ARKADELPHIA, Arkansas – 2022 was supposed to be the year of Arkadelphia. The Badgers were undefeated and just one win away from reaching the state championship game. But in the semifinals, Arkadelphia was defeated by Harding on a game-winning field goal by the Wildcats.

“That game never left my mind, even though it was my second year. I always thought about that,” said senior Nykkisson Wimberly.

As brutal as that loss was for Wimberly, it seems to be wearing off – providing added motivation this year as the group finds itself back in the state championship game, which it will play on Saturday.

“I feel like it (the loss in 2022) helped me push forward and helped the team get here,” Wimberly said.

Arkadelphia head coach Trey Schucker added that the way things ended two years ago certainly motivated his team.

“Every year since then, their mission has been to get back to this (state title game) just because we didn’t make it that year,” Schuker said. “They were hungry and you know, things didn’t work out for us last year, but they managed to overcome the crisis and get here now.”

The ‘Now‘ is Saturday afternoon – a date with undefeated Elkins in the 4A state championship game. While the Elks are considered favorites for the game, Schuker likes his team’s chances.

“We score just as many points as they do. I think our defense has the same number of points as them. So it’s a really good matchup and I think the two best teams are going to play each other in the state championship game,” Schuker said.

But overall, it’s the adversity the Badgers have endured that could give them an edge.

“This team was able to overcome a lot,” said Schuker. “I feel like we’re ready.”

Arkadelphia and Elkins will face off at noon Saturday at War Memorial Stadium.