First Round Playoff Matchups and Players to Watch

The state playoffs begin this week in Arkansas. The first round is filled with three intriguing matchups to keep an eye on. Playoff games are also an opportunity for players to show scouts and fans what they can do one last time in the 2020 season. Covid-19 has given the Arkansas Activities Association an avenue of allowing any team that wants to enter the playoffs a chance to continue its season and we are going to see some unique matchups this season. <strong>Fort Smith Southside-North Little Rock</strong> Both Fort Smith Southside and North Little Rock have several players that have a chance to make some impact plays on Friday night. North Little Rock quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="74965" first="Kareame" last="Cotton"] has led the Charging Wildcats to a 9-1 record this season and is looking to keep momentum in the playoffs. On the defensive side of the ball [player_tooltip player_id="75031" first="Jordan" last="Owens"] has helped shut down the running game of every team the Charging Wildcats has played this season. Meanwhile, Fort Smith Southside will be looking to close out the season on a high note. Senior offensive linemen [player_tooltip player_id="74996" first="Marlon" last="Briggs"] and senior defensive back [player_tooltip player_id="75038" first="Jonah" last="Hill"] are each wanting to get the Mavericks one more game. Briggs and Hill have each played hard for Southside and if Southside can sustain drives and keep North Little Rock off the field the Mavericks will have an opportunity to prolong the season. <strong>West Memphis-Greenwood</strong> The West Memphis Blue Devils will enter the playoff game against Greenwood with a 2-8 record on the season. The Blue Devils are fighting to extend the season and get on a run. West Memphis wide receiver will be on the receiving end of passes tomorrow night against the high-powered Greenwood Bulldogs. The Greenwood Bulldogs come into the game against West Memphis with a 9-0 record. Greenwood has two seniors that are playmakers and can light up the scoreboard. [player_tooltip player_id="75007" first="Hunter" last="Wilkinson"] is a threat running the ball and impressive receiving threat when lined up at the receiver spot. Wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id="75012" first="Peyton" last="Carter"] is poised to have a big game. It will be a difficult task covering the Greenwood wide receiver. <strong>Pea Ridge-Magnolia</strong> Pea Ridge enters the contest against Magnolia after having dealt with Covid-19 most of the season. The players to watch for the Pea Ridge Blackhawks are two under the radar offensive linemen that will be playing on Saturdays. [player_tooltip player_id="75010" first="Thaddeus" last="Timmons"] and [player_tooltip player_id="74993" first="Michael" last="Ericson"] anchor the Pea Ridge offensive line. As Timmons and Ericson go, so goes the Pea Ridge offense. This matchup has the potential to be the best one of the week here in Arkansas. Meanwhile the Magnolia Panthers, come into this game with a 6-2 record and are looking to advance far in the playoffs. Magnolia has [player_tooltip player_id="75136" first="Garrion" last="Curry"] who is a sophomore that has been lighting up opposing defenses this season. Curry rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown against De Queen on Halloween. Curry has the potential to cause the Blackhawks problems on Friday night. This game should be a great one as the Arkansas high school football playoffs begin. &nbsp;