Class 4A Playoff Capsules
Heber Springs at Shiloh Christian
Champions Stadium, Springdale
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Heber Springs is the No. 5 seed from the 4A-2; Shiloh Christian is the No. 1 seed from the 4A-1.
COACHES: Heber Springs -- Will Cox; Shiloh Christian -- Jeff Conaway.
RECORD: Heber Springs 4-6, 4-3 4A-1; Shiloh Christian 10-0, 7-0 4A-1.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Heber Springs 12-18; Shiloh Christian 63-17.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Heber Springs lost to Rivercrest in the 2018 quarterfinals; Shiloh Christian lost to Arkadelphia in the 2018 semifinals.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Heber Springs -- QB Adam Martin (Sr., 5-11, 190), RB Julio Rubio (Sr., 5-8, 165), RB Landon Johnson (Sr., 5-9, 175), WR Nick McKee (Jr., 5-10, 155), WR Matthew Cook (Jr., 5-10, 150), LB Fate Berry (Sr., 6-1, 180). Shiloh Christian --
BETWEEN THE LINES: Heber Springs has won two straight games after Friday night's 28-14 win against Little Rock Mills. ... Panthers senior quarterback Adam Martin directs the Heber Springs offense. Martin is 127-of-207 passing for 1,530 yards and 12 touchdowns with 8 interceptions. Against Mills, Martin was 19-of-29 for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns. ... Heber Springs averages 204 yards per game on the ground behind Martin (746 yards, 9 TDs) and senior Julio Rubio (166 carries, 1045 yards, 15 touchdowns). ... Martin has capable targets in Nathan McKee (25 catches, 284 yards) and Matthew Cook (23 catches, 197 yards). Seven players have at least 10 catches for the Panthers. ... Linebacker Fate Berry is the team's top tackler with 99 stops and 14.0 tackles for loss to go along with 4.0 sacks. ... Shiloh Christian completed a perfect season with a 28-26 win against Pea Ridge, the first time since 2006 the Saints posted a perfect regular season. ... The Saints are explosive offensively, averaging over 400 yards per game. ... Senior quarterback Eli Reece has passed for more than 2,500 yards this season and more than 5,000 for his career. ... Cam Wiedeman and Logan Raben lead a potent Saints ground game. Wiedeman had 2 TDs in the win against Pea Ridge. ... WR Truitt Tollett is one of the top receivers in the state. The three-year starter has more than 70 catches for 1,200 yards and 18 touchdowns.
UP NEXT: The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Pocahontas vs. Gravette game. Shiloh Christian has earned home-field advantage through the semifinals.
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Gravette at Pocahontas
Redskins Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Gravette is the No. 5 seed from the 4A-1 Conference; Pocahontas is the No. 2 seed from the 4A-3 Conference.
COACHES: Gravette -- Kelby Bohannon; Pocahontas -- Charles Baty
RECORD: Gravette 4-6, 3-4 4A-1; Pocahontas 7-3, 5-2 4A-3.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Gravette 11-20; Pocahontas 12-25.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Gravette did not make the playoffs in 2018. Pocahontas lost in the first round of the 2018 playoffs to Heber Springs.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Gravette -- QB Cy Hilger (Sr., 6-1, 155), RB Chace Austin (Sr., 5-7, 155), RB Isaac Dann (Jr., 5-8, 190), WR Mason Dagley (Sr., 5-9, 170), LB Trenton Durham (Jr., 5-10, 180), DB Lane Wilkins (Jr., 5-8, 180). Pocahontas -- QB Dawson Chester (Jr., 5-11, 170), RB Derrick Kimble (Sr., 5-11, 190), WR C.J. Palmer (Jr., 6-1, 170), WR Michael Martens (Jr., 6-1, 165), LB Zavior Taylor (Jr., 5-11, 180), LB Derrick Whiley (Sr., 5-11, 165).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Gravette rebounded from last season's 1-9 debacle to make a return to the playoffs as the No. 5 seed from the 4A-1. The Lions were pounded 37-7 by longtime Benton County rival Gentry in the regular-season finale. ... Kolby Bohannon took over the program after Doug Greenwood resigned after one season. ... Lions quarterback Cy Hilger leads the Gravette offense. Hilger is 108-of-187 passing for 1,363 yards and 13 touchdowns with 5 interceptions. ... Chace Austin leads Gravette's ground game with more than 700 yards rushing. ... Wide receiver Mason Dagley is the leading receiver with 30 catches. ... Pocahontas earned the No, 2 seed in the 4A-3 with an experienced squad from last season. The Redskins carry a three-game win streak into the playoffs following a 35-22 win against Highland in the regular-season finale. ... Pocahontas quarterback Dawson Chester is a dual-threat who can burn teams with his arm or legs. Chester has passed for more than 1,700 yards and has more than 700 yards rushing with a combined 30 touchdowns.
