This will be discussed endlessly over the next 8 months, but let's get it started.
Winning four in a row is very rare, but at this point I think PA is the favorite to do it. PA loses its best offensive lineman, best defensive lineman, best defensive back, and best running back. Every year I look at what PA loses and say they can't be as good next year. And every year I'm wrong. They will be very good next year.
Who are the challengers?
I know Wynne returns many starters next year. They are good every year and next year will be no exception. I think they will, once again, be the primary challenger to PA.
Batesville is always there in late November. If they can escape the injuries next year, they will be there again.
I don't know who Alma and Morrilton have coming back, but I expect both to be very good again next year.
Sylvan Hills and LRCA should both challenge in Central next year.
I don't know who any of the South teams have back next year. I hope the South is much stronger next year than it was this year.
It's a long off season.
As an aside, I found this interesting. Layne Hatcher has started at QB at PA since the sixth grade (we recruited him early!). In six years, he has lost one game(Salt Lake City East this year). He has also won the state wrestling championship the last two years. The kid is a competitor.
His sisters have several state championships in soccer and basketball from when they played at CAC. Very athletic family.
Also, every three year starting qb coming through PA has won state their senior year, correct?
That rare 4 peat is elusive. There have been some great teams fall short of it. But PA is just as good as, if not better, than any of them so they definitely have a shot.
Quote from: MDXPHD on December 11, 2016, 09:41:00 pm
His sisters have several state championships in soccer and basketball from when they played at CAC. Very athletic family.
Also, every three year starting qb coming through PA has won state their senior year, correct?
I actually can't remember a three year starter at QB at PA. Knighten and Hefley didn't start until they were juniors.
Maynard, you're the PA history guy. Has there been a three year starter?
Quote from: PA Dad on December 11, 2016, 09:46:09 pm
I actually can't remember a three year starter at QB at PA. Knighten and Hefley didn't start until they were juniors.
Maynard, you're the PA history guy. Has there been a three year starter?
Maybe I'm off on that. So the quarterbacks that started more than one year have always won state their senior year maybe? I thought I read some statistic about that.
I believe hatchers older sister won 3 straight in basketball at CAC. Competitive family I bet.
Quote from: MDXPHD on December 11, 2016, 10:00:26 pm
Maybe I'm off on that. So the quarterbacks that started more than one year have always won state their senior year maybe? I thought I read some statistic about that.
I believe hatchers older sister won 3 straight in basketball at CAC. Competitive family I bet.
Until last year, PA had never won a championship without a two year senior starter at QB. That may be what you are referencing.
I believe Wynne will be in the hunt again. A year for the Jacket sophmores to grow. I believe that's the class next year's slot backs will spring from. I think they will end up being bigger and faster than this years edition. I also think the ends might actually get thrown to next season.
I think the East playoff teams will be.
Wynne, Batesville,Valley View, Nettleton.
Quote from: PA Dad on December 11, 2016, 10:03:57 pm
Until last year, PA had never won a championship without a two year senior starter at QB. That may be what you are referencing.
That's probably it. Thanks. Did knighten lose in the championship? Was that against Shiloh and Frazier?
Quote from: walkingguy72396 on December 11, 2016, 10:07:28 pm
I believe Wynne will be in the hunt again. A year for the Jacket sophmores to grow. I believe that's the class next year's slot backs will spring from. I think they will end up being bigger and faster than this years edition. I also think the ends might actually get thrown to next season.
I think the East playoff teams will be.
Wynne, Batesville,Valley View, Nettleton.
Do you think Wynne will run the same offense next year?
Quote from: walkingguy72396 on December 11, 2016, 10:07:28 pm
I believe Wynne will be in the hunt again. A year for the Jacket sophmores to grow. I believe that's the class next year's slot backs will spring from. I think they will end up being bigger and faster than this years edition. I also think the ends might actually get thrown to next season.
I think the East playoff teams will be.
Wynne, Batesville,Valley View, Nettleton.
Will #7 be back next year for Wynne? He is a beast. Good size, great power and good speed. I held my breath every time he got the ball.
My best guess is yes. The Flex Bone will be used again. Since all the lower grades are running the flexbone and Wynnes returning QB best fits well in that role.
