tackles, including a sack, in last Friday’s 52-6 win over South Side Bee Branch, while Xhaden Williams had 10 tackles. “We have been playing well, we just need to clean up some of the small things,” Strong Coach Jason Porter says. “We are excited about having a chance to play for a trip to Little Rock.”

Cedar Ridge beat Woodlawn 52-43 last week after winning its previous 2 games by a combined 10 points. A 34-6 loss to Midland on Oct. 25 is the only blemish on Cedar Ridge's record, and that game was tied 6-6 at halftime. The Timberwolves have won 3 consecutive games. “We’ve had a historic season this year and now have a chance to play for an opportunity to go to the state championship game,” Cedar Ridge Coach Scott Morgan says. “We’re in the position we want to be in and will keep fighting to keep the dream alive. I can not say enough how proud I am of our guys. We’ve had all sorts of things thrown at us all season, but each week we’ve stepped up, performed, and have not lost focus on our goals." Cedar Ridge has recorded 2 shutouts and held 2 other opponents to less than 10. The offense averages 37 points. QB Aiden Jones (20-30 passing, 270 yards, 4 TDs; 15 total tackles) came up big in the T-Wolves’ first-round victory over Woodlawn, along with Jonas Elms (9-133 receiving, 2 TDs). Jones had plenty of help on defense, with Wesley Horton recording 18 stops and Lawson Bruce (14 tackles, fumble recovery), Bentley Bullington (13 tackles), and Keithen Dunn (11 tackles) pitching in.

(South-2) Brinkley (7-2) at (North-1) MIDLAND (10-0): Midland (1-7 last season) is the surprise story of the 8-Man playoffs. The Mustangs get a home playoff game with a spot in the championship game on the line. Midland has scored 60 points or more 3 times, including a 60-14 win last week over Marvell in a game when Marvell scored first. “We have had a couple of other teams score first on us, but we have always responded so I commend the kids for that,” Midland Coach Tim Pugh says. “They have played above their heads and are believing in each other. This is all a new experience and, to be honest with you, it has been kind of surreal.” Jayce Adams, Chase Rascoe and Brayden York combined for 531 rushing yards and 7 TDs against Marvell. Aiden McAdams (17 tackles) and Aaron Bozeman (9 tackles, fumble receovery, interception) stood tall on defense. Brinkley slipped past defending sanctioned state champion Rector 30-26, the closest margin of victory in the first round. With a win, Brinkley likely gets another shot at Strong, which defeated the Tigers 54-8 on Oct. 25. Christian Williams (10-14 passing, 148 yards, TD; 170 rushing, 3 TDs) led the offense last week. Keithan James (4-91 receiving, TD; 9 tackles, forced fumble, interception) played a key role. RJ Medford (10 tackles, fumble recovery) and Casey Brezee (10 tackles, 2 for loss) also contributed for Brinkley.