Hootens.com Rankings
Class 7A, Week 12, 2012
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.
Bentonville (10-0)
North Little Rock (9-1)
Fayetteville (7-3)
Springdale Har-Ber (7-4)
Fort Smith Southside (7-3)
Conway (8-2)
West Memphis (8-3)
Cabot (7-4)
Rogers Heritage (7-4)
Bryant (6-5)
Little Rock Central (4-7)
Rogers (6-5)
Springdale (4-6)
Fort Smith Northside (3-7)
Van Buren (2-8)
Little Rock Catholic (2-8)
HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 8 Cabot at No. 2 North Little Rock.
North LR won at Cabot 33-14 in the East conference opener, starting its run to an outright league title and first-round bye. Cabot rides a three-game win streak after upsetting Bryant 28-21 on the road last Friday.
Cabot has no stars, using Kason Kimbrell, Kyle Edgar, Chris Henry, Zach Launius, Russ Rankin, Max Carroll and a junior-laden offensive line to power its Dead T. Cabot clawed more than 720 yards rushing over the past two weeks. Edgar totaled 235 yards rushing over the final two weeks of the regular season. Henry (5-8, 155) rushed for more than 140 yards two of the past three games.
North LR’s only setback came Week 2 at Longview, Texas 30-14. University of Alabama recruit Altee Tenpenny (6-0, 215; 1,100 yards rushing) and junior Juan Day (4.5 speed, 700 yards rushing) spur an offense that runs on more than 60 percent of its snaps. Strong-armed sophomore Heath Land (6-0, 185) and heady junior Payton Holmes (6-10, 170) share time at quarterback. North LRˇ˝s defense features nine seniors and Cabot, ironically, is the only team to complete a scoring pass against it this fall.
ˇ˝We had our best week of practices last week,ˇ˝ Coach Brad Bolding says. ˇ˝We got a lot done. Our seniors showed a lot of maturity during the bye week.ˇ˝
LAST WEEK
Hootens.com correctly predicted three of four Class 7A games. For the season, hootens.com has correctly predicted 99 of 123 games (80 percent).
WEEK 12 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS followed by point spread)
TOP HALF OF PLAYOFF BRACKET
West Memphis at BENTONVILLE (28): Same scenario as 2011. After a first-round bye, Bentonville looks to blow out West Memphis. The final was 42-12 last November. Bentonville looks better on defense this fall while several coaches say West Memphis is not as good as last season. West Memphis rallied from 15 points down in the first half, and scored in the final minute to beat Rogers Heritage 43-36 last Friday. Bentonville led Heritage 35-0 two plays into the second quarter Week 7.
SPRINGDALE HAR-BER (1) at FS Southside: These teams meet for the eighth time in five years. Har-Ber beat Southside twice in 2009, including the state championship game. Southside beat Har-Ber twice in 2008 on its way to the finals. Both are much improved since Southside lost at Har-Ber 10-7 on Sept. 14. Har-Ber led LR Central 42-7 by halftime last week while Southside had a bye.
BOTTOM HALF OF PLAYOFF BRACKET
Cabot at NORTH LR (12): Game of the Week.
Conway at FAYETTEVILLE (11): Conway completed a 52-yard pass with six seconds left to win at Fayetteville 45-42 in the first round of the 2009 playoffs. Fayetteville won at Conway 49-28 in the second round last year on its way to a state championship. Fayetteville had a bye last week while Conway scored on its first five possessions during a 42-6 rout of Rogers. Conway QB Cody Rhoades threw TD passes on the first play of three drives, including the Wampus Catsˇ˝ first two snaps.
Hootens.com Rankings
Class 6A, Week 12, 2012
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.
Greenwood (11-0)
Pine Bluff (10-1)
Jonesboro (8-2)
El Dorado (8-3)
Lake Hamilton (7-4)
Searcy (6-5)
LR Parkview (4-7)
Sheridan (4-7)
Benton (4-7)
Russellville (6-5)
Texarkana (2-9)
Marion (2-9)
Mountain Home (1-10)
Siloam Springs (1-10)
LR Hall (0-10)
LR Fair (0-11)
HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 5 Lake Hamilton at No. 3 Jonesboro
Lake Hamilton has advanced to the semifinals the past five years, playing for state titles in 2007, 2008 (won 42-28 over El Dorado) and 2011. The Wolves have won three of their past four games, including last week's 37-0 victory over Marion. Senior quarterback Clay Jessie passed for 126 yards and a touchdown and ran for a pair of scores. Senior running back Joey Wilkerson ran 10 times for 108 yards and two TDs. Lake Hamilton's four losses were to North Little Rock, Pine Bluff, El Dorado and Bryant by an average of 29 points. Senior lineman Trey Martin (6-3, 290) has committed to play at Louisiana-Monroe. Junior linebacker Chris Eastburn leads on defense. “They're disciplined and well-coached,” Jonesboro coach Randy Coleman says. “Everybody's solid and they're never out of place.”
