Hooten's Arkansas Football's 4A state poll had the Blackhawks in the No. 3 slot with only the final game between Nashville and Prairie Grove left in the schedule. As both teams ahead of Pea Ridge in the Hooten's Poll had earlier beaten the 'Hawks, it is obvious that the locals are ranked as high as they could possibly be.
The 4A-1 Tigers led Nashville at the half in the state championship game last Saturday, but couldn't keep a lid on the Scrappers speed as Prairie Grove lost 39-20. While Nashville has made numerous trips to the state championship game, this was the first trip for the Tigers.
Nashville had a first year coach in Mike Volarvich, who was hired off the Henderson State University football staff. Volarvich was the offensive coordinator for the Reddies who have had a very effective offense these past few seasons. The new coach reportedly made the move down to be able to be with his family more.
Both Nashville and Prairie Grove both have senior heavy starting lineups, something championship teams usually have in common. Next year, Pea Ridge will have a lot of seasoned seniors and juniors with a talented sophomore class on their heels. Maybe the 'Hawks will follow the Tigers lead in making their first trip to War Memorial in '16. Time will tell.
With Hooten's ranking the 'Hawks at No. 3, and MaxPreps and the Arkansas Democrat/Gazette pegging Pea Ridge in their No. 5 state poll positions, it seems our local football team has finally gotten the state's attention. Next year ought to be fun.
Hooten's final 4A state poll
1. Nashville 15-0
2. Prairie Grove 13-2
3. Pea Ridge 11-3
4. Arkadelphia 8-6
5. Dardanelle 12-1
6. Warren 10-2
7. Central Arkansas 11-2
8. Star City 9-4
9. Pocahontas 10-1
10. Hamburg 9-3
11. Pottsville 8-4
12. Robinson 9-3
13. Fountain Lake 8-4
14. Ashdown 8-4
15. Gosnell 9-2
16. Shiloh 7-4
17. Malvern 6-5
18. Gravette 7-4
19. Dover 8-3
20. Dollarway 6-5
21. Crossett 6-5
22. West Helena 6-5
23. Lonoke 5-6
24. Stuttgart 5-6
25. Heber Springs 5-6
Other 4A-1 schools
30. Lincoln 4-7
34. Huntsville 4-6
41. Gentry 3-7
47. Berryville 2-8
Finally got to catch some games
With an uncle afflicted with advanced stages of Altzeimers disease, I don't get the chance to get out much in the evening as I am usually home assisting my wife.
The uncle had to spend a week in the hospital with an infection and some extended observation, giving me some time to watch in person The Battle of the Ridge basketball tournament. There were some talented teams here from across the state and it was a fine competition.
Cold shooting and a turnover problem kept the 'Hawks from claiming the tourney's first title which was won by Riverview, a 4A school located just outside Searcy, Ark. With no seniors on the floor (the lone senior was sidelined), the future looks bright for the basketball 'Hawks.
At the halftime, Hayden Holtgrewe got to participate in the bank's shooting challenge, a task involving making shots from the baseline, free throw line, 3-point line, and halfcourt in under 30 seconds. Hotgrewe hit the first three shots with ease, then took two shots to sink one from halfcourt to win the $10,000 grand prize. That sure beats a stuffed bear you can win at the county fair.
The only kinda disappointing thing in the competition was that the crowd was kind of sparse, at least not like the crowds I am used to seeing at 'Hawk home games. The ones who were there were loud and supportive, however.
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Editor's note: John McGee is an award-winning columnist and sports writer. He can be contacted through The Times at [email protected].
Sports on 12/23/2015