Coaches tab Wildcats as favorites despite graduations

The Hootens Arkansas Football Magazine coaches poll tabbed El Dorado as the favorite in the new 6A East. The Wildcats lost eight defensive and seven offensive starters from last year's 11-2 6A state championship squad.

El Dorado will put a brand new team on the field against some brand new opponents.

Little Rock Catholic drops down from 7A into the league while Greene County Tech (Paragould) and Jacksonville move up from 5A. Benton moves into the East from the 6A West conference.

"It's four opponents we really haven't seen much," said El Dorado coach Steven Jones. "Obviously, Benton has been in 6A but they've been in a different conference. We are fortunate that we go home-away and get in the rotation of every-other week we have a home game. That makes things a little bit better because our travel is atrocious. We have to go to Marion and to West Memphis this season. But to have those games split up, we feel is to our advantage.

"It's a long way from El Dorado, Arkansas to Paragould."

Benton was picked second followed by Marion, Searcy, Sylvan Hills, West Memphis, Little Rock Catholic, Sheridan, Greene County Tech and Jacksonville. The Wildcats will play Camden Fairview as their lone non-conference opponent.

"I really like that we're kicking off the season playing Camden," said Jones. "Obviously, it's a local opponent. It's going to bring a good crowd. Also, because I know they're going to be well-coached. They're a team that's going to be a good measuring stick for where we're at, headed into conference play."