Top games to watch this week (Oct. 30) in Arkansas high school football

Here is an inside look at the top high school football games across the state of Arkansas this week (Oct. 30).

Here is an inside look at the top high school football games across the state of Arkansas this week (Oct. 30). 

Photo by Jimmy Jones

Harding Academy vs. Newport – Friday

Newport has rolled through everyone it’s faced this season, allowing 12 points per game. Harding Academy has showcased a strong offense and has lost only to Briarcrest Christian (TN). Senior quarterback Caden Sipe has 14 touchdown passes, with Ty Dugger and Andrew Miller catching 12 of them. The teams have split the previous two meetings, both coming in the playoffs.

• Pick the winner

Greene County Tech vs. Batesville – Friday

Batesville enters having won four of its past five and has defeated Greene County Tech each of the past 10 meetings. The Golden Eagles are unbeaten at home this season and have 1,000-yard rusher David Williams in the backfield. Williams will try to get back on track after being held to 52 yards against Valley View. Sylvan Hills also appears to be playing its best at the right time, winning three in a row by an average of 23 points.

• Pick the winner

Cabot vs. Fort Smith Northside – Friday

Northside will try to turn things around after getting outscored 90-19 over the past two games. Cabot has suffered consecutive losses to Conway and Bryant after starting 5-0. Cabot will find ways to score; Northside must find a way to keep up.

• Pick the winner

Robinson vs. Ashdown – Friday

After a 5-0 start, Ashdown has dropped two of its past three against strong conference opponents. The Panthers are looking to end a four-game losing streak against Robinson. The Senators have seen their offense pick up over the past two weeks and have had 11 different receivers catch a touchdown this season.

• Pick the winner

Sylvan Hills vs. Jonesboro – Friday

Jonesboro has been on fire since starting conference play. The Golden Hurricane have averaged 43 points per game over their past four contests and have received great play from junior quarterback Rykar Acebo, who stepped in following an injury.

• Pick the winner

Lake Hamilton vs. Benton – Friday

A huge game in the 6A West. Lake Hamilton will try to stay unbeaten behind its rushing attack and keep pace with Greenwood before next week’s showdown. Benton attacks with a pass-first approach behind quarterback Garrett Brown, who’s thrown for more than 2,100 yards this season.

• Pick the winner

North Little Rock vs. Bryant – Friday

Bryant enters having not lost a game in more than two years. That last loss was against North Little Rock on Oct. 26, 2018. The Hornets were able to get revenge in the state final that season and added another win against the Charging Wildcats last year. Senior quarterback Kareame Cotton has led North Little Rock to an average of 41 points per game.

• Pick the winner

Paris vs. Boonesville – Friday

A game that likely will determine the 3A Region 4 standings. Paris and Booneville both enter unbeaten and hold a two-game lead over Atkins and others. The Bearcats' two losses have come against Stigler (OK) and Warren. Paris has won all eight of its games and hasn’t scored fewer than 35 points since Week 3.

• Pick the winner

Rogers vs. Har-Ber – Friday

After starting 0-4, Har-Ber flipped the switch and enters on a four-game win streak. Sophomore running back Hudson Brewer has been excellent during the streak, tallying eight rushing touchdowns. Rogers sits at 4-2 but will be focused on its defense after allowing 73 points to Bentonville last week.

• Pick the winner

Watson Chapel vs. Maumelle – Friday

Maumelle has alternated wins and losses through five games. The Hornets will need to find a way to stop a Watson Chapel team coming off a 64-20 win against Beebe. The Wildcats have received strong play from sophomore quarterback Jabrae Shaw.

• Pick the winner