Hootens.com Rankings
Class 2A, Week 1, 2013
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.

1. Junction City
2. Bearden
3. Gurdon
4. Rison
5. Carlisle
6. Strong
7. Salem
8. E. Poinsett County
9. Dierks
10. Hazen
11. Magnet Cove
12. Murfreesboro
13. Des Arc
14. Mineral Springs
15. Walnut Ridge
16. Mount Ida
17. Hackett
18. Hector
19. Parkers Chapel
20. McCrory
21. England
22. Conway Christian
23. Cross County
24. Palestine-Wheatley
25. Mountainburg
26. Bigelow
27. Hampton
28. Augusta
29. Decatur
30. Foreman
31. Brinkley
32. Poyen
33. Magazine
34. Marked Tree
35. Quitman
36. Lafayette County
37. Clarendon
38. Cutter M. Star
39. Union Christian
40. J.C. Westside
41. Western Yell County
42. Spring Hill
43. Cedar Ridge
44. Mountain Pine
45. Woodlawn
46. Marvell
47. Hermitage
48. Hartford

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 19 Parkers Chapel at No. 11 Magnet Cove
Parkers Chapel beat Magnet Cove the past two years on the legs of Phil Hay (Harvard). His successor, freshman Dezmon Jackson (5-10, 190), runs behind a monster line of senior LT Will Jones (6-6, 305), senior LG John Powell (6-0, 325), junior C Tanner Couch (6-0, 290) and sophomore RG Wyatt Wooten (6-0, 265), a move-in from Strong. Jackson rushed for 1,800 yards and 20 touchdowns for the junior high as an eighth-grader. Senior quarterback and leading tackler John Tyson (91 stops) returns. Magnet Cove senior QB Jared Stanley has emerged over the summer, and his 32 teammates voted him as a captain. Sophomores Josh Smeltzer (6-2, 200) and Isaac Whitley (5-10, 175) are set to start as inside linebackers.

HOOTEN'S TV SHOW
Hooten's Arkansas Football TV show airs 10::30 a.m. Saturdays this fall on KATV 7 (ABC-Little Rock) and KXNW (Ch. 34 Fort Smith/Fayetteville) starting Sept. 7. The show features the state's top recruiting prospects. Fayetteville will be featured Week 1 as the Verizon Wireless/Nokia Siemens Network Football Town of the Week.

LAST YEAR
Hooten's correctly predicted 85 percent of games involving Class 2A teams.

WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS (favored teams in ALL CAPS)
3-2A
SALEM (34) at Mountain View: Salem lost key starters on the D line to graduation, but senior QB Dillon Turner (1,804 yds, 26 TDs), RB J.J. Gray (6.2 ypc) and all-state FB/DE Augustus Freeman (12 sacks) are ready to defend the first conference title in school history.
E Poinsett County at RIVERCREST (1): EPC knocked off Class 3A Rivercrest 29-27 a year ago. A tight group of 10 seniors leads 26 varsity players at EPC, which tied for a 7-on-7 title this summer in a league that included 5A Wynne and 6A West Memphis.
McCrory at CARLISLE (16): A veteran team gives Carlisle maybe its last best chance to vie for a state title for a while. First-year coach Brandon Barbaree inherits starters at 16 positions, including Sonic Super Team RB Bo Weddle, LB Deron Ricks and DB Austin Reed. McCrory expects to start five sophomores on both sides of the ball, but senior OT/DE Logan Briley (6-3, 245) anchors both lines.
CROSS COUNTY (2) at Harrisburg: The past three seasons (10-17-1) were rough at Cross County, but the Thunderbirds can jump back to the top half the league this fall. Sophomore RB Anfernee Davis (5-11, 175, 4.5 speed) tore up the junior high circuit last year.
CORNING (6) at Walnut Ridge: Senior RB Cole Hicks (6-0, 190) returns, but Walnut Ridge must rebuild after 10 sensational seniors led the Bobcats to their first state semifinals appearance in 41 years in 2012.
MARKED TREE (10) at Clarendon: Three-time All-3-2A RB Darius Ivy has graduated, and a couple of Marked Tree's top prospects have opted to specialize in basketball. Marked Tree beat Clarendon by 30 points in 2012. Clarendon first-year coach Thomas Thrash says junior QB D.J. Lowery (5-9, 150) has emerged in two weeks of practice.
AUGUSTA (8) at Quitman: Numbers are up at Augusta where its team speed should give Quitman trouble.
RIVERVIEW (20) at Cedar Ridge: Cedar Ridge owns one victory over past two years and prospects do not appear any better for 2013.

