Hooten’s Arkansas Football Rankings

Class 2A, Week 13, 2023

Copyright Seventy Seven’s Publishing

1. Carlisle (11-1)

2. Bigelow (12-0) 

3. EPC (11-1)

4. Marked Tree (9-2)

5. Murfreesboro (11-1)

6. Conway Christian (9-3)

7. Des Arc (8-4)

8. Hector (7-5)

9. Hazen (8-3)

10. Mineral Springs (9-2)

11. England (6-5)

12. Cross County (5-4)

13. Poyen (5-6)

14. Bearden (4-6)

15. McCrory (5-5)

16. Mount Ida (3-7)

17. Earle (4-6)

18. Dierks (3-7)

19. JC Westside (3-7)

20. Mountainburg (3-6)

21. Lafayette County (3-7) 

22. Baptist Prep (3-7)

23. Clarendon (2-8)

24. Magazine (1-8)

25. LR Episcopal (1-8)

26. Marianna (1-10)

27. Hampton (0-9)

28. Foreman (0-9)

LAST WEEK 

Hootens.com correctly predicted 3 of 4 games in Class 2A playoffs and is 130-27 (83 percent) for the season.

CLASS 2A SEMIFINALS

4-2A (1) CARLISLE (11-1) at 1-2A (1) East Poinsett County (11-1)

CARLISLE rallied from a 10-0 third-quarter deficit to beat Hector 27-20 in the quarterfinal round. Carlisle QB Holden Jones completed 6 of 12 passes for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns, both to Gavin Davis. Kayleb Elliott rushed for 109 yards. Jones also rushed for 2 TDs. 

We are excited about the opportunity to get to play a great football team Friday with a chance to go to Little Rock,” EPC Coach Brandon Powell said. “They are physical, disciplined, and experienced, so it will take everything we have to advance.”

EPC held off Conway Christian 34-20. The Warriors led 28-8 before the Eagles made a late push to get back into the game. Dennis Gaines (33-155 rushing, 3 TDs) and QB Cooper Argo (14-54 rushing, TD) led the way.

“They’ve got some athletes,” Carlisle Coach Gary Wilson said of EPC. “Everybody knows the Gaines kid. He’s a good running back. Their QB (Argo) is a really good athlete. He’s quick. He’s got a pretty strong arm. They’ve got a couple of kids who can go up and get the ball too. It’s going to be a challenge.”

3-2A (3) Marked Tree (9-2) at 1-2A (1) BIGELOW (12-0): Marked Tree’s Kenyon Carter threw for 114 yards and 2 TDs and TJ Hodges rushed for 130 yards in the Indians’ 28-14 win over previously unbeaten Murfreesboro. The Indians’ defense intercepted 3 passes. Jonah Walker and Ryan Wages each had 12 tackles. 

“Marked Tree looks very athletic,” Bigelow Coach Jeff Starks said. “Their QB is talented and has a really good arm. Their running back is an explosive runner.”

Bigelow QB Rhett Neumeier passed for 273 yards and 3 TDs in the Panthers’ 34-14 win over Des Arc last week. Brandt Tipton caught 5 passes for 151 yards and 2TDs. Jayden Dunlap had 21 tackles. Silas Schichtl had 17 tackles, 2 tackles, an interception, and a blocked punt. 

“I think they are really good,” Marked Tree Coach Waylon Dunn said. “Their quarterback is a dual threat. The running backs are big and physical, and the receivers are long and athletic. They have a very good defense at all 3 levels, so we will have our hands full. Hopefully, we can play well and just keep marching.”