Sports
Arkansas High School Football Playoffs Enter Second Round
The Arkansas high school football playoffs continue as the competition intensifies with the onset of the second round. Teams from Class 2A through 7A, along with the 8-man division, are advancing their postseason campaigns, aiming for state championship glory. Several teams earned byes during the first round and are poised to initiate their playoff journey this week.
Among the noteworthy encounters, the Rogers Mounties displayed a dominant performance in their opening match against Little Rock Southwest. Quarterback Jeff Regan scored the first touchdown, setting the stage for a 35-0 lead at halftime, eventually sealing their place in the next round.
In another thrilling 7A matchup, the Springdale Bulldogs hosted Cabot. Cabot maintained a narrow lead of 23-21 at the break. Despite a spirited comeback by Springdale, led by a crucial eight-yard rush from Pounders, Cabot responded with decisive plays, edging out the Bulldogs 33-32.
Meanwhile, Bentonville West Wolverines clashed with Little Rock Christian, with the former securing a 38-22 victory. The game was marked by notable performances, such as a 45-yard pass from Tre Thompson to Harris Vinson and strategic defensive plays leading to a comprehensive win.
In the 5-A West Conference, the Farmington Cardinals, on a notable nine-game winning streak, faced off against Beebe in a defensive showdown. Despite early challenges, the Cardinals emerged victorious, continuing their winning streak with a 28-26 win.
In Class 4A, the Elkins Elks, maintaining an unmatched record this season, demonstrated their prowess against Helena. Connor Hamm’s 39-yard touchdown run and James Townsend‘s interception highlighted their 52-6 triumph, preserving their unblemished record and propelling them into the next round.
The second round of the playoffs guarantees more excitement, with high-stakes games and aspiring student-athletes striving for excellence on their journey to the state championships. For continuous updates and live scores, sports enthusiasts can follow the SBLive Sports app and Very Local, a streaming service offering comprehensive coverage of local games and news.