The Osceola Seminoles were kings of the 3A-3 conference in 2024, rolling to a 10-2 record, a perfect 7-0 league mark, and the conference championship. But for veteran Head Coach Robert Hooks, simply defending the title isn’ t enough. With a roster full of playmakers, the Seminoles have their eyes on a deep state playoff run. Leading the charge is do-it-all quarterback Tyler Bell, a one-man highlight reel who impacts the game in every phase. Last season, Bell threw for 1,364 yards and 14 touchdowns, ran for 355 yards and six scores, caught two more touchdowns, and even played defense— making 17 tackles, picking off a pass, and breaking up five others. Bell isn’ t the only two-way star. Versatile running back MJ Washington rushed for 559 yards and nine scores, hauled in 23 catches for 348 yards and five TDs, and made his mark on defense with 41 tackles and three interceptions— two of them returned for touchdowns. Up front, the Seminoles boast a
Aug 29.— at Mills Sep. 5 – at Blytheville Sept. 12 – Gosnell Sept. 26 – Hoxie Oct. 3 – at Walnut Ridge Oct. 10 – at Newport Oct. 17 – Harrisburg Oct. 24 – at Rivercrest Oct 31 – Piggott Nov. 7 – Manila
road grader in offensive lineman Garryn Cook, who graded out at 70 % with 28 pancake blocks and allowed just two sacks all year. A key boost to the offense comes from wide receiver Kash Span, a blazing route runner who missed most of last season with a broken fibula. His return adds another weapon to Hooks’ high-powered spread attack. The heart of the schedule will determine whether the Seminoles can repeat as champs, with back-to-back tests against conference heavyweights Walnut Ridge, Newport, and archrival Rivercrest— a clash that always has the county buzzing. Defensive coordinator Butch Gray’ s aggressive 3-4 scheme returns plenty of talent, giving Osceola the balance, they need to handle the state’ s best. With Bell orchestrating the offense, Washington striking from anywhere on the field, and a seasoned staff pulling the strings, Friday nights in Osceola might just be the hottest ticket in 3A football. NEA Sports predicts the Seminoles to win the conference and be the top contender to bring home a state championship.
The Corning Bobcats enjoyed tremendous success in the school’ s first season of 8-man football going 10-1 and earning a league title. This season, after graduating six offensive starters and much of their production, Coach Farrell Shelton will look to a young group of Bobcats to continue the successful run. Cadean Stanley and Ty Price return to lead the Corning gap style offense that Coach Shelton says will be more run oriented this season. Stanley, a senior tight end, and Price a junior guard, anchor the line up front with center R. J. Pettus. Junior Connor LeGrand and sophomore Jagger George will vie for the starting quarterback position, while senior Owen
Aug 29- at Brinkley Sept. 5 – at Rector Sept. 12- Rose Bud Sept. 26— Rector Sept. 29- Tunica Academy Oct. 3 – at Subiaco Ace. Oct. 17- Marshall
Burkhart leads the backfield along with junior Braedon Hollis. Juniors Carson Dodson and Cadean Sweeney look to stretch the field at wide receiver. Defensively, the Bobcats will show a four man front and mix in some three man fronts and add pressur e from the linebackers. Stanley, Price, Ty Schroeder, and Jacob Brown will man the front line, while Bailey Leonard and TJ Small will be featured at linebacker. Legrand will be in a young secondary with sophomores Kendan McCollum, Jackson Jett, and Dawson Leach.“ Our weakness is that we will be young, and our strength is that we will be young,” Coach Shelton said.“ Each week these kids will get better by more experience.” Look for the Corning Bobcats to improve each week, and finish the season strong.
Aug. 29 – GCT Sept. 5 – Rivercrest Sept. 12 – at Osceola Sept. 29 – Highland Oct. 3 – at Pocahontas Sept. 10 – at Trumann Oct. 17 – Blytheville Oct. 24 – at Southside Oct 31- – Cave City Nov. 6 – at Westside
Blytheville native Chris Smith takes over the ship in Gosnell, as the Pirates look to battle for 4A-3 title and make it back to the playoffs after 5-6 finish and first round exit last season. Overall team speed should help their cause and create explosive plays. Senior Isaiah Donerson threw for 745 yards and 12 touchdowns after he took over at quarterback last season. Donerson is an elusive runner, while junior Jamar Allen has a great arm as well. Senior Kylan Young returns at running back after a 681 yard and five touchdown campaign a year ago. Junior JD Young and sophomore Mylan Booker should provide some depth in the backfield. All-State receiver Jai Jacobs is a dynamic playmaker who recently committed to Rice. Jacobs caught 41 passes for 731 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Classmate Imari Young is back after missing last season with an injury, while junior Lemarco Wilburn returns after gaining valuable experience in Young’ s absence. Senior Collin Holmes could line up at tight end or h-back with classmate Hunter Riggs. Up front, junior right guard Thomas Reddick is developing into a prospect for the next level. Senior Hunter King and junior Isaias Guerrero started every game last season, while senior Josiah Belew and sophomore Dion Hogan round out the front line with James Spicer. Defensively, the Pirates are just as dynamic. Senior Asaris Gonzalez is a two-time all-conference defensive end up front and the school’ s all time leader in sacks with 22. Junior Mason Booker, along with Belew and Hogan will join him up front as well as nose guard Tormarion Slayton. JD Young returns at linebacker where he had 68 tackles last season. Jeremiah Young moved up as a freshman late in the season and made some noise as well. Senior Antony Wright and Camden Lacotts will help at linebacker as well, and Lacotts will deep snap on special teams. Jacobs will take his play making ability to the secondary along with Imari Young and Ahmad Brown. Coach Smith likes the looks of his team early on.“ We have been working hard since late April in the weight room and on the field,” Coach said.“ It is a matter of how fast the players and program can pick up the new schemes and gaining experience within the systems.” The Gosnell Pirates should compete atop the 4A-3 and could be a dark horse to make some extra noise.