TEAMS: Magnolia (2-1, 0-0) at Arkansas High (1-1, 0-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m., Razorback Stadium.
LAST WEEK: Both teams observed open dates, the second straight for the Razorbacks.
LAST YEAR: Arkansas High beat the Panthers, 41-7, to start its campaign to claim the 5A-South title.
GAME FACTS: Due to Arkansas starting a week earlier than Texas in 2018 but the states kicking off the same week this season, the Hogs lost a non-conference game and were unable to replace the date with an opponent. After losing to Warren in the Hooten's Kickoff Classic to start the season, the Panthers have won two straight against opponents that are a combined 0-6. Magnolia averages 32.3 points per game and allow 20 per outing under new head coach Mark King, who came over from Foreman. The Razorbacks are scoring 22.5 and allowing 27.5 per game. The game will be live blogged at texarkanagazette.com/arkansashigh.
ARKANSAS HIGH'S BARRY NORTON: "It's been quite a challenge (having a two-week open period in the middle of the season); it's something I've never done. As a staff, we said, 'it is what it is. Nobody likes what we're dealing with, but what's the best way to maximize our time and keep the kids engaged?' The first week we only worked out during the period, focused a lot on fundamentals, worked in the weight room and did some different things. The second week, we treated it just like our normal open week, continued to work on us and put in a little bit of Magnolia that week just to get ready for the option offense. This week has been our game week routine.
"It's been difficult because it's been so long since we have played; it feels like it's been six months. Hopefully, what we'll get out of that is our kids will be hungry and ready to go. Magnolia is going to a heckuva challenge; they're a double-slot option football team. We'll see it once this year. There's not many guys under 40 years old who've ever dipped into that offense. You really have to go back into the playbooks and reteach your kids because you go from playing spread offenses so much to reading the blocks and responsibility defense, whether you're taking the dive, the quarterback or the pitch. It puts stress on your team, and from that perspective we've got to be really good."
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