Greenwood Community Deals with Painful Loss

Growing up in the South, everyone learns from an early age that football is a part of the Southern culture. Whole towns and communities roll up to the sidewalks and come together at the stadium as one each and every Friday night during football season. However, long before the Friday night lights come on, the children grow up playing youth football and learning the nuances of the game that could one day make them hometown heroes. So, when tragedy strikes, it devastates everyone: family, friends, coaches, and townsfolk. players, and the people who have watched the kids play for years. It rips a gaping hole in the fabric of the community. The entire town and surrounding countryside are traumatized by the loss.

I rarely mention myself in any article; however, for this one article, I will make an exception. The town of Greenwood, Arkansas, is a special place, with sports as a way of life, where they have built a long-running, tradition-rich football dynasty, winning 11 state championships since 2000. At one time or another, I have scouted pretty much every player from Greenwood High School. Bulldog wide receiver Isaiah Arrington Isaiah Arrington 5'11" | 170 lbs | WR Greenwood | 2025 State AR made an immediate impression on me when I decided to get back in the business of covering sports.

Arrington had tremendous work ethic and would show up to every event that Prep Redzone Arkansas put on over the years. His improvement on the field was such a joy and inspiration to watch from one event to the next. Isaiah would make difficult receptions look easy and then use his 4.4 speed to terrorize opposing secondaries. Observers could tell from watching him with his teammates he that was having the time of his life.

Arrington perished in a house fire early Wednesday morning that also claimed the life of his mother and younger sister. I cannot begin to relate to you all the attributes of his wonderful mother, Wendy, or his little sister Vivan. My heart goes out to Dan and Isaiah's siblings Emory, Kaileigh, Emma, Bailey, Anthony, and Ayden. Nothing I can say here will help ease the pain of losing a mother, son, and sister. Just know that you are in the prayers of family, friends, community, and state. We are with you and wish you nothing but the best as you grieve the loss of your cherished loved ones.

Over the next few days, Isaiah's family and the community of Greenwood will be faced with a great deal of raw emotion. There will be memorial services, benefits, and remembrances. Football is important in Greenwood, but life trumps football, and football is on the back burner for now. We ask that readers please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. To the family, please know that the staff here at Prep Redzone Arkansas is here for anything you need. The entire family and community is special to everyone here at Prep Redzone Arkansas. Please take care of yourself and check on one another through the trying days ahead.

Finally, to Isaiah's teammates and coaches. What you do through the rest of the season will be a difficult situation and challenge to endure. Isaiah will be on your mind and in your hearts as you practice and prepare for the few games that remain in the 2024 season and postseason. Recognize that while you may still have opponents to face, you will have the respect and condolences of those opponents during this difficult time. Good luck as the season winds down and the postseason begins.