The annual Hooten's picks are out, and the Piggott Mohawks have been tabbed to finish sixth out of the eight teams in 3A-3 this year. The Hoxie Mustangs have been picked to take the top spot, followed by new members Earle (which moves up for 2A) and Rivercrest (which moves down from 4A) then Harrisburg, Corning, Piggott, Cave City and Manila.

The Cavemen re-established their program two years ago, then made it to the playoffs in a rather week conference, the Lions are again re-establishing their program and this will mark the return of play for their varsity team after fielding just junior squads the past two years.

Last season the Mustangs advanced all the way to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs, marking the farthest that a Hoxie team had ever gone. The Mohawks, Harrisburg and Corning were also playoff teams last year, along with newcomer Earle.

The Bulldogs move up from 2A and return 18 lettermen from a team that lost to Bearden in the semi-finals of 2A last year. Over the past six seasons Earle has posted a 43-22 record, and All-State quarterback Steven Meredith passed for 26 touchdowns last fall. The Tribe will host Earle for homecoming at Parker Field on Friday, Oct. 3.

The Rivercrest Colts are former conference foes of the Mohawks, and are coming off a 2-8 campaign that saw them finish seventh in 4A-3 last year. The Colts boast good size and athleticism but lack experience in most of the skilled positions but quarterback. The Tribe will host the Colts at Parker Field on Friday, Oct. 24.

The Cave City squad went 1-9 two years ago, in their first year of varsity football, and then stormed into the playoffs last year only to be pounded by Mountainburg 35-6 in the first round. The Cavemen lost a lot to graduation this spring and will be looking to un-proven talent. The Mohawks host Cave City at Parker Field on Friday, Sept. 26.

The Manila Lions resume their varsity program this year with high hopes, but little game experience, as Coach Toby Doke re-builds the program. The Tribe will host the Lions on Halloween Night, Oct. 31 at Parker Field.

The Mohawks are expected to return a lot of talent at the skilled positions and along the line, despite losing some top-notch players. The Tribe's depth should also play a role as they look to improve on last year's fifth place finish, and first-round playoff loss to Prescott.

By the way, now that Shiloh Christian has moved up to 4A, Prescott, Charleston, Fountain Lake and Hoxie are being picked by Hooten's to battle it out for the state title later this year.

The Hooten's Arkansas football preview is now on sale.