Aug . 25 – at Clinton Sept . 1 – at Walnut Ridge Sept . 8- Melbourne Sept . 15 - C . Harm . Grove Sept . 22- `at Heber springs Sept . 29 – Riverview Oct . 6 – at Lonoke Oct . 13 – Stuttgart Oct . 20 – Bye Oct . 27 – Bald Knob Nov . 4- at Harding Acad .
Cave City struggled to a 1-9 record a year ago in the 4A-2 , a conference full of traditionally strong programs and last year ’ s state runner-up . The Cavemen will look to improve heading into the 2023 campaign with a fairly young group . Coach Danny Brustrom will rely on a few returners to add to the win column this upcoming season . All-Conference selection Gage Huff will lead the charge up front on both sides of the ball . Huff anchors both the offensive and defensive lines and provides much needed leadership on the field . He will look to create holes for Shawn Walling who rushed for 400 yards last year in the Caveman Wing T offense , and also had 200 yards receiving . Devonyeah Berry also returns at wide receiver for Cave City . Behind Gage Huff on the defensive side of the ball is a strong linebacking corps led by Jaxon Colvin . Four year starter Millie Beller will be back once again handling kicking and punting duties . Coach Brustrom hopes his Cavemen can continue to improve and make a run at the postseason . Look for Cave City to battle each and every Friday night for a spot in the playoffs .
The expectations are high in Marked Tree after the Indians finished 9-3 last season , falling in the 2A state quarterfinals against eventual state champion Hazen . Many publications agree , putting Coach Waylon Dunn ’ s Indians amongst the top 5 in the state . Coach Dunn doesn ’ t shy away from the hype , but knows the 2A-2 is as tough as it gets in the state . “ We are looking for us to win a conference championship and get a home playoff game . With that being said , we play in a really competitive conference so staying healthy is a must ,” Coach Dunn said . Marked Tree has a great opportunity for success with several returning starters and players with speed and depth , especially at the skill positions . The Indian defense will be hard to score against as several return at linebacker and in the secondary . Jonah Walker returns to lead the defense after recording 133 tackles , two fumble recoveries , and an 81-yard interception return for a touchdown . Jayce Ruthven leads the defensive line up front having 30 solo tackles last season with a sack and a forced fumble . Timothy Risper had 31 tackles , two sacks , two forced fumbles , and two fumble recoveries , while Javion Tribble recorded 28 tackles and four fumble recoveries , two of which he returned for a touchdown . Opponents will have to take care of the ball if last year is any indication , or the Marked Tree defense will put up some points themselves . Offensively , an array of speed and weapons allow Coach Dunn to spread it out and get several athletes involved . Kenyon Carter returns at quarterback after going 68 for 134 for 1,312 yards and 18 touchdowns . Carter also ran for eight touchdowns . The junior will have plenty of options to get the ball to , including Jonah Walker , who had 19 catches for 210 yards and two touchdowns last season . Javion Tribble rushed for five touchdowns , while Cameron Marshall had 477 yards receiving , four receiving touchdowns , and a rushing touchdown . Up front , Ryan Wages and Jakyron Reel will lead the offensive line after combining for 32 pin blocks a season ago . On special teams , Tate Swink will try to improve on his 35 yard average punting , while Jakaymion Williams will handle kickoffs . With high expectations all across Poinsett County , the Marked Tree Indians aren ’ t shying away , and are ready to get the season started . NEA Sports predicts the Indians to be in the 2A-2 conference title race and make a deep run in the postseason .
Aug . 25 – Hector Sept . 1 – Bye Sept . 8 – at Jackson Cent . Sept . 15 – at Piggott Sept . 22 – at Marianna Sept . 29 – Earle Oct . 6 – Des Arc Oct . 13 – at McCrory Oct . 20 – at Clarendon Oct . 27 – Cross county Nov . 2 – at EPC