4-2A
HACKETT (8) at England: All-state WR Tanner Sweeten has moved back to Oklahoma after catching 38 balls for 1,005 yards last year for Hackett. England should dress 17 for the opener, running thin on linemen. Junior QB Tyrik Harris headlines a talented group of skill players.
Hartford at HECTOR (42): Hector, the 4-2A coaches' pick to win the league, plays twice Week 1, opening Tuesday night against Hartford, which has not posted a victory since Week 10, 2008.
Hector at TWO RIVERS (8): Class 3A Two Rivers won this matchup by 30 a year ago. Hector closes the gap with the most dynamic tailback tandem in the 4-2A: senior Gus Nichols (4.6 speed) and junior Tyler Brashear (4.7 speed). Freshman QB Tanner Gaines (5-11, 185) matured over the summer with a quicker release and better decisions.
Mountainburg at CEDARVILLE (35): Last year's Mountainburg team looked like a conference title contender, but the Dragons did not deliver and lost in the first round of the playoffs. Look for Mountainburg to play Skatteball this fall with senior QB Josh Skattebo (5-10, 300) battering defenses with 30 rushing attempts per game.
SUBIACO ACADEMY (21) at Decatur: Decatur junior QB Victor Urquidi (2,020 yards in 2012) will miss the season after preseason shoulder surgery.
Magazine at GREENLAND (20): Numbers are up (28 players) at Magazine despite 12 players from a year ago sitting out this fall. The Rattlers enjoy better depth on both lines than a year ago. Senior RB Mason Suttles may be slowed early with a ankle injury.
Union Christian at CUTTER M STAR (3): UC endured its worst season in seven years of varsity football last year when it went 2-8, and numbers remain low.
PARIS (42) at J.C. Westside: Westside graduated a stout group in May, may dress just 14 players in the opener.
W. Yell County at SMACKOVER (45): Smackover on the mend after multiple injuries this summer, including senior LT Ty Mullens. Fewer than 20 players practiced

5-2A
Parkers Chapel at MAGNET COVE (3): See 2A Game of the Week.
Spring Hill at MOUNT IDA (21): Although young, Mount Ida expects to compete for its first 5-2A title since 2008.
BIGELOW (2) at Perryville: Bigelow has notched nine wins two of the past three years and returns the most team speed in modern history. Senior NG Bret Kagebein anchors a rebuilt defense. Senior RB Javier Granillo (6-1, 180) may be faster than graduated all-state RB Terrell Dunlap.
Conway Christian at EPISCOPAL (2): It's a new day at Conway Christian after the graduation of record-setting QB Tanner Stevenson and WR Andrew Dather. Senior Chandler Ferrand moves from WR to QB to trigger an option attack.
B. HARMONY GOVE (7) at Poyen: Second-year head coach Vic Barrett has changed the mindset at Poyen. The Indians won a playoff game last winter and worked against bigger schools in team camps this summer.
AUGUSTA (2) at Quitman: Numbers are up at Augusta where its team speed should give Quitman trouble.
Union Christian at CUTTER M STAR (6): Union Christian struggling with low numbers. Cutter won four games last year, including a 13-12 triumph over playoff qualifier Poyen.
JESSIEVILLE (35) at Mountain Pine: Depth on both lines and an influx of talented sophomores keep 5-3A Jessieville competitive. Mountain Pine (0-10 in 2012) has won seven games over the past three seasons.

6-2A
McCrory at CARLISLE (16): A veteran team gives Carlisle maybe its last best chance to vie for a state title for a while. First-year coach Brandon Barbaree inherits starters at 16 positions, including Sonic Super Team RB Bo Weddle, LB Deron Ricks and DB Austin Reed. McCrory expects to start five sophomores on both sides of the ball, but senior OT/DE Logan Briley (6-3, 245) anchors both lines.
HACKETT (8) at England: All-state WR Tanner Sweeten has moved back to Oklahoma after catching 38 balls for 1,005 yards last year for Hackett. England should dress 17 for the opener, running thin on linemen. Junior QB Tyrik Harris headlines a talented group of skill players.
MARKED TREE (10) at Clarendon: Three-time All-3-2A RB Darius Ivy has graduated, and a couple of Marked Tree's top prospects have opted to specialize in basketball. Marked Tree beat Clarendon by 30 points in 2012. Clarendon first-year coach Thomas Thrash says junior QB D.J. Lowery (5-9, 150) has emerged in two weeks of practice.
DES ARC (35) at Woodlawn: Des Arc dresses 26 for the opener, including senior bell cow fullback Zac Devore (5-10, 195) who made more than 40 workouts over the summer. Woodlawn first-year head coach Zach Branch was promoted from defensive coordinator.
Hazen vs. ROSE BUD (6) (Thurs. at UCA): Expectations are high at No. 10 Hazen, the coaches' pick to repeat as 6-2A champion. Hazen returns starters at 20 positions, including linebackers Lucas Tenison and Trenton Mosby. All-state RT Jacob Walker (6-2, 240) anchors the line. Rose Bud's leading receiver and leading tackler graduated in May, and its quarterback transferred to Searcy this summer. Senior RB Cole Robertson returns after pacing the Ramblers in 2012 with 1,091 yards and 12 TDs.
BROOKLAND (8) at Brinkley: Brookland won its opening two games last year, including 42-14 over Brinkley. The Bearcats return starters at 15 positions, but the top two running backs graduated in May.
MELBOURNE (12) at Pal-Wheatley: The 1-3A coaches expect Melbourne to make the playoffs this fall in Coach Kevin McCarn's first year. The Bearkatz notched their first varsity victory last fall with a 28-12 triumph over Palestine-Wheatley.
HERMITAGE (1) at Marvell: Both programs trying to survive. Hermitage won this matchup 22-18 last year and then lost nine straight. Marvell has lost 25 in a row.

