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CONTRIBUTOR
Friday nights are about more than football. They are the sound of the band rolling through the stands, the cheerleaders firing up the crowd, the lights coming on over the field and entire communities showing up for their schools.
For the 16th year, 501 LIFE is proud to celebrate that tradition with our annual 501 Football Team publication—and this year’s team is our largest ever. Twenty-nine outstanding student-athletes from across the 11 counties we serve have been selected for the 2026 team. These young men were chosen not only for what they do under the lights, but for who they are when the game is over. They lead in the classroom, serve their communities, support their teammates and represent their schools with pride. Their stories remind us that the best players are often building something far bigger than a football résumé. Inside, you’ll meet each member of the 2026 501 Football Team through profiles written by Levi Gilbert and Mark Oliver, with photography by Mike Kemp that captures the personality, confidence and energy of the athletes who make Friday nights worth watching. We are grateful to the parents, coaches, administrators, band members, spirit squads, volunteers and fans who make high school football such a special part of life in Central Arkansas. So turn on the lights, cue the band and get ready for another season. Friday night starts here. 6 I 501lifemag.com FOOTBALL 2026
Levi Gilbert
CONTRIBUTOR
Mark Oliver
PHOTOGRAPHER
Mike Kemp
PUBLISHER Jeremy L. Higginbotham EDITOR IN CHIEF Stefanie W. Brazile ADVERTISING SALES Donna Spears, Donald Brazile and KD Reep DIGITAL DIRECTOR Levi Gilbert PHOTOGRAPHER Mike Kemp COPY EDITOR Andrea Miller FINANCE DIRECTOR Debbie Flowers BRAND AMBASSADOR Lisa Hutchison SOCIAL MEDIA Morgan Zimmerman 501 LIFE is published by Make the Jump Media, LLC. 920 Locust Ave. Ste. 104 • P.O. Box 334 Conway, AR 72033, 501.327.1501 Owners Jeremy Higginbotham and Stefanie Brazile. The contents of 501 LIFE are copyrighted and materials presented may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publishers. Articles should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by 501 LIFE.
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AYDEN RODGERS - LITTLE ROCK CHRISTIAN Ayden Rodgers doesn’t need a spotlight to stand out. He does it in the trenches, where the work is thankless, the hits are heavy and the game depends on the decisions of a lineman who sees the whole field before anyone else. “Ayden is physical, technical, and one of the smartest players on the field,” Little Rock Christian Head Coach Dustin Grimmett said. “He sets the tone for us with his toughness and leadership.” That leadership was forged long before Friday nights. As a kid, Rodgers faced an epilepsy diagnosis that threatened to take football away from him entirely. Doctors told him stepping away might be the safest choice, but he held on to hope. “I struggled with it, mentally,” he said. “But I always believed I could outgrow it. Being cleared two years ago was a testament of God’s grace and a reminder to never give up.”
Now a senior, Rodgers plays with the gratitude of someone who knows the game isn’t promised. “When the clock hits zero, I want everyone to know I gave everything I had,” he said. “I want to be remembered for being the best teammate possible and someone my teammates can rely on in big moments or for a ride to lunch.” With multiple college offers in hand, Rodgers plans to play football at the next level and eventually become a coach. “Ayden is the kind of young man teammates naturally respect,” Grimmett said. “When things get hard, he represents everything we want our program to be.”
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BRYCE GITTENS - PULASKI ACADEMY Bryce Gittens knows how to design success. For the Pulaski Academy senior wide receiver, excellence on the gridiron is all about carefully designing his own lane, even when the game script changes. After close friends transferred to other schools over the last year, he faced a brand-new leadership challenge. “I had to learn how to lead my team without [previous teammates’] support,” Gittens said. He did exactly that, earning all-conference honors while anchoring the Bruins’ offensive attack last fall. “Bryce has great speed and can stretch the defense,” Head Coach Mark Kelley said. “I expect Bryce to have a monster year. He will be one of the best wide receivers in the state and put up huge numbers!” That competitive drive fuels Gittens’ favorite football memories, like winning the Shootout of the South championship. “Seeing the smiles and cheering of my teammates as we won made the memory even sweeter,” he said. 8 I 501lifemag.com FOOTBALL 2026
Off the field, Gittens wrestles, runs track, participates in Chinese Club and serves as co-chair for the SWAG Youth Board. He also balances duties as an owner of a clothing company named Neptune. He plans to major in business administration and minor in fashion design in college. “Prioritize your academics; you can’t play football forever,” Gittens said. “It’s important to know what to do after your [sports] career.” Kelley believes that mature mindset sets the tone for the entire program. “He really is a great young man,” he said. “He will be a big key to how our team performs.”
