CLASS 2A FEARLESS FORECAST

[BarclayAlmanac]

Over the next weeks, we'll take a look at each conference and with the help of RPS determine who will win the conference championship and who will contend:

2A-3
PROJECTED CHAMPION: Cross County
CONTENDERS: Earle, East Poinsett County
KEY GAME(S): Oct. 16 East Poinsett at Cross County, Oct. 23 East Poinsett at Earle, Nov. 6 Earle at Cross County
FEARLESS FORECAST: Anfernee Davis returns to lead Cross County after leading the state in rushing with 2,307 yards and 31 touchdowns on 258 carries. Davis has rushed for 4,129 and 58 touchdowns in his career. Cross County, Earle and East Poinsett County all shared the conference a year ago. Cross County is going for its first outright league title since 1990 and enjoys the scheduling advantage by hosting both contenders.

2A-4
PROJECTED CHAMPION: Hector
CONTENDERS: Hackett, Union Christian Academy, Mountainburg
KEY GAME(S): Sept. 11 Hackett at Hector, Sept. 11 Mountainburg at Union Christian, Oct. 9 Mountainburg at Hector, Oct. 9 Union Christian at Hackett, Oct. 16 Hackett at Mountainburg, Oct. 16 Union Christian at Hector
FEARLESS FORECAST: Hector receives the slight nod as favorite and gets a huge schedule boost by hosting all three contenders. In another schedule oddity, all the favorites play games against each other on the same nights including early-season conference games on September 11 followed on October 9 and 16. Hackett got a big lift during the off-season with the addition of five players who will contribute from Hartford, which was forced to merge with Hackett. Hector quarterback Tanner Gaines has already thrown for 3,002 and 30 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,321 yards and 18 touchdowns, and he's just entering his junior season. Union Christian quarterback Christian Snipes, who threw for 2,564 and 21 touchdowns last year as a freshman. Mountainburg running back Clayton Stephenson ran for 2,055 and 22 touchdowns in only 10 games last year. "Could be a dog fight for the top four spots," said Tom Harrell, who enters his 26th season as head coach at Mountainburg.

2A-5
PROJECTED CHAMPION: Magnet Cove
CONTENDERS: Conway Christian, England
KEY GAME(S): Sept. 25 Magnet Cove at England, Oct. 9 Conway Christian at England, Oct. 30 Conway Christian at Magnet Cove
FEARLESS FORECAST: England has the luxury hosting slight preseason favorite Magnet Cove and contender Conway Christian while Conway Christian has the misfortune of playing Magnet Cove and England on the road. Magnet Cove returns quarterback Harrison Wade, who completed 119 of 227 passes for 1,733 yards and 22 touchdowns. Receiver Jay Kelley snared 37 passes for 551 yards and six scores. "We have depth at the skilled position," Magnet Cove head coach Ronnie Efird said. "Weakness will be an inexperienced offensive line. We're very young with maybe three sophomores starting." Conway Christian also returns its quarterback in Jakob Henry, who threw for 1,741 yards and 21 touchdowns. England also returns its quarterback in junior Brayden Brazeal, who had a solid summer of 7-on-7 play. "It should be a battle between us, England and Conway Christian," Efird said. "England will have a ton of athletes. Conway Christian returns the best Q.B. in our league."

