All members of the 4A-1 District will be action this week, with one school already playing two days ago.
Lincoln played Hot Springs Lakeside at the University of Arkansas last Monday in a specially arranged game. Shiloh will play tomorrow as they take on the 3A state defending champion Charleston Tigers, with the rest of the league playing at the normal time on Friday.
Farmington will be playing their neighbor and rival Prairie Grove for the first time as a non-conference game. Berryville will be invading Decatur with Gentry traveling to West Fork. Pottsville's Apaches will be hosted by Gravette while Huntsville be at home against Green Forest.
Finally, the schedule is rounded up with the annual opening game of Pea Ridge versus Elkins.
Once upon a time, the two schools were comparable in size but those days are no more. The 'Hawks have twice the size of roster as do the Elks, though the Elks likely boast older and more experienced athletes in their lineup.
I predict the 'Hawks will come out ahead in their home and season's opener by a 35-0 count. The last few years has seen a fairly even rivalry between the two schools but those days are likely numbered.
My other predictions:
• Prairie Grove 28, Farmington 14. Although they usually have tight contests in their yearly battles, I think the Cards are in a downswing and with their recent ascension into 5A, football won't be a lot of fun for the Cardinal faithful for a while.
• Lakeside 21, Lincoln 7. Lakeside may have had a battle on their hands if Lincoln had returned their starting quarterback and running back from year ago but they didn't. Lakeside is not particularly tough, but as a bigger school will likely carry the day.
• Berryville 27, Decatur 12. Decatur has a chance to have a decent 2A football team this year while Berryville is seen as one of the bottom rungs in 4A. Still, size matters, especially in football and I see the Bobcats having their way with the 'Dogs.
• Gentry 14, West Fork 7. While the Pioneers have been down for a spell, West Fork has also had their difficulties for a while. Gentry's line will be the difference in the game.
• Huntsville 24, Green Forest 14. The Eagles have one of the largest schools in 4A with double the enrollment of the Tigers. Wins have been hard to come by for Huntsville but their dropping down out of 5A has given the Eagles new hope. Playing at home will be the difference.
• Pottsville 32, Gravette 14. Pottsville has built a fairly solid football program which hasn't even been in existence all that many years. Gravette has been one of the better 4A-1 schools for a time but have lacked depth and speed lately, something the Apaches happen to have.
• Shiloh 35, Charleston 28. This is the toughest game to call this week. Shiloh was fourth in their 5A league last year while Charleston was the 3A state champion. Charleston has a tremendous quarterback and otherwise has a potent team, but there is a big difference between 3A and 5A. I think there will be lots of scoring, and I don't know if the Tigers will have enough depth to keep up with Shiloh. I'm pulling for Charleston but it will be an uphill battle for them I believe.
If anyone else would like to hazard their guesses on who might come out on top this week, send my your picks at [email protected]. If anyone can beat my predictions, I will acknowledge that in my next week's column.
Sports on 09/03/2014