It’s an entire new season as all teams are undefeated again, at least in terms of fighting for postseason seedings, with conference play beginning this week. Three games across the state will be played on Thursday, the headliner being a showdown out the 6A West between the Little Rock Parkview Patriots and Greenwood Bulldogs at War Memorial Stadium. This game was not played last season due to a cancellation from COVID-19.

Greenwood (2-1), the defending state champs, were selected once again as the preseason top-ranked team in class 6A per Hooten’s Arkansas Football with the Patriots taking the sixth spot.

The Bulldogs opened the season with a 63-21 thrashing of Muskogee (OK) HS and is 1-1 in its last two games against 7A competition winning at home against Fort Smith Southside then falling 29-20. Wide receivers Luke Brewer and Aiden Kennon have been the go-to guys in Greenwood’s offense, has 661 receiving yards on the season with 4 touchdowns. Senior Dylan Tucker leads the Bulldog rushing attack with 278 yards and has found the end zone six times.

The Patriots (3-0) defense has allowed just 10 points in non-conference play, and offensively has averaged 35 points per game led by Ole Miss commit Jaylon White at quarterback. On the season White has completed 30 of 47 passes for 4 TD and is averaging an eye-popping 12.8 yards per carry on the ground with 3 scores. The Patriots also have a talented corps of skill players to compliment White including Razorback commit James Jointer, Willie Eackles, and Parker Perry.

It goes without saying this will be a key game in getting a head start, because just about every week will be a grind in this league.

OTHER WEEK 4 CENTRAL ARKANSAS GAMES

Robinson @ Fountain Lake (THURS)

Mills @ Bald Knob

Little Rock Southwest @ Conway

Briarcrest Christian @ Harding Academy

Watson Chapel @ Pulaski Academy

Bryant @ FS Northside

North Little Rock @ LR Central

Clarksville @ Vilonia

Clinton @ CAC

Jacksonville @ White Hall

Malvern @ Bauxite

Morrilton @ Greenbrier

Cabot @ LR Catholic (War Memorial Stadium)

Atkins @ Baptist Prep

Paris @ Mayflower

Russellville @ Benton

Quitman @ Conway Christian

Searcy @ Sheridan

Salem @ Riverview

Maumelle @ Little Rock Christian

Sylvan Hills @ Pine Bluff

Junction City @ Beebe

Article published by Kyle Sutherland, @k_sutherlandHTP on Twitter