7-2A
GURDON (4) at Prescott (Thurs.): These teams combined to win 43 games the past two years. Gurdon senior QB Austin Kirkpatrick passed for 209 yards and two TDs in last year's 40-34 comeback win over rival Prescott. Prescott went on to win 11 games, claiming a share of the 6-3A crown and reaching the playoff semifinals.
Centerpoint at DIERKS (3): Centerpoint (5-3A) won three of its last five regular-season games last fall to make the playoffs. Senior QB Chase Beebe passed for a school-record 1,542 yards and 12 TDs. Dierks beat the Knights 45-41, and debut this fall at No. 9 in Class 2A.
Bismarck at MURFREESBORO (13): Seven seniors pace 32 varsity players at Murfreesboro. Senior TB/LB Marcus Jackson, WR/S Ricky Solano and G/DT Jaben Snowden stepped up their work ethic and leadership over the summer.
Fouke at MINERAL SPRINGS (23): Mineral Springs goes from the brink of financial ruin to one of the wealthiest districts in the state thanks to the coal-burning Turk Power Plant that opened December 2012 just 15 minutes away. Former Hope defensive coordinator and new Mineral Springs head coach Jason Burns inherits exciting possibilities and All-7-2A QB Kendrick Langston (3,021 yds, 23 TDs in 2012).
FOREMAN (10) at Genoa Central: Genoa Central hired former Mineral Springs coach Vince Perrin as head coach in July after former coach Eddie Jackson retired in June. But Perrin resigned, prompting Genoa Central to promote Jonathan Gosdin to interim head coach on August 13.
Lafayette County at HORATIO (22): A surprising 2012 for Horatio generates expectations in year two for Coach Mark King. Lafayette County has not played since Week 4 last year after forfeiting its last five games and an open date Week 10.
Spring Hill at MOUNT IDA (21): Although young, Mount Ida expects to compete for its first 5-2A title since 2008.

8-2A
Parkers Chapel at MAGNET COVE (3): See 2A Game of the Week.
Earle at JUNCTION CITY (12): Top-ranked Junction City avenges its only loss of 2012, a 14-7 defeat in a driving rainstorm at 3-3A Earle. Earle must adjust to life without dynamic playmaker Autry Allen (7,020 career rushing yards and 94 TDs).
BEARDEN (2) at C. Harmony Grove: A year ago, Bearden's lackadaisical 34-6 loss to Harmony Grove in the opener served as a needed wakeup call. The Bears lost only to Junction City twice the rest of the season and played for the state title. Harmony Grove has won two of the past three games in this series. The Hornets held Bearden to 84 total yards and forced three turnovers a year ago.
RISON (7) at Fordyce: Numbers are high at No. 3 Rison with 44 players on the varsity roster and more than 40 in junior high. Rison beats Fordyce this year for the first time since rallying past the Redbugs in a 30-27 overtime victory three years ago. Fordyce features talented 'backs and receivers, including senior playmaker Larry Buckley, but it graduated every offensive lineman and a three-year starting QB in May.
STRONG (10) at Lake Village: Former Dermott coach Andy Werb took over at Lake Village in late June. Lake Village won just 27 games the past 11 seasons. Strong expects to dress 35 for the opener.
HAMPTON (15) at Drew Central: Hampton is abuzz as alum Wes Ables kicks off his head coaching career with 30 Bulldogs, including 12 committed seniors. Senior twins Chase (6-4, 205) and Chandler Riley (6-4, 200) man the ends for a defense that will try to eliminate the big play and keep games close. Drew Central has not won a game since Week 7, 2010.
DES ARC (35) at Woodlawn: Des Arc dresses 26 for the opener, including senior bell cow fullback Zac Devore (5-10, 195) who made more than 40 workouts over the summer. Woodlawn first-year head coach Zach Branch was promoted from defensive coordinator.
HERMITAGE (1) at Marvell: Both programs trying to survive. Hermitage won this matchup 22-18 last year and then lost nine straight. Marvell has lost 25 in a row.
NORPHLET dropped varsity football in the spring.