Jonesboro reached the semifinals last fall for the first time since 1980. The Hurricane played for state titles four times in the 1970s, winning the 1979 championship (14-7 over Texarkana). Jonesboro's two losses this year were to North Little Rock (27-20) and Cabot (38-12). Junior QB D.J. Anderson generated 166 yards and two TDs in last week's 52-20 win over Texarkana. Senior RB and Farm Bureau Awards watch list player Martin Stafford ran 15 times for 207 yards and two scores. Senior receiver Ke'vontae Pope caught a TD pass and returned the opening kickoff 86 yards for a score. Stafford has 209 carries for 1,733 yards (8.3 yards per carry) and 23 TDs this season, bringing his career total to 3,951 yards and 61 TDs. Senior linebacker Malcolm Stafford paces the Hurricane with close to 100 tackles. Junior defensive end Chuks Ota (6-1, 270) has emerged as one of the state's top recruits for 2014.
LAST WEEK
Hootens.com correctly picked seven of eight games (88 percent) involving 6A teams, nailing the spread of Greenwood by 42 points over LR Fair. For the season, HAFR has correctly predicted 105 of 129 games (81 percent).
WEEK 12 PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS (favored team in CAPS followed by point spread)
TOP HALF OF THE BRACKET
LR Parkview at GREENWOOD (21): Parkview, losers in seven of its first nine games, has beaten LR Hall and Sheridan by a combined 76-14 the past two weeks. The Patriots held Sheridan to 45 total yards in last week's 27-0 win. Senior QB Caelon Harden completed nine of 15 passes for 153 yards and ran for 78 yards and 3 TDs. Senior RB Rashaad Earls ran 21 times for 170 yards and a TD. Greenwood beat Parkview 34-21 Week 5, its closest margin of victory all year. Junior QB Jabe Burgess has completed 168 of 230 passes for 2,295 yards and 28 TDs. Junior RB Hoyt Smith paces the Bulldogs with 103 carries for 740 yards and 10 scores. Senior playmaker Drew Morgan has 64 catches for 884 yards and 11 TDs and 55 carries for 592 yards and 11 scores.
Searcy at EL DORADO (24): Searcy has won two of its past five games. The Lions survived Siloam Springs 49-48 last week after leading 28-0 at halftime. El Dorado has won three straight games since a 21-6 loss to Pine Bluff. The Wildcats have allowed 409 yards per game over the past two weeks, holding on to narrow halftime leads (21-14 vs. Bryant in a 42-35 win; 21-10 vs. Mountain Home in a 42-16 win).
BOTTOM HALF OF THE BRACKET
Benton at PINE BLUFF (29): Benton beat Russellville 53-34 last week for its first playoff win since 2004 (24-21 over Russellville). Senior RB Wallace Foote ran 38 times for 463 yards and six TDs, caught three passes for 58 yards, completed a 44-yard pass and made a key tackle on fourth-and-4 at the Benton 4-yard line. Foote has 215 carries for 1,800 yards (8.4 ypc) and 23 TDs this year. Pine Bluff beat Benton 43-6 two weeks ago, holding Foote to 55 yards. Senior QB Rickey Clements completed 11 of 13 passes for 187 yards and three TDs. Senior RB Walter Ashley ran for a score and returned a punt 56 yards for a TD.
Lake Hamilton at JONESBORO (4): See Hootens.com Game of the Week.
Hootens.com Rankings
Class 5A, Week 12, 2012
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.
Pulaski Academy (9-2)
Camden Fairview (11-0)
Wynne (10-0)
Greenbrier (11-0)
White Hall (9-1)
Morrilton (8-2)
Batesville (8-3)
Alma (7-4)
Vilonia (6-4)
Mills (7-4)
HS Lakeside (6-5)
Watson Chapel (6-5)
Jacksonville (6-5)
Sylvan Hills (5-6)
Forrest City (6-5)
Hot Springs (5-5)
Hope (4-6)
Shiloh Christian (4-6)
Beebe (3-8)
LR McClellan (3-7)
Nettleton (4-6)
LR Christian (3-5)
Greene County Tech (3-7)
Paragould (3-7)
Harrison (2-8)
Blytheville (3-7)
Huntsville (3-7)
De Queen (2-8)
West Helena (2-8)
Clarksville (1-9)
Magnolia (0-10)
North Pulaski (1-8)
HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 6 Morrilton at No. 3 Wynne
These teams mirror each other with playmakers galore on offense and undersized, but speedy defenders. Undefeated Wynne is in the second round of the playoffs for the second straight season after winning just 15 games from 2007-2010. Six of seven injured starters who missed Wynne's 23-17 Week 10 victory at Nettleton returned for last week's 28-point victory over Watson Chapel. The Yellowjackets held Watson Chapel to 90 total yards, including seven in the second half. Senior linebacker L'Markus Holmes paced Wynne with 14 tackles a week ago. Senior receiver/cornerback Joe Stampley's return from a injury solidifies the secondary, which intercepted three passes against Watson Chapel. Sophomore noseguard DeAndre McGill and senior ends Caleb Blansett, Tony McKinney and Xavier Stringfellow combined for seven sacks a week ago. ˇ˝We've got to protect the ball, because they feast off of turnovers,ˇ˝ Morrilton coach Cody McNabb said. ˇ˝They run to the ball and don't stay blocked.ˇ˝
Wynne averages 40 points per game. Junior quarterback Reed Wingo has passed for almost 1,700 yards, 20 touchdowns with just three interceptions this season. Senior Draylon Willis provided Wynne's offensive spark last week with more than 100 yards rushing. Willis missed the previous four games with injuries. Wynne's fastest player, senior Josh Selvy (4.4 speed), hasn't played in two games after spraining his MCL. Selvy is ˇ˝day-to-day,ˇ˝ Coach Chris Hill said.
