The Arkansas Class 3A State football playoffs begin this week, with two local teams competing in first-round matchups.
The Salem Greyhounds will travel to Atkins on Friday to face the Red Devils, who have a 9-1 overall record and secured the 3A-4 conference championship. Atkins is currently ranked fifth in Class 3A and boasts standout athletes, including running back and wide receiver Brelan Criswell. Criswell averages 137 rushing yards and 42.7 passing yards per game. The Red Devils’ defense features Mason Vick, who averages 5.6 tackles per game and has recorded six solo sacks this season, as well as defensive back Noah Metcalf, who has three interceptions.
Salem enters the game after finishing fifth in the 3A-2 conference and defeating Riverview in their regular-season finale. Senior running back Aiden Province, who averages 76 rushing yards per game and has five touchdowns, leads the Greyhounds’ offense and also anchors the defense with 10.6 tackles per game. Joining Province on offense is junior Tripp Martin, who averages 62.1 rushing yards per game and has five touchdowns, and senior receiver Connor Muir, who has tallied seven touchdowns and averages 66 receiving yards per game. Quarterback Peyton Chambers has a 51% completion rate. Defensively, the Greyhounds also rely on senior Caleb Smith, averaging 7.8 tackles per game, and sophomore Kole Romine, who has 8.7 tackles per game.
In another playoff matchup, the Mountain View Yellowjackets will take on the Glen Rose Beavers in Hot Spring County. Glen Rose, playing on their home field, has proven a tough team to beat. The Beavers, who finished second in the 3A-4 conference with a 7-3 record, suffered losses this season to Atkins, Bismarck, and Bauxite. Quarterback Gage Hood drives the offense with an average of 72.9 rushing yards per game, supported by Darrin Bowdle, who averages 47.7 receiving yards per game.
Mountain View will look to their strong running game for success. Running backs Micah Moore, William Cook, and Alaska McDaniel are key contributors behind quarterback Noah Davis, who has recorded multiple games this season with over 100 yards rushing and passing. Mountain View finished their regular season in the 3A-2 conference alongside Salem.
Both games kick off Friday evening at 7 p.m.