Five Players to Watch in the Opening Round of the 6A Playoffs
Playoffs in high school football have arrived, just like the cool chill of fall, it’s welcomed with open arms. Eight teams will be vying for four spots in the 6A quarterfinals, here are five players who have the chance to…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingPlayoffs in high school football have arrived, just like the cool chill of fall, it’s welcomed with open arms. Eight teams will be vying for four spots in the 6A quarterfinals, here are five players who have the chance to lead their squads to another week of practice.
Bryce Perkins | 2024 | Quarterback | Van Buren
Van Buren @ West Memphis
The newest leader in passing touchdowns in Van Buren history, Bryce Perkins, has led his squad to the 6A playoffs and an opportunity to meet Little Rock Christian. The motor for this Pointer offense, Perkins has acquired the trust of the coaching staff to the tune of 2009 passing yards, according to MaxPreps. Perkins has tallied three games of 300-plus passing yards coupled with 3-plus touchdowns, including a 398-yard, 4 touchdown onslaught in week 10. If Van Buren is successful in their opening round match-up, look for Perkins to be the main benefactor.
Tyler Strickland | 2024 | Quarterback | Searcy
Searcy @ Greenbrier
The Searcy Lions have had a solid 2023 season, currently ranking ninth in my 6A poll headed into the playoffs. A massive reason for success of the Lions includes the impressive performance of quarterback Tyler Strickland. Strickland currently ranks fourth in total yards and eighth in passing yards in the state, respectively. Not only is Strickland dangerous with his arm but his legs add to his value and his scouting report. On the season, Strickland has two games with 200 passing yards coupled with 100 rushing yards, not including a near miss with 156 passing yards and 122 rushing in week 10. In a game I see Searcy winning, I expect Strickland to be busy once again.
Brandon Cobb | 2025 | Quarterback | Pulaski Academy
El Dorado @ Pulaski Academy
Coming into the 2023 season there was some uncertainty with this Bruins passing attack with the underclassmen making statements in the summer, Brandon Cobb all but silenced the news with his impressive season. Going into last week Cobb led the entire state in passing yards with 3,144 passing yards, this number was good enough for 27th nationally, according to MaxPreps. In the historically pass-happy Pulaski Academy offense, Cobb has six games with 375-plus passing yards, including a 529-yard performance. Not only can Cobb throw the ball around he limits his picks to a minimal 3% rate compared to his passes thrown.
Jaxon Hatchett | 2024 | Linebacker | Little Rock Catholic
Mountain Home @ Little Rock Catholic
A stable force in the teeth of the Rocket defense, Jaxon Hatchett can more than hold his own in coverage and run situations. Hatchett seems to specialize in the run game where he likes to fit in the holes and blow up plays before the linemen are out of their stance. When Hatchett travels downhill he doesn’t come wreckless abandoned, instead he is methodical. The solid linebacker gets big in the hole before fundamentally making a solo tackle. On blitzes, he works to be small in the creases and finds the tiniest of holes between the linemen to squeeze into the backfield.
Mitchell Polk | 2026 | Quarterback | El Dorado
El Dorado @ Pulaski Academy
Traveling to Pulaski Academy instantly calls for the need of scoring at least 30 just to be in the game in the 4th quarter. For most they need to try to score a touchdown or two on the bus ride to the heralded stadium… El Dorado will make the non-envious trip to Little Rock to take on the Bruins in the first round of the state playoffs. For the Wildcats to have a chance to cash in a win, Mitchell Polk will have to have a huge game for the visiting squad.
Just a sophomore, Polk has supreme arm strength to push the ball down the field quickly and can read pressure situations to create yardage with his sneaky quick speed. The sophomore has great rhythm in the pocket on his drops and has a great clock in his head. If anything, Polk will leave Friday with ample amount of experience in what always is a hostile crowd. Keep this name in your back pocket, Mitchell Polk will be making waves in the coming years.