Class AA Playoffs
No. 9 Hughes at No. 2 Charleston
Friday, November 26 -- 7:30 p.m.
Tiger Stadium
Hughes 10-2 -- 6AA Tri-Champions
Charleston 12-0-1 -- 1AA Champions
Not only did the Hughes Blue Devils defeat Barton last Friday, they did it by the exact same score as they did in 1998 when Hughes knocked off Class AA's most prolific winner. The only difference was the 1998 win over Barton came in regulation -- at Blue Devil Stadium while last week's win came in overtime on the Bears' home field.
The win puts the Blue Devils right back in the thick of the 6AA Conference playoff race and into a second-place tie in the league standings with Harding Academy.
If the Blue Devils can stay on track for two more games, the regular-conference ending game, against the Palestine-Wheatley Patriots could be huge.
Everyone in the league is chasing Palestine-Wheatley, who have yet to lose a conference game.
But not to overlook tonight's key conference matchup against the Des Arc Eagles, 3-3 overall and 3-2 in the conference.
It is the first meeting between the two teams since the 2002 season, when Hughes used Des Arc as a first-round springboard into the second phase of the Class AA state playoffs.
The Blue Devils eliminated the Eagles 26-15 at Blue Devil Stadium.
A year ago, the Eagles were unable to score from inside the so-called "Red Zone" or 20-yard line on 18 trips.
That failure to score led to a disappointing 2-7 season for Des Arc.
The Blue Devils have advanced as far as the Class AA quarterfinals each of the past two seasons and are looking for yet another postseason shot. Winning two of their next three would definitely have the Blue Devils playing past Nov. 5.
Hughes has the edge in team speed but the Eagles may have the edge in experience at the skilled positions.
Class AA Playoffs
No. 3 Palestine-Wheatley at No. 1 Rison
Friday, November 26 -- 7:30 p.m.
Wildcat Stadium
Palestine-Wheatley 9-2 -- 6AA Tri-Champions
Rison 12-0 -- 8AA Champions
The Palestine-Wheatley Patriots continue to lead the state in two categories -- total offensive yards and most points scored.
Last Friday's win over Des Arc saw the Patriots put up more than 600 yards of total offense and move past the 300-point barrier in scoring.
Still standing at No. 3 in the Class AA polls, the Patriots did receive a first-place vote in the state-wide balloting. What the Patriots really want is to be in Little Rock at War Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m.
That's the date and time for the Class AA state championship game.
The Patriots are six games removed from achieving that goal.
Tonight's home game against Clarendon should be classified as "easy win" and it may well be, but there is always the possibility that it won't be.
While the Lions may not have the athletes to match up one on one against Palestine-Wheatley, Clarendon has shown the ability to put together a solid passing game when needed. Big passing plays have been a sore spot for the Patriots' in the past.
Clarendon will operate with quarterback Jacob Ellis calling the signals to junior fullback William Norris and receiver Ryan Hampton.
A lack of size and experience will make for a long game for the Clarendon defense who are faced with the daunting task of stopping Palestine-Wheatley backs Antonio Leak, who is running through defenders, Fred Leak, a threat anywhere he lines up, Brad Barton, who has proven difficult to bring down and Rashun Barnes.
All of the Patriots backfield are capable of running for 100-plus yards usually before their chances reach double digits.
This one could be lop-sided win for the Patriots as they head into an open date next week.