Morrilton counters with savvy offensive linemen and speedy skill players. Teams in the 5A West focused on running back Jamar Criswell this fall, holding the senior to 1,131 yards and 14 TDs. Criswell also caught a pair of TD passes. Senior QB Tony Hawkins thrived as Criswell got the attention. Hawkins, the nephew of former Morrilton and Arkansas Tech star Ed Duncan, has thrown for 1,604 yards and 13 TDs and rushed for 950 yards and 14 scores this fall. Senior Montrell Hood has 34 receptions for 400 yards and a TD this fall, while junior Rashad Criswell has 33 catches for 540 yards and six scores. Junior Reese Heidenreich (450 yards and four TDs) returns kicks and also plays defense.
Hill coached Morrilton from 2004-2005, leading the 2005 Devil Dogs to 10 wins and a state runner-up finish.
LAST WEEK
Hootens.com correctly predicted all eight (100 percent) playoff games. For the season, Hootens.com has correctly predicted 170 of 204 games (83 percent).
WEEK 12 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS followed by point spread)
TOP HALF OF THE BRACKET
Morrilton at WYNNE (1): Hootens.com Class 5A Game of the Week.
Alma at CAMDEN FAIRVIEW (21): A rematch from the second round of the playoffs in 2010 when Camden Fairview rallied from a 21-7 third-quarter deficit to pull away 28-21. The Cardinals haven't lost to a team that hasn't captured a state title since 2008. Cardinal junior QB Matthew Ollison has completed 104 of 142 passes (73 percent) for 1,829 yards and 26 TD passes this year, while junior Braxton Hoof has 36 catches for 655 yards and nine scores. Alma senior QB Gage Jensen ran for 121 yards and two TDs and threw a TD pass in last week's 21-20 victory over Mills.
BOTTOM HALF OF THE BRACKET
White Hall at PULASKI ACADEMY (14): These teams were conference foes in the former 5A Southeast from 2006-2007, with White Hall winning 50-43 in 2006, rallying from a 28-point deficit in the second quarter. Pulaski Academy won 47-21 a year later. White Hall has won six straight games this season since losing to Camden Fairview 47-8. Bulldog senior defensive back Joseph Stewart has seven interceptions the past four games, returning two of them for TDs. The Bruins have won eight straight since losing at eventual Class 7A quarterfinalist West Memphis 30-21 in Week 3. Bruin senior QB Lawson Vassar has completed 303 of 419 passes (72 percent) for 4,232 yards and a state-leading 47 TD passes this year. Senior L.J. Wallace, the state's leading receiver, has 108 catches for 1,531 yards and 21 TDs, while senior tight end Hunter Henry has 89 catches for 1,188 yards and 14 scores.
Batesville at GREENBRIER (2): A rematch from the second round last year which Batesville won 16-6. Batesville has won seven of its past eight games, losing only at 5A East champion Wynne 40-27 in Week 7. Batesville's defense scored a pair of TDs in the first half of last week's 40-point win over Hot Springs Lakeside. Greenbrier is 11-0 for the first time in school history. Panther senior QB Seth Peters has completed 216 of 344 passes (72 percent) for 2,689 yards and and 27 TDs this season, and rushed for 919 yards and 21 scores. Senior running back Austin Fischer has 117 carries for 750 yards and 13 TDs.
Hootens.com Rankings
Class 4A, Week 12, 2012
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.
Stuttgart (9-1)
Nashville (9-2)
Dollarway (10-1)
Prairie Grove (10-0)
Malvern (9-2)
Warren (8-3)
Highland (11-0)
Pottsville (10-1)
CAC (7-3)
Pea Ridge (10-1)
Ozark (9-2)
Newport (8-3)
Booneville (7-3)
Mena (6-5)
Dardanelle (9-2)
Heber Springs (6-4)
Arkadelphia (9-2)
Farmington (7-4)
Lonoke (6-5)
Valley View (7-4)
Star City (8-3)
Hamburg (6-5)
Monticello (5-6)
Gosnell (5-6)
Gravette (4-7)
Maumelle (4-7)
Pocahontas (7-4)
Crossett (4-7)
Arkansas Baptist (3-7-1)
Dumas (3-7)
Lincoln (5-5)
Ashdown (3-7)
Bauxite (2-8)
Southside Batesville (4-5-1)
Jonesboro Westside (4-6)
Subiaco Academy (4-6)
Clinton (2-8)
Cave City (2-7-1)
Pulaski Robinson (2-8)
Dover (1-9)
Gentry (2-8)
DeWitt (1-9)
Berryville (1-8)
Brookland (3-6)
Lake Village (1-9)
Trumann (0-10)
Waldron (0-10)
Marianna (0-9)
HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 3 Dollarway at No. 7 Highland
These teams have a combined record of 21-1 this fall. Undefeated Highland has beaten every Class 4A opponent by at least 18 points this season, including last week's 41-point triumph over Arkansas Baptist. ˇ˝We are playing our best football right now,ˇ˝ Coach Spencer Hill said. ˇ˝We are playing with a lot of confidence.ˇ˝
Highland senior quarterback Sterling Stowers has rushed for 1,487 yards and passed for 1,482 yards this season. Senior running back Jordan Brewer has 1,193 yards, while sophomore Avery Johnson has almost 400 yards rushing and 30 catches for 607 yards. Senior linebacker Carr Hill paces the Rebel defense with more than 140 tackles. Senior ends Quinton Maag and Nik Sokolowski are key to defending Dollarway's attack ˇ˝because they run everything off tackle,ˇ˝ Hill said.
