By Chris Vines, White River Now
3A Playoffs: Greyhound Showdown — Salem vs. Newport
No. 1 Salem (11-0) vs. No. 10 Newport (9-2)
It’s a battle of the Greyhounds for the second time this season — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner advances to the final eight of the Class 3A state playoffs.
Salem dominated the first matchup earlier this season, rolling to a 48-12 win, though Newport still holds a 4-2 lead in the all-time series. Both teams enter on five-game winning streaks and are playing their best football of the year.
Salem owns one of the toughest home-field advantages in the state — the Greyhounds haven’t lost at home in two seasons — and will again be backed by a packed, vocal crowd hungry for a second straight state title.
The winner moves on to face Osceola or Drew Central in next week’s quarterfinals. Salem has gone 34-4 over its last 38 games, including 20 straight wins, while Newport brings one of Arkansas’ most storied football traditions into town.
This shapes up to be the game of the week in Class 3A.
4A Playoffs: Heavyweights Collide — Elkins vs. Southside
No. 2 Elkins (10-1) vs. No. 10 Southside (10-1)
Hooten’s Class 4A game of the week features two powerhouse programs eyeing a spot in the Elite Eight for the third straight season.
Southside, last year’s 4A semifinalist, fell just short of the state finals after a deep playoff run that followed its quarterfinal appearance in 5A the previous season. Elkins reached the 4A championship game two years ago, also falling to Arkadelphia — a team both schools could see again soon.
Elkins enters averaging 46.4 points per game while allowing just 8.9. Southside’s balanced attack averages 39 points and gives up 12.6.
The winner advances to face the Clinton–Arkadelphia winner in the quarterfinals.
Catch the action live on YourFM 99.5 with Chris Vines and Tyson Franks, beginning with the Coach Kenny Simpson Show at 6:30 p.m. The broadcast can also be streamed on the White River Now app.
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