Western Arkansas Key Matchups - Week 7

Several games have our attention this week, but a couple have more on the line than usual as the playoff picture begins coming into focus.

Fayetteville at Fort Smith Southside
Then top-ranked Bentonville lost at Southside two weeks ago, but the Fayetteville Bulldogs pose a much different challenge for the Rebels’ defense. Fayetteville is on a two-game winning streak and has an explosive offense led by quarterback Brandon Allen. The ‘Dogs defense has improved under first-year defensive coordinator Bryan Early, but will need to slow down the Rebels’ running attack if Fayetteville is to pull off an upset of the

Farmington at Gravette
With Shiloh Christian expected to roll through the 4A-1 conference unbeaten, Farmington and Gravette could be battling for the No. 2 seed and home field advantage in the playoffs in Gravette on Friday night. Farmington super sophomores Deon Clay and Jared Martin have come on the past few weeks to improve the Cardinals chances while the undefeated Gravette Lions have rallied together after the loss of teammate Casey Russell, who died of a staph infection last month. It should be a great battle as always between the Lions and Cardinals.

Other notable games to watch:

FS Northside at Springdale - Final spot in playoffs could be on the line
Springdale Har-Ber at Heritage - Banged up Wildcats' put No. 1 ranking on the line
Alma at Greenbrier - Maybe the fight for No. 2 behind Greenwood
Central Ark. Christian at Siloam Springs - Both teams need to win
Greenwood at Vilonia - We just like wtaching the Bulldogs so we listed this one
West Fork at Dardanelle - Can West Fork keep it going?
Pottsville at Ozark - The Hilbillies try to keep improving under first-year coach Brooks Coatney
Mountainburg at Elkins - If either team is hoping for a spot in the playoffs, they better win this one