Prep RedZone Arkansas What We Learned from Week Six

Week six of the high school football season in the state of Arkansas is in the books. The intensity has hit another level this week and the teams as well as the players are starting to raise the level of play. Every week we learn a little more about what is going on and how the teams and players are looking as the playoffs approach. The 7-A Central is a strong conference with several powerhouse teams that could wind up at War Memorial Stadium to end the season. Conway is a threat to go deep into the playoffs and should they continue the high level of play they could win a state championship. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="214836" first="Donovyn" last="Omolo"] is a player that makes good decisions with the football and can look to [player_tooltip player_id="75084" first="Manny" last="Smith"] to make a play when one is needed. Meanwhile, the defending state champions in the 7-A conference continue to take care of business every week. The Bryant Hornets continue to roll in the 7-A Central. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="214915" first="Carson" last="Burnett"] has done a great job of leading the high-powered Hornets’ offense. Running back [player_tooltip player_id="152083" first="Chris" last="Gannaway"] is a do everything type of running back that is not afraid to run it between the tackles or cut it to the outside. Another facet of Gannaway’s game is just how impressive of a receiver he is. Bryant is a dangerous team and clicking on all cylinders right now. In the 7-A West, two teams will meet this Friday night with playoff implications on the line for both teams. Bentonville and Fayetteville have each taken care of business thus far. Each will be looking to take a step toward a conference championship in Fayetteville this Friday night. Bentonville will rely on quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="93558" first="Drew" last="Wright"] and the strong rushing attack that [player_tooltip player_id="75143" first="Josh" last="Ficklin"] and [player_tooltip player_id="137290" first="Christopher" last="Collier-Surly"] have put together. The passing game Bentonville posses will be something to keep an eye on this Friday night as well. [player_tooltip player_id="93523" first="Cooper" last="Smith"] and Charles Nimrod will be tested by a strong Fayetteville defense led by [player_tooltip player_id="75075" first="Kaiden" last="Turner"], [player_tooltip player_id="181538" first="Mani" last="Powell"], and [player_tooltip player_id="127245" first="Ryan" last="Maxwell"]. Meanwhile, Fayetteville will be leaning on one of the best passing attacks in the state to attack the Bentonville defense. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="75105" first="Bladen" last="Fike"] will look for his talented Fayetteville receiving corps to open up the offense. Look for [player_tooltip player_id="94925" first="Jalen" last="Blackburn"], [player_tooltip player_id="75066" first="Isaiah" last="Sategna"], and [player_tooltip player_id="156890" first="Dylan" last="Kittell"] to test the Bentonville secondary led by [player_tooltip player_id="180294" first="JT" last="Tomescko"] early and often this Friday night. This matchup has the potential to be a classic this Friday night. One team in the 5-A West conference that has been a hot streak this season is the Greenbrier Panthers. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="94994" first="Cooper" last="Wilcox"] has had an excellent season and has helped lead the Panthers to a 6-0 record. Wilcox has receiving targets that can stretch the field in the forms of [player_tooltip player_id="143614" first="Carter" last="McElhany"], [player_tooltip player_id="133066" first="Jacob" last="Mathis"], and Thatcher Strack. The Panthers defeated Harrison last Friday and will play host to Pea Ridge this Friday night. Big games are still on the horizon for Greenbrier as the playoffs approach. Meanwhile, the Farmington Cardinals bounced back from a tough lost to Vilonia and defeated Morrilton 15-0 last Friday. The Cardinal’s defense is what was extremely impressive against the Devil Dogs. [player_tooltip player_id="181540" first="Braden" last="Bullington"] is a player that can play anywhere on the defensive line or at the linebacker spot. He uses his speed well and he was a disruptive player on Friday night. The Cardinals travel to Clarksville this Friday night and will be looking to keep the momentum going. This week is a big week in the state of Arkansas. Plenty of great matchups all across the Natural State. I encourage folks to get out to a game and enjoy the fall weather. Prep RedZone Arkansas will be in Fayetteville taking in the Bentonville-Fayetteville game.