The Mountain Home Bombers football team kicked off their 2026 season with a Friday-night Arkansas Activities Association benefit game against the Marion Patriots in the Arkansas Delta. The game, while not counting for season standings, provided the Bombers with their first opportunity to compete against another team after weeks of practice.
Mountain Home started strong, holding their own in a defensive standoff during the opening series. Bomber kicker Isaac Ballard eventually broke the stalemate with a 15-yard field goal, putting Mountain Home ahead 3-0. Marion, however, responded late in the scrimmage period with a long touchdown pass, taking a 7-3 lead into the break.
Despite the outcome, head coach Ary expressed satisfaction with the team's performance. The scrimmage offered the Bombers valuable game-time experience and insight into their strengths and areas needing improvement before the official season opener.
Mountain Home will face Farmington in their season debut next Friday night. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at Bomber Stadium in Mountain Home.