09/04/2026
Harrison Goblins Set to Renew Historic Rivalry with Mountain Home in 80th Meeting
HARRISON, Ark. — One of Arkansas’ oldest and most storied high school football rivalries returns to center stage Friday night as the Harrison Goblins welcome the Mountain Home Bombers to F.S. Garrison Stadium for the 80th all-time meeting between the longtime foes. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The rivalry has become a staple of Northwest Arkansas football, with the two schools meeting every season since 1947 without interruption. The series is recognized as one of the state's longest continuously played rivalries and the second-oldest uninterrupted rivalry in Arkansas high school football.
Harrison enters the contest with a 1-0 record following an impressive season-opening victory over Branson, Missouri, while Mountain Home arrives at 0-1 after a narrow loss to Farmington.
Under first-year head coach Van Paschal, the Goblins opened the season with a 27-16 road victory powered by a dominant rushing attack. Harrison piled up 318 rushing yards in Paschal’s flexbone offense, led by senior slotback Killian Eddings, who rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries.
Senior fullback Sky Lee and senior defensive lineman Aspen Stephens added to the ground game, combining for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Senior quarterback Gavin Jones also found the end zone on the ground and connected with senior wide receiver Braden Bryant on a 30-yard completion.
The Goblin defense was equally impressive in the opener. Stephens, junior defensive lineman Denver Woehl, and senior defensive lineman Beckett Mulanax combined for 17 tackles, six tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, and four forced fumbles. Harrison recovered five total fumbles, with Xavier Frieze recovering two while Levi Everett, Paul Styles, and Caleb Melendez each recovered one. Lee paced the defense with 12 tackles, while Tayton Robb added eight stops.
Mountain Home is led by sophomore quarterback Conner Gentry and features several experienced playmakers, including running backs Nazsier Johnson and Cobe Dotson, wide receiver and defensive back Gus Wilber, and lineman Ford Coleman. The Bombers' lone touchdown in last week's 12-7 loss to Farmington came on a 50-yard interception return by Wilber.
While Harrison owns a 56-20-3 advantage in the all-time series, the Bombers have captured the last three meetings under head coach Steve Ary, setting the stage for another intense chapter in one of Arkansas high school football's premier rivalries.
Friday’s matchup will feature two teams looking to build momentum early in the season, with Harrison seeking its second consecutive victory under Paschal and Mountain Home aiming to spoil the Goblins' home opener.
Game Information
Opponent: Mountain Home Bombers
Location: F.S. Garrison Stadium, Harrison
Kickoff: 7 p.m., Friday
Records: Harrison 1-0, Mountain Home 0-1
