Hootens.com Rankings
Class 2A, Week 1, 2012
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.

1. Junction City
2. Bearden
3. Rison
4. Carlisle
5. E. Poinsett County
6. McCrory
7. Strong
8. Gurdon
9. Mount Ida
10. Mineral Springs
11. Parkers Chapel
12. Magazine
13. Walnut Ridge
14. Hazen
15. Norphlet
16. England
17. Des Arc
18. Mountainburg
19. Magnet Cove
20. Salem
21. Dierks
22. Hackett
23. Bigelow
24. Spring Hill
25. Quitman
26. Murfreesboro
27. Conway Christian
28. Lafayette County
29. Brinkley
30. Clarendon
31. Marked Tree
32. Hampton
33. Cross County
34. Woodlawn
35. Union Christian
36. Decatur
37. Poyen
38. J.C. Westside
39. Mountain Pine
40. Cedar Ridge
41. Palestine-Wheatley
42. Augusta
43. Cutter M. Star
44. Hector
45. Marvell
46. Western Yell County
47. Foreman
48. Hermitage
49. Hartford

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 16 England at No. 22 Hackett
Coach Terry Farmer inherits some exciting possibilities at England where exiting Coach Brandon Barbaree left the program in its best shape in 25 years. Farmer must harden the athletic Lions to close the three-touchdown gap between England and 6-2A heavyweights Carlisle and Hazen. Farmer led Palestine-Wheatley to 20 wins and quarterfinal appearances in 2003-2004.

Hackett graduated starters at 14 positions in May, including career all-purpose yardage leader Dylan Yazel. But head coach Eddie Ray has not had to simplify the multiple offense as much as expected. The backfield won't have Yazel's 4.4 speed, but senior Trevor Thompson (21 yards per attempt in 2011) has looked good in the preseason running behind senior FB/LB Aaron Ramey (5-11, 210). Athletic newcomer Tanner Sweeten (6-3, 165), who moved from Arkoma, Okla., owns speed and big-play potential.

TV SHOW
Hooten's Arkansas Football airs Saturday mornings statewide this fall at 8:30 on Fox 24 (Fayetteville/Fort Smith) and at 9:30 on KARZ 42 (Little Rock), featuring the state's top players

LAST YEAR
Hootens.com correctly picked 232 of 287 (81 percent) games involving Class 2A teams this season.

WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS followed by point spread)
3-2A
HAZEN (6) at Augusta: The matchup ended in a 14-14 tie a year ago, one of the Week 1 surprises. No. 14 Hazen could surprise this fall with just three seniors and a talented sophomore group that ran roughshod through the junior high conference. There were concerns this spring that Augusta might not field a team.
CARLISLE (10) at McCrory: Defending state runner-up Carlisle returns more linemen than McCrory and a slew of explosive skill players. McCrory senior RB Logan Best (3,001 yards in 2011) is one of just three players in state history to eclipse 3,000 rushing yards in a season.
Clarendon at MARKED TREE (2): Marked Tree started fast a year ago before injuries depleted the roster. Clarendon's all-everything QB Jamarlin Jackson has graduated, but cousin Jamen Jackson returns with legit 4.5 speed.
Rivercrest at E. POINSETT COUNTY (1): EPC circled this game months ago. The Warriors return seven on a defense that allowed a league-low 12 ppg. 3-3A member Rivercrest rebuilding but always has speed.
Walnut Ridge at CORNING (1): Walnut Ridge led Corning by 15 points in the first half last year before losing 30-27. Corning then lost seven straight games in a 3-7 season. Walnut Ridge (now backup) QB Payton Poole has returned from a severe knee injury to rotate in a talented and deep receiving corps.
Mountain View at SALEM (13): Salem manhandled larger schools Jonesboro Westside, Yellville and Piggott last year. Former QB Cody Curtis takes over as head coach for the retiring Sammy Weir.
HARRISBURG (12) at Cross County: Cross County averages 280 pounds per man up front, boasts a prototype 180-pound fullback in Jordan Johnson and workhorse TB in Dylan Hudson. The linebackers should be good and the secondary solid. But Harrisburg should be improved, too, and it won this matchup by two TDs a year ago.
Cedar Ridge at RIVERVIEW (21): New coach (Danny Brunstrom) and excitement at Cedar Ridge. Riverview RB/S McKenzie Jones (109 tackles, five INTs) first legit college prospect for Raiders.

