The Hermitage Hermits are moving on in the Arkansas 8-man state football playoffs after surviving a wild first-round showdown with the Rector Cougars on Friday night, November 13, claiming a thrilling 64-62 victory to keep their postseason hopes alive.
In a game that featured an incredible 126 combined points, Hermitage emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins, holding on for a two-point win in one of the highest-scoring matchups of the opening round.
The Hermits battled until the final seconds, according to the Hermitage School District, which celebrated the victory Friday night and praised the team’s determination in securing a hard-fought postseason win.
The victory sends Hermitage into the second round of the state playoffs.
Waiting for the Hermits is Magazine, the top seed from the western region of the 8-man playoff bracket. Magazine received a first-round bye and will host Hermitage on Friday, November 20.
While Magazine enters the matchup with the benefit of an opening-round bye, Hermitage will arrive riding the momentum of a dramatic postseason victory.
For the Hermits, Friday’s result represents another opportunity to extend their season and continue their pursuit of a state championship.
Hermitage will travel to Magazine for next Friday night’s second-round contest, with the winner advancing to the state semifinals.
2026 Arkansas 8-Man Football State Playoffs
State playoff bracket | Updated November 13, 2026
