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23 PREP RALLY: CLASS 5A | 8.21.2022 SHINE ON New-look 5A-West Conference is wide open CHIP SOUZA NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE The new-look 5A-West Conference has a familiar feel as two old 4A-1 rivals make the bump up in classification. Shiloh Christian and Prairie Grove, longtime powers in the 4A-1, will be reunited with former conference opponents Farmington and Pea Ridge in the revamped league. Gone are Morrilton, Vilonia and Greenbrier, making the new 5A-West a more regional conference. "It really does have a new look, kind of an exciting new look," said Clarksville Coach Khris Buckner. "Obviously teams go out, teams go in. I still think the quality of the 5A-West is still there. It's tough week in, week out." Dardanelle also makes the jump from the 4A-4, meaning three of the conference's eight teams are making classification jumps. Pea Ridge won't show these three newcomers any sympathy. The Blackhawks were also a 4A power before a higher enrollment bumped the Blackhawks up four years ago. Second-year coach Brey Cook, the former University of Arkansas offensive lineman, is still trying to develop depth and strength in the trenches to compete with the larger schools. "That is the biggest key, the guys on the lines," said Cook. "You look at the teams in our conference, they are quite a bit bigger than us as far as their depth goes. That really goes a long way in order to be able to compete for that 10-week season. So for us, we've got great kids, we just need more of them." While enrollment numbers made the move to 5A necessary for Prairie Grove and Dardanelle, Shiloh Christian is one of four private school programs in the state that had to bump up a classification by virtue of the new competitive equity factor. But the Saints, who played in three consecutive 4A state championship games and won the title in 2020, are not See Open, Page 24 SAM WELLS SCHOOL Farmington POSITION Safety CLASS Senior HEIGHT 5-11 WEIGHT 170 TWITTER HANDLE @samwells_ THE DIGITS Wells was a ball-hawking safety last season, helping the Cardinals to the program's second winning record since moving to Class 5A in 2014. … Wells recorded 79 tackles by coming in from the back end of the defense and laying the hammer on running backs. … Teams that risked throwing the ball his way paid a big price as Wells intercepted 5 passes, returning two for touchdowns. … Wells is also a big factor on special teams and may see some time as a slot receiver this season. FAVORITE CLASS AP Science FAVORITE PREGAME MEAL His mom's spaghetti and rolls I'M TERRIFIED OF Snakes. Any kind of snake. MY HERO IS My mom and dad. They have always supported everything I've done. They are really hard workers. My mom and dad did not grow up with much and they have worked their way up. WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT FOOTBALL IS My teammates. I play for them. If I did not give my all for them, I would feel like a failure. Football is a brotherhood. I know people say that a lot, but really it is. You feel like you would do anything for your teammates. Sure, you get mad at them, but then you crack jokes and cut up with them. It's just a safe space. I feel like our team gets along really well. Pea Ridge, AR 479-640-3256 Guthrie Heating & Air We support Blackhawks Football!!! We hope your season is full of victories on and off the field. Coach JR Eldridge | Farmington File Photo