8-Man Week 4 Rankings and Selections

Rankings

Class 8-Man

Week 3, 2026

RK.-PV. TEAM (Record; Week 3 result)

1. ↔ 1. Corning (4-0; DNP)
2. ↔ 2. Cedar Ridge (4-0; beat Rose Bud 60-30)
3. ↔ 3. Izard County (3-0; beat Woodlawn 60-8)
4. ↔ 4. Magazine (2-0; DNP)
5.  ↑  6. Strong (0-1; DNP)
6.  ↑  9. SS Bee B (2-1; beat Midland 60-22)
7.  ↑  8.  Brinkley (2-1; Lost to Abundant Life 32-16)
8.  ↓  5. Rose Bud (2-1; Lost to Cedar Ridge 60-30)
9. ↔ 9. Lafayette Co (2-1; DNP)
10.  ↓  6. Woodlawn (1-2; lost to Izard County 60-8)

NOT RANKED

WEST: Arkansas Christian (3-1), Guy-Perkins (1-2), JC Westside (1-2)

EAST: Marvell (1-1), Midland (1-2), Rector (1-1)

SOUTH: Blevins (0-3), Dermott (0-3), Friendship Aspire (0-4), Hermitage (1-2)

UNSANCTIONED: Cave City (1-2), Barton (0-1)

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 1 CORNING (4-0) at Rector (1-1): Corning makes the 25-mile trip across Clay County for the first conference matchup between the schools since 1990. Corning did not play last week as Dermott had to forfeit due to low numbers. Corning continued its run of dominance with a 36-0 win over Abundant Life 2 weeks ago. Junior Nate Jansen (132 rushing, 2 TDs) and junior Eli Wright (129 rushing, 3 TDs) led the offense. Senior Ty Price had 8 tackles, including 1.5 sacks. “Corning is the best team in 8-man,” Rector Coach Robert Dorman says. “Their depth is a big advantage over us, and they’ve got skilled players at every position. We will try to control the clock and play to our strengths.” Rector enters off a 56-0 win over Friendship Aspire, led by senior Austin Avery (184 yards, 4 TDs; 6 tackles, including 4 sacks, 1 TFL). Junior Kory Tanner threw for 36 yards and a TD, along with 64 rushing yards. “They are a very physical team and are well coached,” Corning Coach Farrell Shelton says. “In looking at them, they will not beat themselves, so we are going to have to focus on us. Their program has developed into a culture with a lot of pride, and they play hard every play. Our game plan is to be ready to face adversity and not let one play affect the next.” Rector will have to control the ball and limit Corning’s possessions if it wants to win. Corning’s defense will also be a big part as the Bobcats need to stop Avery. Corning looks to take this one, but do not be surprised if Rector pulls the upset. 

EAST

No. 7 BRINKLEY (2-1) at Marvell (1-1): Brinkley lost to Abundant Life 32-16 last Friday. Marvell’s game against Hermitage was called early, with Marvell trailing 40-14. Deontrell Willis (10-75 rushing, TD) and Zantheus Seals (TD) led Marvell. Brinkley’s athleticism will get the best of Marvell in this one. 

OPEN: Midland, Cedar Ridge

WEST

JC Westside (1-2) at No. 6 SOUTH SIDE BEE BRANCH (2-1): South Side Bee Branch opened its new stadium last Friday and beat Midland 60-22. The Hornets have scored 60 points or more in all 3 of their games this season. Senior Caden Mahan accounted for more than 300 yards and 6 total TDs. JC Westside got its first win Friday with a 48-6 blowout over Blevins. South Side’s offense doesn’t look like it will be stopped anytime soon.

No. 3 IZARD COUNTY (3-0) at Cave City (1-2): This is the second matchup this fall between these teams; Izard County won the first matchup, 26-22. Izard County put the conference on notice after a 60-8 beatdown of defending state runner-up, Woodlawn. Sophomore Kane Johnson threw 6 TD passes in his 300-yard game. Junior James Down (7-151 receiving, 5 TDs) was Johnson’s main target. Cave City hasn’t played since it lost to Izard County 2 weeks ago when it was led by senior Dawson Johnson (130 total yards). Cave City wants revenge, but Izard County brings the momentum.

No. 8  Rose Bud at No. 4 MAGAZINE (2-0): Rose Bud exits a 60-30 loss to Cedar Ridge last week. Senior Eli Jordan ran for 145 yards and 2 TDs. Magazine was on a bye week last week after a 40-0 win over JC Westside. The Rattlers have yet to be scored upon. Senior Daniel Green posted 4 TDs on offense and returned a punt for a touchdown. The defense allowed fewer than 100 yards and recovered 2 fumbles. Magazine’s shutout streak could end Friday, and so will its undefeated streak if it isn’t careful against the Ramblers.

OPEN: Guy-Perkins, Arkansas Christian

SOUTH

Blevins (0-3) at No. 5 STRONG (0-1): Strong opens conference play at home against Blevins after losing 32-8 at River Oaks (La.). Sophomore Antonio Hicks scored the lone touchdown for Strong on an 18-yard run. Senior Cole Fife (58 rushing) and junior Devon Boone (35 rushing) led the ground attack; sophomore Dakeveon White had 9 tackles. Blevins lost to JC Westside Friday, 48-6. Christian Docherty returned a kickoff 106 yards for a touchdown. 

Friendship Aspire (0-4) at No. 9 LAFAYETTE COUNTY (2-1): Friendship Aspire has yet to win a game this season despite playing 4 games. Reshawd Smith had 75 rushing yards and 12 tackles last week. Lafayette County was on a bye last week after a 72-20 victory over Barton. 

HERMITAGE (1-2) at Dermott (0-3): Dermott forfeited its game against Corning after it couldn’t field a team last Friday due to suspensions and injuries from the Brinkley game. Hermitage got its first win last Friday, beating Marvell 40-14. Junior Robin Carroll ran for 154 yards and had 4 total TDs.

OPEN: Woodlawn