The Mountain Home Bombers are starting the season with high expectations, having been ranked third in Class 6A in the Arkansas Sports Media High School Football Poll. The preseason rankings, released earlier this week, reflect the views of media representatives covering high school football across the state.
Benton took the top spot in Class 6A, earning 11 first-place votes, while Searcy claimed second place with one first-place vote. Mountain Home followed with a total of 33 points, edging out Marion, Sylvan Hills, and Van Buren, which tied for fourth with 10 points each. Other schools receiving votes in Class 6A included Fort Smith Southside, El Dorado, and Jonesboro.
The Bombers also made an appearance in the statewide overall rankings, earning six votes but falling short of the top 10. Bryant claimed first place in the overall poll, followed by Bentonville and Conway.
In Class 3A, the Salem Greyhounds were ranked fifth with seven points. Fordyce secured the top spot in that division, followed by Mansfield, Glen Rose, and Bismarck. Salem narrowly beat Rivercrest, Atkins, and Charleston, which received additional votes outside the top five.
The Arkansas Sports Media poll is conducted prior to the start of each high school football season, offering a snapshot of team expectations based on prior performances and projections. The opening games of the 2023 season will provide teams across Arkansas, including Mountain Home and Salem, an opportunity to confirm or exceed these early rankings.