SOUTHSIDE, HAR-BER CLASH TO KICK-OFF

A new era, an old rivalry.

Southside kicks off the era of the "Maverick" today at Springdale's Har-Ber Stadium.

But there's nothing new about these two former 7A-West heavyweights. The Wildcats beat Southside twice in 2015, including a 37-7 whipping in the semifinals last season.

The Mavericks have a new quarterback, a bunch of new linebackers, and of course ... a new nickname.

"They're the same 7A-West we've been dealing with for years," Har-Ber coach Chris Wood said. "Offensively, I like the QB. I think he has a quick release. The skill guys across the board are improved, and the offensive line is massive. From a defensive standpoint, we have to get off the field.

"We have to hold them to field goals."

Southside coach Jeff Williams is complimentary of Har-Ber as well. He made a point of trying to keep the Wildcats on the nonconference schedule after Southside joined the 7A-Central.

"I think think we’re in pretty good shape," Williams said. "You look at team camp and where we were in the spring, I think this team has gotten a lot better. I think the guys have bought into to getting better."

Williams said it's about knowing your job.

"This time of year is everybody understanding their role," he said. "If you're the backup running back, or if you’re on the kickoff team, you need to understand your role. The quicker you understand, the faster you’ll get there.

"This thing is a marathon, not a sprint."

Southside and Har-Ber spent seven seasons as 7A-West foes. Including playoffs, and state championship games, the two schools have already played 15 times, including five times in post-season play.

Har-Ber closed out the Rebels' history last season with a convincing 37-7 win a day after Thanksgiving. The Wildcats have players back, and they're expected to make a deep playoff run.

However, Wood knows better than to look too far ahead.

"You get into a new season, you can't reflect on the past," Wood said. "Until they get into a game situation and handle adversity, you really didn't know how the course will go. We're ready to get out there and see somebody different."

"Har-ber's physicality is probably what separates them from other teams, so that is something we have to make sure we are prepared to see," Southside defensive coordinator Steven Thessing said. "They always do a good job of mixing the run and pass, and they have a very good quarterback that is about to present a lot of issues for their 7A-West opponents. It will be a great first game for our team in a great atmosphere."

Today's game is the beginning of a brutal start of games for Southside. The Mavericks face Greenwood next week, play at Heritage on Sept. 16, and open 7A-Central play with Conway, Cabot and North Little Rock.

"We’ve scheduled good teams in nonconference," Williams said. "It’s going to give us an opportunity see where we’re at."

Senior Graves Schmidly will make his first career start. But The Mavs have several returning offensive weapons, including running backs Kobe Rogers and Parker Dixon.

Receiver David Matthews is also back in the mix offensively. Miguel Hernandez will anchor a veteran offensive line.

Southside will face some key issues early on defense. Thessing has a number of new faces.

"No doubt about it, we have some challenges," he said. "But we have to make sure we stay focused on doing our jobs and not get caught up in who we are playing. We did a good job of executing our defense and flying around and having fun in our scrimmage, but we have to keep getting better."

Photo Credits: Kevin Taylor