What’s so special about a game between teams with a combined 3-3 record?
First, it’s the 7A/6A-West Conference opener. Second, it’s a game between Bentonville and Springdale Har-Ber, two of the best programs in the state. Third, as an added bonus for you recruiting junkies, the game will involve athletes who’ll be playing next year at the Division I level in college.
Forget that 3-3 record. Unlike most college teams, Bentonville and Har-Ber play big-boy football from the start instead of loading up against weaklings in nonconference play.
Their list of opponents include some of the top programs in the region. Webb City, Mo., Columbia (Mo.) Rock Bridge and Fort Smith Southside for Har-Ber; Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst, Broken Arrow (Okla.), and Euless (Texas) Trinity, for Bentonville. A college team would do well by recruiting players from these programs alone.
Bentonville (1-2) is the six-time defending conference champion and losers of two straight after falling 21-13 to Euless Trinity. Har-Ber (2-1) is coming off an impressive win at Fort Smith Southside (35-27), where the Wildcats used a backup quarterback and third-team tailback to beat the Rebels.
Both teams are nearing full strength after being hit hard by injuries. Quarterback Kyle Pianalto and running back Sain Mathew return for Har-Ber, while running back Dylan Smith and receiver Jimmie Jackson are back for Bentonville.
It is hard to envision Bentonville losing again, especially at home, but Har-Ber’s win at Southside last week can not be ignored. The Wildcats showed they could win without two of their top stars and both of them are back this week to tangle with the Tigers.
RICK’S PICKS Springdale Har-Ber
Other games involving teams from Northwest Arkansas (selections are capitalized).
CLASS 7A/6A
FAYETTEVILLE at Van Buren
ROGERS HIGH at Springdale High
Siloam Springs at ROGERS HERITAGE
CLASS 5A
GREENBRIER at Huntsville
MORRILTON at Shiloh Christian
CLASS 4A
Berryville at LINCOLN
GENTRY at Farmington
Ozark at PRAIRIE GROVE
PEA RIDGE at Gravette
CLASS 3A
Elkins at YELLVILLE-SUMMIT
GREEN FOREST at Marshall
GREENLAND at Melbourne
PEA RIDGE at Gravette
CLASS 2A
Hackett at DECATUR
LAST WEEK 10-7 (58 percent)
OVERALL 36-14 (72 percent)