LITTLE ROCK — If Americans are stuffing themselves with turkey and pumpkin pie, then Greenwood must still be practicing.
For the eighth time since Rick Jones became coach in 2004, Greenwood practiced on Thanksgiving, with Thursday’s work coming a day before the Bulldogs (12-0) host El Dorado (9-3) in the semifinals of the Class 6A playoffs at Smith Robinson Stadium.
The only time Greenwood hasn’t reached the semifinals - or practiced on Thanksgiving - during the Jones era was 2009, when it was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Pulaski Academy.
“It’s something we look forward to,” Jones said. “Our community looks forward to coming out here and watching a short practice and going home and having their Thanksgiving festivities.”
Greenwood fans can be especially thankful this season. The Bulldogs, No. 1 in Class 6A, have won 36 consecutive games, the seventh-longest winning streak in Arkansas high school football history. Greenwood is also seeking its third consecutive state championship, its sixth under Jones and seventh since 2000.
Greenwood won Class 5A state championships the past two seasons. As for Class 6A, it’s been ruled the past three seasons by El Dorado, which is trying to become the first school to capture four consecutive state championships since Barton (1986-1989).
“I knew when we went to 6A, I had a feeling if things went well for us, that we would probably meet,” Jones said. “The 6A title runs through El Dorado. There’s no doubt about it.”
The Wildcats began the season No. 1 in 6A but fell out of the top spot after a 1-2 start. El Dorado is 8-1 since, its only loss coming at Pine Bluff (21-6) on Oct. 19. The Zebras are No. 2 in Class 6A. El Dorado is No. 3.
“I think we’ve gotten a little better,” El Dorado Coach Scott Reed said.
Greenwood has steamrolled opponents throughout the season, with its closest call coming at Little Rock Parkview (34-21) on Sept. 28. A rematch with Parkview in last week’s quarterfinals was a mismatch as Greenwood advanced 58-21.
An efficient offense, a trademark of Jones’ teams, produced 7 touchdowns and 1 field goal on 8 varsity drives. The Bulldogs amassed 486 total yards on just 47 plays.
Junior quarterback Jabe Burgess has completed 184 of 250 passes for 2,519 yards and 31 touchdowns this fall. Junior running back Hoyt Smith has carried 113 times for 862 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Dynamic senior utility back Drew Morgan, who has orally committed to Arkansas State, has 14 rushing touchdowns and 12 receiving touchdowns.
“They’re well-coached, play hard and play intelligently,” Reed said. “They have different tempos offensively, and that gives teams problems.”
El Dorado has scored at least 42 points in its past three games.
Reed’s son, senior quarterback Lucas Reed, completed 14 of 17 passes for 205 yards and 4 touchdowns in last week’s 43-20 victory over Searcy. Senior tailbacks Marque Burris and Josh Brock both rushed for more than 100 yards.
El Dorado’s top junior is Bijhon Jackson, a defensive lineman who has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Arkansas State and Ole Miss.
“They’ve made steady improvement throughout the season, from what everybody has told me,” Jones said. “They’ll be ready to play, and it will be a great atmosphere.”El Dorado at Greenwood WHAT Class 6A semifinals WHEN 7 p.m. today WHERE Smith Robinson Stadium, Greenwood RECORDS El Dorado 9-3; Greenwood 12-0 RANKINGS El Dorado is No. 3 in Class 6A and No. 9 overall; Greenwood is No. 1 in Class 6A and No. 4 overall SEEDS El Dorado is No. 2 from the 6A-South;
Greenwood is No. 1 from the 6 A-East
Class 6A Super Six 1. Greenwood (12-0) vs. El Dorado 2. Pine Bluff (11-1) vs. Jonesboro 3. El Dorado (9-3) at Greenwood 4. Jonesboro (9-2) at Pine Bluff 5. Lake Hamilton (7-5) Season completed 6. Searcy (6-6) Season completed
Sports, Pages 25 on 11/23/2012