5A-South clash

Little Rock McClellan faces its biggest test of the season Friday night at Texarkana in a meeting of 5A-South Conference leaders.

The Crimson Lions (6-0, 3-0 5A-South) and Razorbacks (5-1, 3-0) joined the 5A-South this season. McClellan, a Class 5A state runner-up last season, was in the 5A-Central before this season’s switch, and Texarkana moved down from Class 6A.

Both teams have been dominant in 5A-South play so far.

Texarkana has not allowed more than 14 points in a conference game, a 48-14 victory at Hot Springs Lakeside on Friday. McClellan is allowing 7.3 points in three 5A-South games.

McClellan Coach Maurice Moody said the two teams are similar.

“They look a lot like us,” Moody said. “They’re fast. They run to the football.”

On Friday in a 62-15 victory over Hope at Lion Stadium, senior quarterback Xavion Morgan accounted for 5 touchdowns, including 3 passing.

Morgan and classmate Jaylon Williams are splitting time at quarterback, giving Moody depth that he is not used to at the position.

“We utilize their strengths to put us in good situations,” Moody said.

Playing on the road is not unusual for the Crimson Lions. They played their home games in 2017 on the road and finally returned to Lion Stadium after the Little Rock School District renovated the venue’s grass field.

Since the start of the 2017 season, McClellan has played 16 games away from Lion Stadium. Tonight’s game marks 17.

“We have a little more experience playing on the road than anybody else,” Moody said. “Traveling is not a problem for us. Sometimes, we play better on the road.

“The biggest, baddest guy on the line of scrimmage will win the game. We’re looking forward to it.”