Aug. 29 – Poplar Bluff Sept. 5 – at Searcy Sept. 12- West Memphis Sept. 26- at Paragould Oct. 3 – Harding Academy Oct. 10 – at Wynne Oct. 17 – Brookland Oct. 24 – at GCT Oct 31 – at Nettleton Nov. 7- Batesville
The Valley View Blazers enjoyed one of the best season’ s in school history finishing 12-1 earning their third straight 5A East Conference title, and a berth in the 5A state semi-finals. They would fall to eventual state champion Little Rock Parkview, but that didn’ t dim the light on an absolutely stellar season. This season, Coach Sean Cockrell’ s team will have a lot of questions to answer to make another run at a conference title. It start’ s at quarterback where the last four years have been anything but a question with Carson Turley and Drew Gartman holding suit. But now, the Blazers have several options to choose from to fill some mighty big shoes. Juniors Levi Manning and Taylor Hyneman will battle with sophomore Barrett Mallet through the fall and early season to establish a starter. Each bring something different to the offense and all have different strengths. One thing that is for certain, there will be plenty of weapons for whoever is behind center. Junior
Carter Wallace will be the workhorse running back in the Blazer offense. Wallace exploded on the scene with 10 touchdowns after moving to the backfield from the defensive side of the ball after injuries called for him to step up. Senior Harding commit Parker King had an amazing playoff run last season and will line up all over the field in order to get the ball in his hands. Senior Kamarion Davis is coming off an injury to provide another deep threat, while Noah Ragsdale is sure handed go to on third down. Layton Holt will make tough catches while Luke Crecelius will provide depth. Up front, Judd Miles returns at center to anchor the offensive line along with classmate Houston Walker. Braxton Ray, Tyler Carver, Ryder Rigsbee, Bryson Branscum, and Brighton Layman look to fill out the o-line. Defense has been the mainstay throughout this run. All-State linebacker Ryder Wooten returns to anchor the defense. Wooten recorded 71 tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble last season. Ryland McNamee is a big hitter back at outside linebacker, while Luke Herringer looks to play a bigger role this year. Junior Eli Thornton is turning into a college prospect on the defensive line. He is joined by Ethan Thomas and Lamar Morgan inside. Senior Holden Murphree is back at defensive end and is a problem with his size and length. Junior cornerback RJ Estrich earned All-State after recording a school record eight interceptions. He is offset by two time all-conference corner Rylan Ramsey who has nine career interceptions. Will Findley and AV Jones will play the safeties with Luke Wade and Sonny Williams providing depth in the secondary. The Blazers will have to look for a kicker and punter, but Coach Cockrell is excited about their return game with King, Findley, and Cobe Wester poised to return kickoffs and punts. The Valley View Blazers will look to fill in the blanks during the nonconference slate, but should have another shot at continuing their 5A East reign and making another deep run in the playoffs.
Aug. 29 – at Manila Sept. 6 – Kennett Sept. 12 – at Hoxie Sept. 26 – Valley View Oct. 3 – at Batesville Oct. 10 – Nettleton Oct. 17 – Harding Aca. Oct. 24 – at Wynne Oct 31 – Brookland Nov. 7 – at GCT
The Paragould Rams have been grinding all offseason with one goal— to turn promise into production on Friday nights. After a 3-7 campaign in 2024, Head Coach Randy Phillips returns for his third season ready to unleash a revamped offense and a defense built for disruption. Phillips has traded in his traditional single-wing look for a shotgun Wing-T, designed to open up the passing game and keep defenses guessing. Senior slot receiver Jack Starnes— stronger, faster, and a standout at summer camps— will be a featured weapon. Izaih Flowers adds playmaking on both sides of the ball at corner and wideout, while the trenches will be anchored by Tyler Ray and Jarrett Ray, two-way linemen who bring size and toughness to the Rams’ front. A wave of underclassmen is also stepping into the spotlight. Sophomore Hunter Burke has impressed at tight end, while Thomas Henry will contribute both on the defensive line and at tight end. At quarterback, Reid Phillips returns and could share snaps with Avery Dearing, giving the Rams two distinct styles under center. The running back job is up for grabs, with ZK Lanej, Ian Estrada, Justin Trammel, Marcool Atai, and Dylan Kriske all battling for carries. Versatility is a theme for Paragould in 2025. Rayton Ysawa will play the“ H” spot on offense, line up at linebacker on defense, and handle kicking duties, while Dearing has taken over punting and shown strong progress. Defensively, the Rams will lean on a quick-strike 4-3 front, aiming to use speed to penetrate and disrupt opposing offenses. And while the conference remains challenging, Phillips believes there are winnable games on the schedule— especially if his young squad gains confidence early. The season builds toward the always-electric“ Battle for the Bell” in Week 10 against crosstown rival Greene County Tech— a game that could be the Rams’ statement moment. With a retooled offense, a defense built for havoc, and a group of athletes eager to prove themselves, the Rams are ready to make noise in 2025.