Class 4A Week 5 Rankings, Notes & Picks

Class 4A Week 5 Rankings, Notes & Picks

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Hootens.com Rankings
Class 4A, Week 5, 2019
Copyright Hooten Publishing, Inc.

1. Nashville (4-0)
2. Arkadelphia (3-1)
3. Shiloh Christian (4-0)
4. Joe T. Robinson (4-0)
5. Rivercrest (3-1)
6. Ozark (3-1)
7. Dardanelle (4-0)
8. Southside Batesville (3-1)
9. Helena (4-0)
10. Warren (3-1)
11. Mena (3-1)
12. DeWitt (4-0)
13. Crossett (1-3)
14. Bauxite (3-1)
15. Pea Ridge (1-3)
16. Riverview (3-1)
17. Lonoke (2-2)
18. Dumas (1-3)
19. Jonesboro Westside (3-1)
20. Brookland (2-2)
21. Star City (3-1)
22. Hamburg (2-2)
23. Pocahontas (2-2)
24. Elkins (3-1)
25. Prairie Grove (1-3)
26. Gravette (2-2)
27. Pottsville (1-3)
28. CAC (2-2)
29. Gentry (2-2)
30. H. Grove Haskell (3-1)
31. Lincoln (3-1)
32. Heber Springs (0-4)
33. Ashdown (1-3)
34. Trumann (1-3)
35. Stuttgart (0-4)
36. Berryville (2-2)
37. Malvern (1-3)
38. Fountain Lake (1-3)
39. Gosnell (1-3)
40. Bald Knob (1-3)
41. Subiaco Academy (2-2)
42. Green Forest (2-2)
43. Monticello (0-4)
44. Mills (1-3)
45. Waldron (0-4)
46. Highland (0-4)
47. Dover (0-4)
48. Cave City (0-4)

HOOTENS.COM GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 2 Arkadelphia at No. 4 Joe T. Robinson
Joe T. Robinson has beaten Arkadelphia in the regular season the past two years by a combined 63-31, but Arkadelphia axed the Senators in last year's state title game 28-0.
Arkadelphia's 22-21 last-second loss last week to Nashville (extended highlights and postgame HERE) was its first since losing to Joe T. Robinson 42-14 Week 5 last season. The Badgers put up 401 yards per game. Senior quarterback Cannon Turner has passed for 264 yards and two touchdowns this season, but was held to 43 yards against Nashville. But Turner makes big plays running the ball (50 carries, 445 yards and 11 touchdowns this fall). Senior Kyren Harrison has rushed for 555 yards and 11 TDs, including a 102-yard effort against Nashville. “We had a horrible practice last Tuesday, and you practice like you play,” Arkadelphia Coach J.R. Eldridge says. “We've got to have a good week of practice and get prepared because Joe T. has a different style from Nashville. They have athletes everywhere.”
Undefeated Joe T. Robinson averages 49 ppg, and the Senators hung 49 and 66 points on Class 7A Springdale and Rogers, respectively. Junior QB Buddy Gaston has completed 49 of 85 passes (58 percent) for 919 yards and 11 TDs, with senior P.J. Hall catching 13 of them for 340 yards and six TDs. Dynamic junior playmaker Hunter Smith has 53 carries for 602 yards and seven TDs this year, and he returned a kickoff for a TD against Springdale. Senior linebacker Chandler McIntosh paces the D with 49 stops. Senior QB/linebacker J.T. Towers hasn't played since the opener. Watch highlights of Robinson's Week 3 win over Camden Fairview HERE.

LAST WEEK
Hootens.com correctly predicted 16 of 24 games last week (67 percent). Hootens.com has picked 125 of 154 games (82 percent) this season.

WEEK 5 PREDICTIONS (favored team in ALL CAPS)
1-4A
Gravette at PRAIRIE GROVE (10): Prairie Grove has won seven straight over Gravette, including the past two years by a combined 66 points. But this one could be much closer. Gravette QB Cy Hilger completed 11 of 16 passes for 172 yards and a pair of TDs in last week's 34-14 win over previously unbeaten Lincoln. Hilger also ran for a TD, while the D forced three turnovers. Prairie Grove led Green Forest 27-0 in the first quarter last week (won 55-14) and ran for almost 300 yards. 
Berryville at GENTRY (8): Berryville failed to score in last week's 56-point loss to Shiloh Christian. Gentry senior QB Brandon Atwood has passed for 594 yards and eight TDs this fall with five interceptions, and he's ran for five TDs.
PEA RIDGE (16) at Lincoln: Lincoln was tied with Gravette 7-7 late in the first half last week, but gave up a TD pass before intermission and lost by 20 points. The Wolves were held to less than 100 yards rushing and committed three turnovers. Pea Ridge won its first game of the season last week, 43-7 over Gentry, running for six TDs in the first half. The Blackhawks rush for 203 yards weekly, paced by senior Sam Beard (5.8 ypc).
Green Forest at SHILOH CHRISTIAN (35): Shiloh Christian QB Eli Reece completed all 11 attempts for 225 yards and three TDs in last week's 56-0 win at Berryville. Senior playmaker Truitt Tollett caught six passes for 152 yards and a pair of TDs and returned a punt for another. Green Forest rushes for 162 yards per game, with sophomore Bryan Soto and junior Reiley Gordon running in four TDs apiece.

