Week 0: Prime Time Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Football is in full swing in the Natural State this week. The Arkansas Razorbacks got it going Thursday night and high school teams around the state lit up the skies on Friday. Prep Redzone Arkansas each weekend highlights prospects that had impressive showings on Friday nights. Here are several prospects to watch out for this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='955836' first='Griffin' last='Mason']-Running Back-Shiloh Christian-5'10” 200-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='955836' first='Griffin' last='Mason'] put the 6-A conference on notice this week. The Shiloh Christian running back had a massive night for the Saints. Mason had 11 carries for 142 yards and 4 touchdowns on the night. Meanwhile, he hauled in 2 receptions for 20 yards. He had 1 pass for 70 yards and a touchdown. Mason amassed 232 yards and 5 touchdowns of total offense. Mason is setting the stage for a big season for the Saints.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221709' first='Isaiah' last='Arrington']-Wide Receiver-Greenwood-5'10” 170-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='221709' first='Isaiah' last='Arrington'] had an impressive summer on the camp circuit. The momentum he has built has not slowed down one bit as he entered the regular season. Arrington had a massive night against Bentonville West on Friday night. Greenwood quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='202575' first='Kane' last='Archer'] connected with Arrington 9 times for 142 yards and 1 touchdown on the night. Arrington has the potential to put up some impressive numbers this season and is a player to watch out for during the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='202575' first='Kane' last='Archer']-Quarterback-Greenwood-6'1” 207-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='202575' first='Kane' last='Archer'] is a dangerous quarterback to attempt to contain in or out of the pocket. He has the ability to pick a defense apart using his throwing arm or his legs. On Friday night, Archer looked to be in midseason form for the Bulldogs. Archer was 25-of-29 for 287 yards and 3 touchdowns. Meanwhile, he rushed for 113 yards on 11 carries. The Greenwood signal caller also hauled in a pass that was tipped for a 6-yard gain. Archer has not missed a beat and looks to be ready for the 2024 season. Player to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='361302' first='Grayson' last='Wilson']-Quarterback-Conway-6'3” 200-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the past few seasons, [player_tooltip player_id='361302' first='Grayson' last='Wilson'] has had no trouble getting off to a great start and this season is no different. Wilson got off to another strong start against Jonesboro on Friday night. Wilson was 9 of 14 for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns. Meanwhile, he used his legs to pick up 33 yards on 7 carries. Meanwhile, he punched the ball in the end zone 2 times as well. Wilson and the Wampus Cats look to be off to a strong start.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='232211' first='Brandon' last='Cobb']-Quarterback-Pulaski Academy-6'4” 205-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='232211' first='Brandon' last='Cobb'] is a player that can do a little bit of everything for Pulaski Academy. Cobb throws an accurate pass and is not afraid to test the secondary with the deep throw. The Pulaski Academy signal caller picked apart the Joe T. Robinson secondary. Cobb was 37 of 52 for 478 yards and 3 touchdowns. He was not afraid to use his legs to rack up yards on the ground. Cobb rushed 9 times for 28 yards. Cobb is off to a quick start this season and is a player to watch out for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370464' first='James' last='Townsend']-Athlete-Elkins-5'10” 145-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Elkins Elks have been a team to watch out for over the past few years and this season should not be any different. [player_tooltip player_id='1370464' first='James' last='Townsend'] had a big night for Elkins on both sides of the ball Friday night. On the offensive side of the ball, Townsend caught 9 passes for 106 yards and 1 touchdown. Meanwhile, he had 1 interception return for 67 yards. On special teams, he had a kickoff return for 40 yards and 2 punt returns for 42 yards. Townsend has the potential for a strong season with the Elks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1152116' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin']-Running Back-Southside-5'8” 180-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1152116' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin'] has the versatility to line up all over the field for Southside this season. McLaughlin displays great patience when running the football. He is the type of runner that allows the rushing lane to develop before exploding through the hole. McLaughlin ran the ball 28 times for 230 yards against Forrest City. McLaughlin also found the endzone for a two-point conversion on Friday night. I expect a strong season from the Southside running back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='413517' first='Anthony' last='Kennedy']-Defensive Line-Maumelle-6'6” 280-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Arkansas has had the opportunity to watch [player_tooltip player_id='413517' first='Anthony' last='Kennedy'] several times over the past year. He is a defensive lineman that explodes out of the stance. Kennedy gets into the backfield using a mix of power and speed. He can bull rush a blocker or just simply use his speed to get around him. Against Sylvan Hills on Friday, Kennedy had 5 tackles on the night, 2 sacks, and 3 tackles for loss. Kennedy has the potential for a strong season for the Hornets this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='392413' first='Christian' last='Battles']-Athlete-Fayetteville-5'11” 226-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Fayetteville Bulldogs seemed to be clicking on all cylinders on Friday night against Cabot. [player_tooltip player_id='392413' first='Christian' last='Battles'] had a strong showing on Friday night. Battles had 7 carries for 90 yards and 3 touchdowns. Meanwhile, he added 2 receptions for 22 yards on the night. He is a running back that does not go down on initial contact. He is a knack for making defenders miss. The Fayetteville offense has the potential to be explosive this season, as they look to defend a state championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1285665' first='Ian' last='Streeter']-Linebacker-Little Rock Mills-6'0” 175-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mills Comets have a history of producing talented prospects on both sides of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='1285665' first='Ian' last='Streeter'] reads the play well and puts himself in position to make the tackle. He gets off blocks quickly. Streeter uses his speed well to get away from opposing blockers. Against Blytheville, Streeter had an impressive showing. The Mills linebacker had 7 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass deflection on the night. I look for Streeter to have a big year for the Comets this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='335132' first='Talan' last='Williams']-Quarterback-Gentry-5'9” 165-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='335132' first='Talan' last='Williams'] had an impressive outing in Stilwell on Friday night. Williams made good decisions with the football all night for the Pioneers. He was 13 of 20 against Stilwell for 276 yards and 3 touchdowns. Williams showcased his accuracy on Friday night. The Gentry signal caller is setting the stage for a big season this season. He was in midseason form this week and I look for that trend to continue as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='823707' first='Decari' last='Prater']-Athlete-Prescott-6'3” 180-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future Tulsa Golden Hurricane player had a huge night on both sides of the ball for the Curley Wolves. Prater was active on the offensive side of the ball. He rushed 9 times for 45 yards and 1 touchdown. He was 5 of 13 through the air for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns. Meanwhile, he displayed his impressive coverage ability hauling in an interception and returning 80 yards for a touchdown. He is setting the stage for a big season and is a player to watch out for as the season cranks up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->