Hootens.com Rankings
Class 5A, Week 15, 2013
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.

1. Morrilton (12-2)
2. Batesville (11-3)
3. Hope (10-3)
4. Alma (10-3)
5. Camden Fairview (10-2)
6. Pulaski Academy (11-1)
7. Wynne (9-3)
8. Mills (9-3)
9. Watson Chapel (5-5)
10. Shiloh Christian (6-4-1)
11. White Hall (8-3)
12. Sylvan Hills (7-4)
13. West Helena (6-5)
14. Forrest City (7-3)
15. Nettleton (5-6)
16. Beebe (5-6)
17. Greenbrier (4-7)
18. Jacksonville (4-6)
19. LR Christian (4-6)
20. Vilonia (3-7)
21. Hot Springs Lakeside (3-7)
22. Harrison (3-7)
23. Clarksville (3-7)
24. Hot Springs (3-7)
25. Magnolia (3-7)
26. Greene County Tech (2-8)
27. Paragould (3-7)
28. Huntsville (2-8)
29. Blytheville (1-9)
30. De Queen (0-10)
31. LR McClellan (1-9)
32. North Pulaski (0-10)

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME RECAP
Morrilton won its first state title since 1973, beating Batesville 27-24. The Devil Dogs led to a 14-10 at halftime after senior quarterback Toney Hawkins' 67-yard touchdown pass on the second play of the game. Hawkins won MVP honors by rushing for 56 yards and a touchdown and completing 14 of 21 passes for 261 yards and three scores. Senior receiver Rayshod Criswell caught seven passes for 122 yards and a TD, while classmate Reece Heidenreich caught five passes for 96 yards and two scores.

Batesville rallied from a 27-17 fourth-quarter deficit, but missed the potential game-tying field goal as time expired. Batesville senior tailback Jalen Haynes ran 17 times for 135 yards, while senior short-yardage specialist Joey Rodriguez plowed 13 times for 46 yards and a pair of scores. Junior QB Kenton Crawford for 55 yards and completed six of 11 passes for 55 yards and a TD. Batesville junior kicker Osvaldo Espericuetta missed three extra-points and a 22-yard field goal, but missed a 37-yard attempt.

LAST WEEK
Hootens.com missed the state title game. For the season, Hootens.com correctly predicted 175 of 211 games (83 percent).

NEXT YEAR
Morrilton loses most of its playmakers, while Batesville returns its QB but loses a senior-laden line and group of running backs. Even with limited starters returning, Morrilton may be favored to win the 5A West next fall as Alma bumps to Class 6A. Batesville won the 5A East this fall, but could get challenged next year by Wynne. The Yellowjackets started just three seniors this season, and return QB Zach Morris and rrunning back Antonio Davis next season. Pulaski Academy returns QB Will Hefley, athlete Tre Bruce and receivers Will Hastings and Zack Kelley.