Aug. 29 – at Forrest City Sept. 5 – Harrisburg Sept. 12 – at Batesville Sept. 26- Pocahontas Oct. 3 – at Cave city Oct. 10 – Westside Oct. 17 – at Highland Oct. 24 – Gosnell Oct 31 – at Trumann Nov. 7 – Blytheville
The Southside Southerners were one step away from the mountaintop last fall. A 13-1 season, an undefeated 3-4A conference title, and a trip to the 4A state semifinals proved Southside had arrived as a true contender. Now, with stars returning across the board, Head Coach Kenny Simpson has his squad primed to finish the job in 2025. The offense will once again revolve around the legs of Owen McLaughlin, the state’ s leading rusher in 2024. The All- State workhorse piled up 2,129 yards and 27 touchdowns, carrying the Southerners through big moments and into the state’ s elite. Behind center, All-Conference quarterback Trey Allen returns after a sharp season in which he threw for 1,539 yards and 18 touchdowns, giving Southside balance in Simpson’ s versatile scheme. The Southerners also feature one of the most dynamic two-way players in Class 4A: Braden Simpson, an All-State wingback who chipped in 418 rushing yards and 4 scores, while leading the defense with a staggering 133 tackles. Linebacker Layton Neal was even busier, racking up 177 stops to lead the team and anchor a defense that consistently shut opponents down. Up front, All-State lineman Lane Johnston returns to clear the way, while Brayden York, a transfer from Midland, strengthens an already powerful team. The schedule brings intrigue early. A heated crosstown showdown with Batesville in Week 3 caps the nonconference slate, and the very next week, the Southerners welcome Pocahontas for a critical conference matchup that could shape the 3-4A race. Southside returns its leading rusher, passer, receiver, and best lineman— rare continuity for a program already operating at a championship level. The key will be developing depth behind the stars to withstand the grind of another playoff push. With McLaughlin, Allen, Simpson, Neal, and Johnston leading the charge, Southside enters 2025 as one of the teams to beat in Class 4A— and this time, the Southerners are aiming for perfection.
The Batesville Pioneers are looking for a turnaround after finishing 2-8 last season. They will once again need to navigate the always tough 5A East in order to get back to the postseason. Coach Ryan Morrow has some key returners to rely on in order to accomplish that. Cole Bentz is back at quarterback to direct the Pioneer’ s pro-style offense for the third year. Bentz passed for 1,370 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Three starters are back on the offensive line to protect Bentz. Daniel Patterson will move to H-back, but Dalton Lee, Bryce Smith, Riley Dunkel, Drake Benett, and London Mayes will man the front line. This should establish some stability and leadership up front. Ethan Moore is team’ s leading returning rusher while Kendryc Davidson and Jay Anthony could get some touches as well. Daniel Patterson, Xavier Pierce will play H-back and tight end while Colin McCuiston, Gabe Bledsoe, and Ty Reynolds should provide more targets at receiver. Defensively, Batesville is strong at inside linebacker with Rourke Sevier where he racked up 105 tackles last season. Ariel
Aug. 29 – at Searcy Sept. 5 – Newport Sept. 12 – Southside Sept. 26 – at Nettleton Oct. 3 – Paragould Oct. 10 –@ Harding Aca. Oct. 17 – Wynne Oct. 24 – at Brookland Oct 31- GCT Nov. 7 – at Valley View
Guzman and A’ Ryan Dale will line up with Sevier in the middle. Jake Daugherty was an All-Conference linebacker last season but will move to safety with Pierce, Mishael Garcia, and Alex Gallardo. Up front, Jay Anthony, Avery Fingle, Silas Peterson, and Hunter Howk will anchor the D-line. Two time All-State kicker Jackson Elam returns to put points on the board on special teams.“ We want to compete for a conference championship and make the state playoffs,” Coach Morrow said. The 5A East is as deep as ever, and the Batesville Pioneers should compete for one of the four playoff spots come November.