Dollarway's only loss this season was at No. 1 Stuttgart by 10 points a month ago. The Cardinals average 40 points per game. Senior running back Jeremiah Young has rushed for 1,753 yards and 20 TDs this season. Young shifts to QB when the Rebels use Shotgun packages, passing for 12 TDs. Senior QB Xavier Long has more than 700 yards passing and 600 yards rushing this season, while senior receiver Davon Chapman (6-5, 160) has nine TD catches. Junior linebacker Deandre Payton, a three-year starter, paces the Cardinals with 138 tackles, while junior cornerback Kabion Ento has three interceptions. ˇ˝Our offense has been playing well and the defense is starting to gel,ˇ˝ Dollarway coach Cortez Lee said. ˇ˝It's going to take great team defense to win.ˇ˝
Comparing scores: Dollarway beat Jonesboro Westside 44-7 last week, while Highland beat Jonesboro Westside 44-10 in Week 4.
LAST WEEK
Hootens.com correctly predicted 11 of 14 games (79 percent), nailing the point spread of CAC by 10 over Valley View. For the season, Hootens.com has correctly predicted 257 of 302 games (85 percent).
WEEK 12 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS followed by point spread)
TOP HALF OF THE BRACKET
Newport at BOONEVILLE (7):These teams battle in the playoffs for the second time in three years (Booneville won 35-7 in the first round in 2010). Booneville must overcome the first-round playoff-bye jinx. Booneville lost to Malvern 24-23 in overtime in the second round in 2009, the last time it had a first-round bye. Newport sophomore QB Gunnar Bullard threw a 5-yard TD pass with 41 seconds left to secure last week's 46-40 win over Farmington. Greyhound freshman Carl Turner has rushed for 1,660 yards and 13 TDs this fall. Booneville junior QB Cody Harrel has rushed for 1,037 yards this year, while sophomore fullback Bryson May has 743 yards.
Mena at OZARK (8): A battle of former conference foes. Mena, the fifth seed from the 4-4A, pulled off Class 4A's biggest surprise last week, beating 7-4A co-champion and top seed Arkadelphia 42-29. Bearcat senior QB Austin Warren accounted for five TDs against Arkadelphia, including two TD passes to Malachi McGee. Ozark, the third seed from the 1-4A, humbled Hamburg by 31 points a week ago, with senior QB Jonathon McKenzie throwing a TD pass and running for two more.
DOLLARWAY (6) at Highland: Hootens.com Class 4A Game of the Week.
Heber Springs at PEA RIDGE (3): Pea Ridge likely plays its final game in 49-year old Blackhawk Stadium. Pea Ridge's 42-0 win over Monticello last week was its first in the playoffs since 2003. The Blackhawks held Monticello to four yards rushing and only two first downs. Pea Ridge senior Dayton Winn has rushed for almost 2,000 yards and 19 TDs this fall. Heber Springs jumped on Star City 21-0 at halftime last week, before easing to a 33-7 decision. The Panthers give up 19 ppg.
BOTTOM HALF OF THE BRACKET
Dardanelle at STUTTGART (17): Stuttgart has dreaded its first-round bye since beating Dollarway 24-14 in Week 8. The Ricebirds lost to Lonoke by three TDs the following week and pulled the starters in the first half of 43-8 win at Marianna Week 10. Senior QB Dontrell Brown should return to full strength after injuring his ankle against Dollarway (no carries against Lonoke). Dardanelle has won five straight games, highlighted by conference wins at Maumelle 19-14 in Week 9 and at Mena 45-34 in Week 10. Sand Lizard running back Nick Hendrix scored four TDs in last week's 38-point win over Pocahontas.
MALVERN (2) at Warren: Warren rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit last week, downing Lonoke 36-19. The 8-4A champion Lumberjacks rely on sophomore running back Kilay Cox (1,463 yards and 19 TDs) and junior QB Drake Jones (62 of 143 passes for 1,294 yards and 12 TDs). Malvern snapped a two-game losing skid with last week's 38-point win over Gosnell. Leopard senior QB Austin Warford has more than 1,000 yards rushing and 10 TDs this year, and he's passed for almost 2,000 yards and 23 TDs. He's thrown just six interceptions. Senior Tim Hardimon paces Malvern's rushing attack with almost 1,100 yards.
