When looking at this matchup the one thought that will occupy most minds are that this game is number one versus number two. Fayetteville versus Springdale Har-Ber is always one of the most intriguing match ups in the state during the football season and this year will be no different. This game will be all about playoff positioning with the winner grabbing the number one seed out of the 7-A West Conference.
Springdale Har-Ber comes into this game Friday with an undefeated conference record and just one loss on the season that being to Jenks, Oklahoma. The Har-Ber Wildcats are coming off of a shutout victory against the Bentonville West Wolverines. Har-Ber’s offense likes to use the running game to wear down opposing defenses. Running back Connor Sikes rushed for over 100 yards last week against Bentonville West and is looking to generate similar numbers against Fayetteville. Har-Ber being able to run against the Fayetteville defense will be important in order to have opportunities at big plays in the passing game.
The Fayetteville Bulldogs come into the game Friday night having racked up three straight victories over Bentonville West, Rogers, and Rogers Heritage. Fayetteville’s one loss this season came against Bentonville, which cost Fayetteville the position of being the number one team in the state. Fayetteville quarterback Taylor Powell has played well all season and the Bulldogs will need a good night from Powell to pick up a victory against Har-Ber. The Fayetteville running game with Terrance Rock has been an explosive portion of the offense for the Bulldogs and will look to provide several big plays tonight.
Fans tend to pay the most attention to the offensive side of the ball, but one of the defenses will have to come up big tonight to earn a victory. The Fayetteville offensive line will have its work cut out for them with junior nose guard Alejandro Ramirez occupying the defensive front. Har-Ber is in a similar position with defensive tackle Akial Byers taking up two blockers. The defenses have the potential to influence this game in a big way and each has a good chance of forcing turnovers that will contribute to a victory. The Fayetteville-Har-Ber game has the potential to be a classic and watching it on the NIAAA App and Fayetteville Bulldogs App is highly recommended, you don’t want to miss this one!