The Wynne Yellowjackets are perennial powers in the 5A East, and the Delta Swarm should factor heavily atop the conference. Coach Clay Totty leads the Jackets after a 6-5 season last year and another appearance in the state playoffs. Wynne hopes to stay healthy as injuries played a role late a year ago. The Yellowjackets will run a smash mouth style of football in the split back formation. The offensive is key to their success and will be a strength for the Swarm. Senior Gage Rice returns at center for his third consecutive season as does all-conference tackle James Archer. Classmate Wes Fuller is also a three year starter and will move to tackle from guard. Senior Evan McConnell and junior Grant O’ Guinn both took snaps last year at quarterback, and could battle it out again this season. Three running backs also return to pace the Wynne ground and pound attack. Senior Christian Wren ran for 790 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, while junior Braydon Smith started four games and classmate Noah Steward
Aug. 29 – at Marion Sept. 5 – at Forrest City Sept. 12 – at Lonoke Sept. 26 – Brookland Oct. 3 – at GCT Oct. 10 – Valley View Oct. 17 – at Batesville Oct. 24 – Paragould Oct 31 –@ Harding Aca. Nov. 7 – Nettleton
started two. Senior Corbin O’ Hara leads a deep receiving corps, along with juniors Lakorian Bryant and Omar Gee. Tight ends Cooper Thompson and MJ Hodges both caught touchdown passes last season and should provide more scoring opportunities. Senior Anthony Smith leads the defensive front for the Jackets. Smith collected 34 tackles last season and has shown a lot of growth. Case Hicks, Davonte Ducket, and O’ Guinn will line up with Smith up front. Thompson and Steward could be at inside linebackers, while Wren, who had 48 tackles last season, will be outside with Nickquon Smith and Chase Havner. In the secondary, O’ Hara started all 10 games at corner with McConnell at safety. Kaden Dixon, Ashton McDaniel, and Darion Tibbs could round out the defensive backfield. Several sophomores could also be a factor, including August Smith who has shown a strong leg as a kicker. The Wynne Yellowjackets should compete for a 5A East crown in a deep and balanced league.
Aug. 29 – at Melbourne Sept. 5 – Westside Sept. 12 – Paragould Sept. 26- at Osceola Oct. 3- at Manila Oct. 10- Rivercrest Oct. 17 – at Piggott Oct. 24 – at Harrisburg Oct 31 – Newport Nov. 7 – Walnut Ridge
The Hoxie Mustangs endured some growing pains last fall, finishing 4-7 overall and 3-4 in the rugged 3-3A conference, but longtime head coach Tom Sears believes his team has the pieces and chemistry to flip the script in 2025. With a close-knit senior group leading the way, the Mustangs are determined to be back in the postseason mix. The offense will lean on versatile senior Robert Martinez, a two-way threat who posted 467 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns, and 14 receptions for 130 yards, while also adding 36 tackles on defense. He’ ll be complemented by senior quarterback Dylann Barnhill, who also brings toughness on the defensive side with 47 tackles. Barnhill ' s twin brother, Dalen, will stretch defenses at wide receiver while doubling as a steady presence in the secondary. On defense, linebacker Mack Slaughter anchors the middle after recording 57 tackles in 2024. Sears continues to bring stability and toughness with his spread offense and hard-nosed 50 front defense, trademarks of a Hoxie program that’ s consistently battled in one of the state’ s deepest 3A leagues. The Mustangs’ identity will again be built on physical defense, ball control, and playing together as a tight unit. The conference slate is no picnic, but one date looms largest: Week 10 against county rival Walnut Ridge. That showdown could carry heavy weight in the playoff race and conference standings, giving the Mustangs all the motivation they need heading into the season’ s final stretch. With veteran leadership, a physical identity, and the hunger to prove they belong, Hoxie enters 2025 as a team that no one in 3-3A can afford to overlook.
The Nettleton Raiders will have plenty of team speed and depth at the skill positions while breaking in a new quarterback for the first time in four seasons. Coach Steven Hampton and his staff are very excited about this team’ s possibilities.“ We feel very optimistic about the upcoming season,” he said.“ We should have depth at the skill positions and speed on defense. We will be breaking in a new quarterback and offensive line, so we hope those units can gel quickly.” Nettleton finished 7-4 last season, ending their season in the first round of the playoffs at Hot Springs Lakeside. This season, the Raiders should once again be a factor at the top of the tough 5A East. All-State running back Xavier Harrell returns to lead the Nettleton ground attack. Harrell rushed for 1,216 yards and 16 touchdowns a season ago. Senior Marcus Jefferson and junior Jayveon Lyons will each have a shot at starting quarter back. Both add to the ground attack with their ability to run. All-Conference receiver Jorden Simmons and tight end Philip
Aug. 29 – Trumann Sept. 5 – Beebe Sept. 12 – at Blytheville Sept. 26 – Batesville Oct. 3 – at Brookland Oct. 10 – at Paragould Oct. 17- GCT Oct. 24 @ Harding Aca. Oct 31 – Valley View Nov. 7 – at Wynne
Hamilton should provide targets for the new quarterback, along with Paul Sisk, Jawyan Terry, and Jeremiah Jackson. Junior Jonathan Freeman is the lone returning starter up front. Senior Mykell Hurt and juniors Channing Bean and Dustin Batten will look to fill roles on the offensive line along with several other new faces. Team speed will be a strength for the Raider hybrid def ense. Damion Coleman and Xavier Johnson will lead the linebacking corps, alongside Marshaun Smith. Caleb Archield and Jessie Amador could provide some depth in the middle. Hamilton will play up front defensively as well with Ahmed Hurston, Keshaun Washington and Damarion Jackson joining him on the defensive line. Kielyn Hendrix and Desmond Copeland will be at the corners while Torrence Spinks and Cam Phillips round out the secondary at the safeties. Josh Wright will handle the kicking and punting duties for the Nettleton special teams. Each year the Nettleton Raiders are in the hunt for a 5A East crown, and it always comes down to the last three weeks of the season. The Raiders are poised for another great season, and could win the league if they can get key victories down the stretch.