Playoff Edition Prime Time Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first round of the state playoffs featured plenty of impressive performances. Here are several players to take note of after a tremendous performance to kick off the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marquis Kobin-Linebacker-Springdale-5'11” 205-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Springdale Bulldogs had an impressive night across the board against Cabot to open up the state playoffs. Senior linebacker Marquis Kobin was all over the field for the Bulldogs. Kobin racked up 11 tackles, one sack, and had one fumble recovery. Kobin's big night helped Springdale advance to the second round of the state playoffs. Watch out for Kobin next week in the second round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1163928' first='Hakim' last='Frampton']-Athlete-Joe T. Robinson-5'11” 160-Pounds-2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1163928' first='Hakim' last='Frampton'] has built a reputation of being one of the state's most dynamic players on the field. He has the ability to line up all over the field for the Senators. Against Camden Fairview, Frampton had four tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and a big 80-yard interception return for a touchdown. Frampton is a player to watch out for in the second of the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1734280' first='Elijah' last='Sugg']-Running Back-Prairie Grove-6'2” 205-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1734280' first='Elijah' last='Sugg'] is the type of running back who just gets stronger and more productive as the game wears on. In the opening round of the playoffs, Sugg punished the Heber Springs defense with his bruising running style. Sugg racked up 30 carries for 252 yards and three touchdowns. Sugg is a back to watch out for in the second round of the playoffs when the Tigers host Pocahontas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1525124' first='Caden' last='Whitaker']-Running Back-Arkadelphia-6'3” 182-Pounds-2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Arkadelphia running back has had an impressive season all year for the Badgers and is not slowing down to start the state playoffs. Whitaker opened the playoffs with another strong performance on the ground. Whitaker amassed 160 yards on the ground, 40 yards as a wide receiver and found the end zone one time to help Arkadelphia to a victory in the first round of the state playoffs. He is a player to watch out for next week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joesph JoJo Accelus-Running Back-Monticello-5'11” 190-Pounds-2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Arkansas has said for several years that Accelus has the potential to take over games. Accelus had no problem proving that statement to be a fact to open the state playoffs. Accelus carried the ball 32 times for 243 yards and two touchdowns on the night. He is a player to watch out for as we progress into the second round of the state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Graham Stuart-Defensive Back-Lonoke-5'7” 155-Pounds-2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Graham Stuart is a name to remember next season for Lonoke. He is a player at the safety spot who has no problem being physical with opposing ball carriers. Stuart had a terrific night for the Jackrabbits. He racked up 15 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, and had a fumble recovery. Stuart is a player to watch out for during the 2026 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='382978' first='John' last='Thompson III']-Quarterback-Bentonville West-6'0” 170-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='382978' first='John' last='Thompson III'] saved a great performance for the opening round against North Little Rock. Thompson III made good decisions with the football throughout the night. He was 31 of 53 for 359 yards and one touchdown through the air. The Bentonville West signal caller is a prospect to watch out for next week in the second round of the playoffs. He continues to raise his level of play each week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1283877' first='Enoch' last='Assan']-Running Back-Greenbrier-5'9” 190-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1283877' first='Enoch' last='Assan'] is another prospect who has shone in each camp Prep Redzone Arkansas hosted the past few years. It comes as no surprise he continues to produce each week on the gridiron. Against Batesville, Assan continued his strong season. He rushed 16 times for 155 yards and one touchdown. Greenbrier and Assan are clicking on all cylinders entering the second round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->