I'm guessing most sports fans in Pea Ridge are not familiar with the names Keith Traylor, Isaac Davis, Tony Ollison, and Madre Hill.
Each one played high school football at Malvern before enjoying success at the college and partially the professional levels. Hill led Malvern to a state championship before signing with Arkansas, where he led the SEC in rushing in 1995.
Malvern has plenty of tradition but that'll get you only so far, as Lincoln showed last year when it beat the Leopards 41-21 in the playoffs.
Now, it's Pea Ridge's turn and the 10-0 Blackhawks get the 8-3 Leopards at home tonight in Blackhawks Stadium. Pea Ridge earned a first-round bye last week after beating Shiloh Christian 32-6 for the championship in the 4A-1 Conference. The margin of victory was just the latest surprise for a Pea Ridge team that was picked to finish fifth in a preseason poll of the league's coaches.
Malvern held on against Cave City last week to defeat the Cavemen 44-22. Quarterback Trace Collie threw four touchdown passes and Monte Hernandez rushed for 168 yards for the Leopards.
Pea Ridge earned some down time last week after squashing Shiloh Christian. The Blackhawks are led at running back by Shane Ivy, who has rushed for 1,154 yards and 12 touchdowns, and Cody Foltz, who has 96 tackles, 4.5 sacks and nine tackles for losses on the season.
Malvern will have the speed advantage in tonight's game but that hasn't bothered Pea Ridge, which allows only 10 points per game. Malvern has tradition and more players with college potential on its side, but the Blackhawks are home and they're determined to keep their dream season alive after going 1-9 last year.
Teams in Northwest Arkansas already know how good Pea Ridge is this season. Now, it's time for the rest of the state to find out.
Rick's Pick: Pea Ridge
Other games involving teams from Northwest Arkansas (selections are capitalized).
Class 7A
Rogers Heritage at FORT SMITH SOUTHSIDE
FAYETTEVILLE at Conway
Bryant at BENTONVILLE
Class 6A
Siloam Springs at PINE BLUFF
Class 4A
Malvern at PEA RIDGE
Prairie Grove at NASHVILLE
Shiloh Christian at POCAHONTAS
Class 3A
FORDYCE at West Fork
Last Week: 10-0 (100 percent)
Overall: 113-39 (74 percent)
Sports on 11/21/2014