FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 24, 2010
CONTACT: Chad Hooten 501-666-4668
Eight state title contenders, including a nationally ranked juggernaut, start Arkansas' 2010 high school season during Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week.
Two-time defending Class 4A state champ Shiloh Christian, a national preseason Top 10 team and the state's most winning team, headlines the event that produced three of last year's six state champions. The Saints have won six state titles since 1998 and finished 2009 ranked No. 24 by USA Today. Shiloh squares off against brave Class 5A favorite Watson Chapel immediately after defending 4A runner-up Lonoke battles 8-4A conference favorite Star City. Games are 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 30 at UA-Pine Bluff.
"That's four state title contenders, including what may be the best team in state history on the same field, the first night of the season," event organizer Chad Hooten says. "We've had national TV inquiries about it. The great Golden Lions Stadium is the place to be on Monday, Aug. 30."
Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week brings four more championship contenders together on Thursday, Sept. 2 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Charleston, winner of two state titles in the past five years, clashes with Clarksville followed by up-and-coming 7A West member Rogers Heritage against 2008 Class 5A state runner-up West Helena.
The eight participants in this year's kickoff week finished 75-24 last fall. Shiloh beat Lonoke in the 4A championship game. Heritage won at eventual 7A state runner-up Fort Smith Southside and took defending champ Springdale Har-Ber to overtime. Watson Chapel quarterback Kyle Coleman is the son of former Washington Redskin great Monte Coleman. Star City won nine games and eyes the school's first state title this fall. Clarksville's Wesliegh Foster is considered the state's fastest player in pads. West Helena brings two D-I prospects to Fayetteville.
"Five of these eight teams have played in the event before and went on to great seasons," Hooten says. "Some of the schools called and asked to be in it, again. Several signed two-year contracts. We're proud of that and to showcase Arkansas' high school football with quality teams."
Four teams that played in last year's event reached a state title game. Monticello, Fountain Lake and Junction City started in the event and won championships. Monticello was the state's only undefeated team in 2009.
In the event's 10-year history, 16 teams started runs to the state finals during Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week.
"Simmons First is excited about our continued sponsorship of the Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week," said Robert Dill, Executive Vice President of Simmons First Bank. "Arkansas football fans look forward to this annual event which features the top high school teams representing communities from across our state. Our community banking philosophy includes supporting activities that serve to improve the quality of life in the markets we serve and sponsorship of a premier event like the Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week is a perfect fit."
CONTACT: Chad Hooten 501-666-4668
Eight state title contenders, including a nationally ranked juggernaut, start Arkansas' 2010 high school season during Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week.
Two-time defending Class 4A state champ Shiloh Christian, a national preseason Top 10 team and the state's most winning team, headlines the event that produced three of last year's six state champions. The Saints have won six state titles since 1998 and finished 2009 ranked No. 24 by USA Today. Shiloh squares off against brave Class 5A favorite Watson Chapel immediately after defending 4A runner-up Lonoke battles 8-4A conference favorite Star City. Games are 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 30 at UA-Pine Bluff.
"That's four state title contenders, including what may be the best team in state history on the same field, the first night of the season," event organizer Chad Hooten says. "We've had national TV inquiries about it. The great Golden Lions Stadium is the place to be on Monday, Aug. 30."
Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week brings four more championship contenders together on Thursday, Sept. 2 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Charleston, winner of two state titles in the past five years, clashes with Clarksville followed by up-and-coming 7A West member Rogers Heritage against 2008 Class 5A state runner-up West Helena.
The eight participants in this year's kickoff week finished 75-24 last fall. Shiloh beat Lonoke in the 4A championship game. Heritage won at eventual 7A state runner-up Fort Smith Southside and took defending champ Springdale Har-Ber to overtime. Watson Chapel quarterback Kyle Coleman is the son of former Washington Redskin great Monte Coleman. Star City won nine games and eyes the school's first state title this fall. Clarksville's Wesliegh Foster is considered the state's fastest player in pads. West Helena brings two D-I prospects to Fayetteville.
"Five of these eight teams have played in the event before and went on to great seasons," Hooten says. "Some of the schools called and asked to be in it, again. Several signed two-year contracts. We're proud of that and to showcase Arkansas' high school football with quality teams."
Four teams that played in last year's event reached a state title game. Monticello, Fountain Lake and Junction City started in the event and won championships. Monticello was the state's only undefeated team in 2009.
In the event's 10-year history, 16 teams started runs to the state finals during Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week.
"Simmons First is excited about our continued sponsorship of the Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week," said Robert Dill, Executive Vice President of Simmons First Bank. "Arkansas football fans look forward to this annual event which features the top high school teams representing communities from across our state. Our community banking philosophy includes supporting activities that serve to improve the quality of life in the markets we serve and sponsorship of a premier event like the Simmons First/Hootens.com Kickoff Week is a perfect fit."
Stay informed: http://www.valleyformayor.com | http://friendfeed.com/jamesfvalley
Honorable James F. Valley
MAYOR - Helena West Helena
P O Box 248
226 Perry Street
Helena-West Helena, 72342
870-817-7400 Phone
870-817-4035 Cell
800-517-7240 Fax
No comments:
Post a Comment