UP NEXT: The winner of this game will advance to take on the winner of the Shiloh Christian vs. Heber Springs game.
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Prairie Grove at Hamburg
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Prairie Grove is the No. 4 seed from the 4A-1 Conference; Hamburg is the No. 3 seed from the 4A-8 Conference.
COACHES: Prairie Grove -- Danny Abshier; Hamburg -- Cecil Ray Cossey
RECORD: Prairie Grove 4-6, 4-3 4A-1; Hamburg 6-4, 4-3 4A-8
POSTSEASON RECORD: Prairie Grove 24-24; Hamburg 15-23.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Prairie Grove lost to Lonoke in the first round of the 2018 playoffs. Hamburg lost to Joe T. Robinson in the second round of the 2018 playoffs.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Prairie Grove -- QB Knox Laird (Sr., 5-9, 165), RB Foster Layman (Jr., 5-9, 190), RB Jared Harger (Sr., 5-8, 165), TE Graham Guenther (Sr., 6-2, 205). Hamburg -- QB Brett Rice (Jr., 5-10, 160), RM Armodd Taylor (Jr., 5-7, 195), ATH D.J. Johnson (Sr., 6-1, 200).
BETWEEN THE LINES: The Tigers scored 20 fourth-quarter points to run over Lincoln in the regular-season finale. ... The Tigers are limited offensively, but can cause opponents problems, specifically with their hard-to-prepare-for Wing-T offense. ... Prairie Grove leans on its run game, led by fullback Foster Layman, who rushed for 80 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win over Lincoln. ... The Tigers do not pass often, but they have a weapon in big tight end Graham Guenther. ... Hamburg was projected to be in a rebuilding mode this season after going 8-4 a year ago and returning just 2 starters each way, but the Lions are talented, especially at the skill positions. ... D.J. Johnson lines up at a variety of positions including in the backfield. The senior is explosive and can take it to the house from anywhere on the field.
UP NEXT: The winner will take on Jonesboro Westside in the second round. Westside drew a first-round bye.
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Gentry at Central Arkansas Christian
Mustang Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Gentry is the No. 3 seed from the 4A-1 Conference; Central Arkansas Christian is the No. 3 seed from the 4A-2 Conference.
COACHES: Gentry -- Paul Ernest; CAC -- Tommy Shoemaker.
RECORD: Gentry 7-3, 5-2 4A-1 Conference; CAC 7-3, 5-2 4A-2 Conference.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Gentry 4-19; CAC 19-25.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: CAC lost to Warren in the first-round of the 2018 playoffs. Gentry lost in the first-round of the 2018 playoffs to Mena.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Gentry -- QB Brandon Atwood (Sr., 6-0, 185), RB Brennan Crosby (Jr., 6-0, 190), WR Beau Tomblin (Sr., 6-1, 185), WR Zach Jarnagan (Jr., 5-10, 155), OL Kerlose Ruzek (Sr., 6-4, 290), LB Charlie Reams (Sr., 5-9, 150). CAC --
BETWEEN THE LINES: The Pioneers roll into the playoffs after throttling longtime Benton County rival Gravette 37-7. ... Gentry senior quarterback Brandon Atwood has put together an incredible season as a dual-threat with his arm and legs. Atwood is 121-of-211 passing for 1,819 yards and 19 touchdowns, and has 838 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. Atwood also has thrown 14 interceptions. ... Atwood's top target is Zach Jarnagan, who has 48 catches for 750 yards. Beau Tomblin has 38 catches for 646 yards and the duo has a combined 12 touchdown catches. ... Safety Charlie Reams is not large in stature at 5-9, 150, but he delivers plenty of pop with a team-high 81 tackles. ... CAC quarterback Palmer Gilbrech leads a high-powered Mustangs offense. Gilbrech is 129-of-209 passing for 2,053 yards and 19 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions. ... RB Tyler Williams, a sophomore, leads the ground game with 634 yards and 9 touchdowns. ... Just two seasons ago CAC was 1-9, but returned 7 starters on each side of the ball this season from a 5-6 team.
