The Nettleton Raiders were in the conference title hunt once again late last season , finishing the season at 6-5 and a first round exit from the state playoffs at Pine Bluff . The Raiders lost some key pieces , but have several others back and some talented young guys ready to step in and help . Coach Steven Hampton is excited about this group . “ Our team chemistry is extremely high ,” he said . “ We believe this group has the ability to compete for a conference champion-
Aug . 29 – at Trumann Sept . 6 – at Beebe Sept . 13 – Blytheville Sept . 27 – at Batesville Oct . 4 – Brookland Oct . 11 – Paragould Oct . 18 – at GCT Oct . 25 – Harding Academy Nov . 1 – at Valley View Nov . 8 – Wynne
ship . We have several young players who will hopefully improve with game experience . We will need to stay healthy .” Returning at quarterback is All-State senior Maddox Hampton . The three year starter threw for 1,707 yards and 18 touchdowns last season . Hampton ’ s top two targets graduated , however , Nettleton will have a strong backfield and some new , talented faces at receiver . Junior Xavier Harrell rushed for 964 yards last year and 11 touchdowns . The All-Conference running back has big play capability with two different 200 yard games last season . Senior Fred Adkins and sophomore Marshawn Smith should get some touches as well . Receiver is where the Raiders will need to gain some experience quickly . Junior Jordan Simmons , senior Isaac Black , and junior Kam Bobo will all share targets from Hampton , while senior Adairian Blackburn will help at tight end . Up front , seniors Kha ’ men Gates and Jerry Hudgens return to the offensive line . Several new faces will look to fill the gaps for Nettleton . Senior Quinn Adair looks to step in at right guard with classmate Demarion Jackson at right tackle . Defensively is where the Raiders could be the strongest in the league . Nettleton will be very strong up front with Jamarcus Johnson and Keon Stallings leading the charge up front . Coach Hampton believes there are as many as nine guys that could rotate in up front with Ahmad Hurston , Clark Phillips , Javion Hill , and Mykell Hurt all in the mix . The linebacking corps is just as strong with All-Conference senior Kohen Ligons returning Ligons recorded 110 tackles , one sack , and two fumbles . Junior Damin Coleman had 77 tackles and three sacks as a sophomore , while classmate Xavier Johnson will move to linebacker from the secondary . Senior Isaac Black returns at cornerback and could shift to safety position . Jorden Simmons , Bobo , and Cornelius Hall will round out the secondary . Mason Waln returns to kick , while Hampton handles the punting duties . With a returning nucleus , talented youngsters , and a strong defense , the Nettleton Raiders have a lot to be excited about . the Raiders will enter those final weeks of the season with a lot on the line . The Raiders will battle for a conference title and earn another playoff spot .
Aug . 30 – Rosebud Sept . 6 – at Marshall Sept . 13 – Subiaco Academy Sept . 20 – at Hermitage Oct . 11 – Southside BB Oct . 18 – Midland Oct . 24 - at Guy Perkins Nov . 1 – at Rector Nov . 8 – Augusta
After a 3-6 season a year ago , the Cedar Ridge Timberwolves are one of the favorites statewide in the fast and furious 8 Man football league . Coach Scott Morgan ’ s team returns a lot of talent and is looking to make a run in 2024 . Senior Aiden Jones returns at quarterback where he passed for over 800 yards and running for over 600 yards . Jones accounted for 13 Timberwolf touchdowns . One of Jones ’ top targets , junior Jonas Elms returns after catching 40 passes for 470 yards and six touchdowns . Elms also rushed for over 200 yards in his all-conference sophomore season . Senior Jace McNeil will look to handle a lot of the carries at running back with junior Cash Martin getting some touches as well . Senior Wesley Horton returns at tight end , while classmate Keithen Dunn returns on the offensive line after earning allconference his junior year . Defensively , the Timberwolves return their two leading tacklers from last season . Dunn had 79 tackles at linebacker to lead Cedar Ridge , while Horton followed up with 54 tackles and 11 for a loss . Horton could play up front as well with junior Guy Couch , McNeil , Elms , and sophomore Austin Pautsch rotating on the line . Junior Bentley Bullington and seniors Lawson Bruce and Jonathan Gonzalez will make up the secondary . Coach Morgan is excited about this group . “ Moving into the sanctioned division , with a number of returning starters , we are optimistic and looking forward to competing ,” Morgan said . “ The potential is there for success , and we want a conference championship and home playoff games , but we have to earn that on the field .” NEA Sports predicts that the Cedar Ridge Timberwolves will battle at the top of the conference and possibly make a run to Little Rock .
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