Aug . 25 – Southside Sept . 1 – at Nettleton Sept . 8- at Brookland Sept . 22 – at Rivercrest Sept . 29 – Gosnell Oct . 6 – Harrisburg Oct . 13 – at Trumann Oct . 20 – Westside Oct . 27 – at Blytheville Nov . 3- Highland
The old saying that “ tradition never graduates ” could not ring any truer as one of the most tradition rich programs in Arkansas gears up for another conference title run under a new , but familiar leader . Long time coordinator Casey Chester will patrol the sidelines of Schoonover Stadium as the new head coach of the Pocahontas Redskins . The Redskins lost some key pieces from last season ’ s conference championship team , including All-Everything quarterback Connor Baker , but Pocahontas has several returning starters and players , so the goals and expectations have not changed . All-State running back and linebacker Regan Womack returns after gaining 502 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground last year . The Ouachita Baptist commit will have a much larger role , and will take snaps at quarterback and add strength and depth to a stout linebacking corps . Linebackers Ty Menard and Cooper Sorg return to lead the stingy Pocahontas defense after great seasons a year ago . Menard led the team with an impressive 121 tackles , while Sorg was 2nd with 76 . Zane Hibbard brings his speed to both sides of the ball , returning to the secondary on defense , but also hoping to make an impact at wide receiver . Joining him in the secondary will be Dylan Lindsey , who will see time at receiver as well , and DJ Coffey , who will get some snaps at quarterback . Coach Chester says the team ’ s strength is up front and leading the way on both lines is All-State offensive and defensive lineman Caleb Bettis . He will be joined on both sides of the ball by Carter Couch to lead the Skins up front . On special teams , Skyler Nunn-Kelley will return to handle kicking and punting duties . Coach Chester says Nunn-Kelley is very efficient and places the ball in the spots they want it to go . A skill set that is vital with so many dangerous returners in the 4A-3 . Coach Chester played at Pocahontas and has coached there 22 years , so he understands better than anyone the tradition and expectations the Redskin faithful have . He feels his first four games are as tough as anyone in the state , and that the 4A-3 will once again be loaded with talent . Pocahontas will not shy away from the challenge though . They will go to work and compete like they always do . NEA Sports predicts the Redskins to fight at the top of the 4A-3 for the conference title , and be a real threat come playoff time .
The Westside Warriors saw a decades long playoff streak come to an end last season finishing the year 2-8 . Coach Bobby Engel will look to some returning experience along with some fresh faces to get back to the postseason and start a new playoff streak . Seniors Tyler Watlington , Jordan Hall , Colton Carter , and Tyler Felts will lead the Warrior charge for the upcoming season . Watlington is a 2-year starter and was All-Conference as a junior . The center will anchor the offensive line along with Felts at right tackle . They will be instrumental in Westside ’ s power run game . The three back system is a run heavy offense that Coach Engle feels will be improved with a more experienced backfield in Clay McMellon , Weston Watlington , and Colton Carter . Carter will direct the offense at quarterback , as well as start in the defensive backfield . Senior Jordan Hall will shore up the offensive line at tight end but may split out to be a pass threat . The defense will once again sport the 3-4 look with some returning experience at linebacker with Hall and Watlington , but will have to hope the inexperienced secondary will grow quickly throughout the tough 3-4A conference schedule . Coach Engel says his seniors have been great leaders and are leading a change in the attitude of the team to get the Warriors back on track . “ We had a weight room full in the month of June . The attendance and work ethic have been great , and that has been refreshing as a coaching staff ,” Coach Engel said . “ We ’ ve got a lot of young guys that will see playing time this year , so the inexperience will be tough , but the leadership is there to guide them .” The Warriors are hoping that strong leadership and hard work will earn them a playoff spot when November rolls around .
Aug . 25 – Brookland Sept . 1 – at Hoxie Sept . 15 – Heber Springs Sept . 22 – at Trumann Sept . 29 – Blytheville Oct . 6 – at Rivercrest Oct . 13 – Harrisburg Oct . 20 – at Pocahontas Oct . 27 – at Highland Nov . 3 – Gosnell
School is back in session in Wynne , Arkansas , but things look a little different this year . The district and the community are rebuilding after the devastating tornado in March . One thing that remains constant is Wynne Yellowjacket football . Wynne is a football town , and the team hopes to bring some joy to the “ City With a Smile .” The Yellowjackets will have a little different look as well , as Clay Totty takes over the tradition rich program , and with only one returning starter on offense and only a few on defense , they ’ ll have to rebuild a little themselves after sharing the 5A East conference title and reaching the state quarterfinals . The lone returner on offense is senior quarterback John Watson . The three year starter rushed for over 1,000 yards last season in the run heavy offense . Look for much of the same in Coach Totty ’ s split back offense . Donte Smith returns at outside linebacker , but will help tote the rock as a running back as well . Brayden Mattox , a four year starter at kicker is also back in the defensive backfield at safety and a slot back on offense . Coach Totty feels his secondary is a strength for the usually tough Yellowjacket defense . Cam Smith will return at linebacker where he started as a sophomore , along with Sylas Marrs who stepped in several games late last season . No matter the circumstances , the Wynne Yellowjackets and the Wynne community have proven to be resilient . In his first year , Coach Totty has recognized that . “ Wynne has a great tradition . The belief you are going to win is powerful thing , and we believe we are going to win ,” he shared . “ We have gone through unbelievable circumstances , but tough times develop strong men . Great challenges are often disguised as great opportunities .” Tradition says Wynne doesn ’ t rebuild , they reload on the football field . NEA Sports predicts the Yellowjackets will once again battle at the top of the 5A East and be tough out in the postseason .
Aug . 25 – at Marion Sept . 8 – FS Sept . 15 – Magnolia Sept . 22 – Brookland Sept . 29 – at Southside Oct . 6 – Valley View Oct . 13 – at Batesville Oct . 20 – Paragould Oct . 27 – at Forrest City Nov . 2 – Nettleton