7 Hicks is a Junior. He should be back.
Quote from: MDXPHD on December 11, 2016, 10:09:00 pm
That's probably it. Thanks. Did knighten lose in the championship? Was that against Shiloh and Frazier?
Knighten won the championship in 2011 as a senior. That was, in my opinion, the best team PA has ever had. That team had 7-8 D-1 players.
And, in my opinion, Knighten was the best QB at PA ever. He was a true dual threat and had a great head for the game.
Quote from: walkingguy72396 on December 11, 2016, 10:32:06 pm
7 Hicks is a Junior. He should be back.
That's really bad news for the rest of 5A. He is a man among boys.
Quote from: PA Dad on December 11, 2016, 10:36:26 pm
Knighten won the championship in 2011 as a senior. That was, in my opinion, the best team PA has ever had. That team had 7-8 D-1 players.
And, in my opinion, Knighten was the best QB at PA ever. He was a true dual threat and had a great head for the game.
Best QB ever, and best team ever. I agree. It was Hunter's junior year and they beat malvern in The finals game. It was the year they mercy ruled Cabot and Fayetteville turned off the scoreboard in the preseason scrimmage. Because of what it said.
Quote from: walkingguy72396 on December 11, 2016, 10:07:28 pm
I believe Wynne will be in the hunt again. A year for the Jacket sophmores to grow. I believe that's the class next year's slot backs will spring from. I think they will end up being bigger and faster than this years edition. I also think the ends might actually get thrown to next season.
I think the East playoff teams will be.
Wynne, Batesville,Valley View, Nettleton.
Will Blytheville be down next year? I guess I expect them to be better every year than they turn out to be.
I
Quote from: PA Dad on December 11, 2016, 11:15:21 pm
Will Blytheville be down next year? I guess I expect them to be better every year than they turn out to be.
I just think those 21 points that Clark provided on long break away runs.
Will be gone. I'm also going by the Batesville and Forrest City games this past season.
In other words its a guess.
Quote from: walkingguy72396 on December 12, 2016, 07:03:25 am
I
I just think those 21 points that Clark provided on long break away runs.
Will be gone. I'm also going by the Batesville and Forrest City games this past season.
In other words its a guess.
It is also hurting Blytheville because of their shrinking attendance numbers. They will be in the 4A soon.
Quote from: Yellowcake on December 11, 2016, 10:52:12 pm
Best QB ever, and best team ever. I agree. It was Hunter's junior year and they beat malvern in The finals game. It was the year they mercy ruled Cabot and Fayetteville turned off the scoreboard in the preseason scrimmage. Because of what it said.
Without a doubt on both points. That PA team was one of the best HS teams in Arkansas state history. Fredi was an unstoppable HS QB.
That team was so good I look at these PA teams the last few years and almost wonder how they won state by comparison.
Quote from: Red Devil Alum on December 12, 2016, 02:41:06 pm
Without a doubt on both points. That PA team was one of the best HS teams in Arkansas state history. Fredi was an unstoppable HS QB.
That team was so good I look at these PA teams the last few years and almost wonder how they won state by comparison.
I know. 3-4 d-1 players are boring to watch compared to 7-8.
McClellan of course! Lost superstar Pierre Strong, but returning basically the defense and basically the offense is the same, without Pierre and dalvion
Quote from: MDXPHD on December 12, 2016, 03:00:08 pm
I know. 3-4 d-1 players are boring to watch compared to 7-8.
I did not expect you to grasp nuance.
Quote from: Red Devil Alum on December 12, 2016, 08:03:40 pm
I did not expect you to grasp nuance.
You're really fond of me these days.
Quote from: Jimmy1995 on December 12, 2016, 07:58:01 pm
McClellan of course! Lost superstar Pierre Strong, but returning basically the defense and basically the offense is the same, without Pierre and dalvion
I had no doubt jimmy would say McClellan! I bet the central will be solid from top to bottom again?
Quote from: MDXPHD on December 12, 2016, 08:25:38 pm
I had no doubt jimmy would say McClellan! I bet the central will be solid from top to bottom again?
Of course! Fair and Mills will be great next year!
Quote from: PA Dad on December 12, 2016, 08:26:41 pm
Of course! Fair and Mills will be great next year!
