Conway Christian ready to open playoffs

By Charlie Livingston
UCA sportswriting

The Conway Christian Eagles begin their run at a state championship Friday night as they start the Class 2A state playoffs at home.

CCHS (7-3, 6-2 in the 2A-5 conference) gained the league's third seed after winning its last four games, three of which came against conference opponents, including a big win against Ola.

Waiting for CCHS in the first round will be Cross County (6-4, 5-3 in the 2A-3 conference). Cross County finished fourth in its conference, but that is not indicative of the team it has.

“They won something like five straight to end the year, so they're playing well right now, but so are we,” Conway Christian junior Bates Isom said.

The Eagles have worked all season long to get back to the playoffs, and they are playing host to their first playoff game ever, a year after making their playoff debut.

“The coaches wanted us to set goals and this year they wanted us to win at least one playoff game," Tyler Ratliff said. "Hosting a playoff game is gravy.”

Cross County was picked third in the preseason conference rankings but was slow getting out of the gates, losing four of its first five games, albeit to good competition.

Cross County's season turned around after a big win on the road against conference power East Poinsett County in Lepanto. The 33-28 win was the first of the season and from that point on, Cross County won six out of its last seven.

Cross County will be led by senior defensive linemen Dillion Euriga and Blake Strickin. Strickin also plays the offensive line.

Kickoff is set for 7:30.