Championship Outlook
At a recent Hooten’s Arkansas Football luncheon in Pine Bluff, coaches and players from across the state converged to outline their ambitions for the 2025 season, with Mansfield highlighted as the early favorite to reclaim the 3A crown after a dramatic 40‑30 victory over Fordyce in the December championship game.
Returning Stars
Andreal Ellison Jr., who threw for 475 yards and five touchdowns in that title game, returns after battling an ACL injury that cost him only two contests, while receiver Jamartez Stroud, who amassed 229 yards and three scores, says the Cardinals are hungry to repeat. Barry Grooms, a veteran analyst, told the audience that Mansfield’s blend of experience and depth makes them the team to beat in 3A.
Fordyce’s own stars echoed the sentiment, expressing confidence that their squad can once again contend for the state title, a narrative that was reinforced when the University of Arkansas announced a scholarship offer to running back Gamble, who is still weighing his options.
Emerging Talent
The luncheon also spotlighted rising prospects such as Kentz Brown of Dumas, the top‑ranked 2028 recruit in Arkansas according to 247Sports.com, who has already secured offers from Arkansas, Central Arkansas and Missouri, and Chaysen Gordon of McGehee, a sophomore who logged 31 catches for 346 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman.
New Coaching Strategies
Don Harrison, who took over at Smackover, described a cultural overhaul that includes a revamped offense and defense, a plan that helped the team break a long playoff drought and finish 10‑2 last season. The program now faces a tough early slate, including a showdown with McGehee on Aug. 28 and early games against 2A power Junction City and 3A contender Drew Central.
Rebuilding Efforts
Star City’s Bulldogs, who finished winless a year ago, are pinning their hopes on first‑year coach Matt Garriott and senior Braylon Seawood, who stresses the importance of overcoming adversity as the program looks to rebuild. Senior Kent Brown’s teammate, Braxton Bryant, also chimed in about the community’s renewed energy.
Beyond the on‑field storylines, the event underscored the role of local institutions such as the Rotary Club of West Pine Bluff in supporting youth sports, while Pine Bluff Commercial, the region’s primary newspaper, continues to chronicle the journey of Arkansas football.