Didn't mills have a decent team a few years ago? I vaguely remember them being better than what they typically are.
Quote from: MDXPHD on December 12, 2016, 08:28:45 pm
Didn't mills have a decent team a few years ago? I vaguely remember them being better than what they typically are.
If so, it's been a good while. I can't remember them having a good team.
Quote from: MDXPHD on December 12, 2016, 08:25:38 pm
I had no doubt jimmy would say McClellan! I bet the central will be solid from top to bottom again?
I think McClellan, Sylvan Hills, and LRCA will have pretty good teams next year. I'd give the edge to LRCA,
They have good talent and will have more experience next year.
Quote from: PA Dad on December 12, 2016, 08:41:29 pm
I think McClellan, Sylvan Hills, and LRCA will have pretty good teams next year. I'd give the edge to LRCA,
They have good talent and will have more experience next year.
Haha McClellan till the end! But I agree with PA Dad, I give a edge to PA and LRCA over McClellan. We will have to prove ourselves next year.
Mills had a decent team in 2013. Alma beat them in the quarterfinals.
Alma loses a bunch of key pieces:
QB - Noah Dotson
Entire offensive line...even the backups.
Defensive line.
The trenches are going to have to be moved around and worked with some. It's always scary to have no experience up front, but hopefully we find a way.
Dotson is a big loss, but it's hard to feel BAD about getting a kid in Garrison Jensen who has played ample time and has led a game winning drive against Conway as a sophomore.
People will just have to step up. Don't think Alma will be the favorites next year. Not sure who. Morrilton loses quite a bit, but moves up a good 9th grade group. Harrison doesn't lose as much and moves up a good 9th grade group. Not sure what Greenbrier was like in seniority. Burcham was a senior correct?
Farmington will have to prove they are over the hump before I say it. I don't see Clarksville getting there yet. Vilonia? Who knows about Vilonia.
Quote from: Almatrackster on December 12, 2016, 11:03:54 pm
Mills had a decent team in 2013. Alma beat them in the quarterfinals.
Alma loses a bunch of key pieces:
QB - Noah Dotson
Entire offensive line...even the backups.
Defensive line.
The trenches are going to have to be moved around and worked with some. It's always scary to have no experience up front, but hopefully we find a way.
Dotson is a big loss, but it's hard to feel BAD about getting a kid in Garrison Jensen who has played ample time and has led a game winning drive against Conway as a sophomore.
People will just have to step up. Don't think Alma will be the favorites next year. Not sure who. Morrilton loses quite a bit, but moves up a good 9th grade group. Harrison doesn't lose as much and moves up a good 9th grade group. Not sure what Greenbrier was like in seniority. Burcham was a senior correct?
Farmington will have to prove they are over the hump before I say it. I don't see Clarksville getting there yet. Vilonia? Who knows about Vilonia.
Ouch! I had no idea Alma was losing so much.
But, I'll be very surprised if Alma is not in the mix next year. Like Batesville, they always seem to be there in late November.
Morrilton loses their QB , they have one returning who got lots of snaps throughout the season and is a talented young man. There's the freshman who many will crown the starter day one. He led many 4th qtr drives last year to end the season undefeated .
They'll lose their top two receivers, those two had great high school careers. Certainly not to take anything away from them but others will step up. We will be more than fine there. With returning talent and incoming group , no worries about playmakers. Incoming group has five Criswells on it I think.
Will lose a three year player on the offensive line , the rest will return. Definitely miss his leadership there. Lose the leader of defense at a middle backer , couple of edge players , who made lots of plays but also split time. Secondary loses a safety.
And losing defensive lineman who was a three year player. Several players rotated on defense.
Morrilton will reload not rebuild the next few years. The talent is there , skill players and linemen. It'll be an exciting team to watch.
Quote from: PA Dad on December 11, 2016, 09:19:09 pm
This will be discussed endlessly over the next 8 months, but let's get it started.
Winning four in a row is very rare, but at this point I think PA is the favorite to do it. PA loses its best offensive lineman, best defensive lineman, best defensive back, and best running back. Every year I look at what PA loses and say they can't be as good next year. And every year I'm wrong. They will be very good next year.
