Preview 1 Class 4A Shiloh Christian vs 5 Class 5A Greenwood

When you start talking about must see games, this is one of them. Two of the most dominate, most respected, and most feared teams from the Natural State going head to head.

That is right. It is time, once again, for another epic showdown between the #1 Class 4A Shiloh Christian Saints and the #4 Class 5A Greenwood Bulldogs to lock it up one more time.

What is at stake? Pride, honor, and bragging rights.

Greenwood is the host team, and will have several quality players on the field.

Tyler Shook will lead the Bulldogs on the field. The six foot quarterback threw for 2,865 yards in the Bulldogs spread attack, while completing almost 56% of his passing attempts. Backing him up is junior Tony Sandifer, who also plays running back and wide receiver. He accounted for 822 total yards on offense last season, adding 11 touchdowns.

5-11, 185 pound Travis Green will start at the running back position. The senior battled injuries last season, rushing for 605 and three touchdown. Green showed his potential last season against CAC, where he rushed for 181 yards and three scores to lead the Bulldogs to a 31-17 win. Senior Brodie McCranery has the chance to be change of pace back this upcoming season. The senior ran for 56 yards against Greenbrier in his best outing last season. Junior Marco Vota, one of the returning all-conference players, could see time at running back, but Jones values him too much as a linebacker for him to see extensive duty toting the ball.

Shook's go to receiver for the upcoming season will be 6-3, 180 pound senior Spencer Harris. The other returning all-conference player, Harris has an offer on the table from Missouri State already. He hauled in over 70 catches last season, 14 of them going for touchdowns. Stephen Hogan gives the Bulldogs 6-3 bookend receivers and as a sophomore, caught 21 passes for 274 yards. Classmate Seth Parker, should man a slot position, while three talented sophomores, Daniel Fritsche, Blake Hasley, and Landon Williams will assist.

Greenwood's vocal and spiritual leader, senior Bryan Lloyd, could play either guard or center this upcoming season. Classmate Kyle Helms is coming off a knee injury, but should contribute at the other guard spot. Versatile senior Austin Thomlison can play both guard and tackle. Austin Riggs, Orin Burrows, and Colton Redding will battle it out for the remaining line spots.

Greenwood has perhaps the best kicker in the state in Austin Hartness, who hold state records for career extra points and field goals. The senior connected on 10 of 11 field goals last season. His backup, sophomore Derek Morgan, handled all of the kickoff duties in the playoffs last season and should continue that trend this season.

Helms could pull double duty at defensive tackle, where he had 49 tackles and 7.5 sacks last season. Fellow senior Damien McClain should play alongside him at the other tackle spot. Seniors Tyler Mauch and Michael Wallace play the two end positions. Sophomore Casey Coward, 5-8 and 210 pounds, can play play every line position, linebacker, as well as fullback when Greenwood lines up in a formation that requires one.

Vota collected 94 tackles, 14 for a loss, and four sacks last year. He added three forced fumbles and and two interceptions as well. McCraney has the ability to play all three linebacker spots, as well as safety. Seniors Josh McCutcheon, 6-2 and 200 pounds, and Torry Nixon had great off-seasons and will factor heavily into the linebacker rotation. Sophomore Howie Cox has the size at 6-0 and 220 pounds to make an immediate impact as well.

Sandifer leads a proven secondary from his strong safety position. Senior Kyle Simmons acculmated 40 tackles last season and has the height at 6-0 to match up with almost any receiver. 6-2, 180 pound senior Drew Halsey returns at free safety, where he amassed almost 30 tackles last season. His sophomore brother, Blake, saw varsity practice time in the spring and could play on Friday nights this fall. Harris sees spot duty in nickel and dime packages.

Shiloh Christian will also host a platoon of quality players.

Quarterback Kiehl Frazier been getting major recruiting attention, and recently picked up an offer from the University of Miami. Even as a junior, he is one of the Natural State's top quarterbacks.

Senior Chris Bryant and junior Garret Harper will lead the way in the backfield at running back, while Wilson Huett leads the way at fullback. Mitchell Roberts could even see time at fullback, though he is one of Shiloh's top defensive players at the linebacker position. Junior's Will McKay and Jason Schisler could get reps as well.

Leading the way on the receiving corp will be junior Zann Jones who earned All State honors as a sophomore. Senior Jake Scott, juniors Jon Hawes and Collin Self look to get major playing time as well. Others in the rotation could be Casey Holloway, Ryan Marchewka, and Scotty Sappenfield.

The linemen holding down the trenches will be one of Shiloh's many strength's this season. Junior Travis Bodenstein will lead the way at left tackle, while senior Josh Salbury will be in his fourth year on the line, and third at center. Junior Samuel Harvill who bench presses over 530 pounds, will play right guard, while senior Justin Young will hold down the left guard position. Troy Goss, Ryan Hyde, Jimmy Riggs, and Andrew Rowe could see time as well.

Senior Trevor Tumlinson is setting state records as kicker, and is poised to have a big season as well.

On defense, Harvill will lead the way at nose guard for the Saints, while Hyde will see time at defensive end. Salsbury and Goss will hold down the interior line, while junior Chase Richards could see time at end and linebacker.

Speaking of linebackers, Mitchell Roberts will lead the way for the Saints. The senior is another Saint with numerous scholarship offers, and looks to be backed up by sophomore Tyler Harris. Junior Colt Thomas was strong all last season, to include making 10 key tackles in the State Championship game against Dollarway. Others who could see time include junior Jacob Coffman, senior Dylan Ceola and sophomore David Petrino.

Wilson Huett will lead the secondary for the Saints. The corner had 66 tackles and 7 interceptions last season. David Matthews could see time in the secondary as well if he does in fact play for the Saints this season, and Jon Hawes could see time as well. Frazier could see time at safety as well as Will McKay.

The game will kick off at 7:30 PM at Greenwood. It should without a doubt be one for the ages, as the game has turned into a rivalry, and both teams are looking to make a statement.

You can rest assured, despite who wins the game, a statement will be made, and the winning team will be able to hold their heads high.

If you can not make it to this game, you at least need to try to listen to it. Visit www.HogsNow.com to view radio stations around the state that will be airing this game, or to listen live.

ArkansasVarsity.com will have a full rundown of the game on Saturday morning. Keep checking back with us for the most up to date Arkansas Prep Sports and Recruiting News!

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