After a two-year absence, Little Rock School District (LRSD) 6th & Goal Football is officially back, giving sixth-grade student-athletes an opportunity to compete, develop, and experience organized football at an important point in their athletic development. The return of the program marks an exciting step for LRSD Athletics as the district continues to create opportunities for students to participate in athletics at an earlier age and build a stronger pipeline into middle school and high school sports. The 2026 season features six LRSD middle schools competing in a five-week regular season, followed by a championship game at one of Little Rock's most historic football venues. Opening Weekend Sets the Tone The season kicked off on Saturday, September 26, at JA Fair, with three games beginning at 9 a.m. The opening-week matchups featured: - Dunbar vs. JA Fair - Lacey vs. Pinnacle View - Pulaski Heights vs. Horace Mann The opening Saturday provided the first opportunity in two years for LRSD sixth graders to experience the excitement of organized district football. On the field, Dunbar defeated JA Fair 13–6, while Pinnacle View defeated Lacey 18–0. Pulaski Heights also got off to a strong start, defeating Horace Mann 19–8. With three games played simultaneously at JA Fair, the opening day created an atmosphere that was about more than wins and losses. It represented the return of an opportunity for young athletes to compete for their schools, learn the game, and begin developing relationships with teammates and coaches. Week Two Brings More Excitement The second week of the season took place on Saturday, October 3, again at JA Fair. The three matchups were: - Horace Mann vs. Pinnacle View - Pulaski Heights vs. JA Fair - Lacey vs. Dunbar The October 3 games continued to build the competitive picture for the league. Pinnacle View edged Horace Mann 8–6, while Pulaski Heights shut out JA Fair 14–0. In one of the weekend's most dramatic games, Dunbar defeated Lacey 30–28 in triple overtime. The results after the first two weeks have created a competitive race at the top of the standings. Dunbar, Pulaski Heights and Pinnacle View each entered the next phase of the season with 2–0 conference records, while Lacey, Horace Mann and JA Fair continued to battle for position. The Rest of the Regular Season All remaining regular-season games will continue to be played at JA Fair, with games beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, October 10 — Week 3 - Lacey vs. JA Fair - Dunbar vs. Horace Mann - Pinnacle View vs. Pulaski Heights Saturday, October 17 — Week 4 - Dunbar vs. Pinnacle View - Pulaski Heights vs. Lacey - Horace Mann vs. JA Fair Saturday, October 24 — Week 5 - Dunbar vs. Pulaski Heights - JA Fair vs. Pinnacle View - Horace Mann vs. Lacey The final regular-season games on October 24 will determine the teams that advance to the championship game. Championship Football Comes to Quigley-Cox Stadium The season will culminate on Saturday, October 31, when the LRSD 6th & Goal Football Championship is played at Central High School's Quigley-Cox Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. The championship game will be played before the LRSD Middle School Football Championship, giving sixth-grade players the opportunity to compete on the same historic field and experience what it means to play on a championship stage.