UP NEXT: The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Joe T. Robinson vs. Trumann game in the second round.
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Malvern at Ozark
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Malvern is the No. 5 seed from the 4A-7 Conference; Ozark is the No. 1 seed from the 4A-4 Conference.
COACHES: Malvern -- J.D. Plumlee; Ozark -- Jeremie Burns.
RECORD: Malvern 4-6, 3-4 4A-7; Ozark 9-1, 7-0 4A-4 Conference.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Malvern 29-25; Ozark 25-22.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Malvern did not make the playoffs in 2018. Ozark lost to Joe T. Robinson in the second round of the 2018 playoffs.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Malvern -- QB Cedric Simmons (Fr., 6-2, 180), QB Braxton Allen (Jr., 6-3, 160), Kieth Caradine (Jr., 5-8, 165), WR Dallas Lewis (Sr., 6-1, 155), WR Dante Reed (Jr., 5-10, 155), LB Tre'Sean Morman (Jr., 6-0, 200). Ozark -- QB Harper Faulkenberry (Jr., 5-11, 180), RB Tyler Sanders (Jr., 5-7, 150), RB Duke Walker (So., 5-11, 175), TE Bryant Burns (Sr., 6-3, 220), OL Will Timmerman (Sr., 6-0, 265), WR Ethan Foster (Sr., 6-2, 170), LB Keystan Durning (Jr., 5-11, 165).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Malvern has lost two straight including a 56-21 loss to two-time defending state champion Arkadelphia in the season finale. ... The Leopards were 0-10 a year ago, but first-year coach J.D. Plumlee has led a turnaround and Malvern is very young at several positions. ... Quarterback Cedric Simmons is a freshman and has split reps with junior Braxton Allen. They have combined for 1,047 yards passing and 10 TDs. Simmons is a dangerous runner with 846 yards on the ground and 14 touchdowns, all team highs. ... Ozark is right on the fringe of being an elite program and a deep playoff run would solidify that claim. ... Junior quarterback Harper Faulkenberry took over the reins of the offense and has provided a spark with his legs with a team-high 1,098 yards rushing to go along with 48-of-80 passing for 870 yards and 27 total touchdowns. Faulkenberry has thrown 7 interceptions. ... The Hillbillies carry an 8-game winning streak into this first-round matchup. ... Ozark has a power run game besides Faulkenberry. Junior Tyler Sanders rushed for 1,187 yards as a sophomore, but has battled through injuries this season and has just 54 carries. ... Senior TE Bryant Burns is a strong blocker who is also capable of breaking big plays in the passing game.
UP NEXT: The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Warren vs. Elkins game in the second round.
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Elkins at Warren
Lumberjack Stadium
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Elkins is the No. 5 seed from the 4A-4 Conference; Warren is the No. 2 seed from the 4A-8 Conference.
COACHES: Elkins -- Bryan Hutson; Warren -- Bo Hembree.
