There's no better way to begin 7A-West Conference play than Fayetteville vs. Bentonville, two teams who've combined to win six consecutive state championships in Arkansas' largest classification since 2010.
Fayetteville won in 2015, 2012, and 2011 while Bentonville won in 2014, 2013, and 2010. Can't get more even than that, but tonight's showdown at Fayetteville comes after a major shakeup.
Bentonville is now a divided community with the Tigers and those feisty, young Wolverines to the west. Bentonville High will no longer overwhelm opponents with its talent and depth, but the Tigers have won consecutive games after losing in overtime to Kansas City Rockhurst to start the season.
Many expect Fayetteville to emerge as the dominant team in Arkansas and the Bulldogs certainly look the part with a 3-0 record and No. 1 ranking. But the real test comes in conference play when the intensity level increases.
Fayetteville went 12-2 last year with both losses coming in conference play. Har-Ber outscored Fayetteville 47-43 in Week 7 and Bentonville dumped the Dogs 37-26 in Week 10. Fayetteville got on a roll again in the playoffs and beat Har-Ber and Bentonville on the way to its fourth state championships since 2007.
There's a fine line between being confidence and arrogant and the Bulldogs must guard against taking this lighter Bentonville version too lightly. But Fayetteville has too much firepower this season and a veteran coach who knows how to win a rivalry game against a very good opponent.
RICK'S PICK Fayetteville
Other games involving teams from Northwest Arkansas (selections are capitalized).
CLASS 7A/6A
VAN BUREN at Bentonville West
SPRINGDALE HAR-BER at Rogers High
Rogers Heritage at SPRINGDALE HIGH
SHERIDAN at Siloam Springs
CLASS 5A
Vilonia at ALMA
FARMINGTON at Clarksville
Harrison at MORRILTON
CLASS 4A
Berryville at SHILOH CHRISTIAN
PEA RIDGE at Gentry
GRAVETTE at Lincoln
Huntsville at PRAIRIE GROVE
Subiaco Academy at WEST FORK
CLASS 3A
Yellville-Summit at ELKINS
MARSHALL at Green Forest
CLINTON at Greenland
MOUNTAIN VIEW at Melbourne
CLASS 2A
Decatur at MOUNTAINBURG
LAST WEEK 15-5 (75 percent)
OVERALL 39-14 (73 percent)
Sports on 09/23/2016