The opening weekend of the high school football season is in the books, and this episode recaps the action around the region.

The cross country season also gets underway this weekend, and we visit with Bentonville boys' coach Mike Power, whose team has won the last eight championships in Arkansas Class 6A.

We also visit with Bentonville boys' golf coach Kent Early as the teams are approaching the midway point of the season.

Episode takeaways.

The opening weekend saw the top three teams in Arkansas Class 7A post impressive wins, while Farmington survived a back-and-forth battle against Edmond North. McDonald County (with only one win last year) pulled off the upset of the weekend in Missouri, rallying from nine points down with two touchdowns over the final eight minutes to shock defending Class 2 state champion Lamar on the road.

The cross country season starts this week, and Bentonville boys coach Mike Power explained how the team has created a dynasty with eight consecutive state championships in Class 6A. He speaks about running the state meet on the Oaklawn Park (horse racing) infield and the growing popularity of the sport.

The golf season is at the midway point, and Bentonville boys' coach Kent Early spoke about the team's success to date. He sees Rogers as the toughest competition in Northwest Arkansas, with Little Rock Catholic the likely front-runner in Class 6A. As a coach of a state championship softball team in the spring, he describes some of the mental similarities between the two sports, which require players to focus on the next at-bat/pitch/shot and not dwell on the previous play.

We close out with the football schedule for the upcoming weekend.

The 479 High School Sports Magazine kicks off the high school football and volleyball seasons by spotlighting the Heritage War Eagles, who are determined to end their 19-game losing streak. Coach Eric Munoz emphasizes the team's commitment to building a competitive culture, leaning on strong senior leaders like Evan Gordon and Jake Stout, and navigating ongoing quarterback battles with promising sophomores and juniors. Meanwhile, on the volleyball court, Shiloh Christian Saints' Coach Nathan Bodenstein reflects on the challenges of replacing ten graduated seniors following their state championship run, while key player Chloe Blessing aims for personal milestones. Both coaches express excitement for their respective seasons, highlighting notable upcoming matchups and the evolving landscape of high school sports in the region. This episode not only previews the intense competition ahead but also takes a nostalgic look back at local sports history.

Takeaways:

• Heritage War Eagles coach Eric Munoz emphasizes the importance of competition and culture change to end a 19-game losing streak.
• Coach Munoz highlights key senior leaders Evan Gordon and Jake Stout as pivotal to the team's development this season.
• The Shiloh Christian Saints face a challenge with 10 graduated seniors but return star player Chloe Blessing aiming for major milestones.
• Coach Nathan Bodenstein plans to leverage a balanced offense with a mix of experienced seniors and promising freshmen for the new volleyball season.
• The 7A West Conference is described as a gauntlet, with Coach Munoz stressing the need for consistent improvement and execution.
• The upcoming football and volleyball seasons promise exciting matchups, with local teams gearing up for competitive play against strong opponents.

The 479 High School Sports Magazine shines a spotlight on the upcoming high school football season, featuring insights from several new coaches in Northwest Arkansas. Coach Tony Travis returns to Pea Ridge, filled with enthusiasm for the Blackhawks as they embark on their journey in Class 5A, sharing reflections on his past and the supportive culture he’s reinvigorating. Over at Har-Ber, Coach Aaron Dannenauer discusses his transition from Bentonville and his mission to foster team camaraderie and a love for the game, aiming to restore the Wildcats to their former glory. Meanwhile, Haas Hall Fayetteville boys tennis coach Greg Kessman celebrates the team’s back-to-back state championships and the strong academic and athletic culture at Haas Hall. The episode also highlights impressive early season results in high school golf, particularly noting the standout performances from Rogers’ boys and the Lady Mounties, setting an exciting tone for the season ahead.

Takeaways:

• Tony Travis returns to Pea Ridge as head coach, bringing a wealth of experience and optimism for the Blackhawks' prospects in Class 5A this season.
• Aaron Dannenauer aims to revitalize the Har-Ber Wildcats program by emphasizing camaraderie and fundamentals, drawing on his extensive coaching background.
• Greg Kessman celebrates the Haas Hall Fayetteville boys tennis team's back-to-back state championships, highlighting the strong academic and athletic culture at Haas Hall.
• Early season results in high school golf show standout performances from Rogers' boys and the Lady Mounties, setting the tone for a competitive season ahead.
• The podcast provides insights into the challenges and expectations facing coaches in the 5A and 7A west conferences, emphasizing the competitive nature of high school football in the region.
• Overall, the episode highlights the dedication of coaches and student-athletes as they prepare for a promising high school sports season.

