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29 PREP RALLY: CLASS 4A | 8.21.2022 for another league title. The Hillbillies return six starters back on offense and eight back on defense from last year's 8-3 team that made it to the second round of the playoffs. Two-way all-state starters Landon Wright, who plays quarterback and safety, and Eli Masingale, who plays running back and linebacker, will lead the way for the Hillbillies. Both were injured early and the Hillbillies stumbled out to a 1-2 start to the season last year. After both came back, Ozark rolled with a 6-0 conference record winning all contests by at least 16 points. "I take a lot of pride in playing both offense and defense," Wright said. "It means a lot that I have my coaches' trust to do it. We had some injuries early on last year, but we had to work through it. We wanted to make it far, so we had to make it work. We want to keep winning conference championships. Winning makes everything more fun." Elkins, picked second in the coaches' poll, has now put together back-to-back eight-win seasons and look to contend for the conference crown. Da'Shawn Chairs, a junior, will be a big part of the Elks' success again this year after an all-state breakout season and earning the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Newcomer of the Year award. Chairs last fall had 1,518 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns while helping guide Elkins to a second-round appearance in the postseason. "He is so much fun to watch," Elkins second-year coach Zach Watson said. "He did a great job last year, but he has had a great summer. After football season, he was at about 145 pounds and is up to 175 now. He has gained 30 pounds and has kept the speed. He has Champ n Continued from Page 27 See CHAMP, Page 39 State Farm, Bloomington, IL 2001739 Jo Ann Clark, Agent 802 W Trimble Avenue Berryville, AR 72616 Bus: 870-423-3443 jo.a.clark.b2wo@statefarm.com Jo Ann Clark, Agent 802 W Trimble Avenue • Berryville, AR 72616 Bus: 870-423-3443 jo.a.clark.b2wo@statefarm.com State Farm, Bloomington, IL 2001739 Landon Wright | Ozark File Photo