PATS

From page A7

a Conway team coming off a 10-2 season in 2023, the second double-digit victory season in a row, and the Wampus Cats lost a heartbreaker in the semifinals by three points to eventual state champion Fayetteville.

Conway is in its second season under legendary Arkansas high school football coach Buck James, who previously guided Camden Fairview to the 2012 state championship before turning Bryant in the most dominant program in the history of Arkansas bigschool football, winning five Class 7A state titles in a row for the Hornets.

Clark says that Conway rotates eight defensive linemen with regularity, which will test Marion’s emerging offensive line, featuring left tackle Carius Curne, left guard Walt Tucker, Jr., center Charlie Cantrell, right guard Jasean Burks, and right tackle David Patterson, with plenty of reps left over for talented sophomore Jarrett Selvy.

“We know what we have with Charlie and Carius, they’ve played so much football for us that nothing will surprise or overwhelm them,” said Clark.

“I’m excited to see my pups out there. How will we respond in a big moment against fresh legs across from you? It will be a good experience for them, and I believe they’ll respond.”

Stout Marion receivers Mitrell Lewis, Cam Garrett, and Jeremy Dent match up with Conway’s secondary, which boasts a handful of fast players.

“The story there will be if our guys can make contested catches in traffic,” said Clark.

“Our kids are fast enough to get open and make plays, but their guys close quickly. Our story will be catching the ball with someone hitting you as the ball arrives, or someone swiping through. It’s not easy to do, but it’s very important that we make some of those plays.”

On the flip side, Marion’s secondary of Taheem Frost, Kendrick Cauley, Kajeris and Kejeris Hill, Brian Benford, Jr., and R.L. Johnson will be tested by Conway playmakers Kambrien Blackmon, Carter Crow, Alex McCray, Trey Harris, and two-way stud Jacoby Wade. “Harris and Wade are seriously impressive,” said Clark. “Harris runs well, he’s tough, he gives them a lot of options at ‘back. Wade is great on defense, and if he’s playing both ways at a school like Conway, that tells you what they think of his ability, and they’re right. Our guys will have to be very disciplined and schooled defensively.”

Conway quarterback Grayson Wilson transferred to the school over the summer from Central Arkansas Christian, where the Arkansas football commit was an all-state selection last year after passing for 3,413 yards and 41 touchdowns, with 837 yards rushing and 15 more scores.

HOW TO WATCH

Kickoff for the Marion-Con-

See PATS, page A9 PATS

From page A8

way game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday evening, and you can watch the broadcast for free on MarionPatriots.com, on the MPAN YouTube channel, or on the MPAN mobile app.

RANKINGS RUNDOWN

Marion earned its first appearance in the Arkansas Democrat- Gazette’s Overall Top 10 rankings this week, checking in at No. 10. The Patriots are ranked No. 4 in this week’s ADG Class 6A Super Six rankings, and MHS is ranked fifth in this week’s Hootens.com Class 6A rankings.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Marion linebacker Jaron Davis earned the Crittenden County Farm Bureau Player of the Week award for the Harding Academy game after stacking eight tackles, two sacks, and two pass breakups against the Wildcats. Patriot sophomore Max Molloy earned the DTMG Patriot of the Week award. Senior allstate left tackle and Louisiana State commit Carius Curne earned the team’s Offensive Lineman of the Week award.

ROAD DOGS

Marion is 11-6 on the field under Coach Lance Clark, who is in his fourth season, including 1-0 this season following a 34-28 victory over Wynne on August 30.

FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME

For the second week in a row, Marion will play a football game for the first time. Marion topped defending Class 4A state champion Harding Academy last week in the first matchup between those schools.

SPOOKY SEASON

For the second year in a row, Marion will play a football game on Friday the 13th. The Patriots bested West Memphis 20-14 last season on Friday, October 13 at West Memphis.

WEEK 3 6A EAST GAMES

Rogers at Sheridan Marion at Conway Sylvan Hills at Russellville North LR at Benton Jonesboro at DeSoto Central El Dorado at Texarkana Valley View at W. Memphis LR Catholic vs. Nolan Catholic (Texas)