Arkansas High
LITTLE ROCK MCCLELLAN (6-0, 3-0) @ ARKANSAS HIGH (5-1, 3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m., Razorback Stadium.
LAST WEEK: RBs Cameron Collier and Torie Blair both went over the century mark and combined for 308 yards and six of the seven touchdowns as the fifth-ranked Razorbacks invoked the mercy rule in its 48-14 victory over Hot Springs Lakeside. No. 2 Little Rock McClellan also won in mercy fashion, defeating Hope, 62-15, to remain unbeaten. Senior QB/WR Xavion Morgan scored five touchdowns in the win.
LAST YEAR: The two teams did not
play.
GAME FACTS: Arkansas High enters the game ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press poll while the Crimson Lions come in as the No. 2 team. The last time the two teams met was in 2011, where the Razorbacks won, 34-14, and in 2010, where they shut out the Little Rock team, 42-0. The Razorbacks have scored 225 points (37.5 per game) this season and have allowed 120 (20.0 per game). McClellan boasts a defense that has allowed a mere 36 points (6.0 per game) and has pilled on 281 (46.8 per game). On defense, Tre Cleveland leads the Hogs with 82 tackles, followed by A.C. Williams’ 55 and Demetrias Charles’ 36. The Razorbacks have scored four special team touchdowns in their last three games. Collier has rushed for 502 yards (9.3 yards per carry) and six touchdowns on 54 attempts this year while fellow back Blair has added 404 yards (8.4 yards per carry) and five scores on 48 totes. Tonight’s winner can take a firm grip on the Conference 5A-South title.
COACH BARRY NORTON’S
COMMENTS: “It’s going to be a great challenge for us. We are clearly facing a really good football team that’s won a lot of ball games as they are undefeated. They’re only giving up six points a game and have had deep playoff runs the last few years, including playing in the state championship last season. It’s a team that is used to winning and has played in big games. So, yes, we have a big challenge ahead of us, but it’s one that we are up to.
“Our effort will have to be a little better than theirs and we will have to outcoach them. Another thing is we will have to match up physically against them. They will bully you with their offense and defense. It’s very important that we do a good job protecting the football offensively and avoiding mistakes defensively. If we do that, we will be just fine.”
RADIO: 1400 AM