A winning week for 4A-1 district in football
After having a perfect 8-0 mark in the first week, the 4A-1 District had a bit more trouble in week No. 2, with four conference members picking up victories. One game was canceled and the other three lost, leaving the league with a 12-3 non-conference record.
Pea Ridge led the way with a 37-0 pasting of Green Forest in the rain last Friday. Favored Farmington shut out West Fork 25-0 and heavily favored Ozark dominated 5A Clarksville 28-7 for the leagues’ other two wins. In an interesting game in Stilwell, Okla., Lincoln blasted the team that got the Wolves twotime all-state quarterback by a 19-0 count. Of course, having a primarily passing attack in a rain soaked evening may have worked against the Okies, but still, Lincoln proved that their improving fortunes of the past two years wasn’t due to just one individual.
After Ozark crushed Booneville in week No. 1, Gravette was thought to be the favorite when they played the Bearcats last week. However, the young and improving Booneville squad put the hurt on the Lions as they defeated Gravette 25-7.
Three-A power Charleston ran roughshod over Gentry as the Tigers pounded the Pioneers 5221, and Huntsville edged by Berryville 6-0 to round out action. Although picked to lose, the Bobcats made a game of it and could have won.
The leagues’ eighth game was the Prairie Grove/ Morrilton matchup which was canceled due to the threatening weather. There was no notice of a make-up game so it looks like the Tigers will get a long break. With what probably would have happened had the Tigers played the 5A Devil Dogs, it might have been a blessing. Getting pounded in the mud could have led to injuries and other unfortunate events.
Week No. 3 will be a lineup of tough assignments for many district members. one. As a matter of fact, there were several upsets last week and most involved teams inability to pass in sloppy conditions.
If the grounds are dry this Friday in Greenland, the game may well turn on the Hawks’ ability to defend against the pass. The Pirates major deficiency from last year is the loss of most of their linemen. They do have back tackle Kellee Lee, a 225 lb., 6’2” speedy lineman. He has actually competed in a state track meet as a runner, a rare thing for a lineman.
Greenland has multiple receivers so the ’Hawk defenders have their work cut out for them. If Pea Ridge can get through the offensive line and disrupt the Pirates offense, the ’Hawks have a good chance to shutting off Greenland’s power at its source.
A dry field will aid the ’Hawks in their passing attack, which has been difficult in two weeks of wet conditions. The ’Hawks ability to run the ball will challenge the Pirates defense, but if they crowd the line too much, quarterback Austin Easterling will finally have the chance to dust off the Pea Ridge aerial offense. West Fork gridders. West Fork hasn’t shown a lot of defense this season and Prairie Grove has a potent offense, as it seems it always does.
Farmington will have a battle hosting Paris this week. The Eagles were 9-2 last season, losing only to state champion Charleston in the regular season. Paris is a bit down this season but is still very good and the game could be a toss up. Last year, Farmington ended up being the class of the 4A-1, winning their way to the state semi-finals before being eliminated. The host Cards will win in a close game.
Lincoln is 2-0 after bashing two Oklahoma teams. They host Dover, a team reportedly in rebuilding mode in 2012. If the Wolves are for real, they will win this battle. Without their star quarterback, most observers have discounted the Wolves’ chances this year but they could be wrong. I am picking the Wolves in this one.
Ozark will have a battle deluxe to maintain their undefeated status. They travel to Charleston to face the undefeated Tigers who are coming off a state championship. The Tigers put over 50 points on Gentry last week, so they have an offense. This game is really a toss-up but I think the Hillbillies will take this battle. Ozark is a senior-dominated team with something to prove after getting eliminated in the first of the 2011 playoffs.
The last 4A-1 team that
I am a native of: My most memorable season highlight is:
Junior high kick off return against Shiloh.
My plans after high school are:
What’s playing on my iPod right now is:
Attending college
“Fast Lane” by Bad and Evil
I am a native of: My most memorable season highlight is:
loh last year
When we played Shi-
My plans after high school are:
To go to college and be a part of the Game and Fish Commission
What’s playing on my iPod right now is:
Aldean