4-2A
ENGLAND (5) at Hackett: See 2A Game of the Week.
Cedarville at MOUNTAINBURG (6): 4-2A coaches picked Mountainburg to win its first ever conference title. Cedarville, with 40 players including quality move-ins, will be much improved over the team that lost 30-0 to Mountainburg a year ago.
J.C. Westside at PARIS (35): 4-3A member Paris may be even better on defense after allowing just nine ppg in 2011, but its new Split Back offense could really use graduated QB Josh Parsons and all-state RB Mason Koenigseder. Westside moves up freshmen to counter low numbers.
GREENLAND (2) at Magazine: Could be payoff year for 1-3A member Greenland. Its senior class won a junior high title three years ago. Magazine assistant Doug Powell promotes to head coach after the Rattlers graduated the most talented class (16 seniors) in school history. A glut of preseason injuries has not helped the transition.
Decatur at SUBIACO ACADEMY (7): 4-4A member Subiaco Academy's talented skill positions grew deeper over the summer. Decatur poised for its best year in a decade with size and skill running the same system for second year in a row.
HEAVENER, OK (12) at Union Christian: New coach Chris Smith comes from the Texas junior college ranks to coach UC, the smallest football-playing school in Arkansas.
CUTTER M STAR (8) at Western Yell County: After two grueling years in Class 3A, Cutter drops to the 5-2A where it can compete. Western Yell breaks in its third coach in three years.
TWO RIVERS (14) at Hector: Two Rivers moves up to the 5-3A after losing its last seven games of 2011. The Gators did win a preseason 7 on 7 tourney in August at Perryville. Former Danville and Dover assistant Mark Taylor takes over as head coach at Hector where the Wildcats have won three games in four seasons and did not field a team in 2009.
CEDARVILLE JV (2) at Hartford: Hartford hopes to dress 20 for this opener. Junior athletes Adam Meyer and Colby Britcher and sophomore Gunner Munson stood out in preseason drills.

5-2A
Magnet Cove at PARKERS CHAPEL (5): Parkers Chapel won this clash 33-29 Week 4 last year at Magnet Cove. Parkers Chapel slumped the rest of the year to a 4-5 record. Magnet Cove rebounded from that defeat and did not lose again until the second round of the playoffs to eventual state champion Strong. Parkers Chapel appeared rejuvenated this summer under new head coach James Housdan.
Quitman at ROSE BUD (9): High-scoring shootout is likely. Quitman beat 2-3A Rose Bud 48-36 last year and 20-12 in 2009. Rose Bud beat Quitman in 2008 and 2010 by a combined 15 points.
Perryville at BIGELOW (1): Bigelow will dress 39, an all-time high, after a superb preseason camp. The seniors finally deliver first victory over Perryville since 2006 in their quest to finish as the class with most wins (16 so far) in school history. Bigelow led Perryville 14-0 last year before suffering two key injuries. Perryville rallied for a 14-14 tie.
Episcopal at CONWAY CHRISTIAN (14): Conway Christian senior QB Tanner Stevenson and WR Andrew Dather one of better pass-catch duos in the state. A salty sophomore class only adds to Conway Christian's offensive firepower. Now, can its defense tighten after allowing more than 45 points in all five losses last year?
Spring Hill at MOUNT IDA (2): These teams know each other well with Mount Ida playing Spring Hill in the 7-2A the past four years. After Mount Ida won 42-0 in 2008, Spring Hill has reeled off three straight in the series: 40-7 in 2009, 35-0 in 2010 and 27-26 last year.
Mountain Pine at JESSIEVILLE (28): Mountain Pine won its last two games of 2011 after senior Austin Meeks took over at QB. Jessieville thumped Mountain Pine 31-0 last year.
Poyen at B. HARMONY GROVE (12): Poyen raised eyebrows with a second-place finish at a 7-on-7 tourney this summer in South Arkansas. One coach of a Top 10 team says Poyen's skilled players are better than his. Former Magnet Cove QB and new Poyen head coach Vic Barrett can finally give the Indians the needed stability to build a program..
CUTTER M STAR (8) at Western Yell County: After two grueling years in Class 3A, Cutter drops to the 5-2A where it can compete. Western Yell breaks in its third coach in three years.

6-2A
ENGLAND (5) at Hackett: See 2A Game of the Week.
HAZEN (6) at Augusta: The matchup ended in a 14-14 tie a year ago, one of the Week 1 surprises. No. 14 Hazen could surprise this fall with just three seniors and a talented sophomore group that ran roughshod through the junior high conference. There were concerns this spring that Augusta might not field a team.
CARLISLE (10) at McCrory: Defending state runner-up Carlisle returns more linemen than McCrory and a slew of explosive skill players. McCrory senior RB Logan Best (3,001 yards in 2011) is one of just three players in state history to eclipse 3,000 rushing yards in a season.
Woodlawn at DES ARC (6): Brutal preseason in north Prairie County. Des Arc coach Dustin Prescott's younger brother, Logan, a senior at Rison, was killed in a car wreck. Des Arc senior and Sonic Super Team lineman Hunter Hambrick blew out his knee during team camp and will not play this fall. The projected starter at QB quit to focus on AAU basketball.
Clarendon at MARKED TREE (2): Marked Tree started fast a year ago before injuries depleted the roster. Clarendon's all-everything QB Jamarlin Jackson has graduated, but cousin Jamen Jackson returns with legit 4.5 speed.
Brinkley at BROOKLAND (1): Class 4A start-up Brookland has 150 players in its junior high and senior high programs. Former assistant Ed Duncan is Brinkley's third head coach in three years.
Palestine-Wheatley at MELBOURNE (12): Air Melbourne provides early test for young but speedy P-W secondary.
Marvell at HERMITAGE (2): Both teams struggle with low numbers. Hermitage did not field a team last year. Marvell has lost 15 straight, dating to 2010.

