FIVE TOP PLAYERS

Caden Sipe, Harding Academy, QB, Sr.

No other quarterback in the state threw as many touchdown passes as Sipe in 2019.

The Harding Academy signal-caller tossed 59 scoring passes and only six interceptions to lead the Wildcats to a Class 3A state championship.

Sipe finished with 3,868 yards last season. He had six games with at least five touchdown passes.

He has scholarship offers from Harding University and Henderson State University.

Tharon Davis, Newport, RB, Sr.

Newport has seen some great talent over the years, and Davis has added his name to the list.

The Greyhounds running back was solid in 2019, accounting for 1,496 yards. He rushed for 850 yards and 19 touchdowns, and had 646 receiving yards and 8 scores.

ShunDerrick Powell, Hoxie, RB, Sr.

From any spot on the field, Powell is a threat to score.

The Mustangs star piled up 1,893 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns last season. He added two scoring receptions.

He has ran a 4.4 40-yard dash, cementing himself as one of the fastest players in the state.

Powell has orally committed to the University of North Alabama.

Ty Dugger, Harding Academy, WR, Sr.

Harding Academy’s offense puts up plenty of points, and Dugger is a key factor why.

Dugger is Caden Sipe’s top receiver after recording 93 receptions for 1,506 yards and 22 touchdowns last season.

In last year’s Class 3A state championship game, Dugger earned MVP honors with a 10-reception, 210-yard, 2-TD performance against Osceola.

Dugger also plays cornerback for the Wildcats, the Democrat-Gazette’s preseason No. 1 team in Class 3A.

Alex George, Prescott, RB/LB, Sr.

At the small-school level, most players usually have to play both ways. Alex George is one of those players, and he’s able to shine at running back and linebacker.

George had 63 tackles last season as the Curley Wolves won 11 games and reached the Class 3A state semifinals.

On offense, George finished with 792 yards and 15 touchdowns.