Aug . 25 – at Rivercrest Sept . 1 – at EPC Sept . 8- Trumann Sept . 15 - at Harrisburg Sept . 22 – Piggott Sept . 29 – Corning Oct . 13 – at P-Wheatley Oct . 20 – Hoxie Oct . 27 – Walnut Ridge Nov . 3 – at Osceola
The Manila football program is still young in its restart , but the Lions have found a streak of success in recent years including a trip to the playoffs last season . Coach Ben Fisher takes over as head coach for Manila and is hoping to continue the growth of the program . “ We are looking to build off the success of the previous coach and continue the positive direction the program was headed ,” Coach Fisher said . He is looking to transition the Manila offense to a spread look , utilizing its big offensive line and running back . Jacob Baugher will have several opportunities to gain yards at running back and wide receiver along with fellow running back Brent Williams . Baugher will play cornerback on defense , while Williams will be at linebacker . They will follow a big line led by Nate Parrish who will lead both the offensive and defensive lines . Matthew Walker is another returning player who will look to make an impact on the field . With only five conference games , the Lions have filled a schedule with tough non-conference games that Coach Fisher hopes will prepare them for a conference run and a trip to the playoffs . Look for the Manila Lions to be in the hunt for a playoff berth in the 3A-3 .
One of the most talked about teams this upcoming season is in south Mississippi County . After a 9- 4 finish and trip to the 4A state quarterfinals , the Rivercrest Colts are primed for another run at a 4A-3 conference title . It will not be easy in a loaded and talented league , but Coach Johnny Fleming ’ s squad has the experience and talent returning to get it done . “ The expectations are very high with everyone we have returning . We have a great , senior led team with a talented sophomore class ,” Coach Fleming said . “ We need to be able to stay healthy and have a little luck on our side . We ’ re looking to get over the 3rd round hump and make a state title run . We ’ re excited to get the season started .” On offense , 90 % of the Colt production returns including all five offensive lineman . All-Conference selection Amarion Lofton returns along with his fellow linemen Ian McClain , Quinshun Perry , Jered Robertson , and Andrew Lomack . Behind them is an explosive offense loaded with weapons that racked up over 5,000 yards of offense and scored 40.3 points per game . Senior wide receiver Michael Rainer returns at wide receiver , although he is likely to line up
Aug . 25 – Manila Sept . 1 – Mills Sept . 8 – at Valley View Sept . 22 – Pocahontas Sept . 29 – at Harrisburg Oct . 6 – Westside Oct . 13 – at Highland Oct . 20 – Gosnell Oct . 27 – at Trumann Nov . 3 – Blytheville
anywhere including quarterback . Rainer had 2,600 all-purpose yards including 47 catches for 1,053 yards and 16 touchdowns , and 113 carries for 876 yards and 10 touchdowns . Fellow senior Koby Turner rushed for 1,200 yards and 21 touchdowns and returns at running back . Senior linebacker Marcus Slayton also returns at running back to provide another weapon for junior quarterback Cavonta Washington . Washington threw for 1,700 yards and 18 touchdowns , part of his 2,100 all-purpose yards . Senior Kevin Morris will line up at receiver to add another option . A super talented sophomore class adds depth to an already explosive lineup . Buddha Harris , Kash Spann , and Jayden Young are all threats to break lose at receiver , while Tekylun Sanders provides depth at running back . As hard as it will be to stop the Colts , it will be as equally to score on them . Rainer , Turner , join Wyatt Lancaster at linebacker to solidify a tough defense . Rainer , Kevin Morris and Jakavion Williams will lead a young secondary of Harris , Young , Spann , and Sanders while Perry leads the defensive front of Lofton , Lomack , Wesley Gray , and Jeb Brigance . Marcus Slayton had an astounding 140 tackles last year with two forced fumbles , and 11 sacks . Lancaster followed with 130 tackles of his own with four interceptions and two forced fumbles . Turner was next with 80 tackles and two interceptions , one of which he returned for a touchdown . On special teams , senior kicker Josh Johnson returns with a strong leg , and Lancaster will punt . Rainer , Turner , and Williams are threats to take it to the house on every return . Most publications have Rivercrest as one of the favorites to win it all . Coach Fleming and his guys are embracing the high expectations . Look for the Colts to win their conference and make a run at a state championship this season .