Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

(Get the predictions for Class 7A football and the games to watch in the digital edtion of ArkansasSports360.com's 2012 Football Preview.)

A funny thing happened along the way to Bentonville’s 26th straight win and another 7A state championship: Fayetteville Bulldogs quarterback Austin Allen worked some magic, converted a two-point pass instead of playing for overtime and the Tigers found themselves on the short end of a 29-28 state title loss last December. Bentonville had wiped out the Bulldogs, like everyone else on its schedule, 41-6 in the regular season.

The chances of Bentonville’s coaches and players sitting on their laurels after that are next to nothing. Look out for a raging Tiger in 2012.

Of course, Fayetteville grew up fast after that Bentonville blowout loss behind Allen, who is now a senior.

Allen, brother of Arkansas backup QB Brandon Allen, committed to join his brother with the Hogs after completing 266 of 424 passes last year for 4,150 yards. In the comeback win against Bentonville he passed for 376 yards and 4 TDs. His development led to an summer invitation to the Elite 11 quarterback camp, and it should have Fayetteville in the mix for a title again this year.

“Our players believe that as long as he’s on the field, we have a chance,” said Bulldogs Coach Daryl Patton, who has two other UA commitments in LB Brooks Ellis and safety Alex Brignoni. Brett Gahagans returns for his third year at RB.

But, as has been proven in recent years, it’s so hard to repeat in 7A. Har-Ber couldn’t two years ago, and Bentonville failed last year. Fort Smith Southside is always in the hunt. If any team outside west or NW Arkansas will figure, it’s probably North Little Rock, which is loaded with speed, size and depth, but needs a QB to step up. The Charging Wildcats have just been unable to get past the semifinal round.

(Steve Sullivan of KATV-TV, Channel 7, looks at who will be the playmakers this high school season and who's got a shot at winning the Landers Award in the digital edition of ArkansasSports360.com's 2012 Football Preview.)