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39 PREP RALLY: CLASS 4A | 8.22.2021 4A-4 Conference Ozark saw its three-year stranglehold on the 4A-4 end last year, but the Hillbillies advanced three rounds deep in the playoffs before falling to state semifinalist Stuttgart. The Hillbillies graduated a number of key players from that team, including stellar quarterback Harper Faulkenberry, who piled up 2,700 total yards, and Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year Keystan Durning, who piled up 125 tackles. Veteran coach Jeremie Burns will turn to senior Ryker Martin and junior Landon Wright to replace Faulkenberry. Martin, a standout at linebacker, stepped in for an injured Faulkenberry in the 2019 playoffs and started three games. Wright saw some time last year and provides a passing arm. "Right now we have two experienced quarterbacks and we will play them both," said Burns. "We have a lot of confidence in both players." Ozark will rely on a strong run game behind one of the largest offensive lines in any classification. All-state left tackle Brock Burns (6-5, 290), center R.J. Karns (6-1, 300) and guard Bryar Yates (6-1, 320) have three years of starting experience under their belts. "They have worked extremely hard," said Burns of his massive trio. "We're going to have a new guy at right tackle that we're still trying to find, but we like where we are with this bunch." Dardanelle and Mena are expected to give the Hillbillies their strongest challenge. Last season Mena claimed a 23-20 win against Ozark that earned the Bearcats the league title. Lamar returns five starters each way under longtime coach Josh Jones. The Warriors return standout quarterback Landon Harrison, who accounted for 1,800 yards of total offense last season, and Joe Dalton will be a two-way starter at running back and linebacker. Shiloh n Continued from Page 36 Prairie Grove coach Danny Abshier, who has compiled more than 200 career wins, will have his Tigers ready to roar in the 4A-1 Conference in 2021. Prairie Grove was 10-2 last season and returns 11 total starters this season including quarterback Paytin Higgins. NWA Democrat-Gazette Andy Shupe FAYET TEVILLE • SPRINGDALE • ROGERS • BENTONVILLE • GRAVET TE • CENTERTON • HIWASSE // legacyar.com Your legacy starts with education.