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CADEN HARNECK - QUITMAN Caden Harneck plays for a purpose far bigger than himself. For the Quitman senior standout, every single Friday night snap on the gridiron is a chance to honor a profound family legacy of service and ultimate sacrifice. Inspired by his beloved maternal grandfather who left high school early to serve in the Marine Corps, Harneck approaches football with an elite level of dedication and deep gratitude. “Don’t give up on your dreams,” he said. “Anything in this world is possible!” Running a blistering 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, the unstoppable powerhouse causes absolute chaos for opposing offenses. After racking up nine tackles for loss and allowing just one sack last season, he sets an incredibly high physical standard. “Caden is an explosive athletic player for his size,” Head Coach Trenton Corley said. “Even with this recognition, Caden still works harder than any player I have ever coached.”
Off the field, Harneck protects a perfect 4.0 GPA while mastering several rigorous advanced concurrent classes. He maintains a disciplined diet resembling that of a professional athlete, dominates in basketball, track and bowling. The athlete also stays active in National Beta Club, American Legion Boys State and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also routinely spends his free time volunteering at his local VFW. With multiple Division I opportunities, including official football offers from Army and Navy, Harneck is ready to anchor his legendary future. “For anyone reading this, remember the name Caden Harneck,” he said.
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CAMERON MCGHEE - MORRILTON Cameron McGhee has spent his summer learning how to anchor himself when the ground beneath him shifts. Dealing with instability in life off the field and having a lot of new faces starting on the football field this fall, he is aiming to be a reliable presence for the Morrilton Devil Dogs. “I want to make an impact on the field, whether it’s making a big play or just doing my assignment,” McGhee said. “I want to build connections with all of the new guys and get them on course.” He has found stability in the trenches, anchoring a Devil Dogs program that relies on his unshakeable spirit. “The first thing that drew me to play football was being a part of something bigger than myself,” McGhee said. On the sidelines, his joyful energy is infectious. “Whenever I wasn’t filling up water for those guys on and off the field, I was cheering for them from the sidelines, dancing and headbutting others happily.” 10 I 501lifemag.com FOOTBALL 2026
That selflessness has made him an indispensable teammate. “He is one of the best teammates I have ever coached,” Head Coach Cody McNabb said. “There is not a selfish bone in his body. He makes everyone better. He’s just a genuinely great person.” Off the field, McGhee guards the net as a goalie for the men's soccer team and enjoys fishing and bowling. This fall, he is diving into education technologies with aspirations of attending Arkansas Tech University or the University of Central Arkansas to become a football coach.
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CARTER SMITH - MAYFLOWER Behind 29 touchdowns and nearly 2,000 yards passing, Carter Smith was a pivotal part of Mayflower’s quarterfinals run last season. Aiming to push his team even further this fall, the Eagles’ all-conference quarterback returns to lead a huddle that trusts him completely. “Carter is incredibly intelligent,” Mayflower Head Coach Austin Emerson said. “He knows how to adjust plays to make us right and is the guy everyone believes will make the right play.” That trust didn’t happen by accident. Off the field, Smith puts in the same intentional effort to build relationships that he uses to read defenses. “Carter is friends with everyone,” Emerson said. “His maturity makes him a great classmate and a great student. This season, he will be expected to step up and continue the leadership he has already built with our program.”
For his senior season, Smith’s goals are simple: play hard, enjoy the moments and be remembered for what matters. “I want to be remembered as a good teammate and someone who always tried their best,” he said. “My advice for others is to just have fun playing because the time goes by fast.” When he’s not throwing touchdowns, Smith enjoys golfing, playing basketball and serving on Student Council and Beta Club. After high school, he plans to become a coach and give back to the game he loves. “Carter is a great kid who enjoys life with a positive outlook and makes the best of everything that comes his way,” Emerson said.
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CHASE COBB - BENTON Chase Cobb knows the power of patience. From stepping up in relief of an injured starter in his sophomore year to executing precise reps week in and week out on the practice field, the Benton senior quarterback has spent his high school career preparing for this moment. For two seasons, he waited behind an established starter, maintaining a steady, team-first perspective from the sidelines. “It's definitely hard when you're not the starter,” Cobb said. “I tried to be a leader even when not getting much playing time.” His dedication earned him deep validation from the coaching staff. “He is probably the best-kept secret at quarterback in the state of Arkansas this year,” Head Coach Brad Harris said. “Chase has waited patiently for two years, and now the team is his team to lead. We expect Chase to step in and perform at a high level.” 12 I 501lifemag.com FOOTBALL 2026
Cobb started two critical games as a sophomore, including the conference championship. Now, he plans to pilot the Panthers toward a state title. Off the field, he has earned an elite 4.2 GPA and serves his community by umpiring youth baseball four nights a week. Deeply devoted to First Baptist Church of Benton, he plans to attend Ouachita Baptist University to become a youth pastor, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on a higher purpose. “If you keep Jesus first, the scoreboard isn't going to matter,” Cobb said. “I hope I can be the best leader and teammate possible by focusing on Jesus more than football.”
