Sleepers

[PA Dad]

Which team or teams will surprise us this year?  Who do you think might challenge PA, Wynne and Batesville for the state championship?

Nearly every year there is a team that is much better than expected.  I'd put Beebe in that category last year.

I think Hot Springs will be in that category this year.

[AT]

Is Maumelle considered a sleeper. Perhaps Little Rock Christian and Greenbrier.

[PA Dad]

Is Maumelle considered a sleeper. Perhaps Little Rock Christian and Greenbrier.

I think Maumelle  and Greenbrier are in the preseason top 10 so I wouldn't consider them sleepers, but I think LRC qualifies.

[The Future]

I saw where Hootens has Beebe at number 3. They did real well last year. If they can build on it, there could be your top sleeper.
Hot Springs could be in that spot. Harrison too.

I wouldn't really call Maumelle a sleeper. Last year they were a shock. This year they will either contend for conference again or they will dud out.

Hootens top 10:
PA
Batesville
Beebe
Hot Springs
LR Christian
Camden
Wynne
Maumelle
Watson Chapel
Morrilton

They have LRC, Chapel, PA, and Batesville as the conference champs in the coaches polls

[PA Dad]

I have not seen Hootens top 10.  Based on that, I guess my "sleeper" is not a sleeper at all.

[PA Dad]

I saw where Hootens has Beebe at number 3. They did real well last year. If they can build on it, there could be your top sleeper.
Hot Springs could be in that spot. Harrison too.

I wouldn't really call Maumelle a sleeper. Last year they were a shock. This year they will either contend for conference again or they will dud out.

Hootens top 10:
PA
Batesville
Beebe
Hot Springs
LR Christian
Camden
Wynne
Maumelle
Watson Chapel
Morrilton

They have LRC, Chapel, PA, and Batesville as the conference champs in the coaches polls

I'm surprised that Wynne is 7th.  Everything I've seen indicates that they will have another very good team this year.

[The Future]

I was shocked at that too. That many teams over Wynne seems not right.

I know returning vs graduating starters plays a huge role in their picks. But even still Wynne should be no lower than 4 IMO

[PA Dad]

There is a significant difference between Hooten's top 10 and the FF top 10.  It will be interesting to see who did better at the end of the year.  Maybe we'll do better than the "experts!"

[MDXPHD]

There is a significant difference between Hooten's top 10 and the FF top 10.  It will be interesting to see who did better at the end of the year.  Maybe we'll do better than the "experts!"

That's because Hooten's has no clue what they are doing. We will definitely do better than the experts choose. They always want PA first though, you can count on that.

Beebe will not be a sleeper; they won't challenge any of the good teams. They lost to Wynne by 7, so that can be a moral victory. But they didn't beat a good team all season.

[PA Dad]

There is a significant difference between Hooten's top 10 and the FF top 10.  It will be interesting to see who did better at the end of the year.  Maybe we'll do better than the "experts!"

That's because Hooten's has no clue what they are doing. We will definitely do better than the experts choose. They always want PA first though, you can count on that.

They may put PA first because PA is the best!

I really don't know how good PA will be this year, but it's hard not to rank last year's champ number 1.

[MDXPHD]

There is a significant difference between Hooten's top 10 and the FF top 10.  It will be interesting to see who did better at the end of the year.  Maybe we'll do better than the "experts!"

That's because Hooten's has no clue what they are doing. We will definitely do better than the experts choose. They always want PA first though, you can count on that.

They may put PA first because PA has the most money !

I really don't know how good PA will be this year, but it's hard not to rank last year's champ number 1.

Fixed that. 

[PA Dad]

There is a significant difference between Hooten's top 10 and the FF top 10.  It will be interesting to see who did better at the end of the year.  Maybe we'll do better than the "experts!"

That's because Hooten's has no clue what they are doing. We will definitely do better than the experts choose. They always want PA first though, you can count on that.

They may put PA first because PA has the most money !

