By Kyle Sutherland | Photo by Tommy Land
It’s November, and that means it’s time to separate the contenders from the contenders. For the second straight week, there are several exciting matchups across the state as the regular season comes to a close. These are games to watch as conference titles and top seeds are at stake, as well as some outcomes that could change the trajectory of the playoff picture.
Here are 10 Arkansas high school football games for Week 10.
Bentonville (8-1) vs. Bentonville West (7-2)
The Tigers have never lost to their Crosstown rivals in the previous six contests, but with the 7A-West Conference title at stake, the motivation for the disgruntled Wolverines is even greater. Bentonville has already earned at least a league share and a win will earn an overall championship for the fifth time in the last six years.
Bryant (8-0) vs. Conway (8-1)
Many predicted this regular-season final would be an undefeated matchup, but the stakes are still high as Conway hopes to avenge last season’s narrow loss and defeat the Hornets for the first time since 2014. If the Wampus Cats make it, they still have a shot at the 7A-Central top seed if Cabot loses to North Little Rock, but a win for Bryant would earn the program’s fourth straight overall conference title.
Camden Fairview (8-1) vs. Parkview (7-2)
First-year head coach Nick Vaughn and the Cardinals are looking to win back-to-back 5A South championships as they welcome Vaughn’s former team Parkview, who hope to conquer the South’s top seed after being relegated from Class 6A. During an eight-game winning streak, Camden Fairview has outscored opponents 317-69, while Parkview’s offense has averaged 42 points per game in the last five competitions.
Carlisle (8-0) vs. Hazen (8-0)
A matchup that could potentially be a state championship preview, the focus is currently on a conference title and the winner will take the 2A-4. Defense was almost unbelievable — Hazen has five shutouts and conceded four points per game, Carlisle has four shutouts and conceded eight points per game — while the offenses were roughly equally dominant, averaging nearly 50 points on each timeout.
Catholic (9-0) vs. Marion (7-2)
The Rockets are looking to wrap up their first undefeated regular season in school history and solidify the 6A-East’s top seed, while the Patriots have other plans now that they are healthy and currently on a four-game winning streak. Marion looks eerily like last season when she eventually reached the semifinals and will secure a share of the East title with a win on Friday.
Farmington (6-3) vs. Prairie Grove (7-2)
The stakes are high in this year’s Battle of Highway 62, as a win for Prairie Grove will secure the two starting spots in the 5A-West, while a win for the Cardinals could, with a little help, put them in second place. The Tigers are leading the all-time streak, but Farmington is looking to play back-to-back games against them in one of Northwest Arkansas’ biggest rivalries.
Little Rock Christian (7-2) vs. Greenwood (8-1)
The Bulldogs have already earned first place in the 6A-West while the Warriors will take fourth, but Little Rock Christian has an opportunity to grab a massive win on his home turf before the playoffs begin. The Bulldogs showed they’re back to form after an injury-ridden 2021 when they somehow found a way to return to Little Rock last December. Greenwood’s senior star quarterback Hunter Houston was injured in last week’s win and his status for Friday is unknown.
Malvern (7-1) vs. Arkadelphia (7-0)
Two of the best teams in Class 4A will compete for the 4A-7 Conference Championship at David Alpe Field. Anything can happen in a rivalry game with so much at stake, but don’t be surprised if you score in droves. Arkadelphia are averaging 46 points, led by a strong air attack, while Malvern have averaged 49 points per game against the state competition, who are fueled by ground play that shattered opposing defenses.
Pulaski Academy (8-1) vs. Lake Hamilton (8-1)
Lake Hamilton regrouped against a gritty Russellville squad to get back on the winning side, and now Pulaski Academy are looking to do the same after crashing against Greenwood on the road last week. Two of the best offenses in Class 6A will collide and the winner will take the two west seeded while the loser gets the third.
Wynne (7-2) vs. Nettleton (7-2)
The 5A East has been a stunner the entire back half of the season and it’s all finally getting settled as this matchup is crucial along with Valley View/Batesville despite Valley View already claiming first place. Wynne will wrap up the two seeds with a win, but the Raiders could jump to second if they pull out the win and get help.