Arkansas High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams – Sept. 17
Sleeping on Arkansas high school football is a mistake because some teams are gaining national prominence. Coincidentally, the same teams dominate the Arkansas On3 Massey Ratings top 25 list as of Sept. 17.
After the third week of games for the 2024 season, here’s how the best teams in the state rank among their rivals.
The On3 Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory. According to the model, four teams from Arkansas rank in the top 100 nationwide.
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1. Bryant
Previous: No. 1
The Hornets have been impressive against ranked opponents Benton, Missouri-based Christian Brothers College, and Parkview Magnet. More importantly, their defense has reduced their points allowed from 45 to Benton to 10 against Parkview Magnet. In their latest victory over the Patriots, Jordan Walker threw for three touchdowns, while Daniel Anderson added 98 rushing yards and a touchdown. The 28th nationally-ranked team can improve to 4-0 with a victory over Little Rock Central on Sept. 27.
2. Greenwood
Previous: No. 2
No one among the Bulldogs’ first three opponents can contain their dynamic offense. After scoring 58 points against Northside on Sept. 6, they put up 56 versus Har-Ber in their latest game. Kane Archer threw for six touchdowns against the Wildcats, while Champ Davis had 136 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Averaging 61.3 points per game makes Greenwood the top-ranked offense in Arkansas high school football. However, Greenwood’s scoring prowess will be tested against ninth-ranked Shiloh Christian on Sept. 27.
3. Conway
Previous: No. 3
The Wampus Cats improved to 3-0 with a 49-7 masterpiece over Marion. It’s the fewest points they’ve allowed (so far) this season, following the 21 points surrendered to Jonesboro and Bentonville. Limiting their opponent’s production ranked Conway’s defense fifth in-state, while their offense is third-best in Arkansas. A 4-0 record is at stake when the Wampus Cats face Little Rock Southwest on Sept. 27.
4. Fayetteville
Previous: No. 4
The Bulldogs enjoyed a one-week break before returning to action. Fayetteville escaped with a 30-23 decision against Broken Arrow in their last game before the bye. Christian Battles carried Fayetteville’s offense against the Tigers with 160 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Garyt Odom had 84 receiving yards and a touchdown. The 2-0 Bulldogs will face Texas High on Sept. 20 and Bentonville West on Sept. 27.
5. Parkview Magnet
Previous: No. 5
The Patriots’ loss to top-ranked Bryant ended their two-game winning streak. It’s their time to be on the losing end after defeating Melissa on Aug. 31 and Maumelle on Sept. 6. However, after their loss to the Hornets, Massey Ratings predict easy wins for them against Hot Springs on Sept. 26 and Dequeen on October 4
6. Pulaski Academy
Previous: No. 6
The Bruins’ defense is cause for concern after they gave up 36 points to Madison-Ridgeland Academy and 47 to West Monroe. However, luckily for them, they’ve remained undefeated by scoring more points than their opponents. Against the Rebels, Pulaski Academy scored 67 points, led by Brandon Cobb’s six touchdown passes, two rushing touchdowns, and 103 rushing yards. Ja’vion Walker added ten carries for 114 yards and a touchdown. Pulaski Academy can keep their undefeated streak with a win against North Little Rock on Sept. 27.
7. Bentonville
Previous: No. 7
The Tigers are the only team in this list without a victory. After dropping a 42-35 decision against Oklahoma-based Union, Bentonville lost big against third-ranked Conway 55-21. Despite those losses, the Tigers retained their top ten spot, possibly because of their rigid strength of schedule. However, their situation doesn’t get any easier because they will face Missouri’s top-ranked team, Lee’s Summit North, on Sept. 20.
8. Benton
Previous: No. 8
The Panthers bounced back from their season-opening loss against Bryant with a 42-13 victory over North Little Rock. Benton generated 397 yards on offense versus the Charging Wildcats, which includes 291 passing yards. Converting four of their eight third-down attempts also helped them score their first victory in the 2024 Arkansas high school football season. Benton will close the month with games against Harding Academy (Sept. 20) and Jonesboro (Sept. 27).
9. Shiloh Christian
Previous: No. 9
The Saints failed to find answers against the efficient Lincoln Christian School offense. Hence, Shiloh Christian lost by 24 points to Oklahoma’s ninth-ranked team. It’s an unfortunate outcome after their wins against Farmington and Little Rock Christian Academy. However, they are back to the drawing board versus second-ranked Greenwood on Sept. 27.
10. Rogers
Previous: No. 10
The Mounties recovered from a 33-28 defeat against Muskogee by dominating Sheridan 43-7. Jeff Regan utilized the Rogers offense to perfection, ending up with nine completions for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Braxton Lindsey had five receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. The Mounties’ defense also stopped Sheridan’s aggressive offense in six fourth-down attempts. Rogers can improve to 3-1 by defeating Northside on Sept. 27.
Teams 11-25 in the latest Arkansas High School Football Rankings
11. Little Rock Christian Academy
12. Cabot
13. Elkins
14. Southside
15. Valley View
16. Joe T. Robinson
17. Marion
18. Mountain Home
19. Little Rock Catholic
20. Lake Hamilton
21. Camden Fairview
22. Springdale
23. El Dorado
24. Morrilton
25. Greenbrier