FAYETTEVILLE — Two future Arkansas football players are likely to see plenty of each other Friday.
Chase Lowery (6-0, 170 pounds) will lead Frisco (7-1) against Ketron Jackson (6-2, 186) of Royse City (5-3) in a first-round Class 5A DII Region II state playoff matchup at Frisco's Ford Center at The Star, the site of the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility.
The Dallas Morning News has Frisco favored 35-28 in a game that should see the two Arkansas pledges covering each other.
“I know Ketron and we started talking about this game last week because it looked like our teams would be playing each other,” Lowery said. “I am glad I am going to get to follow him during the game and he’ll be doing he same with me because he is now also playing some cornerback.
“It should be a lot of fun and a great matchup to go against each other. I think we are both really looking forward to it.”
Frisco’s lone loss of the season came on Nov. 20 to unbeaten Lovejoy (38-28), where current Arkansas junior linebacker Bumper Pool played his high school football.
The Raccoons have been off the last two weeks.
“Besides the Lovejoy game, which was a tough one, our defense has been in lockdown,” Lowery said. “I think we are all ready to get back out on the field.”
Playing at the Ford Center at The Star has its advantages, said Lowery, who chose Arkansas over Arizona, Michigan State, Texas Tech, Iowa State, Kansas State, Memphis, Houston, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Duke and others.
Royse City opened its season there with a 55-38 win over Frisco Centennial.
“The Star is one of my favorite places to play,” Lowery said. “It is a great atmosphere and is especially nice this time of year when it is colder since it is an indoor facility. You don’t have to deal with any outside factors. Its gets loud in there when a big play happens although not as loud this year since they don’t allow as many people in because of covid.”
Lowery, coming to the Razorbacks as a 3-star cornerback prospect, has 23 tackles and four interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown.
“I think this has been my best year on defense,” Lowery said. “So far I have the four interceptions, have not given up a touchdown and have only allowed three catches against me all year.
“I think I have gotten a lot better this year with my off-ball man technique and I think that is going to help me once I get to college, and especially this week against Ketron.”
Frisco’s defense has given up just over 12 points per game this season and has been opportunistic.
“Our defense has been a big key for us this year, especially our secondary with our defensive backs combined having 14 interceptions this season,” Lowery said. “That’s come in just seven games.”
Lowery expects to have a chance to contribute early next season, something Arkansas coach Sam Pittman, defensive coordinator Barry Odom and defensive backs coach Sam Carter have made clear to him.
“I just had a zoom with Coach Pittman, Coach Odom and Coach Carter (on Monday),” Lowery said. “They are just as excited about me coming in and playing early as I am. I can’t wait to get down there and play. I am signing Dec. 16th at my school and I can’t wait.”
Lowery has also caught 10 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown, rushed 9 times for 92 yards, returned 7 kickoffs for 154 yards, and 9 punts for 55 yards in 2020.
Jackson, one of four receiver pledges in Arkansas’ 2021 class, has hauled in 40 passes for 765 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The 4-star prospect has returned two kickoffs for 121 yards and also has two interceptions.
Jackson chose Arkansas after getting offers from Alabama, Auburn, Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M, Penn State, Baylor, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Colorado, Illinois, Georgia Tech and others.
Arkansas’ 2021 recruiting class is ranked 19th by 247Sports, 20th by Rivals and 26th by ESPN.
“He’s a great player that I am glad is going to be teammates with me in college,” Lowery said. “I think we have a great class coming in.”
Arkansas (3-6) has shown a resurgence in its program this season under the new coaching staff after having gone 0-8 in SEC action the two seasons before Pittman arrived.
“I think they have played really well, including some games that no one that they could compete in when the season first started,” Lowery said. “They should really be 6-3 and that’s the way I am looking at it.”