I really don't know how good PA will be this year, but it's hard not to rank last year's champ number 1.

Fixed that.

I like that.  As I recall, you like slaps more than claps, but I'll give you either!

[MDXPHD]

There is a significant difference between Hooten's top 10 and the FF top 10.  It will be interesting to see who did better at the end of the year.  Maybe we'll do better than the "experts!"

That's because Hooten's has no clue what they are doing. We will definitely do better than the experts choose. They always want PA first though, you can count on that.

They may put PA first because PA has the most money !

I really don't know how good PA will be this year, but it's hard not to rank last year's champ number 1.

Fixed that.

I like that.  As I recall, you like slaps more than claps, but I'll give you either!

You know either is always welcome!

Really, PA should be number 1. I agree with you and Hootens on that.

I think Maumelle could compete, but they wouldn't be considered a sleeper. I have no idea who could surprise some people...but that's good because if we all knew who a sleeper could be, are they really a sleeper?

[PA Dad]

There is a significant difference between Hooten's top 10 and the FF top 10.  It will be interesting to see who did better at the end of the year.  Maybe we'll do better than the "experts!"

That's because Hooten's has no clue what they are doing. We will definitely do better than the experts choose. They always want PA first though, you can count on that.

They may put PA first because PA has the most money !

I really don't know how good PA will be this year, but it's hard not to rank last year's champ number 1.

Fixed that.

I like that.  As I recall, you like slaps more than claps, but I'll give you either!

You know either is always welcome!

Really, PA should be number 1. I agree with you and Hootens on that.

I think Maumelle could compete, but they wouldn't be considered a sleeper. I have no idea who could surprise some people...but that's good because if we all knew who a sleeper could be, are they really a sleeper?

You spoil the fun!  Surely you can make a guess.

[HorseFeathers]

There is a significant difference between Hooten's top 10 and the FF top 10.  It will be interesting to see who did better at the end of the year.  Maybe we'll do better than the "experts!"

That's because Hooten's has no clue what they are doing. We will definitely do better than the experts choose. They always want PA first though, you can count on that.

They may put PA first because PA has the most money !

I really don't know how good PA will be this year, but it's hard not to rank last year's champ number 1.

Fixed that.

I like that.  As I recall, you like slaps more than claps, but I'll give you either!

You know either is always welcome!

Really, PA should be number 1. I agree with you and Hootens on that.

I think Maumelle could compete, but they wouldn't be considered a sleeper. I have no idea who could surprise some people...but that's good because if we all knew who a sleeper could be, are they really a sleeper?

N. Pulaski could surpise people............By fielding a team?

[PA Dad]

There is a significant difference between Hooten's top 10 and the FF top 10.  It will be interesting to see who did better at the end of the year.  Maybe we'll do better than the "experts!"

That's because Hooten's has no clue what they are doing. We will definitely do better than the experts choose. They always want PA first though, you can count on that.

They may put PA first because PA has the most money !

I really don't know how good PA will be this year, but it's hard not to rank last year's champ number 1.

Fixed that.

I like that.  As I recall, you like slaps more than claps, but I'll give you either!

You know either is always welcome!

Really, PA should be number 1. I agree with you and Hootens on that.

I think Maumelle could compete, but they wouldn't be considered a sleeper. I have no idea who could surprise some people...but that's good because if we all knew who a sleeper could be, are they really a sleeper?

N. Pulaski could surpise people............By fielding a team?

+1

[Intelligentsia]

Blytheville and Greenbrier

[PA Dad]

Blytheville and Greenbrier

I'll give you Blytheville as a sleeper .  But Greenbrier is in the FF top 10 so I'm not sure they are a sleeper.

[PA Dad]

How about Hope?  Didn't you have them in your top 10?

[MDXPHD]

I say Hot Springs. I have no reason, but I like them better than any of the other terrible teams.

[PA Dad]

I say Hot Springs. I have no reason, but I like them better than any of the other terrible teams.

