money Fort Smith area high school football playoff second-round games — and predictions
Here are the top games for the second round of the postseason involving Fort Smith area high school football teams.
Game of the week
Beggs (9-2) at Vian (10-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
A major individual matchup may arise between four-star Beggs running back CJ Brown — an Oklahoma State commitment — and Vian’s four-year starting linebacker Xavin Lackey, both featured in the Oklahoman’s Super 30 list.
Despite the star power on both sides in this Oklahoma 2A second round, Wolverines coach Gary Willis didn’t want to highlight individuals but rather talked about the communities having traits in common.
“Beggs is a blue-collar, hard-working town with some really good athletes, really similar to Vian, so might be a good one,” Willis said. “A lot of good athletes on the field and kids in a community that love football.”
Prediction: Vian 39, Beggs 32
PLAYOFF SCORES: Arkansas high school football scores for first-round playoff games
SECOND ROUND GAMES: Arkansas high school football playoff pairings for second round
Northside (7-4) at Bryant (9-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The Grizzlies face the state’s No. 1-ranked team in a Class 7A second-round contest of conference foes. In the rematch, they hope to end the Hornets’ hopes of four consecutive state championships.
Bryant quarterback Carson Burnett has managed multiple touchdown passes in eight games. On the bright side for Northside, the 67.1 percent passer completed a season-low 47.4 percent in the previous meeting.
The Fort Smith squad lost 35-17 on Sept. 24, but were knocking on the door with the score 28-17.
Prediction: Bryant 31, Northside 24
Cedarville (9-2) at Hoxie (10-0)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The Pirates got their first home playoff win since 1999 last week. Now, they look to get their first postseason road victory since 2008.
The Hornets have held opponents to 10.4 points per game but must stay disciplined against the deception of Cedarville’s wing-T. The ankle injury status of Hayden Partain (1,045 yards rushing) could be a factor, although Colton Arnold did well as a replacement against Atkins last week.
Prediction: Hoxie 28, Cedarville 10
Crossett (8-3) at Ozark (8-2)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Since their 31-28 loss to Charleston, the Hillbillies have beaten their last seven opponents by an average of 42.7-12.6.
Crossett’s spread attack features 6-2 target Dewayne Ashford (10 receiving touchdowns and 25.8 yards per catch) and the multi-faceted Jackson Moore, another 600-plus-yard pass catcher who also contributes in the run game.
Prediction: Ozark 32, Crossett 17
Manila (9-2) at Booneville (11-1)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
It's a storybook season for Manila, which went 1-8 in 2020 and this past week earned its first playoff victory. In a 49-25 win over Danville, Kurt Overton ran for 232 yards and four touchdowns on just 12 carries.
Can Manila keep it going against the Times Record’s No. 1 team?
Prediction: Booneville 40, Manila 24
Blanchard (8-3) at Poteau (10-1)
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday
The Pirates' stingy defense has allowed 13.2 points per game heading into this 4A quarterfinal.
Last week, Blanchard backup quarterback Bryson Frazier went out with a concussion, making room for Jaxon Laminack, who rushed for 118 yards. He converted a key fourth down in the 24-21 win over Bethany. Another Blanchard player to watch will be playmaker Lincoln Smith.
Prediction: Poteau 32, Blanchard 21
Centerpoint (8-3) at Charleston (10-0)
When: 7 p.m, Friday
The Tigers took a week off and host the Knights, who pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat Osceola, 29-14.
Centerpoint comes into the Class 3A second round with three consecutive wins after enduring three consecutive losses. In its last game against an undefeated opponent, Centerpoint fell after a Prescott comeback.
Prediction: Charleston 31, Centerpoint 14
Mountain Home (4-7) at Greenwood (7-3)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
The Bombers outgained Greenwood, yet couldn’t finish drives in the first meeting.
Greenwood comes in with impressive wins over Van Buren and Lake Hamilton, but it’ll be interesting to see how it responds after a bye and whether it overlooks a team it already has beaten.
Prediction: Greenwood 40, Mountain Home 16
Paris (10-1) at Newport (5-4)
When: 7 p.m., Friday
Despite the better record, the Eagles go on the road to higher-bracket Newport in hopes of reaching their record for wins (tied with 2020), after surviving a test against Riverview. Newport beat that same squad 41-0 on Oct. 1
Still, the Riverview game might not be an accurate reflection.
Prediction: Paris 31, Newport 18
You can follow Bryant Roche on Twitter @BrocheSports
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Fort Smith area top high school football playoff games and predictions