2A-6
CONFERENCE CHAMPION: Hazen
CONTENDERS: McCrory, Des Arc
KEY GAME(S):  Sept. 11 Des Arc at McCrory, Sept. 25 Hazen at McCrory, Oct. 23 Hazen at Des Arc.
FEARLESS FORECAST: Logan Penn makes Hazen the slight favorite. "He's one of the best running backs in 2AA," Hazen head coach Joe Besancon said. "He could have easily rushed for well over 2,000 yards but was taken out of many games because of the score." The strong, he benches 315, and fast, he runs 4.4, 5-6, 170 pound senior rushed for 1,860 yards and 34 touchdowns a year ago. Returning tackles Donovan Gurley (6-0, 317) and Khalid Mills (6-1, 230) clear the way for Penn. Drake Ingle is a force on defense with 14 interceptions the last year years. Last year, he returned two of his eight oskies for touchdowns. Gurley had 25 tackles for loss yardage while Mills had 28 tackles for losses last year. There is one gotcha for Hazen, though, as they play both of the contenders for the conference title on the road. Des Arc returns eight on its Wing-T offense. "We have a solid ground attack," Des Arc head coach Drake Widener said. "We're going to line up and get three yards, and hit you in the mouth." Daylon Conway ran for 969 yards and nine touchdowns last year. Colt Covington ran for 704 yards and six touchdowns. Des Arc also returns eight on defense. McCrory returns nine on offense and eight on defense, making the top three teams all loaded with experience. Carlisle and Brinkley should battle for the remaining playoff spots. "The top five spots are up for grabs," McCrory head coach Chris Kennon said. The conference race gets underway in a big way in week two with McCrory hosting Des Arc. "The conference is wide open," Besancon said. "If we stay healthy and play well, we have a chance. Give the edge to McCrory right now because their toughest games are at home."

2A-7
CONFERENCE CHAMPION: Gurdon
CONTENDERS: Mount Ida, Murfreesboro, Dierks
KEY GAME(S):  Sept. 25 Gurdon at Dierks, Oct. 2 Murfreesboro at Mount ida, Oct. 9 Gurdon at Murfreesboro, Oct. 23 Mount Ida at Dierks, Oct. 30 Gurdon at Mount Ida, Nov. 5 Dierks at Murfreesboro
FEARLESS FORECAST: Gurdon gets the early edge as the pre-season favorite but ever so slightly over the trio of Mount Ida, Murfreesboro and Dierks. If the Go-Devils do prevail in the conference, they will have definitely earned it since they face all three contenders on the road. That's a tough assignment for a pre-season conference favorite but quarterback Parker Whitson and running back Jackie Harvell pace an offense that returns nine starters. Mount Ida is also loaded on offense with quarterback T.J. Wilson, running backs Cody Robertson and Austin Hickman and receiver Jesse Lowry returning. Lowery also returns kickoffs and punts. "Jesse Lowry is a threat to score anytime he has the football," Mount Ida head coach Michael White said. Four starters return along the offensive line for Mount Ida, including center Logan Wilcher, guards Adam Bailey and Clay Terrell, and tackle Lucas Hill. Daniel Robinson is a two-way playe for Mount Ida, running for 1,074 yards and eight touchdowns on offense and leading the defense with 12 tackles for lost yardage from his linebacker position. Tyler Gilbert had seven interceptions last year. Lafayette County could squeeze its way into that quartet especially since the Cougars return the most explosive player in the conference in running back Tre'Darius Burks. The All-State running back ran for 1,899 yards and 26 touchdowns on 188 carries, averaging better than 10 yards a pop. Mineral Springs and Spring Hill will try to crack the top half of the conference. Spring Hill was winless last year but return all 11 offensive starters in its Veer attack. "It's the second year to run the offense," Spring Hill head coach Russell Carter said. "The offensive line has gained strength, size and experience from last year." It all creates for a fun seven-week run in the 2A-7. "Should be a three-horse race, but Murfreesboro could contend as well," White said. "Gurdon and Lafayette were young last year as well and have a lot of speed to contend with. The (2A-7) has all of their best athletes back from a year ago and will contend a lot better come playoff time."

2A-8
CONFERENCE CHAMPION: Junction City
CONTENDERS: Rison
KEY GAME(S): Sept. 11 Junction City at Rison
FEARLESS FORECAST: Junction City has won 40 straight games and is a heavy favorite to win its fourth straight state title before being elevated to Class 3A in 2016. A senior class of 14, though, has graduated that was responsible for that 40-game run. The only loss they suffered over the last three years was in the 2012 season opener against Earle, 14-7. Only three offensive linemen return for the Dragons and only four starters are back on defense. Rison is the only challenger to the Dragons' dynasty in the 2A-8, but the Wildcats could be a legitimate challenger. Bryson Marks, Jordan Brown, Cortez Phillips, and JaQuan Henry all rushed for over 300 yards last year and return. Marks ran for 1,640 yards and 18 touchdowns. "We have the majority of our playmakers back," Rison head coach Clay Totty said. "In the day of the Spread, we've continued to product impressive stats out of the Splitback offense." Seth Crouse also returns at quarterback after throwing for 756 yards and 14 touchdowns last year. The conference title could be decided early with Rison hosting Junction City in week two. Bearden could have a say at the top of the standings as well. Bearden plays the top two teams in the conference in consecutive weeks in October, traveling to Junction City on October 16 before hosting Rison the next week. Woodlawn, Strong and Parkers Chapel will all battle for the fourth spot. The conference continues to belong to Junction City at least until the second week of the season. "JC is the man until somebody beats the man," Totty said.