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DUCY JAMES - SYLVAN HILLS When Ducy James first stepped on the gridiron in seventh grade, it was simply to stay conditioned for basketball season. Five years later, he has become the heartbeat of Hills football, changing the program’s narrative by rewriting his own. “My favorite football memory is flipping the script everyone thought was already written for Sylvan Hills and turning us into a Cinderella story,” he said. “This year, everything is personal. At the end of it, I’m looking to get a ring.” Bears Head Coach Trey Schucker sees the same fire in his senior defensive end. “Ducy sets the temperature with his energy and how hard he plays,” Schucker said. “When he talks, players listen.” With almost no returning defensive starters, Sylvan Hills needed a leader. James didn’t wait to be asked. “Not everyone has what it takes to lead,” he said. “When we needed someone to step up, that role naturally fell on me.”
James wants to be remembered as the player everyone had to see to believe, but his impact stretches far beyond the field. “Football has grown to be a part of me,” he said. “From the Friday night lights to the roar of the fans, I’ve enjoyed every moment with my teammates.” Off the field, James excels in AP classes, serves in multiple clubs and spends his free time fishing, reading, studying and helping his younger teammates grow. “Ducy always does the right thing,” Schucker said. “He’s respectful, works hard and represents our program well.”
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EASTON HARTLEY - CONWAY CHRISTIAN A year after climbing the mountain and bringing home their first state championship, Conway Christian found itself in a very different place last season: a first-round playoff loss and a roster suddenly stripped of experience. In the middle of that uncertainty, Easton Hartley refused to flinch. Facing a fresh start this fall, the junior wide receiver/ safety has risen to the challenge of bringing stability back to the Eagles. “Easton is the leader of our team,” Conway Christian Head Coach Daniel Ellen said. “He has taken on a much bigger role this season and has helped our sophomores adjust to theirs. He’s extremely smart, has great quickness and always knows what his job is.” Leadership wasn’t something Hartley expected this early, but adversity has a way of choosing its own captains. “I hope to grow as a leader and set a good example for my teammates to follow,” he said. “As a
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young team, we plan to work together and build a bond we can carry through the rest of high school.” Off the field, he carries a 4.0 GPA, runs track, plans to play soccer and stays active in National Honor Society and Antioch Student Ministry. His plans for the future involve going to college to study engineering. “I will want to be remembered as an encouraging teammate whose character never changed on or off the field,” Hartley said. “My advice for others would be to stay committed to the game, especially through the hardships and always keep a good attitude.”
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GUY STARKS - BIGELOW Guy Starks doesn’t dwell on last season, but its ending still drives him: a first-round playoff loss and a shoulder injury that shifted his perspective. After a long and humbling recovery, the senior returns to the field with renewed appreciation for the game he loves. “My recovery has been a long, tough road, but it taught me the importance of having a positive attitude when things don’t go as planned,” he said. “It made me appreciate the game even more.” Fully recovered, Bigelow’s fullback, linebacker and defensive end returns as the player Head Coach Luke Starks trusts to run the show. “Guy is strong and physical with a nose for the football,” Starks said. “He has played several defensive positions, has a high football IQ and will do whatever it takes to win.” That mindset fuels Guy’s goals for the season: repeating as the Panthers’
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defensive MVP, earning all-state honors and leading the team in tackles. “We want to be the team others fear on Friday nights,” he said. “We are working hard this offseason to be the most dominant team in Class 2A and take state.” Off the field, Starks carries a 4.0 GPA, takes college courses, mentors younger classmates and serves as a program director for Community Connections, a nonprofit that leads activities for children with special needs. “I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t let his setbacks define him,” Guy said. “Success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep grinding, keep working and let your performance do the talking.”
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HAROLD MCNABB - CLINTON Harold McNabb has spent most of his high school career learning how to play through pain. From a broken hand as a sophomore to a torn hip labrum in his junior year, the senior continues to prove he is built to overcome any obstacle. That toughness is what Clinton leans on now. Even while battling injuries last fall, McNabb still finished as one of the Yellowjackets’ most reliable playmakers, earning the confidence of his coaches and teammates. “Harold plays so hard on offense and defense,” Yellowjackets Head Coach Chris Dufrene said. “He’s a great runner, a bigplay magnet and someone we expect to have a tremendous year in all three phases of the game.”
“We plan to build off what we have already achieved by playing together,” he said. “My goals are to stay healthy and be the teammate that leads the team in the right direction. I want to be remembered as someone who left it all out there, no matter what.” Off the field, he is just as dependable. He carries a 4.10 GPA and is involved in Beta Club, FCA, Bible Club, Chess Club, journalism and his church youth group. In his free time, he likes riding horses, bronc riding and working around the family farm. “Don’t take any opportunity for granted,” McNabb said. “Be thankful for what God has given you the ability to do.”
