Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

The 2010 First Security Bank Kickoff Classic Kickoff, hosted by ArkansasSports360.com and The Buzz 103.7, begins today. Football fans will see some outstanding rivalries with some top recruits in action.

Tickets are $7, which includes admission to two games, Sylvan Hills vs. Vilonia at 5 p.m., followed by Central Arkansas Christian vs. Pulaski Academy. Tickets are $7 and will be sold at Gates 1, 7 and 9.

Tuesday's lineup of games is: Little Rock Parkview vs. Little Rock Mills, 5 p.m.; and Jacksonville vs. Cabot, 7:30 p.m. Parkview and Jacksonville are the home teams on Tuesday.

SYLVAN HILLS vs VILONIA
Coach Jim Withrow of Sylvan Hills and Coach Jim Stanley of Vilonia both acknowledge that their first-time meeting presents an excellent opportunity at having a friendly rivalry between the the two schools located 30 minutes away from each other on Highway 107 (VIDEO).

Withrow says that while Sylvan Hills is young and lacks experience, he's looking forward to the War Memorial matchup. “Playing in a game against Vilonia, that’s going to be learn on the run, and that’s a tough place to do it, but it’s nonconference and it will be a good experience for us.” (Sylvan Hills Looks to Newcomers)

The bar has been raised at Vilonia, but so has the skill level. With a talented backfield, an improved line and a stud emerging at quarterback, the Eagles are eager to get the season started. “I know we’re a better team than we were last year, but then every other team on our schedule is a lot better, too,” Eagles Coach Jim Stanley said. (Sax Should Determine Tenor for Vilonia)

CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN vs PULASKI ACADEMY
CAC was part of last year's inaugural Kickoff Classic at War Memorial, defeating Dollarway. PA was the 5A state champion in 2008, defeating Helena-West Helena Central in the title game at War Memorial Stadium. So both teams have players in the program who have experienced playing in the stadium before the largest crowds they'll likely see. They also return plenty of players who have experienced the CAC-PA rivalry, which dates back to when the schools were small programs playing on the Class A level in the 1970s. (VIDEO)

Several CAC sophomores were forced to grow up quickly on the field last season and are back to run Coach Tommy Shoemaker’s vaunted Spread offense, led by all-conference performers in junior quarterback Jay Bona and junior running back Eric Richardson. “We look to be much improved over last season,” Shoemaker said. “We should have more quality depth and experience.” (Central Arkansas Christian Looks To Return to Prominence)

Pulaski Academy Coach Kevin Kelley doesn't shy away from tough contests to start the season. “When I schedule for us, I want to play a very difficult nonconference schedule,” Kelley said. “I look for teams that have strong tradition, are expected to have a great year and are extremely well coached. Those types of teams prepare us well for the conference schedule.” (Pulaski Academy's Kevin Kelley Takes Road Less Traveled)

Hungry?

Looking for somewhere to eat before and after tonight's games? InArkansas.com has you covered with this dining guide for families, quick stops and dine-ins.