That was my choice too.  But they are in Hootens top 10 so I don't know if they are a sleeper.

[MDXPHD]

I say Hot Springs. I have no reason, but I like them better than any of the other terrible teams.

That was my choice too.  But they are in Hootens top 10 so I don't know if they are a sleeper.

Hootens doesn't count.

I think Wynne is a sleeper team. They may sneak up on Batesville and actually beat them to win conference. Seems unlikely though.

[PA Dad]

I say Hot Springs. I have no reason, but I like them better than any of the other terrible teams.

That was my choice too.  But they are in Hootens top 10 so I don't know if they are a sleeper.

Hootens doesn't count.

I think Wynne is a sleeper team. They may sneak up on Batesville and actually beat them to win conference. Seems unlikely though.

Ok.  If Wynne is a sleeper so is PA.  PA is my sleeper pick.

[Intelligentsia]

How about Hope?  Didn't you have them in your top 10?

Naw, just put 'em there so I could say the rest of you'all were Hopeless - didn't get so much as a slap for the joke!

[Intelligentsia]

I say Hot Springs. I have no reason, but I like them better than any of the other terrible teams.

That was my choice too.  But they are in Hootens top 10 so I don't know if they are a sleeper.

Hootens doesn't count.

I think Wynne is a sleeper team. They may sneak up on Batesville and actually beat them to win conference. Seems unlikely though.

Batesville's Home advantage should make the difference, but there is a lot of time between now and that game.  A key injury or an off night and it could easily go the other way.  The Pioneers were not supposed to win at Wynne last year and they did ( though I really wish they hadn't).

[GuvHog]

I saw where Hootens has Beebe at number 3. They did real well last year. If they can build on it, there could be your top sleeper.
Hot Springs could be in that spot. Harrison too.

I wouldn't really call Maumelle a sleeper. Last year they were a shock. This year they will either contend for conference again or they will dud out.

Hootens top 10:
PA
Batesville
Beebe
Hot Springs
LR Christian
Camden
Wynne
Maumelle
Watson Chapel
Morrilton

They have LRC, Chapel, PA, and Batesville as the conference champs in the coaches polls

The individual conference polls are coaches polls, they are not Hooten's picks.

I must say though that I was surprised to see the coaches pick Watson Chapel to win the South and Camden Fairview to finish 3rd.

[tmycjy]

Which team or teams will surprise us this year?  Who do you think might challenge PA, Wynne and Batesville for the state championship?

Nearly every year there is a team that is much better than expected.  I'd put Beebe in that category last year.

I think Hot Springs will be in that category this year.

I say it could be Watson  chapel to maybe sylvan Hills if sylvan Hills can stay healthy they could be the wild card team

[Chief_Osceola™]

Maumelle will once again be very athletic, but we're also gonna be very young.  We lost a lot of starters on both sides of the ball. The younger guys will have to step up.  Also we have a new coach.  He's gonna get the best out of his players, so we'll see how it shakes out.

[Rocko1493]

I do not know how many players Jacksonville lost to graduation, but they came to Batesville last year in playoffs and we're impressive.  If I was told right they gained players from consolidation.  That and the success from last year makes them a pssible dangerous sleeper.

[wynnefootballfan]

If healthy, I think Maumelle, Blythville and and Watson Chapel will need to be played with respect. If thats the case I dont think its a strech to see any of these teams in the second round. As they say, "lots of football to be played"

[Uncle Ivan]

I say Hot Springs. I have no reason, but I like them better than any of the other terrible teams.

That was my choice too.  But they are in Hootens top 10 so I don't know if they are a sleeper.

Hootens doesn't count.

I think Wynne is a sleeper team. They may sneak up on Batesville and actually beat them to win conference. Seems unlikely though.

Batesville's Home advantage should make the difference, but there is a lot of time between now and that game.  A key injury or an off night and it could easily go the other way.  The Pioneers were not supposed to win at Wynne last year and they did ( though I really wish they hadn't).

