Football season kicks off across Arkansas
Friday night lights returned to the Natural State as the 2026 high school football season opened with a slate of non‑conference matchups that set the tone for the year. In the central region, the Morrilton Devil Dogs hosted Russellville, looking to extend a two‑game winning streak that began last season. The Devil Dogs, led by a senior‑laden offense, entered the game with confidence after back‑to‑back victories.
Further west, the Perryville Mustangs began their campaign on the road against Quitman, but the story was as much about the sidelines as the field. New head coach Justin Hamilton, who guided the Mustangs to only two wins a year ago, took the helm with a promise of rapid improvement. Hamilton’s fresh perspective brought a revamped playbook and a renewed focus on discipline, hoping to turn the program’s recent struggles into a foundation for future success.
In a clash of former conference rivals, Bigelow High School traveled to face Conway Christian in the season opener. Both programs have shifted classifications, with the Eagles moving up to Class 3A. The matchup offered an early gauge of how the new competitive tier would affect regional dynamics, and coaches on both sides emphasized the importance of early chemistry.
Volleyball season begins with early tests
The same weekend that football teams took the field, the state’s volleyball squads began their schedules with a series of opening matches. The Morrilton Lady Devil Dogs opened their campaign against Clarksville at Devil Dog Arena, marking the first of many tests against regional opponents. Early games serve as a laboratory for new rotations and tactical adjustments, as coaches experiment with lineups before conference play ramps up.