As football kickoff inches closer around the country, MaxPreps forecasts the top five teams in the state of Arkansas for the 2009 season.
1. Shiloh Christian
It’s rare that a small school program makes its way to the top of the preseason rankings, but Shiloh Christian is a rare blend of talent and experience that makes the Saints worthy of the No. 1 pick in the state of Arkansas. After going 13-1 in the 4A level last year with a state championship, the Saints are poised to repeat behind the talents of junior quarterback Kiehl Frazier, junior nose guard Samuel Harvill (6-1, 255) and senior linebacker Mitchell Roberts (6-3, 240). All three were instrumental in leading the Saints to a state title last year with Auburn already setting their sights on Frazier, who had 2,500 yards of offense with 32 touchdowns. Travis Bodenstein is another junior standout on the line for the Saints. The 6-4, 290-pound tackle has reportedly been a starter since his freshman season. The Saints play a challenging schedule that includes Evangel Christian of Louisiana, Lincoln Christian of Oklahoma and instate power Greenwood.
2. Bentonville
The rest of the Arkansas top five all reside in the 7A division, led by defending state champion Bentonville. The Tigers were 12-1 last year and return 10 starters on offense including 1,300-yard rusher Shane Boedecker (6-0, 195) and huge linemen Chase Petersen (6-4, 275), Jon-Mark Holden (6-1, 270) and Marcus Danenhauer (6-6, 320). The Tigers also benefitted from the transfer of Courtney Haskell from Warren. The 5-10, 210-pound running back reportedly has 4.48 speed in the 40-yard dash according to Arkansas360.com. The defense returns linebacker Arthur Flowers (6-1, 235) and junior nose tackle Chase Gogle (6-0, 240). Bentonville’s toughest game is likely a road contest with Fayetteville on Sept. 25.
3. Fayetteville
While the Bulldogs expect to be much improved over last year’s 5-6 record, coach Darryl Patton’s squad is still a young one led by a dynamic group of juniors. Brandon Allen, one of the top players in the class of 2011, returns at quarterback after throwing for 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns last year. He has one of the state’s best young targets in junior wide receiver Demetrius Dean (6-2, 230), who caught 13 scoring tosses last year. Dean is one of several returning receivers for the Bulldogs who can also count on senior Michael Heintzman (5-11, 190) and senior Josh Hale (6-4, 215). Meanwhile Dylan Hale, a junior running back, joins Allen in the backfield. Depth and experience along the offensive line will be a main concern for the Bulldogs, who are just two years removed from a 7A state championship.
4. Fort Smith Southside
Defense will be the key for the Rebels of Fort Smith Southside, who posted a 10-3 overall record last year in the 7A West Division. The defensive line is well-stocked with returning starters, including seniors Sean Robinson (6-2, 285) and Sammy Schlieff (5-10, 220) at defensive end and Mike Wayfer (5-11, 310) at nose tackle. Senior Daniel Berry (5-11, 180) leads the linebacking corps. The offense returns just three starters, none of them skill players. Lee Hollis, a 6-0, 190-pound junior running back, will take over the rushing load along with running back David Adair (5-7, 180). Chris Dolan (6-3, 290) is the top returning lineman for the Rebels.
5. Catholic/Mt. St. Mary Academy
Few teams return more talent this year than Little Rock Catholic, which has eight starters back on offense and five on defense from a team that was 7-5 last season. All of the top skill players return, although the line did take a hit from graduation. The Rockets return Taylor Bartlett at quarterback. He threw for 2,300 yards and 22 touchdowns last year and also sprinted for 784 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. He’s aided by the rushing talents of senior running backs Thomas Gring (5-11, 180) and Austin Alexander (5-11, 175). Bartlett has a big target in tight end Garrett Uekman (6-3, 240), while Jeff Grimes (6-3, 190) is a promising newcomer. The defense is especially strong in the secondary where Stacy Hunter (6-1, 205), Hunter Rankin (5-11, 165) and Eric Redmon (5-8, 165) all return.