Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week at UAPB, Hillbilly and Razorback Stadium
August 28, 2011
LITTLE ROCK - Twelve of the top teams in the state and two Missouri powerhouses start Arkansas' 2011 high school season during Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week.
It begins with a doubleheader at Golden Lion Stadium in Pine Bluff on Monday, Aug. 29. Defending 8-4A champion and semifinalist Star City plays 2009 Class 4A runner-up Lonoke at 5:30 p.m., immediately followed by defending 5A Southeast champion Watson Chapel against Dumas. Watson Chapel has advanced to the semifinals three straight seasons.
Hillbilly Stadium in Ozark plays host to a doubleheader on Tuesday, Aug. 30. Defending Class 2A champion Magazine battles 3A power West Fork immediately after rivals Cedarville and Mountainburg play at 5:30 p.m. Magazine beat West Fork by three points in the opener last season.
On Thursday, Sept. 1, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium plays host to a star-packed tripleheader. Three-time defending Class 4A champion Shiloh Christian opens against 2-4A conference title contender Heber Springs at 3:30 p.m., followed by Class 7A Rogers Heritage against Springfield (Mo.) Hillcrest.
Rivals.com rates Hillcrest receiver Dorial Green-Beckham (6-6, 230) as one of the nation's top prospects. Class 7A state power Springdale Har-Ber plays Lebanon, Mo., in the nightcap.
The 14 teams in this year's kickoff week finished last season with a combined record of 122-50. Shiloh Christian has won four state titles in five years, while Har-Ber has advanced to at least the semifinals four straight times.
In the event's 11-year history, 17 teams started runs to the state finals during Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week. Four teams that played in the 2009 Kickoff Week reached the state title game.
"Simmons First is excited about our continued sponsorship of the Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week," said Tom Spillyards, President and CEO of Simmons First in Northwest Arkansas. "Arkansas football fans look forward to this annual event which features the top high school teams representing communities from across our state. Our community banking philosophy includes supporting activities that serve to improve the quality of life in the markets we serve and sponsorship of a premier event like the Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week is a perfect fit."
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