Big games on tap as conference play opens
All over Arkansas conference football play kicks off tonight, and in Southwest Arkansas four games could be paramount for teams in the conference championship races.
In 7-4A action, unbeatens Ashdown, ranked No. 4 in the AP Class 4A poll, and Pulaski Robinson play in Little Rock, but sixth-ranked Nashville at secondranked Arkadelphia has gained as much—if not more—attention. The Scrappers own a 2-1 record, and the Badgers have mercyruled Benton (56-21), Sheridan (56-6), and Hot Springs (42-21).
In a battle of 6-3A unbeatens, Fouke invades Smackover, which has allowed just 19 points in three games. The Panthers have scored 113 and given up just 35 in their three wins, matching the win total from last season.
Atop the 7-2A standings, with identical 3-0 marks, sit Dierks and Gurdon, which faces the host Outlaws at Ayers Field.
Nashville vs. Arkadelphia
ARKADELPHIA, Ark.—Since losing to Hope to open the season, the young Scrappers have beat De Queen, 35-0, and Watson Chapel, 20-14.
“We need to continue to get better,” Nashville coach Billy Dawson said. “We’ve made good progress over the past three weeks. Our focus is to build on what we’ve done well. Arkadelphia is a great team; they’re atheltic and experience.”
While a lot has been made of the Arkadelphia offense, which averages nearly 525 yards a game, Dawson sees the Badger defense just as troubling.
“Defensively, can we slow them down? Nobody has seemed to be able to get them off the field,” Dawson said of Arkadelphia. “A big part of that is their defense being so good. They get the ball back for the offense and create a lot of problems for people.”
Fouke vs. Smackover
SMACKOVER, Ark.—The surprise of the area would have to be the Panthers under new coach Rick Barker, who retired from coaching in Texas after 31 years.
Fouke have garnered over three wins just once in the past seven years.
“I don’t know much about
Gurdon vs. Dierks
DIERKS, Ark.—The fourthranked GoDevils started the year with a 42-14 win over Prescott, topped Benton Harmony Grove (27-16), and drubbed Marked Tree (43-7) last week. “Gurdon is the defending conference champion, is a good team, and have a lot of kids back on both sides of the ball,” Dierks coach David Bennett said. “They’ve played three outstanding games against quality opponents.”
The Outlaws beat Centerpoint (36-24) top open the season, belted Bismarck (36-13), and smashed Poyen (42-7) last week.
“We’ve moved the ball well on offense, especially in our run game,” Bennett said. “We’ve done some things well throwing the ball but could improve with that. We’ve got some experience back and decent size on our offensive line. We’re going to have to play well on defense and special teams because Gurdon has bigplay capabilities.”
Dierks Smackover since this is my first year (in Arkansas),” Barker said. “From what I’ve seen of them on film, they look awfully talented. I figure I’ve watched enough film over the years to know athletes when I see them.”
Not only will tonight be the Panthers’ conference opener, they will also be playing a team from outside 7-2A for the first time this season.
“We’re stepping up in class, and these kids are ready to go,” Barker said. “They’re playing with a little bit of confidence right now. It will be tough, but we just need to go play our best game, see what happens, and the better team should win.”