[Pick_DA_EAGLES]

Hey barclay, does Mt I'd and Gurdon play a home and home in back to back weeks, like you have it listed in your "key games?"

[HorseFeathers]

Hey barclay, does Mt I'd and Gurdon play a home and home in back to back weeks, like you have it listed in your "key games?"

Grudge match haha....if they split round 3 will be a play in game on Monday of round 1 week

[BarclayAlmanac]

thanks for point that out, should have obviously been Sept. 23 Mount Ida at Dierks.

[LadyCougar]

Lafayette County will definitely be a contender in 7-2A.

[HorseFeathers]

well this idea appears to have fizzled out....

[Proud Buckaroo]

I would like to see you do it for all classes, Leland.

[playmaker04]

What about conf 3,4 and 5?

[HorseFeathers]

What about conf 3,4 and 5?

We don't matter

[BigLion10]

No details about the 3 4 or 5?

[Lions84]

Cool predictions.

[Hornet4ever]

No details about the 3 4 or 5?

We aren't important enough.

[BigLion10]

Guess not

[HorseFeathers]

No details about the 3 4 or 5?

Details on 4....
Key game: week 2 Hackett @ hector. Hackett looks to be the only team standing in between hector and a three peat as conference champ. Hector returns two year starter junior qb Tanner Gaines, sr jaylen ferguson, and the core of one of the better defenses fielded by the Wildcats. Hectors oline and d line has week 1 to finish gelling together before this game. Hornetforever you add hackets part and we have the 4-2a done.

[BigLion10]

Looks good HF

[HorseFeathers]

Looks good HF

,5-2a is a bit tougher, Conway christian, magnet cove, bigelow, and England can all make cases for preseason favorite s...and poyen may find some magic and upset one of those teams...

[BigLion10]

I think magnet cove at England and england at bigelow decide who wins conference imo

[Hornet4ever]

No details about the 3 4 or 5?

Details on 4....
Key game: week 2 Hackett @ hector. Hackett looks to be the only team standing in between hector and a three peat as conference champ. Hector returns two year starter junior qb Tanner Gaines, sr jaylen ferguson, and the core of one of the better defenses fielded by the Wildcats. Hectors oline and d line has week 1 to finish gelling together before this game. Hornetforever you add hackets part and we have the 4-2a done.

Key game: week 2 Hackett @ Hector. Hackett will face a tough opponent with Hector especially with it only being week 2! Hackett returns 18 starters and has added a few much needed spots with the consolidation of Hartford. QB Jacob Mclure is a Greenwood move in and has a lot of big play potential and should be a huge addition in the backfield. Adrienne Lasko will also be back, Adriene is a huge part of the offense and defense as well. If Hackett can't stop Hectors offense it will be a long night for the Hornets. There ya have it folks!

[33TRAP]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"Four starters return along the offensive line for Mount Ida, including center Logan Wilcher, guards Adam Bailey and Clay Terrell, and tackle Lucas Hill. Daniel Robinson is a two-way playe for Mount Ida, running for 1,074 yards and eight touchdowns on offense and leading the defense with 12 tackles for lost yardage from his linebacker position. Tyler Gilbert had seven interceptions last year." !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think you meant Murfreesboro not Mt Ida

Also Daniel Robinson is not a member of Murfreesboro team this year, he was removed from all sports at the school for off the field issues. 

[LadyCougar]

Spring hill Bears break their winless streak from last year tonight. They defeated Parker's Chapel

[Proud Buckaroo]

Lots of records fell last night!

[purplehajj]

Well season has came along way