The Harrisburg Hornets know the sting of growing pains. Last season’ s 1-9 mark( 1-6 in the rugged 3-3A) didn’ t reflect the effort and fight Head Coach Austin Jarrett saw from his team. Now entering his third season, Jarrett believes the lessons learned in 2024— and a roster full of battle-tested returners— could set the stage for a turnaround. The Hornets return a core group of starters, though many are shifting into new roles. Sophomore Bryar Jones, who started every game at cornerback last season( 37 tackles, 1 fumble recovery), takes the reins at quarterback this fall. His athleticism and growth over the spring give Harrisburg a new dimension in its Single-Wing / Spread offense, especially with designed QB runs. Dynamic playmaker Jayvin Thompson headlines the backfield after piling up 515 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on just 50 carries, plus 301 receiving yards and five more scores a year ago. He’ ll be joined by Grayson Harkey, giving the Hornets a one-two punch with explosive upside. Out wide, Remington Rapert( 139 receiving yards, 1 TD; 3 INTs on defense) brings big-play ability on both sides of the ball, while versatile Corbin Barker and Trent Fitzgerald provide toughness in the trenches and at linebacker. Defensively, Harrisburg returns impact producers at every level, from Thompson and Rapert in the secondary to Fitzgerald at linebacker. The scheme emphasizes speed and aggressiveness, traits the Hornets’ young core has in abundance. The season begins with fireworks— a rivalry clash against Cross County— before the grind of the 3-3A, one of the deepest conferences in the state. With just three projected senior starters on offense, Harrisburg remains young, but the experience gained last season means the Hornets won’ t be wide-eyed under the lights. If Jones settles in quickly at quarterback and the Thompson-Harkey tandem provides the explosive plays Harrisburg needs, the Hornets could surprise in 2025— and start building a foundation for the future.
The Trumann Wildcats are looking to improve on last year’ s 3-7 record, and with a lot of returning starters, they have the tools to do so. Coach Jake Snyder takes over the program at Trumann, and has a large group of seniors he will rely on to navigate the 4A-3 conference. Two All-Conference players, Gavin Cubit and Isaiah Carrillo, lead the way for the Wildcats. Cubit and Carrillo are a part of the running back stable that will line up behind quarterback Drake Harlow in the base I-Formation. Brandon Whitsett, Kayden Dunavin, and Arzell Rulford could also get some touches. Harlow will have plenty of targets in the passing game as well with Braydon Passmore, Brandon Dohm, Trevor Echols, Logan Barnes, Ryland Whitsett, and Jonah Pledge making up the receiving corps. Up front, Ashton Irwin, Jacob Jones, Gabe Sifuentes, Tim King, Devin Smithson, Braxton Cook, and Orlando Zavala will look to protect Harlow and create holes for the backs. The Wildcat defense will be strong up front with Cubit, Maverick
Aug. 29 – Cross County Sept. 5 – at Southside Sept. 12 – Trumann Sept. 26 – at Rivercrest Oct 3 –– Piggott Oct. 10 – at Manila Oct. 17 – at Osceola Oct. 24 – Hoxie Oct 31 – Walnut Ridge Nov. 7 – at Newport
Aug. 29 – at Nettleton Sept. 5 – Walnut Ridge Sept. 12 – at Harrisburg Sept. 26 – Westside Oct. 3— at Highland Oct. 10 – Gosnell Oct. 17 – Pocahontas Oct. 24 – at Blytheville Oct 31 – Southside Nov. 7 – at Cave City
Akins, and Logan Marrs leading the way. Carillo, along with Brodie Popejoy, Cayde Hayse, Brandon Whitsett, Dunavin, and Preston Carter make up the linebackers. The secondary is a little unproven, but return some experience with Cam’ ron Loftin, Rulford, Echols, Dohm, Barnes, Ryland Whitsett, and Jabarius Carson. Coach Snyder believes in his squad.“ We believe that we can make a run this year!” he said.“ The majority of our starters are back from last year, and they are hungry to get back to the playoffs! If we continue getting better each day, we have a really bright future coming!” NEA Sports predicts the Wildcats will battle for one of the last playoff spots to get back to the post season.
Woodbriar Nursing Home
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