The Mountain Home Bombers football team, led by seventh-year head coach Steve Ary, is preparing for the 2026 season after a 9-3 record last year and six consecutive trips to the second round of the state playoffs during Ary’s tenure.
The season’s unofficial start began with the program’s annual Bomberfest and steak dinner fundraiser, described by Coach Ary as a significant success.
The Bombers’ coaching staff remains largely intact this year, with the addition of three new members: Jaris Acklin, son of offensive coordinator Darin Acklin, and Brock Vigna and Karson Douglas, who will also assist junior high coach Greg Crow.
While the team graduated a number of experienced players from last season, Ary expressed confidence in the returning players’ ability to foster growth among their teammates.
This season, Mountain Home will compete in a restructured 6A-West conference. Longstanding opponents Fort Smith Southside, Lake Hamilton, Russellville, Siloam Springs, and Van Buren remain in the lineup, while Greenwood has moved to 5A and Shiloh Christian to 7A. Filling the open spots are new additions Little Rock Catholic and Little Rock Southwest. Ary is optimistic about the opportunity to become a leading team in the updated conference.
The Bombers face the Marion Patriots this evening in an Arkansas Activities Association-sanctioned exhibition game. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., and fans can follow the action on Classic Hits 101.7, the Mountain Home Athletics App, or the Bomber Sports Network on YouTube.