3-A State Championship Preview Booneville-Charleston

Tom Tabler December 6, 2022 @ 07:48 PM

The distance separating these two towns is a little over 16 miles. However, that does not mean that this championship game will not be anticipated. In fact, in the river valley of Arkansas this will be one of the most anticipated state championship games in several years. When the coaches of the two teams went to the opposing teams' high schools a championship game becomes even more interesting. Two teams with plenty of tradition will meet at War Memorial Stadium this week, with both looking to add to that tradition. Let's take a look at some of the prospects to keep an eye on this week.   Booneville Bearcats   [player_tooltip player_id='408381' first='Peyton' last='Tatum']-Quarterback-2023-5'10” 150-Pounds   The Booneville signal caller is a prospect that runs the flex-bone offense perfectly. He is quick with his reads and knows when to make the pitch. Meanwhile, he is a quarterback with the arm strength to hit his wide receivers in stride. Tatum is key for the Bearcats offense, and it will be interesting to see how Charleston intends to deal with the shifty Booneville quarterback. Tatum has the ability to take the game over and he is a prospect to watch in this week's game.   [player_tooltip player_id='149579' first='Dax' last='Goff']-Linebacker- 2024-6'0” 205-Pounds   On both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, [player_tooltip player_id='149579' first='Dax' last='Goff'] is a prospect that can take the game over. Looking first at the offensive side of the ball, Goff can run the ball up the middle with good speed or cut it to the outside. He looks to finish every run each time he carries the football for the Bearcats. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, Goff is quick enough to disrupt the opposing offensive backfield. [player_tooltip player_id='149579' first='Dax' last='Goff'] is a prospect to watch this week in the state championship game.   Rylen Ray-Running Back-2024-5'11” 218-Pounds   The Booneville rushing attack can overwhelm opposing defenses. Rylen Ray is a running back that can power over opposing defensive lineman. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball he can shut down an opponent's rushing attack. Ray is a player to watch on both sides of the field this week. Look for the Bearcats to use that potent rushing attack this week.   Charleston Tigers   [player_tooltip player_id='377044' first='Brandon' last='Scott']-Quarterback-2023-6'0” 175-Pounds   Charleston loves to put the ball in the air, and they do so extremely effectively. Scott is a confident quarterback and throws the ball with good accuracy. He is not afraid to test the opposing defense deep and will do so when pressured. Scott moves around well in the pocket and will use his legs to pick up yardage on the ground. He will be a player to watch out for in the state championship game against Booneville this week.   [player_tooltip player_id='537604' first='Reese' last='Merechka']-Wide Receiver-5'8” 160-Pounds   [player_tooltip player_id='537604' first='Reese' last='Merechka'] is a smooth route runner. He uses his mix of route running and speed to create separation from opposing defensive backs. The Charleston wide receiver has the ability to beat opposing defensive backs deep. Merechka is a player to watch out for this week. He has the potential to have a big a game for the Tigers. The passing game will be big for Charleston this week.   [player_tooltip player_id='175585' first='Roy' last='Hudson']-Offensive Line-6'2” 260-Pounds   Charleston has plenty of talented prospects all over the field. One such player is [player_tooltip player_id='175585' first='Roy' last='Hudson'] who anchors the offensive line for the Tigers. Hudson has quick feet and the power to keep opposing defenders at bay. He does an impressive job of clearing a path for his running backs. Meanwhile, he does a good job of keeping his quarterback upright as well. Hudson is a prospect to pay attention to this week and especially as national signing day approaches.

The distance separating these two towns is a little over 16 miles. However, that does not mean that this championship game will not be anticipated. In fact, in the river valley of Arkansas this will be one of the most anticipated state championship games in several years. When the coaches of the two teams went to the opposing teams' high schools a championship game becomes even more interesting. Two teams with plenty of tradition will meet at War Memorial Stadium this week, with both looking to add to that tradition. Let's take a look at some of the prospects to keep an eye on this week.