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Following last season’s playoff victory, McNabb believes his team has what it takes to take its game to the next level this fall.
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HUNTER STERLING - BEEBE Hunter Sterling has never been the biggest player on the field, but he has spent his high school career proving that he doesn’t have to be big to be successful. Driven to outwork anyone who lines up in front of him, Beebe’s senior offensive lineman has built a reputation by battling stronger, heavier opponents and never backing down. That determination helped him earn a starting role at center last fall, where he became one of the Badgers’ most dependable two-way players. “Hunter has a high football IQ,” Beebe Head Coach Cody Sparks said. “He’s a good leader with high character, a mentor to younger players and someone we can always count on to do what we’re asking him to do.” After taking Hot Springs to overtime in last year’s playoff opener, Sterling believes Beebe is ready to take the next step this fall.
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“Our goals are to have a winning season and make another playoff push,” he said. “We’re going to run around and play hard. I want to be remembered as a leader and someone who will do whatever it takes to help his team win.” Behind a 3.61 GPA, Sterling takes AP classes and is involved in Special Olympics, FCA and his church youth group. When he’s not studying or practicing, he’s exercising, playing video games and working toward his plans of playing college football and becoming an engineer. “Sports are fun, but they will get physically and mentally hard,” Sterling said. “Never forget that being a student comes first.”
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JACKSON CRITES - SOUTH SIDE BEE BRANCH Jackson Crites has spent the past year rebuilding himself piece by piece. Last summer, the South Side Bee Branch senior tore his labrum and AC joint. Two games into the season, he tore his ACL and meniscus. Despite injuries that would sideline most players, he showed up, worked hard and kept laying the foundation for the kind of teammate his coaches trust.
increasing my number of tackles this season and leading our team deep into the playoffs.”
“Jackson is a student of the game,” Hornets Head Coach Todd Langrell said. “He brings energy every day and he’s committed to being the best player he can be. He’s a natural leader who raises the standard for everyone around him.”
After graduation, Crites plans to study construction management at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and build a career with Nabholz Construction. For a young man who knows how to rebuild and refuses to be torn down, it’s the perfect blueprint for a strong future.
Brick by brick, Crites plans to build the Hornets into a contender in the Class 8 Man West conference this season. “I want to be remembered as the kid who stuck out for trying hard in sports and in the weight room,” he said. “I’m committed to overcoming my injuries from last year,
Off the field, he competes in basketball, baseball, golf and track, works at Choctaw Marina and is active in FFA and shooting sports. He also serves his Damascus community as a first responder and firefighter.
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JACOREY SPANN - NORTH LITTLE ROCK JaCorey Spann is used to moving fast. On the track, on the field and in the way that he’s grown as a leader for North Little Rock, the senior wide receiver enters 2026 ready to turn last year’s role-player experience into the confidence and maturity his team now depends on. “JaCorey is a leader in the locker room,” Charging Wildcats Head Coach Brad Bolding said. “He has track speed and a high football IQ. He’s an upstanding young man and a leader in the community.” This season, North Little Rock wants to grow closer as a family and make a run at the 7A state championship. Spann plans to be at the center of those goals, both as a deep-threat receiver and as a positive influence on younger athletes.
is to win state, and we’re working every day to finish games stronger.” Off the field, Spann continues to shine as a leader. He’s the top 200-meter sprinter in Class 6A and finished second in the state. He’s also involved in the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce youth leadership program, where he’s learning how to lead beyond sports. After high school, he hopes to play football and run track at the next level while pursuing a business degree. “Don’t let the bad days bring you down,” Spann said. “They make you stronger for the good ones.”
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“I want to be remembered as an electric receiver and someone who was a positive influence on the youth,” he said. “Our goal
JEREMIAH JIMERSON - MALVERN Jeremiah Jimerson has spent his entire football career running out of a long family shadow. For the Malvern senior standout, every snap on the gridiron has been a battle against comparison. “I spent most of my career being compared to family members who played the game before,” he said. “I was always told that I would never reach their level.” Instead of letting those doubts block his progress, the 12-year football veteran channeled them into a decorated high school career, earning the Farm Bureau Defensive Player of the Year honor for Malvern. His favorite gridiron memory captures that relentless competitive drive: a slippery, rainy showdown against rival Arkadelphia during his sophomore season. Now, he is focused on pushing the Leopards further. “I want to grow with my team and build a strong team,” Jimerson said. “Get stronger physically and mentally 20 I 501lifemag.com FOOTBALL 2026
by staying focused in the weight room and accomplishing everything we should accomplish, plus more, while having no excuses.” Off the field, he is a true artist who commands a unique canvas. When he isn’t wrestling, running track or volunteering at games, he can be found drawing or relaxing at the river. He has had recruiting conversations with Boise State and Oklahoma State, but his future will also include studying fine arts in college. “Play every snap like it’s your last,” Jimerson said. “I want to be remembered not just for the plays I made, but for the example I set and the people I inspired along the way.”
