The Valley View Blazers finished last season 7-4 behind Wynne and Nettleton last season . Once again , they will be looking to upend the Yellowjackets and Raiders to win the 5A East . The Blazers lose three major players on defense that include Jaden Hamilton Wells , Demario Crawford and Cooper Lutz . That trio will be highly difficult for veteran Coach Sean Cockrell to replace . Cockrell also replaced his offensive coordinator with Marty Riley giving him a promotion . In addition , Josh Allison stepped down as the team ’ s long-time defensive coordinator late last year . Cockrell gave Gunner Wilbanks a call to return to Valley View , and he accepted leaving a head coaching vacancy down at Harrisburg . That leaves lots of questions marks going into 2022 although the Blazers have plenty of talent coming back . The Blazers do return four key pieces on defense that must help to solidify things . They include : cornerbacks Jay Morman and Dekwon Gallaway along with free safety Carson Winters and future division one talent linebacker Brian Huff . Carson Turley returns to start at quarterback for his second season and left guard Hayden Ross will hold the fort down on the offensive line . “ We will be spread four-wide primarily ,” told Cockrell . “ We want to use our athletes in space . A concern is lack of size on the o-line . Our strength is our returning quarterback and more speed than we have had in a while . While Turley has the experience and has the ability to break for a huge play with his legs , expect sophomore Drew Gartman to challenge for playing time . Gartman has a dynamite arm and can run too . NEA Sports projects Jackson Harmon to have a breakout campaign at wide receiver . He ’ s 6 ’ 5 and tough to tackle . Slade Caldwell should see the most significant time at running back . He can run and catch the football which makes him a dual threat . Valley View will line up on defense out of a 3-4 package . The secondary looks to be the team ’ s best threat but there could be issues at linebacker . Huff will have to pickup the extra slack until some guys step up . Brody Dix and Wyatt Oldham will get opportunities at kicker . Coach Cockrell likes his nonconference schedule . “ Hopefully it prepares us for conference play . We are young in some areas but hopefully get better as season goes on .” While the Blazers have some question marks going into the season , they still will rank right at the top of the conference . Wynne is still the top dog but Valley View has a chance to win the 5A East while making the playoffs .
The Paragould Rams had another frustrating football season in 2021 . Paragould has been a bottom feeder in the 5A East for many years and the school district went out and found a coach with collegiate level experience by hiring former Arkansas State University assistant football coach David Gunn . Coach Gunn will look to build a program by implementing a fresh new look in order to increase numbers and interest among student athletes within the district . Gunn notes that he has four key returning players that he hopes to make a nice impact in 2022 . They include : Britt Rogers , Carter Beliew , Sam Hunt and Henry Thompson . Gunn will implement the pro-t offense . He looks for Kaden Calhoun , Caleb Jiles and Rogers to have major roles on offense . There are major concerns about inexperience . Defensively , the Rams will run a 4-3 formation . Gunn has concerns about depth on defense . Key defensive players include : Hunt , Henry Thompson , and Corbin Bailey . The bottom line is that the Paragould faithful will have to be patient in order for Coach Gunn to build his program . The Rams will struggle to win more than two games in 2022 .
Aug . 26 GCT Sept . 2 at Piggott Sept . 9 Hoxie Sept . 23 at Valley View Sept . 30 Batesville Oct . 7 at Nettleton Oct . 14 at Forrest City Oct . 21 Wynne Oct . 28 at Brookland Nov . 4 Southside
1713 Paragould Plaza Paragould , AR 870-236-8307 Hours : 10:30-8:00 Daily
GOOD LUCK
TO ALL AREA TEAMS !