Sep 5.— Corning Sept. 12 – Marshall Sept. 26 – at Corning Oct. 3- Augusta Oct. 10 – at Guy-Perkins Oct 17 – @ Aspire Aca Oct. 24 – at Midland Oct 31 – at Cedar Ridge Nov. 7- Southside BB
David Hendrix steps down as the head coach of the Rector Cougars but long time assistant Robbie Dorman will take over head coaching duties. Rector won only three games after winning the state title the year prior. The Cougars return several key pieces including five offensive starters which includes quarterback Chance Lopez who took over for state MVP Drew Henderson last year. Lopez is physical and tough and will run the offense. Chance should be on everyone’ s watch list as a top dog in 8-man. Two other seniors will look to anchor the offensive line in Lawrence Willingham and Colt Reddick. Willingham will move from center to guard. Reddick is a new move in from Greene County Tech that will hope to bolster the line. Junior Austin Avery will play running back. Avery has a strong build and will look to use his frame to run through would be tacklers. Another junior Lawson Greene will use his speed when carrying the football. Corey Tanner and DJ McGuire both sophomores are slated to serve at wide receiver. Waylon Haynes and Lance Frost will serve as the team’ s tight ends. Multiple players will see time on both sides of the ball. Eric Smith and Brayden Green will serve on the defensive line. Charles Bearden will work at linebacker. Lopez returns at corner and could play every down of every game. Look for Rector to have a rebound season as they have a nine game schedule. The Cougars only have 16 players on the roster so staying health will be a huge key. NEA Sports projects believes the Cougars will compete with Cedar Ridge for a conference title.
The Cross County Thunderbirds know the formula for success in the 2-2A conference— control the trenches, feed your playmakers, and let the defense do the rest. After a strong 7-4 season in 2024( 5-2 in conference), Head Coach Van Paschal enters year two with a roster that looks ready to take another step. The headline is the offensive line, where sheer size and talent could make Cross County one of the most physical teams in Class 2A. Danny Beale( 6-3, 330), an Oklahoma State commit and All-State selection, anchors the unit alongside fellow mauler Rod Williams( 6-2, 325). Together, they form a wall that gives the Thunderbirds’ offense its identity. Behind them, the skill talent is proven. Quarterback Kale Searcy returns to direct Paschal’ s multiple offense, while All-State running back Caden Crawford looks to build on a monster 2024 campaign that saw him rack up 1,266 yards and 13 touchdowns. With those pieces in place, the
Aug. 29 – at Harrisburg Sept. 5 – at P Wheatley Sept. 12 – at Piggott Sept. 26 – McCrory Oct. 3 – at ICC Oct. 10- EPC Oct. 17 –@ Lee Oct. 24 – Des Arc Oct 31 – at Marked Tree Nov. 6- Earle
Thunderbirds have the firepower to grind down defenses and strike when needed. On the other side, defensive coordinator Katon Hill’ s group prides itself on toughness and discipline. With the T-Birds’ ability to control time of possession, the defense is positioned to stay fresh and aggressive deep into games. The schedule wastes no time, opening with a heated rivalry clash against Harrisburg. From there, marquee league showdowns with East Poinsett County, Marked Tree, and Earle will test just how high Cross County can climb in both the conference race and the state picture. With Beale and Williams leading one of the best offensive lines in Arkansas and Crawford powering the ground game, the Thunderbirds have the blueprint for a deep postseason run in 2025.