7-2A
PRESCOTT (17) at Gurdon: Prescott senior playmaker Brandon Marks hauled in two TD passes in last year's 42-13 win over Gurdon. Gurdon junior QB Austin Kirkpatrick generated 2,006 yards and 26 TDs in 2011.
MINERAL SPRINGS (16) at Fouke: Mineral Springs beat 6-3A Fouke 42-20 last season. Mineral Springs senior and Sonic Super Team RB Rashad Williams has overcome injuries to rush for 3,804 career yards. If first-year head coach Nick Evans can ratchet up the defense at Mineral Springs, the Hornets could play for title(s).
DIERKS (3) at Centerpoint: Dierks junior QB Adam Bradshaw passed for more than 1,800 yards a year ago. Dierks beat Centerpoint 34-20 in 2010 and 21-14 last year.
Spring Hill at MOUNT IDA (2): These teams know each other well with Mount Ida playing Spring Hill in the 7-2A the past four years. After Mount Ida won 42-0 in 2008, Spring Hill has reeled off three straight in the series: 40-7 in 2009, 35-0 in 2010 and 27-26 last year.
HORATIO (1) at Lafayette County: Horatio moves up a class to the 5-3A and plays three of its first four games on the road. Lafayette County senior RB Randy Pickens finished second in the 100 meters (11.02 seconds) in May at the state track meet.
MURFREESBORO (13) at Bismarck: Veteran coach Jeff Jones returns to Murfreesboro after one year as a full-time administrator. Murfreesboro allowed 38 ppg game last year in a miserable 3-7 season, its worst since going 1-9 in 2004.
GENOA CENTRAL (13) at Foreman: Foreman has not won since Week 9, 2010. Not much chomp in a Gator defense that allowed 43 ppg last season.

8-2A
JUNCTION CITY (4) at Earle: Top-ranked Junction City not know for fast starts. It is know for strong, physical linemen and seven starters return up front. It's difficult enough to defend the Junction City Wishbone minus a prolific passing attack. Senior QB Shaq Hunter and seven capable receivers could make it nearly impossible.
FORDYCE (6) at Rison: No. 3 Rison tries to concentrate on football after losing three seniors in a car wreck that killed one and left another still fighting for his life. Then last week, former Rison supt. Scotty Holderfield and his wife were severely injured in a head-on car collision. Fordyce won this rivalry 35-28 last year.
C. Harmony Grove at BEARDEN (2): No. 2 Bearden should dress 36 against 6-3A member Camden Harmony Grove, which will deploy a no-huddle offense featuring explosive junior RB Zamarquus Gentry. Bearden has won five of the past six meetings in the series. Bearden held Harmony Grove to 45 rushing yards last year in a 35-14 win.
Lake Village at STRONG (3): It's 1 A.D. (After Dixon) at defending state champion Strong. Kenneth Dixon has taken his one-man show to WAC champion and preseason No. 33 Louisiana Tech.
SMACKOVER (27) at Norphlet: If it can stay healthy, Norphlet will open the season with 14 varsity players, including two freshmen. The motivated Leopards relish the challenge after losing to 3A neighbor Smackover 47-0 a year ago.
Magnet Cove at PARKERS CHAPEL (5): Parkers Chapel won this clash 33-29 Week 4 last year at Magnet Cove. Parkers Chapel slumped the rest of the year to a 4-5 record. Magnet Cove rebounded from that defeat and did not lose again until the second round of the playoffs to eventual state champion Strong. Parkers Chapel appeared rejuvenated this summer under new head coach James Housdan.
Drew Central at HAMPTON (13): 6-3A member Drew Central loses its 15th game in a row. Hampton low on numbers after quiet summer.
Marvell at HERMITAGE (2): Both teams struggle with low numbers. Hermitage did not field a team last year. Marvell has lost 15 straight, dating to 2010.
Woodlawn at DES ARC (6): Brutal preseason in north Prairie County. Des Arc coach Dustin Prescott's younger brother, Logan, a senior at Rison, was killed in a car wreck. Des Arc senior and Sonic Super Team lineman Hunter Hambrick blew out his knee during team camp and will not play this fall. The projected starter at QB quit to focus on AAU basketball.