Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1049711
22 PREP RALLY PLAYOFF: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2018 CLASS 4A things on both side of the football that really puts us in a situation where we're gonna have to play really well." e Bulldogs (4-6) followed a four- game losing streak by winning their final two games, including a 15-6 victory over Crossett to finish their regular season. e Saints' high-powered offense will be tested by a defense that held eight of its 10 opponents to 13 or fewer points. "Seven of their opponents this year scored the least amount of points against them than they did against anyone else," Conaway said. "I don't think they've won as many games as they wanted to win, but as the stats show, they're a very good defensive team." Conaway said the Saints' home-field advantage could play a big factor in the game, as the Bulldogs must travel at least four hours by bus to get to Shiloh's stadium in Springdale. "at's one of the perks to getting the one seed is you get to stay at home, and you don't have to play on the road," Conaway said. "We're very thankful for that. We've been on the other end of that, as well, like last year when we had to travel to Stuttgart." — Andrew Epperson • Special to the NWA Democrat-Gazette ELKINS Surprising Elks head to 'Titletown' Not many people thought Elkins (7-3) would excel in its first year in Class 4A, but seven wins and a playoff appearance later, the Elks keep surprising. "ese kids have played well hard," Elkins first-year coach Bryan Hutson said. But that's how Hutson would have it ahead of Elkins' first-round matchup against the Nashville Scrappers (8-2). Elkins lost back-to-back games against Dardanelle and Ozark to end the season, but Hutson is not concerned about the team's recent losing streak affecting his players headed into the game. "ese guys haven't been intimidated by anybody all season," Hutson said. He's banking on quarterback Quinn McClain to continue his regular-season dominance against the Scrappers. e junior threw for just under 2,300 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 15 rushing touchdowns. "We're hoping that Nashville hasn't seen a passing attack like us this season," Hutson said. Nashville will be looking to avenge an early exit from the playoffs last year, which was the second consecutive season the Scrappers have lost in the second round. — Alex Nicoll • Special to the NWA Democrat-Gazette OZARK Hillbillies welcome bye week Winning the 4A-4 Conference was huge for Ozark for a couple of reasons, but the biggest was the first-round bye this week. Ozark coach Jeremie Burns said he will use this week to let players overcome the 10-week grind of bumps and bruises before the Hillbillies (8-2) open the playoffs next week against either Lonoke or Prairie Grove. "We need this week off like most teams do," Burns said. "Hopefully we'll get some guys healed up, but we've got some that we don't think we'll get back." Ozark lost a starting offensive lineman last week in the 28-12 win at Elkins, Burns said. "We brought up some younger players and they played really well, so we're using this week and next week to get them ready to go," he said. e Hillbillies have suffered a number of injuries to key players this season, including their entire projected starting SPECIAL TO NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE/ DAVID BEACH Shiloh Christian senior Jaret Russ (11) runs the ball for a touchdown as Kaine Caswell (3) of Prairie Grove misses the tackle at Champions Stadium. The Saints captured the 4A-1 Conference title and will host Star City in a first-round playoff game Friday night. U.S. DOT No. 125550 Family Owned Since 1947 Toll Free - 800-435-6683 • www.wintermoving.com Bentonville • 479-273-9531 Fayetteville • 479-521-9824