PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The anticipation is over as high school football in Arkansas kicks off this week with exciting Week Zero matchups across the state. While some South-Central and South-East Arkansas teams will wait until next week to begin their season, most will be in action this Friday, August 30. Here’s a rundown of the games you might want to catch, whether attending in person or watching online.
Friday Night Showdowns
- Little Rock Christian at El Dorado
A clash of titans as 7A Central’s Little Rock Christian, ranked in the pre-season top 10 for Class 7A, faces off against El Dorado, who also holds a top 10 spot in Class 6A. - White Hall at Sheridan
Sheridan welcomes legendary Coach Kevin Kelly, former Pulaski Academy head coach, in his season debut at the helm of the Yellow Jackets as they host White Hall. - Helena-West Helena at Watson Chapel
- Arkadelphia at Camden Fairview
- Warren at Greenbrier
Warren, ranked pre-season number one in Class 4A by Hooten’s, takes on Greenbrier, ranked fourth in Class 5A. Warren is looking to build on last year’s conference title. They fell 24-14 in the 2023 postseason in the semifinals to Rivercrest. - Stuttgart at Lonoke
Stuttgart returns to the 8-4A conference in 2024 and kicks off their season with a road game at their former Conference opponent Lonoke from the 2-4A. - Prescott at Crossett
- Central Arkansas Christian at DeWitt
DeWitt, coming off a strong 10-2 season in 2023, hosts Central Arkansas Christian. DeWitt’s only losses last season were to Warren in conference play and to Ashdown in the postseason. - Smackover at Episcopal Collegiate
- Gurdon at Magnet Cove
- Foreman at Parkers Chapel
- Carlisle at Drew Central
- Monticello at Fordyce
(Saline River Sports Game to Watch) Monticello, coming off an 8-4 season, travels to Fordyce. Fordyce, who opened the 2023 season with a decisive 35-12 victory over Monticello, is ranked number 12 in Class 3A in the pre-season polls by Hooten’s. - West Bolivar at Lake Village
Lake Village hosts West Bolivar in a border clash. - Harmony Grove at Junction City
- Hampton at Lafayette County
For those looking for a big rivalry game outside of Deep South-Central Arkansas, Benton at Bryant will be a must-watch, kicking off at 7 p.m. on Friday.
Saturday Action
- Pine Bluff vs. Millwood
Pine Bluff travels to Desoto, Texas, to take on Millwood at Eagle Stadium. The game kicks off at 11:00 a.m. and is sure to draw attention from fans of both teams.
The 2024 high school football season is officially underway, and with these exciting Week Zero matchups, fans across Arkansas have plenty to look forward to this weekend.
