BY DUDLEY E. DAWSON After two convincing wins and an open date, unbeaten Harding Academy head coach Neil Evans is excited about what should his team’s toughest challenge so far this campaign. Class 4A Harding Academy (2-0) will host Class 3A power Booneville (1-1), who features running backs Dax Goff (2,323 yards rushing) and Rylan …

Harding Academy braces for battle with Booneville Read More »

BY DUDLEY E. DAWSON It was easy to tell during an interview last week that new Conway head coach Buck James was champing at the bit to see his team open the 2023 season, but there was one catch. The Wampus Cats did not have a game during what is dubbed week zero so James’ …

New Conway coach Buck James eager to unveil 2023 Wampus Cats at Bentonville Read More »

By DUDLEY E. DAWSON It’ not often that you get the opportunity to take over the state’s best football program, one that has won 5 straight state titles and beaten 53 straight in-state foes, but that’s life right now for new Bryant head coach Quad Sanders. Sanders, the Hornets’ defensive coordinator the previous five  seasons, has …

Sanders’ Bryant tenure begins Saturday with Salt Bowl clash against Benton Read More »

BY DUDLEY E. DAWSON Mineral Springs was one of the state’s high school football’s best turnaround stories in 2022 and the Hornets have legitimate championship aspirations this season. First-year head coach Jason Hathcock arrived from Lafayette County and quickly turned a program that was winless in 2021 and just 7 games the past there years  …

Hathcock’s hiring sparks Mineral Springs grid revival Read More »

BY DUDLEY E. DAWSON Little Rock Parkview’s first state title since 1978 came last season on the strength of some talented playmakers on offense, a stout defense and playing its best football at the end of the season for head coach Brad Bolding. The Patriots, who won their last 10 games after starting the season …

Little Rock Parkview opens with Springdale Har-Ber in quest to repeat as Class 5A champs Read More »

SEARCY, Ark. – Harding Academy linebacker Wyatt Simmons has seen his stock shoot up this summer, landing offers from notable college programs across the country. On Saturday, the son of Harding University head coach Paul Simmons committed to Sam Pittman and the Razorbacks. “It really was staying home,” the senior told FOX 16 Sports on Monday. …

Harding Academy linebacker Wyatt Simmons talks committing to home-state Razorbacks Read More »

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The simple abbreviation of P.A. speaks for itself in Arkansas high school football. Pulaski Academy has won eight state titles in the last nine years and is currently a four-time defending champ. The team’s last two trophy hoists were earned in spite of difficult circumstances. In 2021, the Bruins overcame the loss …

Pulaski Academy open to philosophical tweaks like punting in pursuit of a five-peat Read More »

BY DUDLEY E. DAWSON When the Hot Springs football squad takes the field to open 2023 preseason practice on Monday, it will do so with the earned respect of its peers. Trojans head coach Darrell Burnett heads into his fifth year with a program that won just a single game the season before he took …

Hot Springs grid program has earned respect under Burnett Read More »

BRYANT, Ark. – The longtime head coach of the successful Bryant Hornets high school football team is leaving to take over another Arkansas program. The Bryant School District announced Tuesday that Buck James informed Superintendent Karen Walters Tuesday that he was leaving the district to become the head coach of the Conway High School Wampus …

Bryant Hornets football coach Buck James leaving to take over Conway program Read More »

BY DUDLEY E. DAWSON For last several years, the Valley View baseball program has been synonymous with excellence and this season is no different. The Blazers won the Class 4A State state title in 2021, finished as the runner-up  to Harrison last season and have gone 63-2 in their last 65 conference games under head …

Valley View continuing its diamond excellence in 2023 Read More »

BY DUDLEY E. DAWSON Pine Bluff’s 67-51 win over Lake Hamilton in the Class 5A championship game last Thursday was about more than just winning a state title. It was brought with it a bit  of healing for a team and community that had to deal with the recent loss of two high school students …

Pine Bluff’s Class 5A state hoops title brings emotional healing inside celebration Read More »

BY DUDLEY E. DAWSON After a week when it took down some of the state’s best Class 6A squads, Springdale has one last Goliath to conquer. The Red Bulldogs (25-8) will face traditional power Jonesboro (29-3) Friday at 1:45 p.m inside the Hot Springs Convention Center. The Golden Hurricane are riding a 14-game winning streak. …

Former Red Bulldog Price leads Springdale into Class 6A hoops title clash against Jonesboro Read More »