The Mayflower Eagles are looking to build on one of the program’s best seasons in recent memory as they prepare for a move from Class 3A to Class 4A.
Mayflower won 11 games for the first time since 2017 last season and advanced to the quarterfinals of the 3A state playoffs. Senior quarterback Carter Smith said the Eagles are eager to see what they can accomplish this fall.
“I think we’re just excited to play this year even more,” Smith said. “Just coming off that year and trying to build on that will be really interesting, especially in a new conference, new competition.”
Head coach Austin Emerson said the transition to 4A is not unfamiliar territory for the program.
“It’s not really anything just new. It’s just kind of recycling back,” Emerson said. “We’re always on the border of 3A and 4A, and when we go 4A we seem to be right with these guys as well.”
One of the biggest challenges for the Eagles will be replacing the talent lost in the trenches. Mayflower graduated all of its starters on both the offensive and defensive lines, but Emerson said the coaching staff has focused on preparing the next group to step in.
“Big bulldozers can move big piles of dirt,” Emerson said. “So you need bigger guys up there. We spend a lot of time giving more weight goals to try to get there because mass moves mass and you’ve got to have mass.”
Emerson credited offensive and defensive line coach Logan Cope for helping develop the Eagles’ young linemen.
Despite those departures, Mayflower returns several key contributors, including all-conference linebacker Issac Immel and Smith, who threw for 1,950 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.
Smith said one of his priorities entering his senior season is helping younger players adjust to larger roles.
“Working on being a leader on the field and making sure that I’m being a positive, helpful teammate to these newer guys,” Smith said.
With a new classification and several new faces in the lineup, Emerson believes the Eagles’ approach remains unchanged.
“We all want to be here. We enjoy playing football, we love playing football,” Emerson said. “I think that spreads to everybody. People understand that.”
Mayflower opens the 2026 season at home Aug. 28 against Beebe.
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