Friday Night Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have reached the point in the week where we will look ahead to Friday night. The Natural State always does an excellent job of producing quality football every Friday. In this article, we are going to give you several players to watch out for this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='203768' first='Drew' last='Davis']-Quarterback-Benton-6'2” 192-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 is one of the most talented that the state of Arkansas has seen in quite some time. [player_tooltip player_id='203768' first='Drew' last='Davis'] earned all-state honors one season ago. The Benton signal caller looks as if he is well on his way to repeating that feat. Davis does a great job of throwing his wide receivers open. Benton takes on Sheridan this Friday night. Davis has the potential to have a strong showing this week. He is a player to watch out for as we draw closer to the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='323923' first='Cameron' last='Keller']-Running Back-Van Buren-6'0” 175-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Van Buren running back is a nightmare for opposing defensives to account for on the field. Keller will not go down on initial contact and he has ability to explode into the second level. He is a patient runner that has allowed his blockers to create rushing lanes this season. Last week, the Van Buren running back rushed for over 200 yards. He is a player to watch out for this week, when the Pointers take on Lake Hamilton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1474793' first='Peyton' last='Zimmerman']-Wide Receiver-Fort Smith Southside-5'10” 175-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1474793' first='Peyton' last='Zimmerman'] has exploded onto the scene this season for the Mavericks. He does a tremendous job of getting open for his quarterback. Zimmerman uses an impressive mix of speed and route running to create separation from opposing defensive backs. At the midseason point, Zimmerman has hauled in 22 receptions for 373 yards and 5 touchdowns. He has racked up 614 total yards and 7 touchdowns. He is a player to watch out for this week when the Mavericks take on Shiloh Christian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='701205' first='Kaleb' last='Roach']-Defensive Back-Magnolia-5'11” 184-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Magnolia always has talented players on both sides of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='701205' first='Kaleb' last='Roach'] is a defensive back that has a nose for the football. He is able to put himself in great positions to make plays on the ball. Roach has had a busy season in the secondary for Magnolia this season. He has 4 interceptions, 4 pass deflections, and 10 tackles on the season. Roach will look to have a strong outing when Magnolia takes on Camden Fairview this Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='396381' first='Brenden' last='Simmons']-Athlete-Fordyce-5'11” 188-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='396381' first='Brenden' last='Simmons'] is having an excellent season for the Redbugs this season. He has done a great job of stuffing the stat sheet this season. Simmons has racked up 42 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, and 1 sack this season. Simmons is having a tremendous season for Fordyce. The Redbugs will take on Palestine-Wheatley this week. Simmons is a player to watch out for this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->