Hootens.com Class 2A Rankings

Week 13, 2024

1. Conway Christian (12-0)

2. Junction City (9-3)

3. East Poinsett County (9-3)

4. Mount Ida (9-3)

5. Carlisle (11-1)

6. Des Arc (9-3)

7. Bigelow (8-4)

8. Murfreesboro (8-4)

9. Cross County (7-4)

10. Marked Tree (6-5)

11. Bearden (6-5)

12. Poyen (7-4)

13. Mineral Springs (6-5)

14. Hazen (5-6)

15. Hector (6-5)

16. Gurdon (5-6)

17. Earle (4-6) 

18. McCrory (6-4)

19. Dierks (6-4)

20. England (4-6)

Not ranked:

1-2A: Mountain Pine (3-7), JC Westside (1-8), Magazine (2-7), Mountainburg (4-6)

2-2A: Izard County Consolidated (1-9), Marianna (0-9)

3-2A: Spring Hill (2-7), Foreman (0-10), Lafayette County (4-6)

4-2A: Clarendon (0-9), Baptist Prep (5-5), Hampton (4-6)

LAST WEEK

Hootens.com correctly predicted 2 of 4 games involving Class 2A teams and has correctly predicted 162 of 195 games (83 percent).

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK

3-2A (2) JUNCTION CITY (9-3) at 1-2A (1) Conway Christian (12-0): Junction City avenged a Week 2 loss to Carlisle by running all over the Bison last Friday for a 43-14 quarterfinal win. 

The Dragons, who totaled 451 rushing yards, were led by Dominique Grimes (26-340 rushing, 4 TDs) and DK Hampton (5-51 rushing, TD). Junction City held Carlisle to 186 total yards, 93 rushing and 93 passing. Decoria Clemons (6 tackles, 2 pass breakups, INT.) and Dalton Baker (5 tackles, including 1 TFL, 1 sack) led the Junction City defense. “We are dialed in as a team at the right time,” Junction City Coach Devin Ball says. “The chance to compete with Conway Christian for a bid to War Memorial Stadium is an honor.”

Conway Christian rallied from deficits of 14-0 in the first half and 22-14 at halftime to beat Des Arc 50-34 in its quarterfinal game. Brady Domokos (17-212 rushing, 4 TDs) and Jeryn Thomas (13-200 rushing, 2 TDs; 6-8 passing, 88 yards, TD) led the offense. “We are excited for the opportunity to play a Junction City team that seems to have found their stride,” Conway Christian Coach Justin Kramer says. “They always present a great challenge as one of the bigger schools that bounces back and forth from 2A to 3A. Containing their athletes and preventing the big play is key. ... I believe our guys are ready for the test.”

TOP HALF OF THE BRACKET

1-2A (3) Mount Ida (9-3) at 2-2A (1) EAST POINSETT COUNTY (9-3): Mount Ida beat Murfreesboro 48-16 for its fourth consecutive win. The Lions are averaging 45.3 points per game during the win streak, and they rushed for 402 yards in the victory over the Rattlers. Ben Woodfield (25-272 rushing 4 TDs; 9 tackles) and Jackson White (11-77 rushing, 2 TDs; 7 tackles) contributed on both sides of the ball. Chris Dorrell and Cain McCullough each had 8 tackles. Coach Mike White praised the offensive line of Brady Rowland, Duncan Standridge, Andy Black, Ty Speer and Eli McCullough. “This will be another tough road test for us,” White says of his team, which has won 2 road playoff games so far. “EPC is well-coached with some great athletes and speed.” EPC knocked off defending state champion Bigelow 36-12 in a rematch of last year’s state-title game. Dee Buchanan (13-94 rushing, 2 TDs) and QB Eli Bragg (187 passing, TD; rushing TD). Jacob Gaines also had a rushing TD. “This Mount Ida team has played really good football all year long,” EPC Coach Brandon Powell says. “They are very efficient on offense and play great defense. Coach White is one of the best coaches in the state and will have his team in the best situation to be successful.”

BOTTOM HALF OF THE BRACKET

3-2A NO. 2 JUNCTION CITY (9-3) at 1-2A (2) Conway Christian (12-0): See Hootens.com Game of the Week, above.