Who are the challengers?
I know Wynne returns many starters next year. They are good every year and next year will be no exception. I think they will, once again, be the primary challenger to PA.
Batesville is always there in late November. If they can escape the injuries next year, they will be there again.
I don't know who Alma and Morrilton have coming back, but I expect both to be very good again next year.
Sylvan Hills and LRCA should both challenge in Central next year.
I don't know who any of the South teams have back next year. I hope the South is much stronger next year than it was this year.
It's a long off season.
Is the offensive lineman you are talking about Luke Jones? If so, he was just a Junior this year.
Quote from: MB Hog on December 14, 2016, 11:25:29 am
Is the offensive lineman you are talking about Luke Jones? If so, he was just a Junior this year.
I assumed he meant Seth Martin
Quote from: the voice on December 13, 2016, 05:39:37 am
Morrilton loses their QB , they have one returning who got lots of snaps throughout the season and is a talented young man. There's the freshman who many will crown the starter day one. He led many 4th qtr drives last year to end the season undefeated .
They'll lose their top two receivers, those two had great high school careers. Certainly not to take anything away from them but others will step up. We will be more than fine there. With returning talent and incoming group , no worries about playmakers. Incoming group has five Criswells on it I think.
Will lose a three year player on the offensive line , the rest will return. Definitely miss his leadership there. Lose the leader of defense at a middle backer , couple of edge players , who made lots of plays but also split time. Secondary loses a safety.
And losing defensive lineman who was a three year player. Several players rotated on defense.
Morrilton will reload not rebuild the next few years. The talent is there , skill players and linemen. It'll be an exciting team to watch.
It sounds like Morrilton has some holes to fill, but has a good core of returning players. It's always fun to see who steps up to fill the holes. Someone usually does.
Quote from: Red Devil Alum on December 14, 2016, 11:52:49 am
I assumed he meant Seth Martin
I actually meant Luke although I wouldn't argue if either was called the best. I thought Luke was a senior. I'm glad I'm wrong.
Alma returns some key members of the secondary, some key linebackers, and our best wide receiver/athlete.
Plus, we had a really good sophomore who was hurt all year who will step up next year. He is basically the sophomore's class best athlete in every sport and got hurt before football.
Quote from: Almatrackster on December 14, 2016, 09:51:27 pm
Alma returns some key members of the secondary, some key linebackers, and our best wide receiver/athlete.
Plus, we had a really good sophomore who was hurt all year who will step up next year. He is basically the sophomore's class best athlete in every sport and got hurt before football.
I think losing both offensive and defensive lines is probably the biggest concern. They're not the "stars", but they are the anchors.
Wouldn't be surprised to see PA and Wynne again. Wynne returns arguably the best back in 5A in Hicks and maybe the best D-lineman in 5A in Jessup. Out of the 6 All-State players for Wynne 4 are Jrs. And PA,well their just loaded.
Maumelle could be pretty good the next 2 years, depending on who comes back from this year's team and if we get any back that didn't play this year. We were really, really young this past fall.
Here my to 8 for next year
1. PA
2 Wynne
3 sylvan hills
4 alma
5 batesville
6 Watson chapel
7 LR Mc Clellan
8 LR Christian
Here some honable mentions could go deep if get right seed
Forrest city
White Hall
Blytheville
HS Lakeside
Quote from: tmycjy on December 17, 2016, 05:53:36 pm
Here my to 8 for next year
1. PA
2 Wynne
3 sylvan hills
4 alma
5 batesville
6 Watson chapel
7 LR Mc Clellan
8 LR Christian
Here some honable mentions could go deep if get right seed
Forrest city
White Hall
Blytheville
HS Lakeside
I think that's a good list. I'd put LRCA over Sylvan Hills, but otherwise I agree.
Whether or not Wynne is going to be there, (in the hunt), next season will depend on what type of coach we end up with. There is no guarantee the next HC will run anything like the Flexbone. However, I would not expect to see a move too far away from that type of game that could feature the option. If it were mine to run, I would run the Single Wing with a shift to the Pro I. I would never ever line up in a no back spread, ever. My DC would have two options at defense. 3/4 and 5/2, outside of that, we would play zone coverage and I would keep a constant pressure on the opposing QB every snap. Safety, Corner, Monster....so on, on every down for those teams that like to spread you out. Defense at the high school level is not up with the offense these days anyway. You have to think outside the box.
