Class 6A

Class 6A Rankings

Week 0, 2025

1. Greenwood
2. Shiloh Christian
3. Benton
4. Marion 
5. Lake Hamilton
6. Mountain Home 
7. El Dorado
8. LR Catholic 
9. Sheridan
10. Jonesboro

Not ranked:

6A East: Sylvan Hills, West Memphis.

6A West: FS Southside, Russellville, Siloam Springs, and Van Buren.

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK

Class 5A HOT SPRINGS at West Memphis: Hot Springs topped West Memphis 34-7 in the 2024 season-opener.

West Memphis regroups after finishing 1-9 last fall, the program’s worst record in the modern playoff era (since 1969). More than 80 Blue Devils went through spring and summer camp, and that momentum carried into the fall as West Memphis performed well at its final 2 team camps. Senior receiver Kevius Woods leads the Blue Devils offense; senior tackle Kobe Birdo, who earned a scholarship offer over the summer from Arkansas Tech, rallies the defense. Three sophomores are battling to play cornerback opposite senior Derreyon Key. The Blue Devils bested Blytheville 7-0 last Tuesday in a weather-shortened scrimmage. Andrew Clay rushed for 70 yards and a TD and tailback Carlos Williams totaled more than 50 yards. The Blue Devils got a stellar performance from Dallan Harris up front. Key broke up 2 passes and recorded an interception.

Hot Springs played Lake Hamilton to a 28-28 tie in last week’s benefit scrimmage.

West Memphis returns 14 starters and could be vastly improved, but Hot Springs has already proven it can play with bigger schools in the scrimmage last week.

LAST YEAR

Hootens.com correctly picked 95 of 114 games (84 percent) involving Class 6A teams a year ago.

WEEK 0 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS and highlighted in red)

6A EAST

Class 5A Wynne at No. 4 MARION: Wynne leads the all-time series 34-14-1, but the Patriots have won 3 of the past 4 games, including a 34-28 come-from-behind decision last August in a contest that finished after midnight due to a thunderstorm. Wynne has not won at Marion since a 27-21 decision in 2019. Marion showcased an improved passing game in three 7-on-7 tournaments this summer, finishing third or better and not losing to an in-state opponent. Senior QB Zayden Walker completed 29 of 44 passes this summer for 420 yards with 11 TDs and one interception during those tournaments, and the Patriots’ passing offense produced an explosive play (20 yards or more) on 43 percent of its attempts. Tailbacks Rico Ward and junior Jeremiah Dent have earned several D1 offers and could each threaten 1,000 total yards this fall. Marion expects more than 10 seniors to earn extensive playing time on defense, including all-state end Ryan Blackwell, all-league linebackers Zadean Wilson and Chris Byrd, safety twin brothers Kajeris Hill and Kejaris Hill, and cornerbacks R.L. Johnson and Brian Benford, Jr. Seniors Rukeim Bohanon and Bryson Gladney produced excellent summers. Marion got a combined 4 TDs from brothers Jeremiah Dent and Jeremy Dent in Friday night’s 28-14 scrimmage victory over Valley View, while Wilson racked up 3 tackles for loss and Blackwell tallied a sack. Wynne’s Veer scheme has given Marion issues in the past, and it will certainly limit possessions this week, making Marion’s time with the ball critical. We think that the Patriots are efficient enough to outscore the Yellow Jackets in the end.

Class 5A MAUMELLE at Sylvan Hills: Maumelle has won all 5 meetings with Sylvan Hills since the teams began a nonconference series in time for the 2020 season, winning the past 2 by a combined 56-0. Sylvan Hills welcomes veteran head coach Mark Kelley, who guided Searcy to a 44-17 overall record and the 2019 Class 6A state title. The Bears have lost 20 consecutive games, but were noticeably improved during summer camps. “We had some skill guys emerge,” Kelley says. “We got lots of guys reps and got better, but we are looking for some linebackers to emerge and be every-down players.” Ryan Parham sparked the Sylvan Hills offense over the summer, while senior all-state performer Malachi Summons delivered big plays on the defensive line. Sylvan Hills bested Beebe 33-14 in last week’s scrimmage; XXXXXXX caught a TD pass and Tyler Blakely led the Bears in receiving.

Opposing coaches have noted Sylvan Hill’s improved execution on both sides of the ball during summer drills, but Maumelle likely has too much for the Bears.

No. 10 Jonesboro at Class 7A CONWAY:  Conway has beaten Jonesboro every year since 2016, including a 42-21 victory last fall. Conway has won the past 5 games by 17 points or more. Jonesboro impressed many in a 48-35 benefit scrimmage victory over Class 7A Pulaski Academy last week. Senior QB Asa Myers, tailback T.J. Brown, Kamari Fisher, K’Den Hawkins, C.J. Lovelace, and Jaylen Heard scored TDs for Jonesboro, and the Golden Hurricane defense forced 5 turnovers.