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JETT SANSON - VILONIA Jett Sanson didn’t always love the game of football. While the senior right tackle initially hated football when he signed up in fifth grade, he steadily fell in love with the game’s unique grind, transforming into a leader who anchors the Vilonia Eagles' front line. After a challenging 3-7 campaign last fall, Sanson and his teammates actively embraced the struggle to rewrite public expectations. “We are currently facing adversity in what we think of ourselves and what others think,” he said. “Our coaches and my teammates have done an incredible job overcoming that. We are in practice right now feeling more confident than we have before.” Sanson found success by playing hard, refusing to take a single play off and ensuring the upfront blocking calls were consistently correct.
“You won't meet a better person,” Head Coach Kyle Russell said. “He is the go-to guy in any situation. He’s always willing to do whatever it takes for a teammate. I’ve never met a kid willing to serve the way he does. He volunteers for anything he can.” That dedication fuels Sanson's ultimate focus for his final season. “We’re focused on proving ourselves to those who have doubt in us,” he said. “We can do that by playing more aggressively, having no mental errors and working as a unit.” Off the field, Sanson tracks down vintage music as an avid record collector, serves as student council vice president and coaches pee-wee sports. He plans to major in finance at the University of Arkansas.
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JOSIAH RIGGS - HEBER SPRINGS Josiah Riggs remembers exactly what it felt like to be a little kid sitting in the stadium stands, looking up at his local heroes with wide-eyed admiration. Drawn to the gridiron by watching the Razorbacks and the Heber Springs Panthers, the senior wide receiver has spent six years turning those childhood dreams into a reality of his own. The journey, however, has required immense resilience. Riggs has routinely battled through a brutal gauntlet of painful injuries, including a broken ankle and multiple concussions that severely tested his resolve. “These injuries made it hard to stay committed to this sport,” he said. “But with the support of my coaches and family, I was able to safely overcome them.” That unshakeable determination paid off when the Panthers executed a stunning upset against the top-ranked Mills Comets. Now, Riggs enters his final senior campaign chasing 1,000 receiving yards
and all-state honors while keeping his focus entirely on brotherhood. “My team goals are to beat Clinton and to have a memorable year,” he said. “We will achieve these goals by playing as a family and working hard when nobody is watching.” Off the field, Riggs is a versatile multisport standout who competes in basketball, golf, track and baseball. He stays active in Beta Club, enjoys going to the lake with friends and serves with God Pleasers at Renew Church. “There are always hard days when playing football, but I wouldn't trade playing with my lifelong friends for anything in the world,” he said.
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KAMBRIEN BLACKMON - CONWAY Kambrien Blackmon lets his performance do the talking. For the Conway senior wide receiver, dominance on the gridiron is not about loud declarations but about mastering the quiet, precise details that break opposing defenses. Despite earning all-state honors the past two seasons, he constantly battles a formidable internal opponent. “I have faced a lot of adversity, but my big one is self-doubt,” Blackmon said. “I want to be remembered as the guy that never talked smack on the field but talked with my game.” His silent, relentless effort makes him a true coverage nightmare. “He is not a scream-in-your-face kind of leader,” Conway Corp color analyst Tim Roach said. “His route running gets people to bite on his digs. If Kam takes one step forward this season, he will be the best player in the state.” That clutch gene was on full display last year against Bryant, where Blackmon 22 I 501lifemag.com FOOTBALL FOOTBALL2026 2026
made two remarkable downfield plays to out-jump defenders right in front of their own bench. Now, he aims to capture a state championship and break the program record for career receiving yards. Off the field, the electric playmaker runs track, fishes and serves his school in Caring Cats. He received several elite collegiate offers and chose Missouri State, where he intends to bring his immense talents to the next level. “If college coaches are looking for a dude who can change your offense, Kam’s the one,” Roach said. “He has such natural movements on the field, like he just belongs there.”
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KINGSTON BURNETT - JACKSONVILLE At Jacksonville High School, Kingston Burnett is more than just the new kid in town. He’s leading the charge of a tradition-rich Titans program that is hungry to bring a title home. “We want to go deep into the postseason and compete for a state championship,” Burnett said. “It would be the first time in over 40 years that Jacksonville has won one.” After transferring from another high school, the junior quarterback takes the reins with something to prove. Now that he finally has the starting role he has been working for, he’s determined to show the 501 what he can do under the Friday night lights. “Even when I wasn’t getting the role I believed I earned, I continued to maintain a positive attitude and prepared like a starter,” he said. “By staying mentally tough, patient and resilient, I never quit and I never let my adversity define me.”
