The claws came out across Arkansas this week, with late-game heroics, standout performances, and plenty of reasons to roar! 😤 Missed the action Friday? We got you covered with the top plays 👀

What’s on the board today?

🎙️ Catch up on the action with Alyssa Orange!
📈 Keeping track of what’s happening around the state
👀 Naming our Team & Athletes of the Week

Let’s get it!

🎙️ Wins, Records, & More. ICYMI: Last Friday night brought more theatrics on the gridiron. From Sheridan’s big 59-49 win over Benton, and Russellville’s Sam Calahan setting school records, it was another must see night for high school football. Alyssa Orange breaks it down in this week’s Varsity Vibe, and Sheridan head coach Kevin Kelley joins us to talk about the Yellow Jackets' 6-0 start to the season.

👀 Down to the Wire. Sheridan remains undefeated in a wild 48-45 win over Searcy, with senior Wyllie DePriest scoring the game-winning touchdown with just 9 seconds left. The Yellowjackets rallied from an 11-point second-half deficit, led by junior Easton Barksdale’s 527 passing yards and four touchdowns, to improve to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in 6A play. Sheridan’s dramatic comeback capped a back-and-forth battle between two previously unbeaten conference teams.

🏈 Short-field Success. Bentonville capitalized on short fields to roll past Fayetteville 44-10, scoring 34 points on possessions that began in Bulldog territory. Junior Davis Kulka rushed for two touchdowns, while senior Stephen Schafer stepped up with 175 yards on 23 carries to help the Tigers improve to 6-1 overall. Bentonville benefited from three short Fayetteville punts and recovered an onside kick to maintain control throughout the game.

💪 Titan Takedown. Jacksonville pulled away in the second half to defeat Vilonia 50-29, their third win in 5A play. Kentucky commit Mason Ball powered the Titans with 240 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while junior quarterback Kingston Burnett threw for 243 yards and three scores. Vilonia’s junior quarterback Cooper Hanson accounted for three touchdowns, but Jacksonville’s offense proved too much as the Titans scored 28 second-half points to secure the win.

🏈 Kentucky commit Mason Ball powered Jacksonville’s 50-29 win over Vilonia, rushing for 240 yards and four touchdowns on 21 carries. The running back broke loose for a 38-yard touchdown in the third quarter, followed by a 6-yard scoring run after a fumble recovery to help the Titans pull away. Ball capped off the victory with a 5-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter as Jacksonville improved to 6-1 overall.

🏐 Conway senior Addy Swindle delivered a standout performance at the Lady Cat Invitational, recording 24 kills and 30 digs to earn a spot on the All-Tournament Team. The two-time defending state champions continue to set the standard in the 6A-Central, with Swindle embracing the pressure and expectations that come with leading a championship-caliber program.

🏈 Har-Ber rallied from a 14-0 deficit to stun previously undefeated Bentonville West 17-14, capped by junior quarterback Roman Gomez’s go-ahead touchdown pass to senior Breck Roach with 3:31 remaining. The Wildcats’ defense held the Wolverines scoreless after the first quarter, limiting them to just 10 net rushing yards. Har-Ber improved to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in 7A-West play with the gritty comeback victory.

Friday, Oct. 23:
🏈 7A Rogers @ Bentonville, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 7A Bentonville West @ Rogers Heritage, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 7A Springdale @ Fayetteville, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 7A Shiloh Christian @ Har-Ber, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 7A Conway @ Pulaski Academy, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 7A Cabot @ Bryant, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 7A North Little Rock @ Central, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 6A Benton @ Searcy, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 6A Van Buren @ Little Rock Southwest, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 6A Lake Hamilton @ Mountain Home, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 6A Sheridan @ Marion, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 5A Clarksville @ Farmington, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 5A Greenwood @ Pea Ridge, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 4A Watson Chapel @ Monticello, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 4A Stuttgart @ Warren, 7:00 pm | Watch Here
🏈 3A Greenland @ Mansfield, 7:00 pm | Watch Here

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