We should be good, but it will be a wait and see thing for now. There are some powerful coaches out there that rumor has already tossed around. Some like the split back veer, some run the spread. Who knows. As for the east, never count Blytheville out of the playoffs.
Quote from: tmycjy on December 17, 2016, 05:53:36 pm
Here my to 8 for next year
1. PA
2 Wynne
3 sylvan hills
4 alma
5 batesville
6 Watson chapel
7 LR Mc Clellan
8 LR Christian
Here some honable mentions could go deep if get right seed
Forrest city
White Hall
Blytheville
HS Lakeside
You forgot Morrilton.
Also I'm hearing not many are excited about replacing hill. They'd rather replace his replacement. Lots of expectations for next year. I heard AD doesn't want job. A couple on staff have applied. I'm not sure how much of that is accurate as I'm not in the know there.
Been hearing the same stuff also, but, it all has to go through the process and we should know by the end of the month or so. No matter what goes down, we will have one heck of a backfield to work with. Got some of those big old corn fed boys in the trenches too.
Quote from: FD4 on January 03, 2017, 11:19:36 am
Been hearing the same stuff also, but, it all has to go through the process and we should know by the end of the month or so. No matter what goes down, we will have one heck of a backfield to work with. Got some of those big old corn fed boys in the trenches too.
Wasn't sure if any of it was accurate. Lots coming back no doubt
Your pressures would be limited only playing zone while blitzing. Could never send 6. Sending 5 on a blitz and playing zone would limit u to pretty much cover 3...you better get there or be torched!
Quote from: Yellowcake on December 11, 2016, 10:52:12 pm
Best QB ever, and best team ever. I agree. It was Hunter's junior year and they beat malvern in The finals game. It was the year they mercy ruled Cabot and Fayetteville turned off the scoreboard in the preseason scrimmage. Because of what it said.
Why not schedule someone like Fayetteville or NLR in a real game??
Quote from: IAFLAR7 on January 25, 2017, 12:17:19 pm
Why not schedule someone like Fayetteville or NLR in a real game??
Those teams won't agree to the game. Nothing in it for them.
Quote from: Red Devil Alum on January 25, 2017, 08:42:52 pm
Those teams won't agree to the game. Nothing in it for them.
I don't see why? Pulaski Academy is a nationally recognized program regardless of classification.
I would be willing to bet the larger schools are hesitant to agree to a game
Quote from: Youngsta71701 on January 27, 2017, 06:03:32 am
I don't see why? Pulaski Academy is a nationally recognized program regardless of classification.
It is my understanding PA has attempted to schedule and been denied. I'm sure the grief that Cabot took a few years ago doesn't help.
::) ::) ::)
It's my understanding that this season will be PA's last in 5A as they are moving up to 6A for the 2018 season. They'll get tested there.
As far as this year's 5A South goes, Watson Chapel, White Hall, and Lakeside should be the favorites. Magnolia is getting better though and one can never count out Camden Fairview or Hope.
Quote from: GuvHog on March 20, 2017, 12:59:45 pm
It's my understanding that this season will be PA's last in 5A as they are moving up to 6A for the 2018 season. They'll get tested there.
As far as this year's 5A South goes, Watson Chapel, White Hall, and lakeside should be the favorites. Magnolia is getting better though and one can never count out Camden Fairview or Hope.
Is it official that PA is moving up? I hope it's true, but I haven't heard that.
Quote from: PA Dad on March 20, 2017, 02:15:52 pm
Is it official that PA is moving up? I hope it's true, but I haven't heard that.
Nothing could be official at this point. Reclassification numbers don't come out for another month. For PA to go up to 6A the lowest 6A school by student population would have to come down, as of the last count that would be Greenwood. There is an interesting prediction thread in the morning quarterback forum on the new numbers.
