2008 Playoffs Round 3

It is Thanksgiving weekend, so that means the Arkansas state football playoffs are dwindling down. The upper three division each have 4 teams remaining while the lower divisions have an elite 8. It also means that football weather will be in vogue all across the state tonight. We hope that you take the time to go out and shiver some of those extra calories away at a playoff game near you.

7A Playoffs

The 7A playoffs have become, as expected by many, the 7A West Invitational. The only team remaining from the 7A Central is Russellville (traditionally a Western team).

Russellville @ Bentonville: Bentonville will continue to play fundamentally sound football and limit their turnovers. The Tigers are too much for the Cyclones. Prediction: Bentonville 20, Russellville 7.

Har-Ber @ FS Southside: The only teams Har-Ber has stumbled against are those from Ft. Smith. This one will be a close with Har-Ber finally moving past a team from the river valley. Prediction: Har-Ber 31, Southside 27

6A Playoffs

As you would expect, the 6A semi-finalists contain the "usual suspects" as well as a surprise team in Watson Chapel. These games should be very entertaining tonight.

Lake Hamilton @ West Memphis: Lake Hamilton has had a dominant offense all year, but their defense has struggled. West Memphis is the class of 6A, and they roll to the finals again. Prediction: West Memphis 52, Lake Hamilton 35

Watson Chapel @ El Dorado: Watson Chapel pulled off the shocker of the playoffs last week with a win over Pine Bluff. Watson Chapel keeps it close, but the Wildcats of El Dorado advance. Prediction: El Dorado 21, Watson Chapel 14

5A Playoffs

All four #1 seeds emerged from the early playoff rounds. The remaining teams all know how to put points on the board, so we should see some real slugfests in the 5A division tonight.

Pulaski Academy @ Greenwood: The last 2 meetings between these two teams have gone to the Bulldogs in high scoring playoff classics. PA's Bruins reverse those last outcomes with a score that will be eerily familiar. Prediction: PA 57, Greenwood 56.

West Helena @ Monticello: Monticello should be able to score and control the clock. However, West Helena will be too much for the Billies. Prediction: West Helena 42, Monticello 31.

4A Playoffs

Newport @ Heber Springs: Prediction -- Newport
PB Dollarway @ Nashville: Prediction -- Nashville
DeQueen @ Osceola: Prediction -- Osceola
Lonoke @ Shiloh Christian: Prediction -- Shiloh Christian

3A Playoffs

Lavaca @ Cedarville: Prediction -- Cedarville
Mayflower @ Charleston: Prediction -- Mayflower
Mansfield @ Lamar: Prediction -- Lamar
Fountain Lake @ Prescott: Prediction -- Fountain Lake

2A Playoffs

Carlisle @ Bigelow: Prediction -- Carlisle
Smackover @ Des Arc: Prediction -- Des Arc
Bearden @ East Poinsett County: Prediction -- Bearden
Strong @ Junction City: Prediction -- Junction City