5 KEY GAMES
Junction City at Camden Harmony Grove (Aug. 30)
New Junction City Coach Brad Smith will see his Dragons get tested early by Camden Harmony Grove, which is expected to contend for a Class 3A state championship this season. The Dragons have won the past two meetings against the Hornets, including a 52-50 shootout last season. Junction City isn’t afraid to play higher-classification teams, as it will also play Class 3A Smackover on Sept. 6.
Rison at Fordyce (Sept. 6)
This annual southeast Arkansas rivalry is one of the best in the state. Fordyce’s Redbug Field will host this year’s game, which is the 68th meeting between the Wildcats and Redbugs. Rison won last year’s meeting 23-6.
Hazen at Des Arc (Oct. 11)
Hazen has state championship aspirations. The Hornets have a key 6-2A Conference game with the Eagles, who have been a state championship contender throughout this decade. Hazen earned a 22-6 victory in last year’s meeting at home.
Fordyce at Junction City (Oct. 25)
The 8-2A Conference championship could come down to this meeting in Union County in late October. Junction City held on to win last year’s game in Fordyce 7-6. Trailing 6-0 with five seconds remaining, the Dragons scored a touchdown to stun the Redbugs.
Foreman at Gurdon (Nov. 8)
For the past two seasons, Foreman has been considered the state championship contender from the 7-2A Conference. Add Gurdon to the list this season. The Go-Devils return a strong junior class — with quarterback Dean Anna and running back Jameson Threadgill — that could derail the Gators to win the 7-2A outright.