Round One Playoff Prospects to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state high school football playoffs are here in the Natural State. In this article, we will highlight several prospects to watch out for in the first round. The intensity and level of play is going to be cranked up a notch this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1283877' first='Enoch' last='Assan']-Running Back-Greenbrier-5'9” 185-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1283877' first='Enoch' last='Assan'] is a running back who seems to get stronger the more he carries the football. He has had a great season for Greenbrier this season. Assan is a patient running back who gets into the second level quickly. He has the potential to have a strong performance this week, and Greenbrier will need him against Batesville. Assan is a player to watch out for this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1244451' first='Hank' last='Hendrix']-Quarterback-Fayetteville-6'4” 185-Pounds-2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Fayetteville Bulldogs have had an up-and-down 2025 football season. Fayetteville signal caller [player_tooltip player_id='1244451' first='Hank' last='Hendrix'] has a strong throwing arm. He is not afraid to test the opposing secondary with the deep shot down the field. Hendrix knows when to extend the play and use his legs to keep a drive alive. Fayetteville squares off against Pulaski Academy on Friday in a rematch of last year's playoff game. Hendrix has the potential for a big game against the Bruins. He is a player to watch this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771990' first='Hunter' last='Warren']-Running Back/Linebacker-Booneville-5'9” 155-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='771990' first='Hunter' last='Warren'] is a player who must be accounted for on both sides of the ball. On the offensive side of the ball, he is a patient running back who has a knack for choosing the correct rushing lanes. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, Warren uses his quickness to shed blocks and get into the opposing offensive backfield. Booneville takes on Quitman this week in what should be a physical game for both teams. Keep an eye on Warren this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='204462' first='Dax' last='McMellon']-Quarterback-Sheridan-6'4” 220-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the years, [player_tooltip player_id='204462' first='Dax' last='McMellon'] has been a quarterback who is not afraid to test opposing secondaries. He has the arm strength and accuracy to fit the ball into tight coverages. Meanwhile, he is able to extend the play all the while keeping his eyes downfield. McMellon and the Yellowjackets take on Mountain Home in what should be a great game for the folks that like great offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1734280' first='Elijah' last='Sugg']-Running Back-Prairie Grove-6'1” 200-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1734280' first='Elijah' last='Sugg'] has had a breakout season in his senior year. He is a physical running back who punishes opposing defenders when they make the tackle. Sugg excels at being able to break tackles to get into the open field. Meanwhile, he is force on the defensive side of the ball as well for the Tigers. He can switch between the edge rush and linebacker spots with impressive effectiveness. Prairie Grove takes on Heber Springs in what has the potential to be a great matchup in week one of the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->