Pottsville at PRAIRIE GROVE (10): Prairie Grove has given up just 29 points all year (one TD to Ozark, three TDs to Farmington and a safety to Lincoln), the third fewest points allowed in state history through 10 games. The Tigers haven't allowed a point in five games, outscoring Berryville, Pea Ridge, Gentry, Gravette and Crossett by a combined 228-0. The Tigers held Crosett to 140 yards and six first downs last week. ˇ˝They get to the ball as fast and as hard as they can,ˇ˝ Pottsville coach Bryan Rust said. ˇ˝They play with such aggressiveness.ˇ˝ Pottsville returned two interceptions for TDs in last week's 43-point win over Gravette. The Apaches have returned six interceptions and three fumbles for TDs this season.
CAC at NASHVILLE (18): Nashville started its current seven-game win streak with a 49-21 triumph at CAC in Week 5. The Scrappers trailed 14-13 at halftime, but scored on their first two snaps of the second half. Nashville senior QB and Farm Bureau Awards Class 4A Watchlist Player of the Year candidate Joel Hendry has completed 180 of 275 passes (65.5 percent) for 3,161 yards and 42 TDs this season. Senior receiver/cornerback Donyell King has almost 800 yards and 10 TDs this fall. CAC advances to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since venturing to the 2007 semifinals. Mustang senior QB Chase Dowell threw for 290 yards and senior receiver/kicker Beau Barnes kicked three field goals in last week's 10-point win at Valley View.
Hootens.com Rankings
Class 3A, Week 12, 2012
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.
Glen Rose (10-1)
Harding Academy (10-0)
McGehee (9-1)
Fountain Lake (9-2)
Prescott (9-2)
Barton (10-1)
C. Harmony Grove (7-3-1)
Charleston (8-2)
Paris (9-2)
Fordyce (8-3)
Smackover (7-4)
Rivercrest (9-2)
Osceola (8-3)
Lamar (8-3)
Riverview (6-4)
Mayflower (6-5)
Earle (7-4)
Hoxie (6-4)
Horatio (7-4)
Jessieville (7-4)
Episcopal (4-7)
Rose Bud (4-5)
Cedarville (5-6)
Mansfield (4-6)
Greenland (7-3)
Yellville-Summit (6-4)
Lavaca (2-8)
Danville (2-8)
Bald Knob (3-7)
Atkins (5-5)
Green Forest (4-6)
West Fork (3-7)
Centerpoint (3-8)
Piggott (3-7)
B. Harmony Grove (4-6)
Elkins (2-8)
Harrisburg (2-6-1)
Corning (3-7)
Fouke (3-7)
Two Rivers (3-7)
Mountain View (1-8)
Melbourne (3-6)
Genoa Central (3-7)
Manila (1-9)
Perryville (1-9)
Bismarck (0-10)
Drew Central (0-9)
HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 7 Camden Harmony Grove at No. 1 Glen Rose
Harmony Grove has won three straight games since back-to-back losses to No. 5 Prescott (27-18) and No. 11 Smackover (36-33). Coach Tony Chambers says his Hornets have been successful this fall in making their opponents one-dimensional, and they plan to do the same Friday night. Harmony Grove held McGehee to 24 yards passing, Fordyce to 33 yards rushing and Smackover to 37 yards passing. Senior quarterback Zach Fletcher completed 11 of 16 passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns in last week's 40-22 win over Atkins. Senior receiver Brett James caught five passes for 56 yards and two TDs. Senior running back Xavier Singleton ran 11 times for 101 yards and a score. Junior Jacob Ledbetter returned an interception 35 yards for a TD. Fletcher generated 273 yards and five TDs Week 4 in a 39-35 win over No. 3 McGehee. Seniors Casey Sherman and Ryan Sasser and junior Bradley Erwin spearhead the defensive front. Junior linebacker Darvis Shaw sits atop the tackle chart. “They play extremely hard and are going to be in the right spot at the right time,” Glen Rose coach Mark Kehner says. “We fully expect a war.”
Glen Rose has won its past four games by an average of 38 points over opponents with a combined record of 15-27. The Beavers have been tested twice this year in a 31-28 loss to Class 4A No. 5 Malvern Week 1 and a 7-6 win over No. 4 Fountain Lake Week 7. “We've got to be able to switch gears and play at a face pace in a hurry,” Kehner says. “There's going to be an adjustment period and we hope it doesn't get us too far behind the eight ball.” Senior RB Dillon Coney, who missed four weeks with a broken hand, ran 11 times for 110 yards and three TDs in last week's 49-7 win over Elkins. Senior QB Collin Hunter has passed for 1,985 yards and 21 TDs with three interceptions this year. Sophomore RB Carlos Burton has 121 carries for 1,460 yards (12.1 yards per carry) and 21 TDs. Senior Tyler Lewis has emerged at receiver with big-play ability after playing mostly defense. Junior linebackers Kyle Petersen and Clay Holicer lead on defense. Athletic senior Lane Ballard has adjusted well after moving from receiver to defensive end. “They have the edge in every position and I can't see any weaknesses,” Chambers says. “They are a complete team.”
LAST WEEK
Hootens.com correctly picked all 14 games involving 3A teams, nailing the spread of Glen Rose by 42 points over Elkins and Rivercrest by 14 points over Cedarville. For the season, HAFR has correctly predicted 238 of 299 games (80 percent).
