SPRINGDALE — There are a lot of similarities between Shiloh Christian and Greenwood.
Shiloh Christian Coach Josh Floyd and Greenwood Coach Rick Jones took their current jobs in 2004, and the teams began their nonconference series against one another that same year.
Both teams have won four state championships since then, including last year when Greenwood won the Class 5A title and Shiloh Christian took the Class 4A crown.
Greenwood has defeated Shiloh Christian in four of the teams’ seven meetings, but neither team has won the matchup in back-to-back years since Greenwood didit in 2004 and 2005.
“There’s always been great crowds and a lot of anticipation,” Jones said. “It’s a good rivalry. It’s always been a lot of fun for the fans, but I’m not sure the coaches get to enjoy the atmosphere and ambiance. There’s just notime to relax.”
Shiloh Christian defeated the Bulldogs 48-27 last year in Springdale, but the Saints won’t be the favorite Friday night when they travel to Smith-Robinson Stadium in Greenwood.
The Saints’ inexperience came to light in a seasonopening loss against Heber Springs two weeks ago. Shiloh Christian (1-1) is still ranked No. 5 in Class 4A, but Greenwood (2-0) has manhandled its first two opponents by a combined scoreof 92-29 and is ranked No. 2 in Class 5A.
Still, Jones won’t underestimate Floyd and the Saints.
“I think the best thing he does is adjust to the talent he has,” Jones said. “He adapts to what he sees on other side of the ball and does a good job of fitting the pieces together.”
Both programs have been wildly successful in recent years using their own versions of a Spread offense. Those systems have produced several college quarterbacks, including former Bulldog Tyler Wilson, currently the Arkansas Razorbacks’ starter, and former Saint Kiehl Frazier, a freshman at Auburn.
The Saints and Bulldogs typically air it out against each other, posting gaudy passing totals and lighting up the scoreboard. They have combined to score an average of 84.7 points per game over the past six years of the series, and this year may not be any different even though both teams have first-year starters at quarterback.
Shiloh Christian junior Michael Slone completed 19 of 25 passes for 170 yards and 3 touchdowns last week in a 35-12 victory at Tulsa Webster. Ryan Michaelishas emerged as Slone’s top target with four touchdown catches this year.
“I think Michael came out last week and played great,” Floyd said. “We bounced back from a loss, and I was really proud of our guys for doing that.”
Greenwood senior Hayden Smith is 13 of 14 for 265 yards with 5 touchdown passes, including one to senior Zack Thornton in each of the Bulldogs’ first two games.
“I know it’s his first year playing quarterback, but it’s never seemed to bother their guys in the past,” Floyd said. “He’s a very good runner, and he’s very accurate throwing the football. I think it starts with him offensively.”
Three of the past six games in the series have been decided by three or fewer points, but neither team has played a closegame this year.
“We’ve had two fairly easy games,” Jones said. “It’ll be a fun Friday night because we know we’re going to be tested.”At a glance WHEN 7:30 p.m. Friday WHERE Smith-Robinson Stadium, Greenwood RECORDS Shiloh Christian 1-1; Greenwood 2-0 RANKINGS Shiloh Christian is No. 5 in Class 5A; Greenwood is No. 2 in Class 5A
Sports, Pages 20 on 09/15/2011