Here my top 10 teams
1.Pulask academy ( until they lose there number 1
2.wynne ( 2 out of 3 state title game has almost everyone back)
3 batesville 7 straight year of simi final games or finals)
4 Watson chapel ( win the right games could go deep
5 Blytheville ( getting better every year sense Ben fisher been name head coach )
6 sylvan Hills ( could go deep with right seed could lose early with wrong seed )
7 LR McClellan ( same as number 6 )
8 white hall ( shock everyone lost year could do it again )
9. Forrest city ( could go deep if they get hot)
10 alma ( don't know much about there team right now
I do not know any-thing about Sylvan Hills. But if they are better than last year. They are going to be a handful.
Quote from: walkingguy72396 on March 23, 2017, 03:46:30 pm
I do not know any-thing about Sylvan Hills. But if they are better than last year. They are going to be a handful.
You right but if they get a real good team in the playoff they my not win
7 and 25 (Lightning and Thunder) should be both in the backfield this season. Look for more production out of our QB also, (3rd year starter), the Line will be as if not more salty than last season. Jessup should be back on defense, secondary will be as usual, unless Van decides to allow Luke to play some safety or corner when needed. Linbackers will be top notch and Hicks will be much stronger than last season on the line as well.
I attended the Liberty Bowl this season, got a chance to see Neck Chub up close. Hicks is bigger in the legs. Should be a great season if we can make it through district with no injuries.
Dad, so yall waited until Hatch was in the 6th, why so late?
Quote from: FD4 on April 03, 2017, 04:54:44 pm
7 and 25 (Lightning and Thunder) should be both in the backfield this season. Look for more production out of our QB also, (3rd year starter), the Line will be as if not more salty than last season. Jessup should be back on defense, secondary will be as usual, unless Van decides to allow Luke to play some safety or corner when needed. Linbackers will be top notch and Hicks will be much stronger than last season on the line as well.
I attended the Liberty Bowl this season, got a chance to see Neck Chub up close. Hicks is bigger in the legs. Should be a great season if we can make it through district with no injuries.
Dad, so yall waited until Hatch was in the 6th, why so late?
Out talent scouts fell down on the job.
Good Stuff, here in Wynne we go all out, we actually council the parents prior to conception!
Pre-Season Top Ten
1. Pulaski Academy
2. Wynne
3. Batesville
4. Sylvan Hills
5. Watson Chapel
6. Alma
7. White Hall
8. Morrilton
9. Forrest City
10. Harrison
Tell me why your team (or any team) should be lower, higher, on the list, not on the list.
PA
Batesville
Wynne
Quote from: Almatrackster on April 30, 2017, 07:06:59 pm
Pre-Season Top Ten
1. Pulaski Academy
2. Wynne
3. Batesville
4. Sylvan Hills
5. Watson Chapel
6. Alma
7. White Hall
8. Morrilton
9. Forrest City
10. Harrison
Tell me why your team (or any team) should be lower, higher, on the list, not on the list.
I think LRCA should be on the list. They were very young last year and had a respectable season. I expect that they will be much better this year.
If you rank Batesville ahead of Wynne at this moment you know nothing about 5A or 5A East football. Last year it would be understandable to do preseason. But this year it makes no sense.
Quote from: Almatrackster on April 30, 2017, 07:06:59 pm
Pre-Season Top Ten
1. Pulaski Academy
2. Wynne
3. Batesville
4. Sylvan Hills
5. Watson Chapel
6. Alma
7. White Hall
8. Morrilton
9. Forrest City
10. Harrison
Tell me why your team (or any team) should be lower, higher, on the list, not on the list.
I'm curious to know why you put Sylvan Hills above Watson Chapel when Chapel beat Sylvan Hills at Sylvan Hills in the playoffs last year and they have a lot of talent returning. If Jakobi Jackson is able to mend fences with coach Dutton and return to the team, WC could very well make another deep run in the playoffs.
Quote from: oldjacketman on May 01, 2017, 08:20:17 am
If you rank Batesville ahead of Wynne at this moment you know nothing about 5A or 5A East football. Last year it would be understandable to do preseason. But this year it makes no sense.
