By PATRIC FLANNIGAN
Sports writer
It's playoff time and Ouachita County can brag that all three of its varsity football team will be able to participate in the state tournament.
Bearden and Harmony Grove will both host teams in the opening round while Camden Fairview will have to hit the road.
5A-East No. 2 Harding Academy (7-3, 6-1) vs. 5A South No. 3 Camden Fairview (7-3, 5-2)
The Camden Fairview Cardinals will travel to play the Harding Academy Wildcats on the campus of the defending Division II National Champions Harding University's football field. In a lot of ways, the Wildcats mirror the Cardinals. While CF holds a size and speed advantage, the Wildcats look to be a poised and confident team. Some of that culture likely comes from Harding Academy's history in the 4A classification where they won four state titles in the last five years.
The Wildcats are led by 6'1 slippery quarterback, Owen Miller. Miller's greatest weapon against opponent's is his ability to extend plays and find open receivers. He is completing passes at a 71 percent clip and has a 25:5 touchdown to interception ratio while also serving as the team's leading rusher.
Going on the road in the playoff's isn't a new thing for the Cardinals. Since Head Coach Nick Vaughn came to CF two year's ago, the Cardinals have been impressive as the visiting team in the post season. Just last year, CF began its second consecutive run to a semi-finals appearance with an upset against a No. 1 seeded Farmington in the first round. Another thing leading in CF's favor its improved defense play over the latter half of the season. CF gave up 38 point's to Parkview last week but its important to note that the Cardinals forced two turnovers, forced four fumbles and caused three turnovers on downs.
3A-7 Harmony Grove (6-4, 5-2) vs. 3A-8 Dumas (4-6, 4-3)
The Dumas Bobcats are in the midst of its best season since 2020 but will hit the road to play a hungry Harmony Grove Hornets squad that appears to be peaking at the right time. It's hard to pinpoint the Bobcats' strengths as they have been shutout three times this season and its highest scoring victory came against a 1-9 Lakeside (Lake Village) team, 28-6.
The Hornets have scored over 50 points in its last three games and have scored 50 or more points five times this season.
HG is known for its explosive running game but they have also found ways to hit on big passing plays when it wants to.
2A-4 Bearden (6-4, 5-2) vs. Mt. Ida 2A-1 (7-3, 5-2)
Some coaches use the non-conference portion of their season to schedule teams they could see in the playoffs but its not too often that it works out that way.
The Bears traveled to play the Mount Ida Lions Week 3 and were defeated 37-6. However, the Week 3 version of the Bears is a far cry from the Bears that were on display since conference started. Bearden has won 5 of its last six games including a big home upset of the Poyen Indians in Week 9.
If the Bears want to continue what has been a solid season, they will have to have answers for the Lion's trademark rushing attack. Senior Ben Woodfield is amongst the top rushers in the state statistically having compiled 1887 yards this season.