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Jacksonville Head Coach Reggie Swinton backs Burnett as a game changer for the Titans. “Kingston is a very smart quarterback with major upside and the ability to play at the next level,” Swinton said. “I expect him to have a breakout season in his first year as a full-time starter. He has weapons that will make him better.” Burnett’s advice to other players is to stay the course and never stop working. “Success does not happen overnight,” he said. “If you trust the process, keep working and keep your faith in God, then He will take care of you.”
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LEVI WARRIOR - MAUMELLE At Maumelle High School, Levi Warrior has become the anchor of a program that has weathered its share of rough waters. Through coaching changes and teammates transferring to other schools, the senior quarterback continues to steer the Hornets toward a fresh start. “My goal is to be the best leader in good times and hard times,” he said. “By encouraging my teammates, approaching every game with a winning mindset and outworking the other team, we can accomplish anything.” First-year Head Coach Nick Vaughn immediately saw the potential in his quarterback. Warrior wasn’t just keeping the ship afloat; he was charting a new course for the program, too. “Levi raises the level of play of everyone around him,” Vaughn said. “He gives them confidence, and they will follow him anywhere. He makes everyone around him better.”
Warrior already owns all-state honors and Maumelle’s single-game passing record, but his story is still being written. “I want to be remembered as someone that gave his all every play,” he said. “Each day, I’m working to become a great teammate who leads by example and learns from his mistakes.” Off the field, Warrior carries a 3.8 GPA, serves through New Life Church, volunteers at kids’ camps and has earned all-conference honors with Maumelle’s baseball team. After high school, he plans to continue playing football while exploring a future in construction management. “Don’t wait to put the work in,” he said. “Do the work now. If you enjoy the process, then the results will show it.”
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MITCHELL MCGREW - PERRYVILLE After eight years on the gridiron, Mitchell McGrew is gearing up for one final ride with the Perryville Mustangs. “My personal goals this season are to play to the best of my ability and have fun with my last season,” he said. “I want to continue working hard, learning new skills and taking advantage of opportunities that will help me achieve my goals.” With a new head coach comes new possibilities, and the senior lineman has made a strong first impression. “Mitchell has emerged as a leader from my first day at Perryville,” Head Coach Justin Hamilton said. “He has taken the lead of our offensive lineman group, and we know that will correlate to making calls and running the huddle.” In a career filled with great moments, McGrew believes his favorite football memories are still to come. “It has been an honor to compete alongside these brothers
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of mine throughout my life,” he said. “The memories, lessons and friendships we’ve built together are something I will always be grateful for.” Over the years, McGrew has faced adversity through injuries, tough losses and competition for playing time. Those challenges taught him resilience, discipline and the importance of hard work. “I want to be remembered as a respectful young man who always gave his best effort and led by example,” McGrew said. “If you embrace the discipline, trust the process and never take a day for granted, then the hard work, early mornings and challenges will be worth it in the end.”
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RILEY FIELDS - EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE A winless season and a season-ending injury didn’t break Riley Fields. Adversity only made him stronger. In his return to the field this fall, Episcopal Collegiate’s junior running back and linebacker plays with a new perspective on the game he loves and a confidence that refuses to fade, even when the odds are stacked against him. With a clean slate ahead for the Wildcats, Fields sees a chance for the program to build something stronger. “(The) game isn’t based on sympathy,” he said. “We’re putting in the work, time and effort to be the best versions of ourselves. Our team hasn’t made the playoffs in a while, and we want to make it happen.” Wildcats Head Coach Tye Forte sees that drive every day.
Inspired by family, Fields plays for more than just himself. “My dad first drew me to football,” he said. “Hearing his stories and how much of an impact he made on the field made me want to follow in his footsteps. I just want to make my family proud.” Off the field, he gives back through EpiscoPaws, Culinary Club and Episcopal’s food pantry. “I want to be remembered as the guy who made the biggest impact on our football program,” he said. “Keep Episcopal on your radar. We’re here and we aren’t leaving anytime soon.”
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“Riley’s positive attitude makes him a great team leader,” Forte said. “He is also very respectful. This season we expect him to continue to lead and make plays for us.”
ROSS MOUNTS - CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN Ross Mounts thrives where the competition is fierce and the work is relentless. For the Central Arkansas Christian senior middle linebacker and fullback, the gridiron is a proving ground where a true leader must guide the unit through any storm. That resilience was tested recently when he suffered a distressing partial Achilles tear. “It has startled me because it’s the first actual injury I have had,” Mounts said. “But with the encouragement of my teammates and coaches, I’m going to do great because I’m not letting this set me back.” His coaching staff relies heavily on that unshakeable mindset to anchor the Mustangs’ defense this fall. “He is an unbelievable leader on and off the field,” Coach JD Plumlee said. “On the field, he is the defensive coach for us. He has a high motor and flies around. He’s a fearless competitor, a great man, and
a great athlete that will be successful in life.” An all-conference selection last year, Mounts is focused on a deep state tournament run this fall. “We are a brotherhood,” he said. “If we work together for the team and keep fighting not just for ourselves but for the guy next to us, we will be able to do great things.” Off the field, he runs track, tutors underclassmen in math and volunteers at church camps. He plans to pursue a career as a dentist. “Sports do not define you; they are a gift,” Mounts said. “Enjoy it while you can because it won’t last forever.”