Jonesboro has a chance to be one of the state’s more improved teams, but Conway could contend for the Class 7A state title and will pull away in the second half of this one.

No. 7 El Dorado at Class 7A LR CHRISTIAN: Little Rock Christian won the first meeting of these schools last fall by a 21-14 margin. El Dorado had a tremendous summer with 100 percent of players making their requested workouts, and the Wildcats expect to compete for the 6A East title with starters back at 12 positions. Senior all-state tailback Jeremy Samuels and h-back Paxton Strong spark the Wildcat ground game, while all-league end Jervalen Junior and two-time all-conference linebacker Jakori Lumsey lead a stingy El Dorado defense. El Dorado battled Class 7A North Little Rock to a 7-7 tie at halftime with starters playing in the scrimmage game, but North Little Rock won 28-14.

In what will likely be another low-scoring game, Little Rock Christian’s 9 projected returning offensive starters come up with one more scoring drive to win the season-opener.

Class 7A BRYANT at No. 3 Benton: The 51st installment of the “Salt Bowl” opens with Bryant bringing a 19-game unbeaten streak against its Saline County rivals, including 18 consecutive victories. The teams played to a 14-14 tie in 2014, and Benton last bested Bryant 14-7 in 2005. This is also the first game to be played on either team’s campus since 2003, breaking a long-standing tradition of playing at War Memorial Stadium. Benton participated in four 7-on-7 tournaments, reaching the semifinals 3 times, including a runner-up finish at SAU  and winning its own tournament. No fewer than 5 projected starters missed time this summer with various maladies, and a few key depth pieces left the program. “We will be smaller and thinner on depth than we have ever been since I’ve been at Benton,” Coach Brad Harris says. Tailback Bryson Griffis impressed coaches over the summer after shifting from receiver, while linebackers Weston Monson, Bryson Matyja, and Antonio Shelton delivered big plays on defense.

Benton likely developed some depth with missing so many players during summer drills and workouts, but Bryant kicks off its quest for a seventh Class 7A state title in 8 years with a victory here.

HOT SPRINGS at W. Memphis: See Hootens.com Game of the Week.

Class 5A Texarkana at No. 8 LR CATHOLIC: Little Rock Catholic rallied for a 20-15 victory over Texarkana last season  in the season-opener. Little Rock Catholic has averaged more than 8 wins per season since dropping to Class 6A in time for the 2022 regular season, including that year’s 6A East conference title and a spot in the semifinals. The Rockets and their 42 seniors look to continue the run. The Rockets got productive summers from all-conference linebacker Brock Hatchett and all-league cornerback Walter Menefee. Catholic got good play from junior QBs Hunter Markham and Philips Blair in last week’s 21-21 scrimmage contest against Little Rock Parkview. Senior Hayden Roaf played both ways for the Rockets and particularly impressed at receiver. Catholic led Parkview 14-7 after the half of the scrimmage featuring the starters.

Catholic impressed coaches over the summer at 7-on-7 tournaments and team camps, and the Rockets make the most of the 2025 season opener here.

No. 9 SHERIDAN at Class 5A White Hall:  White Hall has won the Highway 270 trophy 7 of the past 9 years, but Sheridan bounced the Bulldogs 44-20 in 2024. Sheridan bolted to a 32-7 halftime lead over Malvern in last week’s benefit scrimmage, with the Yellowjackets getting good play from tailback Eli Turner (130 rushing yards), QBs Dax McMellon and Easton Barksdale, and receivers Wylie DePriest, Dylan Smith, and Walker Shields. Sheridan’s defense got big nights from Ross Stevens (2 interceptions), and Lawson Wallingsford (1 INT); Layton Tarter, Jaxson Delk, and Reed Stevens each performed well on the defensive line and at linebacker.

It’s a rivalry game, but Sheridan returns many of the same players who helped the Yellowjackets win this game decisively last fall.

6A WEST

No. 6 MOUNTAIN HOME at West Plains (Mo.): Mountain Home whipped West Plains 43-21 last August in the first meeting of teams in coached by Steve Ary, who is now at Mountain Home. Ary has coached Mountain Home to a 30-30 overall record since arriving in 2020, coached West Plains previously, guiding the Zizzers to a 12-1 mark his final season in 2018. Mountain Home played Joe T. Robinson to a 14-14 draw during the varsity portion of last week’s benefit scrimmage. Connor Schulz racked up 61 total yards, while Hunter Estes led the Bombers in tackles and Carter Atkins returned an interception for a touchdown. Senior all-state performer Barrett Miller likely starts a fourth season at safety.

Mountain Home may have to lean on its seasoned offense early in 2025 (7 returning starters), and the Bombers flex their muscles this week north of the border.

Class 7A Bentonville West at No. 1 Greenwood: Greenwood has both previous meeting with Bentonville West, including 70-35 one season ago.

