Arkansas Class 6A high school football team previews: Little Rock Christian has talented core returning, looking to fill some holes

SBLive is previewing the Arkansas high school football teams from the three largest classifications. Here, we focus on Class 6A’s Little Rock Christian Warriors. 

By Kyle Sutherland | Photo by Jimmy Jones 

Little Rock Christian Warriors

HEAD COACH

Eric Cohu, Sixth Season, 54-10

2021 AT A GLANCE

Overall Record: 10-3

Conference Record: 4-2, Third in 5A-Central

Playoffs: Def. Vilonia 53-29; Def. Nettleton 35-7; Lost to White Hall 24-14 in semifinals

KEY DEPARTURES

RB Jayvean Dyer-Jones, all-state, preferred walk-on at Arkansas 

WR Eli Cooper, all-state

DL Titus Colquitt, all-state

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Junior QB Walker White - White is the top player in Arkansas for 2024 and the 12th-ranked quarterback per 247 Sports. He threw for over 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns last season and currently boasts offers from Arkansas, Florida, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and others.

Sophomore RB Ronny Anokye - Anokye impressed last season and looks to help replace a very good backfield.

Junior WR Tate Collins - Collins should expect his role to increase immensely after the departure of last year’s leading receiver Eli Cooper. Collins caught three touchdown passes as a junior.

Senior WR Cooper Longworth - Longworth did not play last season but should see time Cohu said.

Senior TE Ethan Ross - Ross is back in a wide receiver/tight end role after catching two touchdowns as a junior.

Senior OL Jack Davis - Davis took over a starting role upfront last year and will be one of two senior returners.

Junior OL Andrew Lord - Lord was the lone starting underclassmen in the trenches on last year’s team.

Senior OL Landon Smith - Smith is one of three experienced offensive linemen returning after earning a starting role last season.

Senior DL Jordan Johnson - With the departure of Titus Colquitt, Johnson’s role will be much more expanded after compiling 59 tackles (8 for loss), 3 sacks, and four fumble recoveries as a junior.

Senior LB Holt Chappell - Chappell is the senior leader of a highly experienced linebacking corps and was second on the team in tackles last season with 121 (8 for loss).

Junior LB Preston Davis - Davis returns after a highly decorated sophomore campaign eclipsing 148 tackles (11 for loss), 2 fumble recoveries, and an interception. Davis is also expected to contribute in the backfield.

Junior LB Cooper Jones - Jones earned a starting role as a sophomore and eclipsed 44 tackles (3 for loss) and also snagged an interception.

Junior DB Jake Field - Field moved from out-of-state and will compete in the secondary.

Junior DB Trey Howard - The lone sophomore starter in the secondary, Howard had 37 tackles (5 for loss) and 5 pass deflections.

Senior DB Ben Ridings - Ridings was second on the team with two interceptions a year ago and compiled 96 tackles (11 for loss) and 6 pass deflections.

OUTLOOK

Since winning it all in 2018, Little Rock Christian has finished no worse than the semifinal round of the playoffs in that span.

The Warriors are hoping to continue that success as they will move up to Class 6A along with arch-rival Pulaski Academy along with competing against longtime 6A power Greenwood and 2020 state runner-up Lake Hamilton.

Star running back Dyer-Jones has moved on looking to earn a spot with the Razorbacks and the offense will be led by junior standout White who already is a big-time, blue-chip prospect.

Three offensive linemen return in Davis, Lord, and Smith, along with skill players Colling and Ross along with new contributors Akoye in the backfield and Longworth out wide.

Though Colquitt, last year’s defensive leader, is gone the Warriors should be just fine in the front seven, particularly at linebacker where they have everyone back including Preston Davis who ranked Top 10 in the state with 148 tackles in 2021.

Howard and Ridings provide quality experience and production for the Warriors on the backend.

COACH SAID

“We have high expectations for this season, but we do know that playing 6A football will bring new challenges. We will definitely need players to step up. Offensively Jayvean and Eli will certainly be missed. [Defensively] Titus was such an imposing player.”

-Eric Cohu