Prep Redzone Arkansas Game Preview: Harrison vs Springdale

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 0 has arrived in the state of Arkansas. Many 7-A West teams are opening up the season on the road. However, the Springdale Bulldogs will open the season against the Harrison Goblins at home this season. Springdale is expecting to take a big leap forward this season while the Harrison Goblins are coming off a 7-4 season and looking to make a playoff run this season. In this article we will, give a few prospects to keep an eye on for both the Bulldogs and the Goblins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking first at the Springdale Bulldogs. On the offensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs will be led by junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='382799' first='Cayden' last='Aaserude']. Aaserude is a quarterback that does a good job of reading the defense and making good decisions with the football. He does a good job of throwing the ball with accuracy and he can fit the ball into some tight windows. Running back Zamarion Manuel will give Springdale a running back with the speed to keep the defense off-balance. At the wide receiver position, look for [player_tooltip player_id='393717' first='Junior' last='Reyna'] and Chris Cortez to see plenty of targets as the season gets going.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shifting gears to the defensive side of the ball for the Bulldogs. Last season, [player_tooltip player_id='260419' first='Kaden' last='Spencer'] had a tremendous season for Springdale. Spencer racked up 40 tackles, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries. He is a defensive lineman that I expect an even stronger season from him this season. Daytrion Woodfork was all over the field for the Bulldogs last season and look for him to surpass the 50 tackles mark this season. Look for Tajon Sparks to make plenty of plays on both sides of the ball for the Bulldogs this season. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Harrison Goblins are a team that you can count on to make the playoffs on a yearly basis. Looking at the offensive side of the ball for the Goblins. Mason Ketterman saw some snaps last season and will likely see some time at the quarterback position this season. Goblins' running back Braden Long is a running back that can cut it to the outside or just run people over. Look for Phoenix Whitney to earn some carries and have some passes thrown his way this season as well. Meanwhile the Harrison passing game, will lean on tight Caden Hinson, Talon Stephens, and J. Henry Brandt quite a bit this season. The size that the Harrison receiving corps has should be an advantage as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive side of the ball for the Goblins has plenty of talented prospects that are worth taking a look at. Evan Dixon and Abe Estes are each defensive linemen that can disrupt both the run and the passing game of the opponents. At the linebacker, Tristan Thompson has become a mainstay for the Goblins. He racked up 88 tackles and two sacks last season and the 2022 season should be a strong one. Caleb Brumley and [player_tooltip player_id='183348' first='Taylor' last='Baker'] patrol the secondary for the Goblins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams have the potential to get off to a strong start offensively. Each team has a talented roster returning this season and plenty of newcomers to watch out for in 2022. The game will come down to which teams defense can set the tone and force some turnovers. I have Springdale winning this one, however, I expect a close contest and it would not surprise me to see the Goblins score the upset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->