Arkansas High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams – Sept. 9

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Syndication: Southwest Times Record — Greenwood's Grant Karnes (3) tries to break free from the tackle of Pulaski Academy's KJ Colen during the 6A West Conference game on Oct. 28 at Smith Robinson Stadium. Greenwood Pul Acad Fb 102822 14

As Arkansas high school football continues its 2024 season, some movement has occurred regarding the state’s top-ranked teams. Likewise, one new team entered the top ten while two others moved one spot up. Conversely, another squad dropped three places to move out of the top tier.

There was no shortage of exciting games during the second weekend of Arkansas high school football, and those results helped shape the Arkansas On3 Massey Ratings Top 25 as of September 9.

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 — five teams from Arkansas rank inside the nationwide top 100.

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1. Bryant

Previous: No. 2 (+1)
As winners of five of the last six Class 7A state championships, the Hornets proved their worth as the top-ranked Arkansas high school football team by defeating the Christian Brothers Purple Wave 42-21. They have remained undefeated this season after wins over Benton (52-42) and Camden Fairview (23-6).

2. Greenwood

Previous: No. 1 (-1)
After previously holding the top spot, the Bulldogs dropped one spot despite demolishing the Northside Grizzlies 58-0. The reigning Class 6A Champions have previously defeated Fayetteville (41-20) and Bentonville West (70-35). Greenwood is still the state’s highest-ranked offense despite dropping to number two.

3. Conway

Previous: No. 3
The Wampus Cats started their campaign convincingly, dominating the Jonesboro Hurricane 42-21. Conway maintained its momentum with a 55-21 blowout of the Bentonville Tigers. After two games this season, the Cats are third on offense and fifth on defense.

4. Parkview Magnet

Previous: No. 4
After squeaking past the Melissa Cardinals with a seven-point victory, the Patriots finally had a convincing win against the Maumelle Hornets, 51-6. They are now 2-0 to start the season and have the top-ranked defense in Arkansas high school football.

5. Fayetteville

Previous: No. 5
The defending Class 7A state titlists started their season by unleashing a 48-13 masterclass during their road game against the Cabot Panthers. They defeated the Oklahoma-based Broken Arrow Tigers 30-23 a week later. Fayetteville has the state’s second-best defense, limiting opponents to 18 points per game.

6. Pulaski Academy

Previous: No. 6
The Bruins’ defense is showing some cracks after surrendering 36 points to Madison-Ridgeland Academy. It’s the most points they’ve given (so far) this season, after 21 to Joe T. Robinson and blanking Jonesboro during their season debut. Luckily, their explosive offense responded with 136 points in three games.

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7. Shiloh Christian

Previous: No. 7
The Saints maintained their spot in the top ten after edging Little Rock Christian Academy 44-40. While it’s still a victory, it’s nowhere near their dominating 47-6 win against Farmington. Shiloh Christian’s offense is ranked ninth among Arkansas high school football teams.

8. Bentonville

Previous: No. 8
The Tigers remain in the top ten despite not winning in their first two assignments. After a seven-point loss to Union, they were no match for Conway, resulting in a 55-21 loss. While they are eighth in the rankings, their offense is ranked fourth-highest, while their defense is sixth.

9. Cabot

Previous: No. 10 (+1)
The Panthers bounced back from their 48-13 loss to Fayetteville with a 44-38 victory over Bentonville West. Cabot ranks fourth in strength of schedule, making their victory over the Wolverines more impressive.

10. Benton

Previous: No. 11 (+1)
Despite their 52-45 loss to top-ranked Bryant, the Panthers enter the top ten due to their strong showing. Benton could have a challenging 2024 season because they have the toughest strength of schedule.

Teams 11-25 in the latest Arkansas High School Football Rankings

11. Rogers (+1)
12. Little Rock Christian Academy (-3)
13. Southside
14. Marion
15. Joe T. Robinson (+1)
16. Mountain Home (-1)
17. Elkins (+1)
18. Valley View (-1)
19. Lakeside
20. Little Rock Catholic
21. Bentonville West
22. Morrilton (+1)
23. Camden Fairview (+6)
24. Springdale (-2)
25. El Dorado(+9)