RICK'S PICKS: Hillbillies eager for challenge in Land of the Lizards

Dardanelle quarterback Jordan Metcalf (left) runs behind his  offensive line Friday during the Sand Lizards’ 17-14 victory over  the Gentry Pioneers in Gentry.
Dardanelle quarterback Jordan Metcalf (left) runs behind his offensive line Friday during the Sand Lizards’ 17-14 victory over the Gentry Pioneers in Gentry.

Ozark at Dardanelle should be the Game of the Week in Arkansas for no other reason than the unique mascots of the schools -- Sand Lizards for Dardanelle and Hillbillies for Ozark.

It's an added bonus both teams are really good.

Dardanelle is 5-0 overall and ranked No. 6 in Class 4 after beating Waldron 52-18. Ozark is 4-1 and ranked No. 5 after beating Subiaco Academy 54-6. Dardanelle, Ozark and Elkins are tied atop the 4A-4 Conference with 2-0 records.

Time for some separation, don't you agree?

Ozark and Dardanelle were picked first and second in a preseason poll of the league coaches, and tonight's winner will likely finish on top. Dardanelle has the home-field advantage tonight after losing 21-13 at Ozark last year.

Ozark has won three consecutive games despite dealing with some injuries that have prompted changes in the lineup. But the Hillbillies are still putting up points with junior quarterback Harper Faulkenberry leading the way. Dardanelle will counter with linemen who are among the biggest in the league, including senior tackle Christian Lomeli (6-1, 320) and right tackle Cole Walter (6-3, 245).

The bleachers should be filled tonight for this showdown in the 4A-4 Conference. Dardanelle is home, but Sand Lizards are the type of creatures Hillbillies eat for lunch, straight out of the pail.

RICK'S PICK Ozark

Other games involving teams from Northwest Arkansas (selections are capitalized).

CLASS 7A

Rogers Heritage at BENTONVILLE

BENTONVILLE WEST at Rogers

Springdale at SPRINGDALE HAR-BER

FAYETTEVILLE at Van Buren

NORTH LITTLE ROCK at Fort Smith Southside

FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE at Little Rock Catholic

CLASS 6A

Siloam Springs at GREENWOOD

CLASS 5A

MORRILTON at Alma

Farmington at GREENBRIER

CLARKSVILLE at Huntsville

HARRISON at Vilonia

CLASS 4A

LINCOLN at Berryville

GENTRY at Green Forest

Gravette at PEA RIDGE

SHILOH CHRISTIAN at Prairie Grove

MENA at Dover

Waldron at POTTSVILLE

ELKINS at Subiaco Academy

CLASS 3A

Greenland at BOONEVILE

Paris at CEDARVILLE

MANSFIELD at Charleston

West Fork at LAMAR

CLASS 2A

Magazine at HECTOR

JC Westside at MOUNTAINBURG

LAST WEEK 20-7 (74 percent)

OVERALL 108-30 (78 percent)

Preps Sports on 10/11/2019

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