MELISSA, TX – Parkview Magnet has arguably the best overall prep football team in Arkansas and head coach Brad Bolding made sure to compile a schedule that would give his squad the chance to prove it.
The Patriots have a substantial opportunity in their first test of 2024 to make a statement for not only themselves, but the entire state of Arkansas, when they kick off against the Melissa (Texas) Cardinals at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Coach Kenny Deel Stadium at Melissa’s multi-million dollar complex as part of the Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer Football Classic.
“To be able to go there with the reputation that Texas High School football has and play in that type of environment is where our kids thrive,” Bolding said. “They want to compete and they want to compete against the best.
“We put our guys in that situation so we have to follow through with what our goals and aspirations have been since the start of January. They don’t get fazed by $40-million dollar facilities and we do not let them, we just focus on our opponent and do what we have to do to win.”
Parkview is the defending back-to-back Class 5A Arkansas state champion and is currently riding a 25-game win streak dating back to September of 2022.
The meaning behind the weekend is for a great cause as it benefits pediatric cancer patients and their families.
“I have a special place in my heart for kids going through those issues with cancer and I can not imagine what they and their families have to deal with,” Bolding said. “Arkansas Children’s Hospital will also benefit from us being able to go and play.”
Parkview’s impressive roster includes senior quarterback Quentin Murphy (6-1, 205) and Cam Settles (6-0, 190) – both of whom are committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks – along with the dynamic duo of Oklahoma commit Omarion Robinson (6-1, 180) and Kansas State commit Monterrio Elston (5-8, 175). Rising junior linebacker Jakore Smith (6-1, 185) is also included in the mix, owning offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida State, Kansas State, Missouri, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
Also, keep an eye on seniors Jace White (6-3, 215), a transfer wide receiver from North Little Rock, and speedy Northwest Missouri State commit Jermaine Penny (5-8, 160).
Schuback Takes Over Melissa Offense
A familiar face will be running Melissa’s offense that features a host of new skill players. Junior Noah Schuback (6-1, 195), a three-star quarterback prospect who moved in from Hoover (Ala.) – a nationally known program that has been in a state of turmoil – takes over under center for the Cardinals and has previous ties with the Patriots.
Schuback knew one of Parkview’s players from last season and he spent some time in Little Rock last fall.
“He came to two or three of our games and also hung out some at the field house,” Bolding said. “Our kids know him well and he is a dang good player. He actually threw around to some of our players.”
Schuback is rated as high as the 17th-best 2026 quarterback per Rivals.com and has offers from Colorado State, Marshall, Ole Miss, Purdue, Texas Tech, Troy, Texas – San Antonio, and Virginia Tech.
While there was that previous connection, it did not play a part in setting up the Melissa vs. Parkview matchup.
Who Are the Melissa Cardinals?
Melissa, Texas, is 40 miles northeast of Dallas and the Cardinals compete in Class 5A Division II. After starting last season 9-0, the Cardinals lost two of their final three games, including a second round defeat to South Oak Cliff in the state playoffs to finish the year 10-2.
They return 12 starters, six on offense and as many on defense, and were selected as 5A D II’s No. 9 preseason squad by Dave Campbell’s Texas High School Football. Eight of their ten departures signed Division I scholarships. With most of the graduated offensive production being skill players the Cardinals will rely heavily on their big, talented, and experienced offensive line. Primary departures include a 2,500-yard passer, a 1,500-yard rusher, plus two receivers who combined for 1,900 yards and 31 touchdowns.
The loss of Oklahoma signee Nigel Smith II and Oklahoma State signee Gunnar Wilson are huge hits to a Cardinal defense that allowed 20.4 points per game, but do return senior linebacker Greyson Dunnahoe (6-1, 220), who logged over 100 tackles as a junior, and Jared Potucek (5-10, 170), a junior defensive back who nabbed 5 interceptions in 2023.
Challenge in the Trenches
The strength of any great team starts up front and the Cardinals have plenty of muscle in the offensive trenches, averaging nearly 300 pounds per player.
It all starts with Oklahoma commit Owen Hollenbeck (6-4, 330), a senior three-star prospect who also owns offers from Power Four programs Arkansas, Florida, SMU, and Texas A&M. Junior Maximus Wright (6-8, 310) has an SEC offer from Texas, along with Duke, Pittsburgh, San Diego State, Texas State, Tulsa and UTEP.
Seniors Jake Brown (6-3, 275), Central Oklahoma commit Demondre Tasby (6-4, 290) and Ryder Slaton (6-7, 295) are also included in the impressive unit that expects to be one of the best in its class.
“We can not get bullied because those kind of guys can just over you up,” Bolding said. “We are going to have to use our speed to get off blocks, we can not just sit in there and let them do what they want because if they get their hands on you, you’re pretty much done.”
Defensive coordinator Bobby Bolding and his unit will counter with a front that Brad Bolding feels will live above expectations.
The Patriots did lose 2025 Division I prospect Landon Canady via transfer, but Brad Bolding has raved about the continued development of senior Marlon Liddell (6-0, 240), who logged 30 tackles and 3 sacks in 2023.
“He has wreaked havoc,” he said. “He has really helped our offensive line because we go 1’s on 1’s a lot.”
Experienced seniors Kason Cain (5-10, 215), Jeremy Edwards (6-0, 215) and North Little Rock transfer Micah Johnson (6-2, 225), along with junior Nygel Farsee (6-1, 265), have also provided further confidence for the coaching staff.
“We are a lot faster on our defensive line and our overall team speed has amped up,” Bolding said.
How To Listen
Audio streaming will be available on the Patriots Sports Network Facebook page and YouTube Channel. A video version will be provided later.
Forecast: Low of 74 degrees, winds northeast at 5 to 10 mph. 40% chance of rain.
(Cover photo by Jimmy Jones)
Kyle Sutherland is a journalist and podcast host (Arkansas Preps Weekly) for The Natural State Sports Network. His written work has been featured in outlets including the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Best of Arkansas Sports and Hooten’s Arkansas Football. He is also the color commentator for 103.7 The Buzz’s high school football Game of the Week. Email Kyle at kyle@naturalstatesports.com.