Marion set for showdown with Harding Academy

Patriots will take on 4A State Champions tonight

By Chuck Livingston

Marion School District

Despite averaging eight wins per season in his first three years as the head football coach at Marion, Huntsville, Alabama native Lance Clark is always looking for ways to improve his program.

During this past off-season, Clark reached out to legendary Arkansas high school football coach Rick Jones, who coached Greenwood to eight state championships, for more information on how to build and maintain an ultracompetitive program.

What Jones shared with Clark were five statistical areas that seemingly play a larger role in the success of a team than any other area.

In short, the team that makes more explosive plays (20 yards or more for a pass or 10 yards or more for a run), scoring a touchdown on your first drive, winning the turnover battle, scoring touchdowns in the gold zone (inside the opponent's 10-yard line) and winning first downs typically give the team that does the in more of those areas a major shot in the arm.

“The game still comes down to the basic stuff, teams that tackle and move the ball will find success,” said Clark.

“But those are the areas that give you that edge in the close games, against the teams that may be better than you, or outplay you on a given night.

Winning as many of those areas as you can gives you a great opportunity to win a football game.”

Marion finished 8-3 in 2023 with a lopsided loss at eventual 6A East champion Benton, but a four-point defeat Week 10 to Little Rock Catholic, and a one-point playoff quarterfinal loss to Pulaski Academy on the game's final play, support Clark's belief.

Marion struggled inside the gold zone and gave up too many big gains on first down in the last two losses, and the Patriots did not score on either one of their first drives.

Six quarters of varsity action into 2024, and Marion has flipped its fortunes.

The Pats scored on both of their gold-zone chances in the benefit scrimmage at Valley View, and Marion converted on all three opportunities last Friday night in a 34-28 victory at Wynne.

In each game, the Pats recorded more explosive plays on offense and typically did well on first down. Marion actually lost on turnovers at Valley View, but the Pats forced a pair of second-half fumbles at Wynne to gain the slight edge in that department. Also helping Marion in the victory at Wynne was a dominant second-half rushing attack that had the Patriots cover more than 140 yards in the final two quarters, including 145 steps from two-time all-state tailback Jalen Smith and 48 yards rushing from junior Rico Ward. Sophomore Jeremiah Dent averaged 5 yards per carry in limited reps.

“Our running backs are all very talented, and they all get it done a little differently,” said Clark. “Jay (Smith) is just steady. He reads it, reads it, reads it, and goes. Rico is our fastest kid, and he gets the ball and he's gone. J.D. (Dent) may have the highest upside of all three. They're all a big part of what we do, and will be all year long.”

Marion's vaunted rushing attack and focus on analytics this Friday night when the Patriots welcome defending Class 4A state champion Harding Academy in the home opener inside Southern Bancorp Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the game can be viewed for free on MarionPatriots.com, on the MPAN YouTube channel, and on the MPAN mobile app.

Harding Academy has won a state championship in four of the past five seasons, and the Wildcats have been to the state title game five seasons in a row following a very simple formula.

“They never turn the ball over, and they're great on defense,” said Clark. “They can score on offense, and they're about as good as it gets there, but they don't give you the football, and they take it away on defense. I don't know the last time they didn't win the turnover battle.”

Senior quarterback Owen Miller seeks a third straight all-state nod this fall one year after completing 226 of 296 passes (76 percent) for 3,841 yards, 49 touchdowns, and a single interception. He added

See PATS, page A8 PATS

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815 yards and 12 scores on the ground.

“The quarterback is a great hand. He can make just about any throw you need,” said Clark. “He's accurate and he throws a catchable ball.”

The Harding receiving corps boasts more height than a lot of colleges, with the tallest pass-catcher the 6-4 Endy McGaillard, and Eli Baker the shortest receiver at 6-0.

Seven starters return on defense, including all-state performer Kaynan Harris at defensive end, and all-league safety Cam Pryor.

Harding, which plays its first game on Friday night, is coached by Neil Evans, who's guided the Wildcats to an 8917 record in his eight seasons. The Wildcats have averaged more than 13 wins per season since 2019.

VPA LEADS THE PLEDGE

Marion Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School will lead the performance of the Pledge of Allegiance prior to kickoff on Friday night against Harding Academy.

RANKINGS RUNDOWN

Marion maintained the No. 4 spot in the Arkansas Democrat- Gazette's weekly Super Six rankings this week. The Patriots also stood still at No. 5 in Hooten's Arkansas Football's Class 6A rankings.

TOUR OF THE 5A EAST

Marion kicked off its 2024 season with a benefit scrimmage exhibition at defending 5A East champion Valley View on August 23 before officially opening the season with last week's dramatic 3428 victory at perennial playoff team Wynne.

Harding Academy, which is playing its first season in Class 5A due to the Arkansas Competitive Balance rule, is projected by many to win the 5A East this season, where the Wildcats will compete in 2024 and 2025.

6A EAST RESULTS FROM AUG. 30

Marion 34, Wynne 28 Bryant 52, Benton 42 LR Christian 21, El Dorado 14 Conway 42, Jonesboro 21 Sheridan 44, White Hall 20 Hot Springs 34, W. Memphis 7 Maumelle 36, Sylvan Hills 0 LR Catholic 20, Texarkana 15

6A EAST GAMES FOR 9/6

Harding Academy at Marion Sylvan Hills at Vilonia Joe T. Robinson at Jonesboro Camden Fairview at El Dorado LR Catholic vs. Nolan (Texas) Catholic Hot Springs Lakeside at Sheridan Benton and W. Memphis are open.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Harding Academy game will kick off 7 p.m., and the game can be viewed for free on MarionPatriots.com, on the MPAN YouTube channel, and on the MPAN mobile app.