Central Arkansas Christian's remarkable turnaround continues as the Mustangs host undefeated Elkins in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A playoffs this Friday.
The game will kick off at 7 p.m.
CAC enters the game 9-2 and ranked No. 7 in the Class 4A poll from Hootens.com while Elkins (12-0) is No. 3.
The Elks are also one of three teams remaining in 4A that are undefeated with the others being Harding Academy and Warren.
But for CAC just to be here, is something. The Mustangs were 2-8 last season. The year before that, another 2-8 season.
So it has been some tough times at Mustang Mountain, then CAC took a positive step in hiring Ryan Howard to be the school's new head football coach.
Howard, a former UCA quarterback and college hand, entered the role with some enthusiasm and an eye on improving the team's offensive performance.
It worked.
In its 11 games this season, the Mustangs are averaging 49.9 points a game and have scored at least 40 in every game this season.
After a first-round bye, CAC exploded for 59 points in a 59-50 win against perennial power Nashville.
It helps to have Grayson Wilson at quarterback.
Wilson, a junior, has already committed to play for Sam Pittman at the University of Arkansas and is CAC's best at the position since Jack Thomas roamed the field a decade back.
Of course, Elkins is also a scoring machine.
The Elks enter the game averaging 54.1 games and beat Monticello, 56-0, last Friday.
The fewest points scored this season for the Elks was 38, when Elkins shutout conference rival Ozark, 38-0. The Hillbillies are also in the quarterfinals this Friday as well.
There's one common opponent between the two programs — Pottsville.
CAC beat the Apaches, 44-43, in a thrilling nail-biter. Elkins?
The Elks opened the season with a 51-0 win against Pottsville.
The winner hosts the winner of Harding Academy and Ashdown in the semifinals on Friday, Dec. 1.
On the other side of the bracket, Arkadelphia hosts Rivercrest, while Ozark, as previously mentioned, travels to undefeated Warren where Hillbillies head coach Jeremie Burns goes for career win 101 against the Lumberjacks.
The state championship game will be at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.
7A: Undefeated Fayetteville hosts Conway, while Bryant will be at home against Bentonville. The 7A state championship will be played at noon on Saturday, Dec. 2.
6A: In an all-central Arkansas matchup, Benton hosts Little Rock Christian and on the other side of the bracket Greenwood hosts Pulaski Academy. The 6A title game is 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1.
5A: In a matchup of unbeaten teams, Camden Fairview travels to War Memorial Stadium to face Little Rock Parkview while Chiloho Christian hosts Pine Bluff. The 5A title game is 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
All state championship games are at Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.
Black Friday football as CAC hosts Elkins
Black Friday football as CAC hosts Elkins
Black Friday football as CAC hosts Elkins
Central Arkansas Christian's remarkable turnaround continues as the Mustangs host undefeated Elkins in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A playoffs this Friday.
The game will kick off at 7 p.m.
CAC enters the game 9-2 and ranked No. 7 in the Class 4A poll from Hootens.com while Elkins (12-0) is No. 3.
The Elks are also one of three teams remaining in 4A that are undefeated with the others being Harding Academy and Warren.
But for CAC just to be here, is something. The Mustangs were 2-8 last season. The year before that, another 2-8 season.
So it has been some tough times at Mustang Mountain, then CAC took a positive step in hiring Ryan Howard to be the school's new head football coach.
Howard, a former UCA quarterback and college hand, entered the role with some enthusiasm and an eye on improving the team's offensive performance.
It worked.
In its 11 games this season, the Mustangs are averaging 49.9 points a game and have scored at least 40 in every game this season.
After a first-round bye, CAC exploded for 59 points in a 59-50 win against perennial power Nashville.
It helps to have Grayson Wilson at quarterback.
Wilson, a junior, has already committed to play for Sam Pittman at the University of Arkansas and is CAC's best at the position since Jack Thomas roamed the field a decade back.
Of course, Elkins is also a scoring machine.
The Elks enter the game averaging 54.1 games and beat Monticello, 56-0, last Friday.
The fewest points scored this season for the Elks was 38, when Elkins shutout conference rival Ozark, 38-0. The Hillbillies are also in the quarterfinals this Friday as well.
There's one common opponent between the two programs — Pottsville.
CAC beat the Apaches, 44-43, in a thrilling nail-biter. Elkins?
The Elks opened the season with a 51-0 win against Pottsville.
The winner hosts the winner of Harding Academy and Ashdown in the semifinals on Friday, Dec. 1.
On the other side of the bracket, Arkadelphia hosts Rivercrest, while Ozark, as previously mentioned, travels to undefeated Warren where Hillbillies head coach Jeremie Burns goes for career win 101 against the Lumberjacks.
The state championship game will be at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.
7A: Undefeated Fayetteville hosts Conway, while Bryant will be at home against Bentonville. The 7A state championship will be played at noon on Saturday, Dec. 2.
6A: In an all-central Arkansas matchup, Benton hosts Little Rock Christian and on the other side of the bracket Greenwood hosts Pulaski Academy. The 6A title game is 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1.
5A: In a matchup of unbeaten teams, Camden Fairview travels to War Memorial Stadium to face Little Rock Parkview while Chiloho Christian hosts Pine Bluff. The 5A title game is 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
All state championship games are at Little Rock's War Memorial Stadium.