If Wynne were to stand pat then yes, they would be a clear number 2. The big question mark is the coaching change. Never underestimate the disruption a new coach can bring. Add to that a few new assistant coaches and Wynne goes from clear cut favorite to big question mark. Read the thread on Wynne's head coach opening, there was a ton of drama within Wynne fans. You don't think that can effect teenagers ? even if the new coach runs the exact same offense, it's a big change. How many players were close to the leaving assistant coaches ? is there bad blood among parents because their choice didn't get the job ? some people commented that Hill was a hard nosed kind of coach, maybe that's what it takes to get the most out of them, who knows ? they may be just fine, not skip a beat. Maybe not. Never assume that because they have so many returning players that it will be a seamless transition, it never is. Granted the talent is there but a coaching change is a big deal.
I can agree with that Jessie. I'm talking strictly based on last year and what's returning for each team. There's been probably more change and shake up in Wynne than most know.
Quote from: oldjacketman on May 02, 2017, 06:41:41 am
I can agree with that Jessie. I'm talking strictly based on last year and what's returning for each team. There's been probably more change and shake up in Wynne than most know.
On paper yes, they seem ready to rumble. Being a Batesville fan I fear saying anything, the rivalry can explode at any minute, lol. Again, I don't know but it seems like there are a lot of factors going on in Yellowjacket country that have nothing to do with the players. That is a crying shame. From what you can glean from the message boards is that there are some issue's with the school board playing politics. It sounds like there are some petty fueds and a lot of back biting. Some have indicated that the previous coach had people undermining him while a lot of other people say he brought it on himself. Who knows where the truth lies ? as much as I enjoy beating Wynne It seems unfair that those boys have to deal with the drama. The players deserve the universal support of not only the parents/fans but everyone associated with the school.
Quote from: GuvHog on May 01, 2017, 09:56:46 am
I'm curious to know why you put Sylvan Hills above Watson Chapel when Chapel beat Sylvan Hills at Sylvan Hills in the playoffs last year and they have a lot of talent returning. If Jakobi Jackson is able to mend fences with coach Dutton and return to the team, WC could very well make another deep run in the playoffs.
Mainly because I didn't know what WC had returning. Sylvan Hills is a big 5A school right now (enrollment putting them right in the middle of 6A for the next cycle) and numbers do matter. If that QB comes back though, then I would put WC ahead of SH.
Quote from: PA Dad on April 30, 2017, 08:44:38 pm
I think LRCA should be on the list. They were very young last year and had a respectable season. I expect that they will be much better this year.
Ahh, yes. LRCA slipped my mind. Just not sure who to replace in the top ten that I have.
Quote from: Almatrackster on May 08, 2017, 10:42:19 am
Mainly because I didn't know what WC had returning. Sylvan Hills is a big 5A school right now (enrollment putting them right in the middle of 6A for the next cycle) and numbers do matter. If that QB comes back though, then I would put WC ahead of SH.
If you are referring to WC's QB that started during the playoffs last season, he is a Senior and will graduate this month. If you are referring to Jakobi Jackson who was the starting QB until he was kicked off of the team for disciplinary reasons after WC's loss to Magnolia, then I agree with you.
If you look back at all the successful high school football teams, and you look at those who are in the mix with out fail year end year out, you always find a head coach that has made the decision to get it done there and only there. You know, commit to making it work year end and year out. Chris was a great fit for our school at a time when the football program was backing up instead of pressing forward. I mean, deep down inside we know our opponents were eager to get on the field with us until the nightmare of the perfect execution of the diamond T did them in. Sure, we took some like we dished out, but we were always there, as a result of a 16 season head coach. His understudy, which was just as veteran and one of the reasons we have two titles in the north endzone from his defense simply could not weather the storm for better talent to arrive. Enter Chris Hill. With two QB's that could air it out and some top notch receivers, it did not take long to get to WM. Then with a great running attack, back again last season. You must realize it takes time and lots of very hard work at the 4A and up level to produce year in and year out. I hope Van gets our guys to work in stead of play. We should by all accounts, be a very good 5A team, but that is still a mark away from greatness. Time will tell.
Quote from: Almatrackster on May 08, 2017, 10:43:44 am
Ahh, yes. LRCA slipped my mind. Just not sure who to replace in the top ten that I have.
LRCA did upset a talented White Hall team last year, which you have ranked number 7, and they only lose about 5 seniors who played. I think they could definitely finish in a close 3 or 4 spot in the playoffs.