SEARCY, Ark. — In 2023, Harding Academy reached the pinnacle of success by winning the Class 4A state championship.
Yet, it was nothing new if you are a Wildcats fan.
Their 43-35 victory over Rivercrest at War Memorial Stadium was Harding Academy's fourth state title in the last five years. They dominated at the Class 3A level, winning three consecutive championships from 2019-2021 and again last year in Class 4A.
Winning is contagious, and it sure seems to be that way in Searcy. The many state titles over the years give the players an extra boost in confidence.
"It's a shift from this whole, like, 'We have to go prove ourselves," Senior Xander Province said. "Now, we know what we're about. We know who we are, so we can go and carry that in. Rather than having to go and play for confidence, we can play with confidence."
While confidence appears to be at an all-time high, the Wildcats have an uphill challenge this season as they once again bump up classifications.
"Moving up to class 5A, we knew would present some challenges," Harding Academy head coach Neil Evans said. "We've gone out and scheduled people who are outstanding in our nonconference schedule."
This year's nonconference schedule for the Wildcats includes Class 6A Marion, which Harding lost 37-7; Class 4A Central Arkansas Christian, who Harding beat 53-21; and another 6A power, Benton, which Harding will face on Friday.
"[Benton] is a top-to-bottom program," Evans said. "You look at all three phases of the game; they're extremely sound, very talented, and very physical. Coach [Brad] Harris has done an unbelievable job of building that thing from the bottom up."
Not only did Harding's head coach speak highly of the Panthers, but senior receiver Eli Baker also said his team will be ready for the challenge.
"We're going to go into it with a mentality that it’s gonna be a dog fight the whole way through," Baker said. "We just give a lot of heart. I think you're just gonna see us go out and compete to the best of our abilities."
Harding seems to be eager for the challenge against Benton. They also get the added bonus of having the Panthers come play at their home stadium in Searcy.
"When the stands can get packed out on both sides, I think it just supplies a great atmosphere," Baker said. "I think it can get loud in here when people show out."
Baker isn't the only one who's proud of his home field advantage.
"I love this place," Province said. "I just love the atmosphere. The fans always get really hyped, and they're just right close to the field. A lot of people in Searcy really care about this place, and I think that that's such a magical thing."
It is a magical environment that will host one of Arkansas's most anticipated high school football games on Friday night.