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LITTLE ROCK CHRISTIAN WARRIORS – FOOTBALL
Little Rock Christian Academy went 8–4 and moves into 7A with a blend of graduated star power and returning experience. Head coach Dustin Grimmett, in his third year (10th season at LRCA), says they “enter 7A replacing significant senior production but return valuable experience at key spots,” and a strong pipeline—conference‑champion junior highs and four straight undefeated JV seasons—“positions us to compete.” His staff includes OC Will Edmondson, co‑OC Granville LeCroix, special teams coordinator Andrew Steely and assistants Boyd Boshears, Chad White, Caleb Coger, JR Tolleson, Kendel Givens, Akeem Gilmore and Jamal Mull.
Offensively, LRCA returns three primary offensive standouts and runs a spread/multiple attack. Grimmett describes the Warriors as a team that uses “a variety of run schemes from different formations and looks,” wants to “stretch the field vertically, attack underneath, and use RPOs to put defenders in conflict.” Senior receiver Pierre “Mann” Pickens (6‑3, 205) is the go‑to target after 26 catches for 521 yards and eight touchdowns; he brings size, physicality and toughness, is dangerous after the catch, and is an imposing perimeter blocker. Senior linemen Ayden Rodgers (6‑2, 285) and Skeet Boshears (6‑1, 255) anchor the line, while junior Eli Robertson (5‑11, 180), senior quarterback Haden Hall (6‑4, 205) and senior receiver Ridge Bowman (6‑0, 160) give LRCA versatility in the backfield and on the perimeter.
Defensively, the Warriors return five starters and operate out of multiple 3‑4 and 3‑3‑5 looks. Grimmett says they use pressure and drop‑8 concepts “to keep offenses off balance,” aiming to create confusion with different looks and disguises while forcing opponents to earn everything. Senior DL DJ Williams (6‑1, 285) posted 103 tackles, 28 solos, 12 tackles for loss and four sacks, junior LB Gideon Carlisle (5‑11, 195) had 95 tackles and 13 TFLs, senior safety Adam Cruz (5‑10, 170) registered 37 stops and an interception, junior LB Blake Haughaboo (5‑11, 180) recorded 97 tackles, 14 TFLs and nine sacks, and senior LB Nick Harp (6‑0, 195) added 81 tackles and 13 TFLs.
Pickens is praised as the tone‑setter on offense, leading by example with his physical style. Junior Cooper Wilkerson is described as a savvy, versatile athlete who can play multiple skill spots on both sides of the ball, and Boshears has been a “cornerstone” as a four‑year starter and three‑year captain, respected for leadership, character and integrity.