WEEK 12 PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS (favored team in CAPS followed by point spread)
TOP HALF OF THE BRACKET
Fordyce at CHARLESTON (1): Fordyce beat Horatio 35-8 last week after back-to-back losses to No. 7 Camden Harmony Grove and No. 3 McGehee by a combined eight points. Senior QB Cole Johnson has completed 129 of 213 passes (61 percent) for 2,182 yards and 30 TDs this year. Johnson has committed to play baseball at Central Arkansas. Senior receiver Rashad Allen paces the Redbugs with 51 catches for 859 yards and 11 TDs. Junior receiver Charles York averages 25.7 yards per catch. Junior RB Larry Buckley leads Fordyce with 80 carries for 714 yards (8.9 ypc) and seven TDs and has 30 catches for 376 yards and eight scores. Senior LB Xavier Warner has recorded a team-high 103 tackles and four sacks. Charleston beat Fordyce 21-0 last year en route to its second state title under coach Dough Loughridge (67-8 at Charleston), holding the Redbugs to 113 total yards. The Tigers (plus-13 turnover ratio in 2012) replaced nine starters from last year's defense, including four sophomores and two freshmen. Josh Moore, one of three seniors, paces the Tigers this fall with 106 tackles at linebacker. Sophomore QB Ty Storey has completed 269 of 401 passes (67 percent) for 3,661 yards and 42 TDs. Four receivers have more than 50 catches, including junior Chance Shelby with a team-high 68 for 1,115 yards and 17 TDs.
C. Harmony Grove at GLEN ROSE (6): See Hootens.com Game of the Week.
OSCEOLA (6) at Greenland: Osceola beat Riverview 26-20 last week without senior RB and Farm Bureau Awards watch list player Korliss Marshall (ankle). Junior RB Shaquille Lockhart ran 20 times for 166 yards and two TDs, including a 38-yarder in the fourth quarter. Marshall (4,267 career yards and 58 TDs) is still doubtful for this week. Greenland, the No. 1 seed from the 1-3A, has won three straight games since losing to Green Forest 29-26. Junior tailback Calvin Giddens ran 24 times for 225 yards and a TD in last week's 27-20 win over Centerpoint (5-3A No. 5 seed).
Mayflower at PRESCOTT (23): Mayflower sophomore QB Adam Dycus passed for 430 yards and five TDs in last week's 42-35 win over Yellville-Summit. Dycus has 3,870 yards passing and 39 TDs this year. Prescott has won five straight home playoff games. Senior QB Trevor Rucker has generated 2,955 yards and 41 TDs this fall. Senior RB and Farm Bureau Awards watch list player Brandon Marks leads Prescott with 142 carries for 1,137 yards (8 ypc) and 22 TDs. Senior TE/LB Donald Lollis has 55 catches for 824 yards and seven TDs, 86 tackles and three interceptions. Senior end and Arkansas State commit Mark Johnson has 75 tackles and a team-high 9.5 sacks.
BOTTOM HALF OF THE BRACKET.
Earle at MCGEHEE (7): Earle senior RB/DB and Farm Bureau Awards watch list player Autry Allen ran 27 times for 357 yards and five TDs, returned a punt for a score, recorded eight tackles and intercepted a pass in last week's 44-22 win over Jessieville. Allen has 471 carries for 6,618 yards (14.1 ypc) and 88 TDs in his career. McGehee had a first-round bye last week. The Owls have won 19 of their past 22 games, including three in a row over No. 5 Prescott, No. 11 Smackover and No. 10 Fordyce by a combined 17 points. Senior FB/DT and Farm Bureau Awards watch list player Steven King ran 23 times for 152 yards and four TDs in a 48-42 overtime victory over Prescott Week 8. Senior QB Maurice Hudson ran 8 yards for a TD and threw a TD pass to junior David Shepard. King scored twice in a 21-18 win at Fordcye Week 10. Senior David Blackmon intercepted a pass to seal the victory.
Lamar at HARDING ACADEMY (21): Lamar beat Hoxie 21-18 last week for its first playoff win since 2009. The Warriors trailed 18-14 in the fourth quarter before senior QB Jordan Haas threw a 29-yard TD pass to junior Hunter Sanders. Haas has completed 53 of 118 passes (45 percent) for 1,128 yards and 11 TDs this year. Senior RB Justice Williams leads Lamar with 85 carries for 612 yards (7.2 ypc) and 11 scores. Senior end Shane Sinor paces the Warriors with 88 tackles and nine sacks. Harding Academy has won eight playoff games since 2009. The Wildcats defeated No. 11 Smackover 21-14 last week after trailing 14-0 at halftime. Harding Academy dominated the line of scrimmage in the second half and intercepted two Smackover passes. Senior QB and Farm Bureau Awards watch list player Will Francis has completed 185 of 251 passes (74 percent) for 2,717 yards and 30 TDs this season. Francis has passed for 6,976 yards and 73 TDs in his career.