That's because Wynne intentionally tanked that game by fixing it with the the refs.

Now you know why the refs were awarding Batesville touchdowns and taking them away from Wynne.  All part of the plan.

[Intelligentsia]

I say Hot Springs. I have no reason, but I like them better than any of the other terrible teams.

That was my choice too.  But they are in Hootens top 10 so I don't know if they are a sleeper.

Hootens doesn't count.

I think Wynne is a sleeper team. They may sneak up on Batesville and actually beat them to win conference. Seems unlikely though.

Batesville's Home advantage should make the difference, but there is a lot of time between now and that game.  A key injury or an off night and it could easily go the other way.  The Pioneers were not supposed to win at Wynne last year and they did ( though I really wish they hadn't).

That's because Wynne intentionally tanked that game by fixing it with the the refs.

Now you know why the refs were awarding Batesville touchdowns and taking them away from Wynne.  All part of the plan.

Well Duh!  Obviously!

[GuvHog]

Which team or teams will surprise us this year?  Who do you think might challenge PA, Wynne and Batesville for the state championship?

Nearly every year there is a team that is much better than expected.  I'd put Beebe in that category last year.

I think Hot Springs will be in that category this year.

I say it could be Watson  chapel to maybe sylvan Hills if sylvan Hills can stay healthy they could be the wild card team

Coach Dutton is pretty high on his WC Wildcats this season, he believes they have the best chance they've had since dropping to 5A of winning the 5A South.

[Uncle Ivan]

Which team or teams will surprise us this year?  Who do you think might challenge PA, Wynne and Batesville for the state championship?

Nearly every year there is a team that is much better than expected.  I'd put Beebe in that category last year.

I think Hot Springs will be in that category this year.

I say it could be Watson  chapel to maybe sylvan Hills if sylvan Hills can stay healthy they could be the wild card team

Coach Dutton is pretty high on his WC Wildcats this season, he believes they have the best chance they've had since dropping to 5A of winning the 5A South.

As weak as that conference is, it's a possibility.

[GuvHog]

Which team or teams will surprise us this year?  Who do you think might challenge PA, Wynne and Batesville for the state championship?

Nearly every year there is a team that is much better than expected.  I'd put Beebe in that category last year.

I think Hot Springs will be in that category this year.

I say it could be Watson  chapel to maybe sylvan Hills if sylvan Hills can stay healthy they could be the wild card team

Coach Dutton is pretty high on his WC Wildcats this season, he believes they have the best chance they've had since dropping to 5A of winning the 5A South.

As weak as that conference is, it's a possibility.

It's not near as weak as the 5A East is. In that conference there are 2 good teams and 6 teams that want to be good.

[Intelligentsia]

Which team or teams will surprise us this year?  Who do you think might challenge PA, Wynne and Batesville for the state championship?

Nearly every year there is a team that is much better than expected.  I'd put Beebe in that category last year.

I think Hot Springs will be in that category this year.

I say it could be Watson  chapel to maybe sylvan Hills if sylvan Hills can stay healthy they could be the wild card team

Coach Dutton is pretty high on his WC Wildcats this season, he believes they have the best chance they've had since dropping to 5A of winning the 5A South.

As weak as that conference is, it's a possibility.

It's not near as weak as the 5A East is. In that conference there are 2 good teams and 6 teams that want to be good.

Not evident from last year's playoff results - easily arguably that it was a stronger finish for the East. 

[Wonderdog]

Which team or teams will surprise us this year?  Who do you think might challenge PA, Wynne and Batesville for the state championship?

Nearly every year there is a team that is much better than expected.  I'd put Beebe in that category last year.

I think Hot Springs will be in that category this year.

I say it could be Watson  chapel to maybe sylvan Hills if sylvan Hills can stay healthy they could be the wild card team

Coach Dutton is pretty high on his WC Wildcats this season, he believes they have the best chance they've had since dropping to 5A of winning the 5A South.

As weak as that conference is, it's a possibility.