2-4A
HEBER SPRINGS (1) at Stuttgart: Stuttgart has won 10 of the past 13 over the Panthers. The Ricebird offense failed to execute in last week's 22-point setback at Southside Batesville. Senior center Hayden Davis has played well the past month. Sophomore Pate Kleinbeck takes over at QB for Stuttgart, allowing senior Mitchell Stovesand to line up in multiple positions. Heber Springs allowed too many big plays, dropped several passes and fumbled a kickoff in last week's 32-12 loss to Lonoke. Senior QB Adam Martin has passed for 580 yards and four TDs this year, while rushing for 469 yards and three TDs.
Bald Knob at LONOKE (19): Lonoke has won six of the past nine over Bald Knob. The Jackrabbits have improved the past three weeks, losing to Class 5A Beebe in overtime before beating Newport and Heber Springs. Jackrabbit sophomore QB Spencer Pepper and junior Anthony Parks hit Heber Springs for big plays in last week's 20-point victory. Lonoke junior middle linebacker Dayton Smith has 57 tackles and a fumble recovery this season. Watch highlights of Lonoke's season-opening 38-13 loss to Class 2A Carlisle HERE. Bald Knob's offense failed to score last week, but the D returned an interception and fumble for TDs in a 14-7 win over Mills. 
SOUTHSIDE BATESVILLE (2) at Riverview: Southside Batesville has won four of the past seven in this rivalry, and both teams may contend for this year's conference title. Southside Batesville blasted Stuttgart 43-21 last week, while Riverview won at CAC 29-19. Southside Batesville rushes for 308 yards weekly, paced by senior Alex Palmer (373 yards and 10 TDs in 2018). Riverview senior QB Logan Miller, operating the Power Spread, has rushed for 621 yards and eight TDs this season, while Ashton Williams has 48 carries for 510 yards and eight TDs. Senior middle linebacker Santos Guitierrez has 41 tackles and 1.5 sacks. 
CAC (9) at Mills: This is the second meeting between these teams (CAC won 42-19 last year) located just 15 miles apart. Mills was tied with Bald Knob 0-0 in the fourth quarter last week (lost 14-7) and the defense didn't allow a TD. CAC sophomore Tyler Williams has ran for five TDs this year. 

3-4A
Jonesboro Westside at POCAHONTAS (4): Pocahontas has won 15 of the past 18 in the series, but Jonesboro Westside won last season 44-20. Jonesboro Westside beat rival Highland 20-14 last week after leading 7-0 at halftime. Junior Tyler Ray for a pair of TDs, while the senior Logan McPherson had the other score. Ray has seven TDs this season. Pocahontas was stunned 35-26 last week by Brookland, its first loss ever to the Bearcats. Pocahontas junior QB Dawson Chester has passed for 823 yards and eight TDs in 2019, and he's rushed for six scores.
RIVERCREST (14) at Gosnell: This is a rivalry game, with Gosnell winning nine of the past 18 years (tied once). Gosnell gives up 44 points per game, while Rivercrest allows 11 points weekly. Rivercrest senior linebacker Easton Elder paces the Colts with 46 tackles, including 14 TFL, while senior end Alec Hinklin has 40 stops.
BROOKLAND (1) at Trumann: Brookland didn't allow Pocahontas to score in the first half of last week's 35-26 triumph, jumping to a 21-0 halftime advantage. Senior RB Kaden Strode and QB Trent Still provide senior leadership for a unit averaging 29 ppg. Trumann played well last week at Rivercrest (tied 8-8 in fourth quarter) before losing 21-14. The Wildcats have beaten Brookland five of the past seven seasons.
Cave City at HIGHLAND (6): Cave City hasn't won since beating Highland 27-14 last season. It was Highland's only loss in the series (won eight of nine). Highland fullback Joel Hoppe caught a TD pass in last week's six-point loss to Jonesboro Westside. Hoppe has three TD catches this fall and is a leader on defense with 17 tackles and a fumble recovery.  