Two-time defending Class 6A state champion Greenwood rides a 26-game winning streak into 2025, and league coaches picked the Bulldogs to win the 6A West championship, and are the preseason No. 1 team in this year’s Hooten’s Arkansas Football magazine. Greenwood topped Class 7A Fayetteville in last week’s benefit scrimmage 21-19. Two-time state final MVP, all-state performer, and Central Florida commit Kane Archer completed 17 of 20 passes against Fayetteville for 251 yards and 2 TDs in limited action. All-state receiver Champ Davis played well against Fayetteville, catching a TD toss before halftime. Waller Thornsberry and Cody Johnson led the Greenwood defense in the scrimmage. “Bentonville West is really good offensively, maybe the best we will see this year,” Greenwood coach Chris Young says. “Their QB does a great job running the offense and distributing the ball. They don’t make many mistakes.”

Mistakes can be costly in a game like this, but we think Greenwood commits fewer miscues and earns a quality non-conference victory.

Class 5A MORRILTON at Russellville: Russellville leads the Battle of I-40 series 59-33-3,  all-time, including one disputed outcome in 1928 when the Cyclones took a train to play the Devil Dogs, but Morrilton did not arrange for Russellville’s transportation from the train station to the game, so each side claims a victory. The with the Cyclones having have won 13 of the past 18, though the but the Devil Dogs topped the Cyclones 35-30 last August. “Morrilton is as good as I’ve ever seen them in the past 11 years,” Russellville Coach Dave Wheeler says. “They have very talented skill players and fantastic QB.” Junior Marcellus Olson earned the QB job for Russellville with a strong off-season effort, performing well at summer 7-on-7 tournaments and team camps. The Cyclones could split carries between Ladarrius Prince and Sam Calahan. “We are going to be as mentally tough as we have ever been,” Wheeler says.

Class 7A Rogers Heritage at SILOAM SPRINGS: Siloam Springs snapped a 27-game overall losing streak and a 4-game losing streak to Heritage with last year’s 17-7 victory. Siloam Springs got quality play from junior defensive end/tight end Boaz Benson, junior tailback/linebacker Ryan Estacio, and senior tailback Mason Short in last week’s benefit scrimmage victory over Gravette.  “Heritage has good size and is very well coached,” Siloam Springs coach Doug Loughridge says. “They do a good job getting to the ball defensively. They play hard.”

Siloam Springs will look to establish the run against Heritage, and we think that the Panthers find enough running room to win their first home game since 2021.

Class 5A Alma at VAN BUREN: Van Buren has won 6 of the past 7 games against Alma in the “Battle for the Bone,” including 37-27 one year ago. Van Buren has won a playoff game each of the past 2 seasons, and the Pointers got a lift over the summer from receivers Toray Williford and Austin Riggs. Van Buren could rotate QBs Tristan Ray and Hayden Williford early this season as the club searches for someone to seize the job.

Class 5A HS Lakeside at LAKE HAMILTON: Hot Springs Lakeside scored a second consecutive win, 34-29, over Lake Hamilton last August, but Lake Hamilton won the previous six meetings since the series resumed in time for the 2017 season. Lake Hamilton has won 8 games or more in 5 of the past 6 seasons, including a state runner-up finish in 2020. “We are ahead of schedule from this time last year,” Wolves Coach Tommy Gilleran says. Lake Hamilton (8-4 in 2024) completed a productive summer by winning its Live Like Bryce 7-on-7 tournament for the first time under Gilleran, who took over the program in 2017. The Wolves expect their offensive and defensive lines to be a team strength this year, but a quarterback battle between Hudson Davenport and Jace Bohannan could carry into September. Lake Hamilton tied Hot Springs at 28-28 in last week’s benefit scrimmage, and the Wolves got 4 TDs from all-conference running back Carson Jackson.

Lake Hamilton was able to turn its season around following last year’s loss to Lakeside, and the Wolves get going faster this year with a dominant running game.

Class 7A FS Northside at FS SOUTHSIDE: “The Battle for Rogers Avenue” has been played every year since 1965, and while Class 7A Fort Smith Northside leads the series 35-27-2, Southside has won the past two meetings, including 34-27 last season. Southside has high hopes entering 2025 with starters back at 16 positions, including 2-way standout and all-state performer, Peyton Zimmerman, and returning all-league linebacker Ethan Dunn. Maverick QB Blake Forsgren hit receiver Wilson Key for a 28-yard TD pass, and tailback Malachi Warren ran 5 yards for a TD in Southside’s 17-7 scrimmage victory last week at Alma. Kicker Rodrigo Hernandez booted a 24-yard field goal to complete the Mavericks’ scoring.

Southside’s defense makes the difference in this martchup against a Northside offense that managed 10 points in last week’s scrimmage loss to Texarkana.

OPEN Shiloh Christian