Host Dave Shoen dives into the exciting upcoming high school football season in this episode, featuring insights from top local coaches. Elkins coach Zach Watson shares his team's journey to the top of Class 4A, detailing the challenge of replacing key graduated seniors while highlighting a promising roster of returning and emerging players. Meanwhile, Gravette’s Kelby Bohannon reflects on the Lions' cultural shift and their commitment to hard work, praising the contributions of both varsity and junior high athletes. Rogers Mounties coach Chad Harbison discusses his team's steady rise within the competitive 7A West and the importance of coaching stability as they aim for deeper playoff runs this year. The discussion also touches on the start of the high school golf and tennis seasons, with local teams already making their mark in early tournaments.

Takeaways:

• Elkins coach Zach Watson highlights the importance of player development as the Elks face new challenges after graduating key seniors.
• Gravette's Kelby Bohannon attributes his team's improvement to a strong culture and the hard work put in by returning players.
• Rogers Mounties coach Chad Harbison emphasizes the significance of coaching stability and hopes for deeper playoff success this season.
• The episode also touches on the promising starts of the high school golf and tennis seasons, showcasing local teams' early successes.
• All coaches agree on the importance of strong feeder programs to ensure a competitive future in their respective conferences.
• The competitive nature of the 7A West conference is highlighted, with each team improving and raising the stakes for this football season.

This installment of the 479 Media Group's High School Sports Magazine presents an insightful preview of the forthcoming fall sports season, commencing with an analysis of the Bentonville Tigers football program under the esteemed guidance of Coach Jody Grant. Coach Grant articulates the enduring legacy of success attributed to robust administrative support, a committed coaching staff, and the mentorship provided by veteran players to their successors. The discussion highlights key returning athletes, notably the all-state running back Chris Ficklin, and outlines formidable non-conference and conference challenges that await the team. Transitioning to the realm of girls' golf, Coach Jamie Rains of the Rogers Lady Mounties expresses optimism for her team, which boasts the return of all five starters from last year's state runner-up squad, thereby enhancing their prospects for the upcoming season. The episode concludes with succinct previews for area boys’ golf and tennis, elucidating standout players and teams to monitor as these athletic pursuits commence.

Delving into the vibrant landscape of high school sports in Northwest Arkansas, the recent episode of the 479 Media Group's High School Sports Magazine presents an expansive overview of the upcoming fall season. The episode opens with an insightful interview with Jody Grant, head coach of the Bentonville Tigers football team, who articulates the historical significance of the program's success and its evolution since their state championship in 2008. Coach Grant attributes their continued prominence to a strong administrative framework, a dedicated coaching staff, and a culture of mentorship fostered by senior players who guide their juniors. The discussion sheds light on key returning athletes, including all-state running back Chris Ficklin, and the formidable schedule that awaits them, characterized by both non-conference and conference matchups that promise to be highly competitive.

The narrative then transitions to the Rogers Lady Mounties girls’ golf team, as coach Jamie Rains shares her insights on the prospects for the season ahead. With all five starters returning from a previous state runner-up finish, the team is poised for an impressive campaign. Coach Rains highlights the growth and experience of her athletes, emphasizing the importance of mastering course management and mental resilience as they prepare for the state tournament on their home course. The episode concludes with brief previews of the boys’ golf and tennis teams, showcasing the depth of talent across various sports and setting the stage for an exhilarating fall season filled with anticipation and competitive spirit. The overarching theme of this episode underscores the dedication and commitment of coaches and athletes alike, as they strive for excellence in their respective disciplines.

Takeaways:

• The Bentonville Tigers football program, under the leadership of Coach Jody Grant, has cultivated a rich tradition of success, marked by numerous conference championships and state title appearances.
• Key returning players for the Bentonville Tigers include all-state running back Chris Ficklin and several other impactful athletes, contributing to the team's promising outlook for the season.
• In girls' golf, Coach Jamie Rains of the Rogers Lady Mounties expresses optimism for the season, as all five starters return from last year's state runner-up team, enhancing their competitive edge.
• The Rogers Lady Mounties' familiarity with their home course for the state tournament is expected to significantly bolster their chances for success this year, as they seek a state championship title.
• The importance of a robust freshman program is emphasized by Coach Grant, as it serves as a critical foundation for sustaining the success of the varsity football team.
• The podcast provides a comprehensive overview of the upcoming sports seasons in Northwest Arkansas, highlighting the competitive spirit and dedication of student-athletes across various sports.