It's not near as weak as the 5A East is. In that conference there are 2 good teams and 6 teams that want to be good.

Not evident from last year's playoff results - easily arguably that it was a stronger finish for the East.

No argument on the stronger finish. I would like to see an E3 vs S3 and E4 vs S4 or vice versa just to see the results. The south will be down this year.

[MDXPHD]

Which team or teams will surprise us this year?  Who do you think might challenge PA, Wynne and Batesville for the state championship?

Nearly every year there is a team that is much better than expected.  I'd put Beebe in that category last year.

I think Hot Springs will be in that category this year.

I say it could be Watson  chapel to maybe sylvan Hills if sylvan Hills can stay healthy they could be the wild card team

Coach Dutton is pretty high on his WC Wildcats this season, he believes they have the best chance they've had since dropping to 5A of winning the 5A South.

As weak as that conference is, it's a possibility.

It's not near as weak as the 5A East is. In that conference there are 2 good teams and 6 teams that want to be good.

I guess the only problem with that theory is that there aren't any good teams in the south...

[Coach DePriest, Sheridan]

Since I am no longer coaching 5A, I'll make a post on this. 
I believe Little Rock Christian will win the west and make a deep run.  I have heard good things about Blytheville 's staff and think they may make some noise in the east. I don't know much about the South this year, but have I been on here long enough to go opposite of whatever guvhog says,  especially if he heard it from an inside source! I think Beebe will do well again this year, but I don't know if that qualifies as a sleeper anymore.  Had the opportunity to talk with Tripp Smith from Beebe at a track meet and was impressed with his humbleness. I hope my impression was correct and I wish him the best for an injury free season.

Depending on who steps up to lead PA with Zack Kelley being out and how the sophomore QB comes around, I think we may have a rematch in the finals and I don't think it will look anything like their week 2 match-up. At the same time, never count out Coach King's Pioneers.

[GuvHog]

Which team or teams will surprise us this year?  Who do you think might challenge PA, Wynne and Batesville for the state championship?

Nearly every year there is a team that is much better than expected.  I'd put Beebe in that category last year.

I think Hot Springs will be in that category this year.

I say it could be Watson  chapel to maybe sylvan Hills if sylvan Hills can stay healthy they could be the wild card team

Coach Dutton is pretty high on his WC Wildcats this season, he believes they have the best chance they've had since dropping to 5A of winning the 5A South.

As weak as that conference is, it's a possibility.

It's not near as weak as the 5A East is. In that conference there are 2 good teams and 6 teams that want to be good.

Not evident from last year's playoff results - easily arguably that it was a stronger finish for the East.

No argument on the stronger finish. I would like to see an E3 vs S3 and E4 vs S4 or vice versa just to see the results. The south will be down this year.

I agree the East had a strong finish last year but let's be honest, that was an exception to the rule as was the 5A South being down. I'd love to see my High School Alma mater become competitive in the 5A East and they have the size to be competitive but as usual, the speed just isn't there.

[PA Dad]

Which team or teams will surprise us this year?  Who do you think might challenge PA, Wynne and Batesville for the state championship?

Nearly every year there is a team that is much better than expected.  I'd put Beebe in that category last year.

I think Hot Springs will be in that category this year.

I say it could be Watson  chapel to maybe sylvan Hills if sylvan Hills can stay healthy they could be the wild card team

Coach Dutton is pretty high on his WC Wildcats this season, he believes they have the best chance they've had since dropping to 5A of winning the 5A South.

As weak as that conference is, it's a possibility.

It's not near as weak as the 5A East is. In that conference there are 2 good teams and 6 teams that want to be good.

I think the East is the strongest conference because of Wynne and Batesville.  But,  once you get past the top two, there is not much to distinguish the conferences.

[Intelligentsia]

I think Valley View will come on over the next couple years and Nettleton seems to be on the upswing.  Blytheville and Forrest City have great athletes, but they have a hard time turning that into great seasons.