RECORD: Elkins 5-5, 3-4 4A-4 Conference; Warren 9-1, 6-1 4A-8 Conference.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Elkins 8-23; Warren 47-21.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Elkins lost to Nashville in the first round of the 2018 playoffs. Warren lost to Arkadelphia in the second round of the 2018 playoffs.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Elkins -- QB Kain Johnson (Jr., 5-10, 165), RB Trevor Shumate (Jr., 6-1, 175), WR Cody Drummond (Jr., 5-9, 165), WR Josh Allan (Jr., 5-10, 150). Warren -- QB Riley Cornish (So., 5-11, 160), RB Vincent Steppes (Sr., 5-9, 175), ATH Tre'Lon Marshall (Jr., 5-10, 150), NG J.J. Hampton (Sr., 6-0, 280).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Elkins opened the season winning five of its first six games, but since then the Elks have gone in reverse, losing four straight. ... Junior quarterback Kain Johnson slid into the starting quarterback job after two-year starter Quinn McClain transferred to neighboring Fayetteville at the end of last season. Johnson is 102-of-167 passing for 1,782 yards and 21 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions as the Elks did not skip a beat offensively. Johnson has 401 yards rushing and 10 scores. ... The Elks have three players with at least 30 catches, led by junior Cody Drummond, who has 35 catches. ... Warren is one of the elite Class 4A programs in the state and coach Hembree has more than 200 career wins for the Lumberjacks, who has won multiple state titles. ... Warren's only loss was a 38-35 setback to conference champion Crossett on Sept. 27. Since then, the Lumberjacks have won 6 straight.
UP NEXT: The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Ozark vs. Malvern game in the second round.
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Lonoke at Pea Ridge
KICKOFF: 7 p.m.
SEEDS: Lonoke is the No. 4 seed from the 4A-2 Conference; Pea Ridge is the No. 2 seed from the 4A-1 Conference.
COACHES: Lonoke -- Harry Wright; Pea Ridge -- Stephen Neal.
RECORD: Lonoke 6-4, 5-2 4A-2 Conference; Pea Ridge 6-4, 6-1 4A-1 Conference.
POSTSEASON RECORD: Lonoke 20-27; Pea Ridge 15-19.
LAST PLAYOFF RESULT: Lonoke lost in the second round of the 2018 playoffs to Ozark. Pea Ridge lost to Helena in the first-round of the 2018 playoffs in overtime.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lonoke -- QB Spencer Pepper (So., 5-8, 175), RB Anthony Parks (Jr., 5-9, 180), WR Chris Lucas (Jr., 5-10, 170), LD Dayton Smith (Jr., 5-11, 175), LB Brayden Coble (Jr., 5-8, 180). Pea Ridge -- QB Tate Busey (Sr., 6-2, 170), RB Samuel Beard (Sr., 5-11, 185), WR Hunter Rains (Sr., 5-8, 150), OL Phillip Brown (Sr., 6-1, 275), OL Hagen Schader (Sr., 6-3, 250), LB Lance Nunley (Sr., 5-10, 180).
BETWEEN THE LINES: Lonoke has won three of its last four games including a forfeit win against Little Rock Mills. The Jackrabbits knocked off Riverview 26-14 in the season finale last week. ... Lonoke sophomore quarterback Spencer Pepper emerged this season and took over the reins, passing for more than 1,000 yards. ... The Jackrabbits have a solid run game with Pepper leading the way along with junior RB Anthony Parks, who has more than 500 rushing yards. ... Pea Ridge's record is deceiving. The Blackhawks have lost four games. Three of those came against 5A teams in nonconference, and Pea Ridge lost to Shiloh Christian 28-26 in a game that went down to the wire in the regular-season finale. ... Tate Busey, in his second year as the starter, elevated his game this season. Busey has passed for more than 1,000 yards and rushed for more than 500 with 24 total touchdowns. ... Senior RB Samuel Beard is explosive and has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Blackhawks. ... Pea Ridge will make its final 4A playoff run as the Blackhawks are headed to Class 5A next season. ... Five times in the past eight seasons the Blackhawks won 10 or more games and advanced to the state final in 2016. ... Stephen Neal is 38-12 in his fifth season as the Pea Ridge head coach.
UP NEXT: The winner of this game will take on the winner of the Southside Batesville vs. Star City game in the second round.
-- Chip Souza • @NWAChip
Preps Sports on 11/14/2019