10 games to watch in Week 6 of Arkansas high school football

By Kyle Sutherland | Photo by Braeden Botts 

The start of the second half of the season means there is about one month remaining for teams to earn their keep as they fight for conference supremacy and top playoffs seeds. There are multiple matchups from Class 7A all the way down to 2A that will provide a sneak peak of who will be true contenders. 

Here are 10 games to watch in Arkansas high school football for Week 6.

Ashdown (5-0) vs. Malvern (4-1)

Two of the more talented teams in Class 4A that feature multiple college prospects will square off at David Alpe Field. Ashdown is undefeted and has outscored its opponents 196-47, while Malvern is undefeated against in-state competition. Both are coming off shutout victories over Waldron. The winner will be tied with Arkadelphia at the top of the 4A-7 standings.

Bentonville West (3-2) vs. Rogers (5-0)

A Top-15 matchup that features Rogers, ranked No. 7 in the Power 25, who is off to its best start since 2012 against a quality 13th-ranked Bentonville West team that has done some good things, but needs to earn a win at home to stay in the race for the 7A-West. The Mounties are coming off a thrilling 29-28 win over Fayetteville, their first win over the Purple Dogs in 17 years, while West pitched its second shutout of the season against Springdale last Friday.

Conway (5-0) vs. Cabot (4-1)

No. 5 Cabot is off to a 4-0 start against in-state competition for the third year in a row under Scott Reed but is looking to do something never done in his era on Friday - beat Conway. On the other hand, No. 2 Conway has looked like the team to beat through the first half of the season, outscoring opponents 235-69. The Wampus Cats have won the previous six meetings in the series.

Dierks (5-1) vs. Mineral Springs (5-1)

Dierks’ Paul Ernest and Mineral Springs’ Jason Hathcock have done a great job at their respective programs in their first season at the helm. The Hornets are off to their best start since 2011, while the Outlaws are just two seasons removed from a 10-win season but only had five in 2021. The winner will stand alone at the top of the 2A-3.

Magnolia (5-0) vs. Camden Fairview (4-1)

At least a share of the 5A-South is on the line between the Panthers and Cardinals as both squads come in sitting at 2-0 in league play. Magnolia, who is 5-0 for the first time since 2006, has looked great in the past two games since conference play began, outscoring Hot Springs Lakeside and Texarkana 96-36. The Cardinals were pushed by Texarkana last week but rose to the occasion to win their fourth game in a row since falling to Arkadelphia in Week 0.

Mansfield (4-1) vs. Charleston (4-1)

There are still many questions to be answered in the 3A-1 and this is one game that will begin to answer those. Charleston comes in undefeated against Class 3A competition, while Mansfield was perfect up until last Friday’s loss to Greenland. With Charleston currently in a three-way tie for first in the league alongside Booneville and Lavaca, Mansfield needs to secure a victory at home to avoid being pushed further back.

Pine Bluff (4-1) vs. Mills (6-0)

Injuries and inconsistency led to a disappointing finish to Mills’ season in 2021, but the undefeated Comets are hoping to continue flipping the script, currently at the top of the 5A-Central standings. Meanwhile, one of the state’s most historic programs in Pine Bluff has completely turned the tide, having already doubled its win total from last season. The Zebras are off to their best start since 2017, a time when they were competing for, and winning, state championships.

Rison (4-0) vs. Camden Harmony Grove (4-2)

Two major contenders from the 3A-6 square off at Wildcat Stadium with at least a share of the top spot in the league up for grabs. Rison, one of the state’s more historic small school programs, is off to its first 4-0 start since 2018 in which the Wildcats finished as a semifinalist. Harmony Grove’s two losses have been to quality opponents in Harding Academy and Haynesville (La.), but the Hornets have dominated in their four victories outscoring opponents 177-26.

Shiloh Christian (4-1) vs. Harrison (3-2)

Excluding a humbling loss to Little Rock Christian in Week 0, Shiloh Christian’s bump up to Class 5A has been smooth sailing. The Saints are looking to keep that up as they face their toughest competition thus far in league play. Harrison has done some good things, but also had a couple of tough breaks in the first year under previous longtime defensive coordinator Chris Keylon, knowing they are two wild plays away from being 5-0. The Goblins still have plenty to play for, but their backs could really be up against the wall if they are to lose Friday night.

Valley View (4-1) vs. Wynne (4-1)

Valley View stubbed its toe against Class 4A Harding Academy in Week 0 but has since reeled off four-straight wins including back-to-back shutout victories to open up 5A-West play. No. 18 Wynne will without question pose a much bigger test than any opponents the Blazers have faced in the past month, as the Yellowjackets boast a premier rushing attack that has been battle-tested and is accustomed to playing on the road.