Five Fort Smith area high school football hot takes for 2022
The Fort Smith area high school football season starts in less than two weeks.
Here are my five bold predictions heading in.
1. Northside creeps into contention
The Grizzlies lost three conference games by seven points or less last season. With the secondary’s addition of Division-I prospect KyVeon Perkins, the shuffling of Sebastian Garcia and Julius Thomas to linebacker and a veteran offensive line, Northside wins against each of those opponents. It finishes as well as second in the Arkansas 7A Central, behind only Bryant, for the first time since 2016.
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2. Cedarville is here to stay
The departure of school career rushing king Darryl Kattich and other key parts has led to predictions of a significant drop off. The Hooten’s coaches’ poll pegged the Pirates at seventh in Arkansas Conference 3A-1 but Cedarville coach Max Washausen sees a continuous program of success. Luke Mallow and the coach’s largest offensive line since taking over makes holes for Hayden Morton and Colten Arnold as it reaches the playoffs for the third year in a row.
3. Paris misses the playoffs
After two 10-plus win seasons, the program sees a setback with only five returning starters. Graduated departures include three All-State selections, six All-Conference and one All-Conference Honorable Mention.
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4. Van Buren breaks out
The Pointers make it through the non-conference schedule undefeated in back-to-back years. With the continued health improvement of quarterback Bryce Perkins and receiver Andrew Hammond, both coming off broken collarbones, Van Buren posts a winning record for the first time since 2019 and its second since 2010. It also begins 4-0 for the first time since 2010. Crucial midseason wins over Lake Hamilton and Russellville are enough to make a playoff appearance.
5. Alma makes noise
In coach Rusty Bush’s third year there, the Airedales make major strides and return to the postseason. It begins with a defense that returns team leader at linebacker Reagan Birchfield off ACL surgery and a unit that brings a new level of want-to and commitment. Sophomore Israel Towns-Robinson emerges at running back and defense end.
You can follow Bryant Roche on Twitter @BRocheSports and you can email him at BRoche@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Here are 5 Fort Smith area high school football hot takes for 2022