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RYLEE COCHRAN - CABOT Rylee Cochran understands the true definition of a heavy shift. While most high school seniors struggle to balance homework and practice, the Cabot center manages an intense, exhausting routine that would break many athletes. Cochran routinely navigates the grind of balancing a full-time, 40-hour work week alongside his academic and athletic obligations. “He’s a hard worker,” Cabot Head Coach Lance Clark said. “He works full-time, plays sports and keeps grades up.” That rare grit translates perfectly onto the gridiron, where the veteran anchors the Panthers’ offensive line with sheer authority. After a breakout junior campaign, Cochran earned all-conference honors, proving his relentless effort was bearing fruit. “My favorite memory was probably first starting in varsity and getting allconference,” he said. “It had shown how much all my hard work had paid off.”
His dedication has earned him deep admiration from his coaches, who anticipate an all-state performance this upcoming fall. “He is highly intelligent and highly mobile for an offensive lineman,” Clark said. “He really plays with force and finish and is a coach on the field. He is always where he is supposed to be.” Outside of football, Cochran enjoys golfing and fishing. He has received an offer to continue his football career at Hendrix College, but he is considering majoring in business at the University of Arkansas. “The ultimate goal this year is to go all the way and win the championship,” he said. “I think our team can do this by having confidence and working hard.”
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SEFTEN PALOMARES - BALD KNOB Seften Palomares understands how to anchor a program through the heaviest storms. For the Bald Knob senior quarterback, greatness on the gridiron is measured by the strength of the foundation you leave behind. After enduring a grueling 0-10 sophomore campaign, Palomares willingly carried the heavy burden of changing the narrative for the Bulldogs. “My sophomore year we went 0-10, and it was tough just facing the pressure of turning the culture of the program around,” he said. “I want to be remembered for the guy who would do anything to see his team succeed.” His selflessness provided much-needed stability last fall when he stepped into the quarterback role early in the season. An all-conference defensive standout, he now takes total command of the offense under first-year Head Coach Jerrod Barnhill. “Seften is a true leader who puts the team first,” Barnhill said. “He leads through 28 I 501lifemag.com FOOTBALL FOOTBALL2026 2026
his actions and words. The sky's the limit for Seften. His growth, work ethic and understanding of the game position him to have an outstanding senior season.” Chasing an all-state nod and 2,000 allpurpose yards, Palomares remains entirely focused on the collective journey. Off the field, he maintains a flawless 4.0 GPA, competes in baseball and basketball, and participates in Beta Club. He regularly volunteers by coaching youth sports, aiming to be a positive beacon for his younger brother and local kids. He plans to pursue a career in the medical field. “Football is more than just winning; it's the relationships that you build along the way,” Palomares said.
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SLOANE HARTSFIELD - GUY-PERKINS Sloane Hartsfield will never forget the night he injured his back in a game. After sitting out briefly, he returned and delivered his biggest hit of the season. It was a moment that taught him the power of getting back up when life knocks you down.
“Sloane takes every snap at full speed, regardless of the score or situation,” Head Coach Tony Varnell said. “Last year, he was our leading tackler and a vocal leader in the huddle. This year, I expect him to lead the team in tackles while playing a huge role offensively.”
“Football has taught me to be courageous on and off the field,” he said. “I would like to be remembered as the hardest hitter on the field and someone who wasn’t afraid to make the big play.”
Off the field, Hartsfield works on his family farm while volunteering at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Guy. After high school, he plans to go to college to pursue a business degree.
Much like that night, Hartsfield believes Guy-Perkins can bounce back from last year’s winless campaign.
“Sloane isn’t afraid of hard work,” Varnell said. “He strives for success in the classroom and is willing to assist others when needed.”
“We can win if we stay consistent and play together,” he said. “I want to win a few games as a team and average double-digit tackles every game.”
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Over the past two seasons, Hartsfield has been named the Thunderbirds’ Best Defensive Player and Best Overall Player, impressing his coaching staff.
