Prep RedZone Arkansas Matchup Preview Nashville vs Arkadelphia

It is a weekend of solid matchups in the state of Arkansas. We have a big game in the southern part of the state tonight between the Nashville Scrappers and the Arkadelphia Badgers. The Scrappers come in with a 2-1 record and looking to continue to build momentum early in the season. Meanwhile, the Arkadelphia Badgers are 1-2 on the season and looking to start conference play off on the right note. Looking first at the visiting Scrappers. Quarterback Ethan Gunter has been extremely consistent for the Scrappers. He has thrown eight touchdown passes on the season and has shown that he can fit the ball into some tight windows. The rushing attack for Nashville is an impressive one led by Trey Hopkins. Hopkins is averaging 103 yards on the ground per game this season. Nashville’s receiving corps has players that can stretch the field from anywhere on the field. [player_tooltip player_id="159265" first="Isaiah" last="Jones"] has hauled in 17 receptions for over 300 yards and three touchdowns this season. Arkadelphia’s defense will have to find a way to slow this talented offense down tonight. On the defensive side of the ball, the Scrappers will need to find a way to slow a talented Arkadelphia offense. Linebacker Kamari Cruz will need to be accounted for by the Arkadelphia blockers. Cruz has the ability to live in the opposing offensive backfield. Mikell Johnson is another player on the defensive side of the ball that does a great job of swarming to the football. The Nashville defense will have its work cut out for them on tonight, but this will be a great test for them. Meanwhile, the Arkadelphia Badgers are not without weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Running back [player_tooltip player_id="75068" first="Jaishon" last="Davis"] is one of the most versatile players in the state. Davis has a second gear that can leave people eating his dust. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="75141" first="Donovan" last="Whitten"] is a quarterback that is just as dangerous running the football as he is throwing the ball. Wide receiver [player_tooltip player_id="177650" first="Braylon" last="Bailey"] is a dangerous player for the opposing cornerbacks to cover. Bailey has good hands with crisp routes and good speed. The Arkadelphia offense has plenty of players that can cause headaches for the Nashville defense. On the defensive side of the ball, the Badgers have plenty of talent. Defensive end [player_tooltip player_id="173557" first="Max" last="Wilson"] is a defensive lineman that has no problems getting into the offensive backfield. Wilson has quickness and power, and he can catch the opposing offensive lineman off-balance. Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="134611" first="Alex" last="Turley"] has good speed, and he pursues the ball carrier well. Turley is effective in both the run and the passing game and can be extremely disruptive in both. This is another contest that should go right down to the wire in the fourth quarter. Whoever wins this matchup sets themselves up nicely come playoff time.