QUARTERFINALS + SEMIFINALS: Upset Watch and Players to Monitor

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We examine matchups that could be on upset watch and explore the reasons why. We discuss some players who could have a significant impact on their team on Friday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">UPSET WATCH:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monticello (7-5) over Dardanelle (12-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Why: Dardanelle will be heavily favored, but you can't miss out on two D1 prospects for Monticello. Running back [player_tooltip player_id='527845' first='Joseph' last='JoJo Accelus'] and tight end [player_tooltip player_id='1078073' first='Jaxon' last='Rawls'] will both have a factor in this matchup—multiple mismatches at all field levels. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rogers (10-1) over Bryant (11-0) </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Why: Bryant is one of the top-ranked teams in the nation. Rogers' only loss is against a state title contender, and Rogers has the firepower to keep up with Bryant. Rogers can spread the field and use their athleticism to stretch Bryant's defense. Players such as [player_tooltip player_id='1010800' first='Jeff' last='Regan'], [player_tooltip player_id='283584' first='Braxton' last='Lindsey'], [player_tooltip player_id='1644049' first='Henry' last='Frazier'] and more will lead the way for the Mounties. Keep an eye on this matchup. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Benton (9-2) over Greenwood (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Why: Hundreds of people all over Arkansas are already counting Benton out. Could this be the moment that Benton overcomes their hump in the playoffs and defeats the back-to-back state champs? Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='203768' first='Drew' last='Davis'] leads the way. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR [player_tooltip player_id='213495' first='Blair' last='Ken Irvin III'] (Bentonville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='1189935' first='Reece' last='Simpson'] (Joe T. Robinson)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB [player_tooltip player_id='685765' first='Tyler' last='Hampton'] (Sylvan Hills)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1547292' first='Tyler' last='Bell'] (Osceola)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB [player_tooltip player_id='1590825' first='Brenden' last='Murdock'] (Benton)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->