Area Teams Preparing for 2025 Football Season

High school football season is right around the corner, and teams across Southwest Arkansas are gearing up for kickoff. Southwest Arkansas Radio caught up with coaches from Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Dierks during their annual media days to get an early look at the upcoming year.

Nashville head coach Brad Chesshir said the Scrappers have turned in a strong fall camp so far. 

At Murfreesboro, new head coach Jay Turley is back with the Rattlers after previously spending part of his career there. Turley said participation in summer workouts and fall camp has been strong. 

For the Dierks Outlaws, head coach Paul Ernest noted the team faced early adversity when a key player went down with a season-ending injury. However, he said the players have rallied together and continue to improve as the season approaches. 

Leadership is always crucial in high school football, and local coaches say their teams are in good hands.

Coach Chesshir highlighted several players who have stepped into leadership roles for Nashville. 

Coach Turley praised his senior class at Murfreesboro, saying they may not be vocal, but they set the tone by example. 

And at Dierks, Coach Ernest said leadership is never in short supply, adding that he’s proud of the players who are stepping up daily for the Outlaws. 

All three teams will open the season during Zero Week. Nashville travels to Magnolia to face the Panthers, Murfreesboro hits the road to take on Centerpoint, and Dierks opens at Fouke.