FOUNTAIN LAKE (8) at Rivercrest: Both teams have a combined 20 playoff victories since 2008. Fountain Lake has reached the semifinals the past four years, winning the 2009 championship (37-7 over Prescott). The Cobras have won their past four games by an average of 41 points since losing to No. 1 Glen Rose 7-6. Senior WB/DB Andrew Barber leads Fountain Lake on both sides with 71 carries for 941 yards (13.3 ypc) and 14 TDs and 101 tackles. Senior FB Mackenzie Ross has 388 career carries for 2,734 yards (7.1 ypc) and 36 TDs. Senior Jordan Stone has 81 catches for 2,041 yards (25.2 ypc) and 25 TDs in his career. The Cobras carry a plus-20 turnover ratio. Rivercrest beat Cedarville (4-3A No. 5 seed) 28-14 last week to advance past the first round for the third time in five years. The Colts lost two fumbles and threw an interception. Freshman Cecil Langston returned a kickoff 65 yards for a TD in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Langston (511 all-purpose yards and four TDs in 2012) averages 13.8 yards per touch and has 59 tackles (10 for loss) and 11 QB hurries. Senior LB Clayton Carlton (45 tackles) and junior end Timothy Talley (49 tackles, three sacks) both suffered season-ending injuries two weeks ago in a 33-12 win over Osceola.
BARTON (1) at Paris: Barton beat Paris 28-8 last year in the first round of the playoffs. The youthful Bears (five seniors) have won 19 of their past 22 games, losing twice to Harding Academy. Junior QB Laquarius Hall threw a 23-yard TD pass to senior WB Kedrick Jackson in last week's 54-16 win over Piggott. Senior FB Corey Anderson ran for two TDs and freshman WB Cameron Anderson raced 60 yards for a score. Paris has won 18 of its past 22 games, losing twice to Charleston. The veteran Eagles (17 seniors) have allowed six ppg since a 46-20 loss to Charleston Week 5. Senior Casey Dishongh has rushed 30 times for 273 yards and five TDs the past two weeks. Senior Kyeran Hurley ran for a pair of TDs in last week's 39-7 win over West Fork.
Hootens.com Rankings
Class 2A, Week 12, 2012
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.
Junction City (10-1)
Bearden (9-2)
Salem (10-0)
Gurdon (9-1)
E. Poinsett County (10-1)
Carlisle (9-1)
Magnet Cove (10-1)
Walnut Ridge (8-2)
Rison (7-4)
Strong (6-5)
Bigelow (9-1)
Norphlet (6-5)
Conway Christian (8-3)
Murfreesboro (8-3)
Mineral Springs (8-3)
Dierks (8-3)
Hazen (9-2)
Hackett (9-2)
England (7-4)
McCrory (6-4)
Des Arc (6-4)
Mountainburg (8-3)
Parkers Chapel (4-5)
Foreman (5-6)
Mount Ida (6-5)
Marked Tree (3-7)
Pal.Wheatley (4-6)
Augusta (3-7)
Cross County (3-6-1)
Cutter M Star (4-6)
Poyen (3-8)
Hector (6-5)
J.C. Westside (4-6)
Decatur (6-5)
Hampton (2-6)
Magazine (3-6)
Quitman (4-6)
Brinkley (3-9)
Clarendon (1-9)
Spring Hill (1-10)
Woodlawn (0-9)
Union Christian (2-8)
Mountain Pine (0-10)
Cedar Ridge (0-10)
Hermitage (2-8)
Western Yell County (1-9)
Marvell (0-10)
Hartford (0-10)
Lafayette County (0-10)
GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 21 Des Arc at No. 14 Murfreesboro
Des Arc has overcome much adversity to reach the second round of the playoffs. Coach Dustin Prescott's brother, Rison senior Logan Prescott, was killed in a car wreck in August. Three of Des Arc's more athletic players, including Sonic Super Team OL Hunter Hambrick, were injured in the preseason. Multiple injuries during the season slowed Des Arc, and then the coach was hospitalized Week 9 with viral meningitis. But the confident Eagles are thriving now with senior Travis Gentry (5-11, 220) playing great in Hambrick's guard slot while leading the team with more than 100 tackles at linebacker. Jalen Holloway has shed the cast on his arm to run the triple-option Flexbone. The junior quarterback has rushed for 220 yards and six TDs over the past two games. Senior Trey Warren has been a better fit at fullback than wingback.
Murfreesboro has steadily improved since its 21-10 loss Week 6 at Gurdon. Senior LB Blake Hinds leads the Rattlers with 103 tackles. Murfreesboro forced eight turnovers two weeks ago at Dierks and did not commit a turnover last week against Decatur. Senior QB Peter Saygnaphay (SAY-uh-pie) has completed 55 percent of his passes for 1,510 yards and 18 TDs with just four interceptions. He has also rushed 203 times for 1,671 yards and 18 TDs. Junior RB Marcus Jackson (6-3, 190) has emerged in the past month, rushing 13 times for 129 yards last week in a 54-23 win over Decatur.
LAST WEEK
Hootens.com correctly picked 10 of 14 games (71 percent) involving Class 2A teams. Hootens.com has picked 251 of 295 Class 2A games (85 percent) this season.
