Friday nights in Northwest Arkansas are loud. If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines at Whitey Smith Stadium, you know exactly what I mean. The air smells like concession stand popcorn and damp turf, and the tension is so thick you could cut it with a literal mountie’s axe.
Rogers Arkansas Mounties football isn't just another high school program; it’s a whole mood. Honestly, if you look at the 2025 season that just wrapped up, you’re looking at one of the most electric—and slightly heartbreaking—runs in recent 7A West history.
The Heartbreak at Bryant and the 10-2 Reality
Let's just address the elephant in the room right away. The Mounties finished 10-2. That’s a massive year by any standard, but that final loss to Bryant? A 50-43 overtime thriller? That one is going to sting until the first whistle of 2026.
It was a shootout. Pure and simple.
You had two of the best teams in the state trading blows like heavyweight boxers. Seeing the Mounties fall just short of that trip to Little Rock was tough, especially after they dismantled Little Rock Christian Academy 35-0 the week before. But that's the 7A West for you. It’s a meat grinder.
Jeff Reagan: The Engine of the Offense
If you didn’t watch Jeff Reagan play this year, you missed out. Period.
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The kid is listed at 5'7", which, let’s be real, is generous in some programs, but he plays like he's 6'4". He’s a two-time All-State quarterback for a reason. His chemistry with guys like Braxton Lindsey (who is a literal giant at 6'4") and Parker Nix made this offense terrifying to game plan against.
Think about the Sheridan game. 84-40.
Eighty-four points.
That’s not a football score; that’s a decent basketball score. Coach Chad Harbison basically let the horses run this year, and for most of the season, nobody could catch them. They weren't just winning; they were frequently hanging 50+ on conference rivals like Fayetteville and Springdale.
Why the 2025 Roster Was Different
- Senior Leadership: With Reagan, Lindsey, and Nix all being seniors, there was a "now or never" energy.
- The Trenches: Hunter Dickey on the defensive line was a problem for every O-line in the 7A West.
- Versatility: They didn't just lean on the deep ball; Alexander Burke provided a ground game that kept defenses honest.
The Rivalry That Never Sleeps
You can't talk about Rogers Arkansas Mounties football without talking about the Battle for the Stovall Cup.
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The Rogers vs. Rogers Heritage game is always circled in red on every calendar in town. This year? A 49-14 blowout in favor of the Mounties. While Heritage has had some struggles—breaking a 25-game losing streak earlier in the season—the rivalry still brings out the entire city.
It’s personal. These kids grew up playing together in youth leagues. Then, suddenly, half of them are wearing blue and the other half are wearing orange. The bragging rights in the local McDonald’s on Walnut Street are at stake, and this year, the Mounties kept those rights firmly in their pocket.
A Legacy That Goes Back to '36
A lot of folks don't realize that the "Mountie" identity actually came from a contest back in 1935. A student named Berniece Price Kincy won it, designing the hillbilly character we still see today.
Before that? They were just "Rogers."
Then came the 1936 team. That squad is the stuff of local legend—the first undefeated team in school history. They beat Van Buren 79-0 that year. It's wild to think that nearly 90 years later, the program is still chasing that kind of absolute dominance, and under Coach Harbison, they are getting pretty dang close.
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Looking Toward 2026: The "Post-Reagan" Era
So, what happens now?
The Mounties are losing a massive senior class. Replacing a quarterback like Reagan isn't something you do overnight. We saw glimpses of Jagger Blockburger and Aj Francisco this year, and the talent is definitely there.
The expectations in Rogers have shifted. A few years ago, a winning season was a "good job." Now? If you aren't competing for a state title, it feels unfinished. That’s the culture Harbison has built.
If you're a fan, keep an eye on the junior high programs. The pipeline in Rogers is currently stuffed with talent. The move to a more modern, spread-style offense has made Rogers a destination for athletes who want to put up big numbers.
What to Do Next
If you want to stay in the loop, don't just check the scores on Friday nights.
- Follow the local beat: Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and SBLive Arkansas are the gold standards for actual reporting, not just bot-generated stats.
- Get to Whitey Smith early: If you're planning on attending a home game in 2026, show up at least 45 minutes before kickoff if you want a seat that isn't at the very top of the bleachers.
- Watch the JV games: That’s where you’ll see the next starting QB developing his rhythm before the bright lights of Friday night take over.
The Mounties might have fallen short of a ring in 2025, but the program is arguably the healthiest it has been in decades. The 10-2 record is a testament to a system that works. Now, it's just about finding that extra gear to get past the Bryant-level hurdles in the playoffs.
Rogers is officially a football town again. Get used to it.