TANNER SIMMONS - HARDING ACADEMY Tanner Simmons understands that a champion's foundation is built through adversity. Long before anchoring the defense, the Harding Academy senior linebacker, defensive back and wide receiver first fell in love with the game’s unique grind while playing in the backyard with his dad and brother. That passion fueled a legendary freshman debut, where he secured a late-game sack to seal the state championship. However, Simmons soon faced a daunting physical gauntlet, breaking his collarbone and tearing his hamstring in back-to-back summers. Instead of letting setbacks define him, he returned to earn 5A all-state honors, racking up an astonishing 153 tackles last season. “Tanner is one of the unquestioned leaders of our team,” Head Coach Ashley Henley said. “He will be the heart and soul of our defense. He has great humility and maturity in how he carries himself. He has 30 I 501lifemag.com FOOTBALL FOOTBALL2026 2026
a natural instinct for where the football is going.” Simmons remains completely focused on the unit’s collective journey. “We work to do everything we can each game to give us a chance of winning,” he said. “I want to be remembered as the most physical and relentless player on the field.” Off the field, Simmons maintains a 3.35 GPA, excels in basketball and competes on the pickleball courts. Deeply rooted in his community, he volunteers at his church and mentors local children. He has committed to play football at Harding University. “Tanner is a big part of how we desire to pour into younger people and build relationships in our community,” Henley said.
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STAY IN THE GAME WITH OUR ORTHOPAEDIC TEAM
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TRENDON MOSELEY - GREENBRIER Trendon Moseley remembers precisely what captivated him about the gridiron. As a child watching from the sidelines, the electric atmosphere of Friday night lights sparked a powerful desire to be a part of the action. Since entering the local pee-wee program in the third grade, the Greenbrier senior receiver has been chasing that feeling. The climb, however, required significant resilience. Moseley faced a physical setback early in his high school career, sitting out most of his sophomore season due to a severe knee injury. Instead of letting adversity dictate his story, he responded with an exceptional junior year, hauling in 56 passes for 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns to secure allstate honors. His favorite gridiron memory highlights that fighting spirit: an epic battle to upset Farmington “We proved everyone wrong, including ourselves,” he said. “I cherish the brotherhood football brings and all the friends that come with it.”
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Greenbrier Head Coach Randy Tribble relies heavily on Moseley’s competitive engine to drive the Panthers as they head into their new conference. “We expect him to be one of the best receivers in the state,” Tribble said. “Trendon is very competitive and wants to be great. He is talented, yet humble, kind and respectful.” Off the field, Moseley stays active in his youth group at Second Baptist Church, hits the golf course, fishes and excels on the baseball diamond. A multi-sport standout, he plans to play baseball in college. “Our goal this year is to be better than our team last year,” he said.
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TREY STEWART - LITTLE ROCK CENTRAL Trey Stewart does not wait for opportunities to come to him; he runs through them. For the Little Rock Central senior standout, excellence on the gridiron began in the fourth grade when friends convinced him to give the sport a try, sparking a trajectory that has made him one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the state. A decorated three-time all-state and all-conference performer, Stewart plays with a relentless, physical edge. His favorite memory highlights that electric capability: a dominant three-touchdown performance against Pulaski Academy that put the region on notice. Now, the dynamic dual-threat weapon enters his senior campaign chasing a state championship and the Gatorade Player of the Year award.
His head coach values that immense talent and unshakeable work ethic “Trey is a high-character athlete,” Head Coach Anthony Robinson said. “He uplifts those around him and puts in a ton of extra work. We expect a 1,000-yard-plus rushing year and over 2,000 all-purpose yards.” Off the field, Stewart serves his community by working at elementary camps and speaking to middle school students. A highly sought-after recruit with dozens of elite offers, he is officially committed to the University of Kansas. “Always keep God first, and be humble and be patient,” he said. “Put the work in for what you want in life.”
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“My favorite football memory really showed how much I can do,” Stewart said. “I want to be remembered as an all-time great, one of the best running backs to step on a football field.”
WILL MANNING - SEARCY Will Manning knows that true endurance is forged in the quiet moments when breathing gets tough. For the Searcy senior wide receiver, dominance on the gridiron means outworking every single obstacle, including a lifelong battle with asthma that requires him to have an inhaler during games and practices. Instead of letting limitations slow his blistering pace, the senior veteran relies on explosive acceleration to stretch opposing defenses. Last season, the stellar playmaker caught 57 passes for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning all-state honors while anchoring the Lions’ potent offensive attack. “Will is extremely fast and has great feet,” Head Coach Zak Clark said. “He is a highcharacter kid and a great teammate. I expect Will to have another outstanding year for us.” That competitive engine fuels the senior’s high expectations for his final high school 34 I 501lifemag.com FOOTBALL FOOTBALL2026 2026
campaign, where he aims for 1,000 yards, 10 touchdowns and a state championship. “My team goals for this season are to win a state championship and grow closer to Christ,” Manning said. “I want to be remembered as an amazing team player who brings lots of energy to each play.” Off the field, he runs track, participates in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and volunteers in the school’s Team Unified basketball program for those with special needs. Deeply committed to his faith, he stays active in the youth group at Valley Baptist Church and holds collegiate football offers from Arkansas Tech University and Lyon College. “Hard work and consistency are the best way to become the best,” Manning said.
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