Aug . 25 – West Memphis Sept . 1 – Lake Hamilton Sept . 15 - Center Hill Miss . Sept . 22 – Cabot Sept . 29 – at Bryant Oct . 6 – FS Northside Oct . 13 – at North LR Oct . 20 – LR Southwest Oct . 27 – Conway Nov . 3 – at LR Central
After a number of years of success , Jonesboro endured a 3-8 record after moving up to the state ’ s highest classification . The move up along with a talented graduating class were tough to recover from . It was a circus of an offseason as the Hurricane initially hired Quad Sanders early in the spring only for him to head back to where he came from leaving Jonesboro shorthanded . With all that being said , this year begins a new era in Golden Hurricane football as Tyler George takes over as head coach for JHS . A number of returning starters has created excitement going into the second year in the very strong 7A Central . Seven starters return to the spread offense for the Canes including dual threat quarterback Terrance Brown who rushed for 703 yards and passed for 740 yards for 15 total touchdowns . Coach George is looking for a big year from running back Markevious Pickett after rushing for 374 yards and four touchdowns last season . Chris Stacy returns at wide receiver after snagging 12 catches for 228 yards and two touchdowns . Stacy is an explosive athlete and Pickett has an opportunity for a big season following a strong , experienced offensive line . All-Conference tackle Cole Abernathy returns to the line along with three-year starter Rashead Staton . They will look to provide the protection and holes for the offense to put points on the scoreboard . Six returners are back on the JHS defense . A pair of All-Conference defensive backs return to wreak havoc on opponents pass games . Jamarion Brownlee had 42 tackles , two interceptions , and 10 pass break ups and Taz Clark had 51 tackles . Fellow All-Conference selection Markeice Stafford returns at linebacker where he had 76 tackles a year ago . Trayshon Crawford will be at linebacker as well looking to improve on his 65 tackles last season . Up front , Jonathan Milton returns at defensive end where he had 43 tackles and three sacks for the Golden Hurricane last season . On special teams , Will Barnett , Marco Cisnero , and Cache Young will be competing for punting , kickoff , and field goal duties . A new coach and an experienced roster have provided excitement around Cooksey-Johns Field . Coach George is ready himself , “ We are excited to have a solid group of seniors that are learning how to lead . We play in a very tough conference , but we are looking forward to competing each Friday night and giving ourselves a chance to win in the 4th quarter . We have to continue developing and building depth at all positions .” NEA Sports believes Jonesboro still has a lot of uncertainty surrounding the team and believes they are a fringe team in terms of making the playoffs .
With a year of 6A football under their belt , the Greene County Tech Golden Eagles hope to improve on their 2-8 record after seeing confidence grow within the team late last year . Coach Nathan Morgan saw the confidence and belief grow as the year progressed , and he hopes that will turn into more victories this season . The strength of the Eagles will be up front led by offensive linemen Parker Brown and Derek Brown . They will look to open up holes for returning running back Calvin Spearman . Tysan Cartwright is back to lead a receiving group looking to gain some experience . Spearman and Cartwright will be mainstays in the defensive backfield as well . Joining them will be linebackers Brookes Reddick and Christian Lund . Reddick was a 100 tackle performer last season , and Lund brings plenty of experience as well . Along with the linebacking corps , Coach Morgan views the interior defensive line as a strength for Tech . Cartwright and Connor Gerrish will handle much of the return duties on special teams , as JT Posey will handle kicking duties . Posey has shown strength and accuracy from 30 yards and beyond . Coach Morgan believes the record
Aug . 25 – Paragould Sept . 8 – at LR Catholic Sept . 15 – El Dorado Sept . 22 – at Marion Sept . 29 – at Jacksonville Oct . 6 – Benton Oct . 13 – at Searcy Oct . 20 – West Memphis Oct . 27 – at Sheridan Nov 3 – Sylvan Hills
didn ’ t show the growth of his team last season . He feels his guys now know that they can play at the 6A level . With that growth and experience , the Golden Eagles hopes to turn that into wins and a trip to the 6A playoffs . NEA Sports predicts GCT to miss the playoffs .