Jonesboro and Woodward Academy face off in a pivotal matchup with region title implications on the line. A loss would go a long way in ending those hopes. Woodward Academy is still undefeated in Region 3-6A play. Jonesboro suffered a region loss to Mundy’s Mill 36-28 on September 29, but is having one of their better seasons in the last few years.
The Cardinals are led by two-way star Jontavius Wyman, who plays quarterback and defensive back. On the offensive side, Wyman can play any position on the field.He has a great arm and has played quarterback for Jonesboro. He can also line up anywhere and make a play whether it is in the backfield or lining up at wide receiver. Wyman is a ballhawk defensively and leads the team in interceptions (4) and pass deflections (7). Wyman also has an interception returned for a touchdown this season. Wyman has offers from Florida, LSU, Kentucky, Texas, Florida and more.
Jonesboro senior wide receiver Montez Redding has been a weapon in the passing game for the Cardinals. Redding possesses big-play ability and has a team-leading 581 yards and eight touchdowns this season. He will be a player to watch on offense for Jonesboro.
Woodward Academy (5-2, 4-0) could draw closer to the region championship with a win and the War Eagles has talent all over the field.
Woodward has a multitude of weapons on offense with senior quarterback Griffin Marshall and a pair of junior running backs leading the way. Marshall is 60-of-82 passing for 826 yards and 10 touchdowns. When needed, junior back Landon Walker can throw the ball and is 31-of-51 passing for 524 yards and seven touchdowns.
Walker adds 27 carries for 181 yards and six touchdowns while the other junior back, Lucas Farrington, has 421 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Farrington is a dynamic back in space and is a big play waiting to happen. Farrington is also a heavily coveted player in the 2025 class in recruiting boasting offers from Arkansas, Colorada, Louisville, and more.
Ben Grice has also been a key in the passing game for Woodward. Grice is their leading receiver and has 427 yards receiving and six touchdowns. The Wake Forest commit has built off a strong junior season and has been a go to weapon on offense.
The Woodward Academy offense is averaging 42 points per game in the last four outings and balance has been a strong part of their success. Either handing it off to Farrington or getting the ball to the playmakers in space with Grice and junior wide receiver Josiah Abdullah. The Cardinals will have their hands full with their other playmakers, but they have a great secondary that can matchup.
A matchup to watch in this game will be the running attack of Woodward Academy against the defense of Jonesboro. Junior linebacker Maddox Geralds is having a great season so far. Geralds reads plays well and attacks downhill on opposing running backs. He has 70 tackles and nine tackles for loss. He will be a key factor on the defensive side for Jonesboro.
This game will come down to winning the turnover battle. Both teams possess explosive offenses that can score in waves and make you pay if you are not careful. With a win, Woodward Academy will put themselves in position to clinch a region title. For Jonesboro, a win would keep the Cardinals tied atop the region standings with a chance at the title.
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