WEEK 12 PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS (Favored team in CAPS followed by point spread)
TOP HALF OF BRACKET
BEARDEN (1) at Gurdon: This is a rematch of a Week 9 non-conference clash that Bearden won 28-26 despite being out-statted. Gurdon statistically dominated Bearden, 320 yards and 16 first downs to 186 yards and six first downs, but three turnovers doomed the Go-Devils: an interception in the Bearden end zone, an interception at Gurdon 9-yard line and a fumble at the Bearden 6-yard line. Bearden, coming off an emotional win over Rison, did not lose a turnover against Gurdon. Gurdon junior QB Austin Kirkpatrick (1,754 total yards, 21 TDs) ran 28 times at Bearden for 141 yards and passed for two TDs. Bearden junior NG Darwin Parham has more than 70 tackles this fall, while senior LB B.J. Ross has more than 80 tackles. Gurdon's defense (14 ppg) features senior tackling-machine LB Aaron Taylor (94 tackles), junior DT Devante Charles (6-3, 310; 25 tackles), senior DT Cody Weems (26 tackles) and senior DE Ed Hood (52 tackles).
Conway Christian at MAGNET COVE (5): This is a 5-2A rematch of Week 9 when Magnet Cove outscored Conway Christian 42-29. Magnet Cove sacked Conway Christian QB Tanner Stevenson six times and returned an interception for a score early. However, Conway Christian amassed 407 yards, the most Magnet Cove has allowed this season. Magnet Cove senior WR/CB Austin Stringfellow caught five passes for 122 yards and two TDs and returned the interception 40 yards for a TD. Both teams are more balanced than three weeks ago. Last week, Stevenson ran for 202 yards and passed for 247 yards in a 40-32 win over McCrory. Stringfellow caught two TD passes last week and returned an interception 74 yards for a TD in a 41-6 blowout of J.C. Westside.
Poyen at MINERAL SPRINGS (35): Poyen flying high after notching its first playoff victory in three years of varsity football, an 18-13 win at 4-2A champion Hackett. Mineral Springs healthy again at the right time. Senior tailback and 5,000-yard career rusher Rashad Williams ran for 147 yards last week in a 54-6 spanking of England. Senior WR Evante Evans caught a 54-yard TD reception, ran 9 yards for a TD and returned an interception 70 yards for a score. Senior DT Derrick Muldrow (113 tackles, 29 TFL in 2012) and the Mineral Springs defense have allowed six points over the past three weeks. The Hornets held England to 186 yards last week. They beat Poyen 62-0 in the first round of the 2011 playoffs.
Carlisle at E. POINSETT COUNTY (6): Carlisle has eliminated EPC from the playoffs the past two years, 34-28 in overtime in 2011 (second round) and 34-7 last year in the state semifinals. Last week, EPC intercepted four passes and recovered two fumbles in 52-14 win over Norphlet. In his first start on defense, freshman safety Malik Monk (five tackles) recovered a fumble and returned an interception 80 yards for a TD. Sophomore Aaron Scales returned an interception 29 yards for a TD. The EPC offense rolled up 367 yards offense, 265 on the ground. Carlisle counters with a physical line, led by all-league tackle Clayton Fields (6-2, 285). Junior RB Deron Ricks has rushed for 1,000 yards this season. Senior QB Chris Hart completes 65 percent of his passes and has thrown just two interceptions this year. Only four seniors start on defense, but junior Christian Cotton (6-1, 250) has emerged at DT this fall.
BOTTOM HALF OF BRACKET
Bigelow at SALEM (12): The third-ranked Greyhounds (10-0) had a first-round bye after sweeping the 3-2A. The Salem defensive front is the team's strength, led by junior DT Augustus Freeman (6-2, 200). Junior dual-threat QB Dillon Turner and RB J.J. Gray own breakaway speed. Bigelow counters with a solid defense, led by senior linebackers Jake Hoy (113 tackles) and Jake Starks (103 tackles). Senior all-league RB Terrell Dunlap (1,353 yards) has broken the school's single-season rushing record of 1,280 yards set in 2000 by Robby Hudspeth.
Dierks at JUNCTION CITY (18): Dierks senior QB Adam Bradshaw passed for 283 yards and three TDs as the Outlaws blistered Hector 40-7 last week. Top-ranked Junction City jumped Marked Tree 42-0 a week ago. Senior QB/CB Shaq Hunter completed eight of 14 passes for 145 yards and three TDs and ran for a team-high 96 yards and two TDs on just six carries. Junction City has shut out six of its past seven opponents. Senior LB Hayden Smith paces the Dragons with more than 80 tackles.
Strong at WALNUT RIDGE (2): Strong should match up better athletically (team speed) with Walnut Ridge's explosive misdirection offense than Rison did last week. Walnut Ridge beat Rison 62-40. Walnut Ridge amassed 668 yards at Rison, the most a Rison team has allowed in modern history. The 62 points were the most allowed by Rison in the post-World War II era, according to historian Stan Sadler. The Bobcats' 24 first-quarter points were the most allowed in a playoff game quarter by Rison. Walnut Ridge senior QB Zach Crisler completed 10 passes for 272 yards. He ran for another 77 yards. Senior RB Eric Wilcoxson ran 11 times for 179 yards, and senior FB Tyler Clement carried 15 times for 142 yards and three TDs. Strong mercy-ruled 6-2A champion Hazen 35-0 with big plays by blocking a punt, recovering a fumble and an onside kick in the first half. The Bulldogs scored on their first possession of the third quarter to take a commanding 28-0 lead.
Des Arc at MURFREESBORO (8): See Game of the Week.