Aug . 25 – Gosnell Sept . 1 – at Paragould Sept . 8- at Highland Sept . 15 - Marked Tree Sept . 22 – at Manila Sept . 29 – Osceola Oct . 6 – at Walnut Ridge Oct . 13 – at Hoxie Oct . 27 – Pal-Wheatley
Coach Don Simmons saw a silver lining last season as the Piggott Mohawks finished winless on the season . Several young guys got a lot of experience , and Coach Simmons hopes that will turn into some wins this season . Sophomore Ben Latimer returns at quarterback after starting last season as a freshman . Latimer is very athletic with a good football IQ . He will line up in the backfield with seniors Walker Johnson and Michael Bare at running back . Junior Dagan Ferking could also get some touches after not playing last season , as may sophomore Kyler Dickens . Senior Aaron Mauldin is a sure handed receiver that leads the receiving corps . Junior Jesus Garcia , his twin brother Ozzy , and senior Keegan Scudder will look to haul in some of Latimer ’ s passes . Up front , senior Lawson Tompkins leads the offensive line . Tompkins will line up with junior Landon Gilbee , senior Manuel Bare , sophomores Braden Moore and Levi Moore , along with junior Kenyan Littrell at tight end . With numbers and depth being a concern , the Mohawks will definitely have an iron man feel going both ways . Tompkins leads the way up front for the defense with Littrell and Braden Moore at defensive ends and Manuel Bare at nose guard . Latimer will line up inside at linebacker with Michael Bare and Levi Moore . Mauldin will line up at linebacker , but may be spotted lining up all over the field to make plays . In the secondary , Scudder , Ozzy Garcia , and Dickens will rotate at the corners , while Jesus Garcia and Johnson will roam at safety . Coach Simmons and his guys are still recruiting to get numbers up , so look for some guys to step in and make an impact . The 3A-3 is traditionally a tough conference at the top , but with only six teams this season , the Mohawks could slide into a playoff spot with a couple of wins . With so much experience returning , Piggott will look to push their way into the playoffs although NEA Sports believes they are on the outside looking in .
Sterling Stowers takes over as head coach of the Highland Rebels after returning home as an assistant a few years ago . Coach Stowers has plenty to look forward to as most of the team returns for the 2023 season . After finishing 3-7 a year ago , the Rebels are looking to several experienced players to turn things around and make a run at the playoffs . A group of All-Conference players lead the way and are looking to take it one game at a time . Zac Huckabee returns at quarterback after an impressive 1,650 yards passing and 20 touchdowns last season . He will have Keagan Statler in the backfield with him , who gained 700 yards on the ground in only five games at running back a year ago . Huckabee and Statler will look to move the ball in the Rebel spread offense and Statler will be on the defensive side at linebacker . The Highland defense will be led by All-Conference linebacker Gabe Hightower , who will also see time at half back . Kalei Tokanong will look to make an impact on the field as well . Coach Stowers loves his team ’ s experience and size , and hopes to add some wrinkles and schemes to continue to improve each game . Coach Sowers also mentioned taking
Aug . 25 – Walnut Ridge Sept . 1 – at Riverview Sept . 8- Piggott- Sept . 22 – at Gosnell Sept . 29 – Trumann Oct . 6 – at Blytheville Oct . 13 – Rivercrest Oct . 20 – at Harrisburg Oct . 27 – Westside Nov . 3 – Pocahontas
some risks in spots to try to change a game . With an experience rich team , look for the Highland Rebels to surprise some people in the daunting 4A-3 and make a run at the playoffs .