4-4A
Pottsville at MENA (2): Pottsville has never lost to Mena, winning last season by 18 points over the favored Bearcats. Mena averages just 21 points per game this season and the Bearcats have struggled the past two games (scored 10 points) with QB Max Montgomery out with a torn ACL. Senior QB Zane Stephens has thrown a pair of TD passes and ran for another score this year. Pottsville senior Drew Rust has rushed for more than 500 yards this year.
Subiaco Academy at OZARK (35): Ozark junior QB Harper Faulkenberry ran for 131 yards and two TDs in last week's 14-0 win at previously unbeaten Mena. The Hillbillies rush for 239 yards weekly, with Faulkenberry averaging 4.8 ypc. Junior middle linebacker Keystan Durning paces the Hillbillies with 48 tackles, while senior end/linebacker Bryant Burns has 22 tackles, including three TFL and one sack. Subiaco Academy's two wins this year are over teams with a combined record of 1-7. 
DARDANELLE (30) at Waldron: Dardanelle has won nine of the past 10 in the series. Dardanelle senior QB Jordan Metcalf ran 18 times for 121 yards and three TDs in last week's 19-point win over Pottsville. Metcalf also completed six of 11 passes for 119 yards and two TDs. Senior linebacker Cameron Hurst had 13 tackles, forced a fumble and blocked an extra point. Winless Waldron passes the ball more this season, with junior Braden Williams completing 63 of 103 passes for 767 yards and six TDs.
Dover at ELKINS (32): Elkins has won three straight since losing to Greenland in the opener, but those three opponents are a combined 1-11. Junior QB Kain Johnson threw two TD passes and ran for a pair of TDs in last week's 35-16 win over Waldron. Johnson has 16 TDs (10 passing, six rushing) this fall. Winless Dover, down to 20 players, gets outscored this year by an average of 46-14.

7-4A
ARKADELPHIA (1) at Joe T. Robinson: Hootens.com Class 4A Hootens.com 
Fountain Lake at NASHVILLE (24): Nashville must quickly recover from last week's last-minute win at favored Arkadelphia. The Scrappers have lost only once in school history to Fountain Lake. Nashville trailed 21-13 in the third quarter, but rallied with Jacobe Jefferson's TD and senior Jhonny Pioquinto's winning 30-yard field goal. Junior Keyshawn Stewart has rushed for 455 yards and seven TDs this fall, while senior Carmillias Morrison has 390 yards and three TDs. Fountain Lake rushes for 184 yards per game. Sophomore Gavin Nguyen paces the Cobra D with 24 tackles.
H.G. HASKELL (3) at Malvern: This might be for a playoff spot. Malvern has lost three straight games this year after opening with a 13-point win over Class 3A Glen Rose. The Leopards have lost four of  their past 28 games since 2017. Senior running back Keith Caradine paces the Leopards with 385 yards and three TDs this year, while freshman Cedric Simmons has 340 yards and three TDs. H.G. Haskell led Ashdown 13-0 at halftime last week and cruised to a 34-0 triumph. The Cardinals limited Ashdown to eight first downs, while they piled up 334 yards. Four Cardinals have ran for multiple TDs in 2019.
BAUXITE (9) at Ashdown: Ashdown has won seven of the past nine over Bauxite. But the Panther's failed to score and managed just eight first downs in last week's 34-0 loss at Harmony Grove Haskell. Bauxite, winners of three straight, led Malvern 14-7 at halftime last week but didn't allow a point in the second half of the 21-7 victory. Junior QB Conner Stacy has passed for 747 yards and five TDs this fall, while junior Braylon Walker has 23 receptions for 509 yards (22.1 ypc) and five TDs.

8-4A
DUMAS (1) at Crossett: It's homecoming in Ashley County (5-1 homecoming record under Coach Sonny Nason) and Crossett must come down off an emotional high after beating Warren last week for the first time in more than 20 years. The Eagles led 25-7 in the second quarter and held on for a 38-35 decision. Crossett senior Willie Taylor ran 22 times for 101 yards and three TDs against Warren, while sophomore Dwayne Ashford caught two long TD passes. Dumas' only win this year was against Class 3A Lake Village. Senior Chris Harris has passed for 380 yards and five TDs this fall, while rushing for 414 yards and seven TDs. Last year, Harris had three TD runs of more than 60 yards against Crossett. Dumas RB Kylin James (1,076 yards and 13 TDs in 2018) hasn't played this year with a back injury. 
HELENA (3) at DeWitt: A battle of unbeatens and likely the most meaningful game played at DeWitt since the 1990's. DeWitt dumped Hamburg 50-42 last week, its first win over the Lions in 20 years. DeWitt senior QB Seth Courtney has passed for 929 yards and 11 TDs this fall, and rushed for 268 yards and four scores. Senior Johnta Wright (29 ypc and 15 catches for 306 yards and four TDs) has emerged as a playmaker. Helena sophomore QB Clayton Dyer threw a pair of TD passes in last week's eight-point road win at Dumas. Dyer has seven TD passes this season.
WARREN (9) at Star City: Star City hasn't beaten Warren since 2010. But Warren has lost its past two conference games dating back to last season (60-36 to Helena Week 10, 2018 and 38-35 to Crossett a week ago). Sophomore QB Riley Cornish passed for more than 200 yards and three TDs last week. Star City survived winless Monticello last week, outscoring the Billies by 14 points in the second half for a 49-35 triumph. The Bulldogs ran for seven TDs against Monticello. 
HAMBURG (5) at Monticello: Hamburg has won seven straight over Monticello by a combined 222-55. The Lions have lost consecutive games after starting the season 2-0. With six injured starters out last week, Hamburg played well but lost to DeWitt by eight points. Improved Monticello plays hard for first-year coach Randy Harvey. The Billies were tied with Star City 14-14 at halftime last week before losing by 14 points. Sophomore Dorein Allen ran for a pair of TDs while sophomore QB Stran Smith threw for a pair of TDs.

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