There are many similarities between the growing communities of Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove in Northwest Arkansas.

Both are home to parks with re-enactments where Civil War battles were fought. Both host unique annual events, the Mule Jump in Pea Ridge and the Clothesline Fair in Prairie Grove where square dancers provide the entertainment.

Both have undefeated and highly ranked football teams in Class 4A. Both advanced to the state semifinals last year along with Shiloh Christian, which Prairie Grove defeated last week to set up tonight's showdown.

Prairie Grove (6-0, 3-0) has won 25 consecutive regular-season games while winning four of the past five conference championships. But Pea Ridge (6-0, 3-0) is loaded again after advancing to the state championship game last year in Little Rock.

Prairie Grove will rely on a stout defense against a Pea Ridge team led by Drew Winn, who rushed for 314 yards last week again Gravette. The Blackhawks also have a solid passing game that can burn defenders who focus too much on Winn. Senior quarterback Jakota Sainsbury has quality receivers in Hayden Holtgrewe and Jordan Witcher, who've combined for 70 catches and over 1,100 yards in receptions.

Pea Ridge is eyeing a return to War Memorial Stadium after losing 54-37 to Warren in the Class 4A state championship game last December. The Blackhawks won't get there if they commit four turnovers like they did last year in a loss to Prairie Grove. Look for Pea Ridge to play a much cleaner game tonight and take the lead in the strong 4A-1 Conference.

RICK'S PICK PEA RIDGE

Other games involving teams from Northwest Arkansas (selections are capitalized).