The Tigers programs will see a slightly revised conference schedule in 2022.
With the AAA shuffling things around in football every two years, conference changes are nothing new. It’s almost like watching a Royal Rumble match where fans anticipate the next opponent to come storming through the curtains down to the ring. About mid-season, programs in the 3A-1 heard of the soon departure of the Lincoln Wolves to the 4A. This meant that the Tigers would see a new program in their upcoming 2022 schedules.
The shuffling around landed the Tigers with a not so new “new” opponent. Ladies and gentlemen, the 3A-1 welcomes back………..the Booneville Bearcats. Mansfield last played Booneville in the 2018 and 2019 seasons before seeing Boonville moved out into the 3A-4. Booneville spent the past two years in the 3A-4 where they had a combined 12-0 record against conference opponents in route to back-to-back 3A-4 championships. Booneville has been and probably will always be a powerhouse in football no matter the conference or division, but that doesn’t mean teams in the 3A-1 will just lay down for them. Just like Booneville, teams in the 3A-1 are hardnosed blue collar football teams with a chip on their shoulder therefore the Bearcats should fit in well in the mix.
Other than the Lincoln moving out and the Bearcats moving in, the Tigers conference schedule will remain the same. The 3A-1 will consist of Booneville, Charleston, Cedarville, Hackett, Lavaca, Greenland, West Fork and Mansfield. All opponents will be worthy advisories for Mansfield and no game will be an automatic W or L on their calendar. That’s right, even with the addition of Booneville to an already loaded conference schedule for 2022, the Tigers do not foresee a game they can’t win.
Mansfield has relied on youth and inexperience over the past couple of years due to low numbers on their roster. Last season, Mansfield suited up eleven juniors and seven sophomores many of which garnered playing time on both sides of the ball. That youth has led up to what should be a senior heavy roster in 2022 many of whom have gained ample in game experience to boot. With their numbers growing, hungry and talented athletes eager to prove their worth.
