Jeff Blake ’ s Walnut Ridge Bobcats have several key pieces returning from last season ’ s team that finished 4-7 and lost in the playoffs to McGehee . Senior QB Kai Watson returns after having 780 yards rushing and 600 yards passing a year ago . Senior RB Walker Ward had a stellar 2021 campaign after compiling 790 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving . In addition to that , he also led the team in tackles with 98 . Senior linebacker Logan Sain had 90 tackles . Senior linebacker Cam Buys led the team in sacks with six . Senior Hunter Colvey return as a twoway starter up front . Senior Jack Cain returns at middle linebacker . Senior Jaydon Blaylock returns at defensive end . Returning to the o-line is Wyatt Davis , Sebastian Hoffman , and Payton Ditto . The Bobcats will play out of the single wing spread on offense while working out of the 4-2-5 on defense . Walker Ward will handle punting duties while identifying a kicker is still a work in progress . With nine returning players on offense and eight on defense from last year ’ s team , Walnut Ridge is prime for a breakout season . NEA Sports believes that Walnut Ridge can finish in the top
half of the conference while garnering a spot in the state playoffs .
The Hoxie Mustangs breezed through conference play destroying the competition as they once again brought home another conference championship . The Mustangs have been a 3A powerhouse in northeast Arkansas and will continue to be viewed as the top team until taken down . While the well has come far from running dry , Coach Tom Sears has had legit playmakers at the skill positions over the last several years to compliment the hardnosed football that Hoxie fans have grown accustomed to . Even though that type of smash mouth football is engrained in the program , Sears will be looking for new playmakers at key skill positions . Hoxie loses all-state players in linebacker Jace Benesch ( playing at UCA ), QB Cade Forrester ( playing at UAM ), offensive lineman Jalen Chappell ( playing at William Penn University ), and stud running back Seth Brooks . Coach Sears does have a few all-conference players returning in senior defensive end Mario Armstrong ( 66 tackles 4 sacks ), senior offensive lineman Cooper Spradlin ( 6 ' 6 , 310 ), senior nose
Aug . 26 Trumann Sept . 2 at Westside Sept . 9 at Paragould Sept . 16 . Melbourne Sept . 30 Palestine Wheatley Oct . 7 Corning Oct . 14 at Piggott Oct . 21 Manila Oct . 28 at Osceola Nov . 4 at Walnut Ridge
guard Caden Dougan ( 27 tackles , 6 ' 4 , 385 ), junior wide receiver Kayden Glenn ( 31 receptions , 844 yards , and 13 td ' s along with 18 tackles and 6 interceptions ), and senior OL / DL Kenny Langston . In addition to those returning players , the Mustangs have a pair of key pieces to the puzzle that lack a full season of experience in junior running back Camden Brooks ( 53 carries 355 yards 3 touchdowns ), and quarterback Sage Treadwell . Treadwell firmly believes he ’ s ready to take over as the top dog and likes the offensive weapons that he ’ s surrounded behind . The offense will play out of the spread option . Here ’ s what Coach Sears had to say . “ We are pretty wide open with anything that can put a stress on the defense . We return three starters upfront . The line has good size and mobility . We have a new starting QB and running back . They have had great off seasons and have jumped right in for Cade and Seth . Sawyer Anglin is also key returner at wide receiver .” Defensively , the Mustangs will play out of the 5-2 formation . “ We are a very physical group with good size at the line of scrimmage . We are breaking in a new group of linebackers . Ethan Dulaney ( 35 tackles ) and Mattheis Dobbs both have had great off seasons . Besides guys already mentioned , defensive end Montrell Varner and CB / slot / WR Carson Cooper ( 24 tackles ) are key players . We are excited for the season . This group is ready to prove themselves . Couldn ' t be more pleased of how hard they have worked and their mentality .” Hoxie is still the top dog and should repeat as conference champs . The road won ’ t be quite as smooth and they will likely not be as big of a contender to go deep .
607 Hwy . 67 N . Walnut Ridge , AR 72476 Email : bwalnutridge @ ecbarton . com 870-886-3587 Good Luck Bobcats & Mustangs !