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Arkansas Announces Hire of Bobby Petrino to Return as Offensive Coordinator

Sports

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6:06 pm

Arkansas Announces Hire of Bobby Petrino to Return as Offensive Coordinator

FAYETTEVILLE – In a surprise move to many in both the Arkansas fanbase and nationwide, the Razorbacks football program has brought former Hogs head football coach, Bobby Petrino, back to Fayetteville to serve as offensive coordinator on Sam Pittman’s staff.

Arkansas Head Coach Sam Pittman hired Bobby Petrino to be the Razorbacks’ next offensive coordinator per an official announcement from the University today.

Petrino, Arkansas’ head coach from 2008-11, is widely regarded as one of the nation’s elite offensive minds over the last 40 years of his coaching career. He has served as offensive coordinator for seven different collegiate programs, including last season at Texas A&M. With the Aggies, Petrino’s offense averaged 34.2 points per game (25^th in FBS, 5^th in SEC) while averaging 403.8 yards per game despite losing starting quarterbacks Conner Weigman and Max Johnson to injury during the season. In his lone season with the Aggies, Petrino’s offense helped lead the program back to bowl eligibility marking the 18^th time in his career to help a team to the postseason.

In his 14 seasons as a head coach at five different stops, including Louisville (2003-06, 2014-18), the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons (2007), Arkansas (2008-11), Western Kentucky (2013) and most recently at FCS level Missouri State (2020-22), Petrino has compiled a record of 119-56.

As the head coach of the Razorbacks, he led the program to a 34-17 mark in four seasons with bowl berths in the 2010 Liberty Bowl, 2011 Sugar Bowl and 2012 Cotton Bowl. The Hogs went 10-3 in 2010 with the program’s only BCS Bowl appearance at the Sugar Bowl before finishing ranked 12^th in the AP Poll. Arkansas’ 2011 team was even better, finishing 11-2 with a Cotton Bowl victory over Kansas State to end the year ranked 5^th in the AP poll. The team’s 11 victories are the most by an Arkansas team and the team’s final ranking in the Top 5 are the best since Lou Holtz’s 1977 squad finished 11-1 and ranked 3^rd in the final AP Poll.

In his first stint at Louisville, Petrino was 41-9 during those four seasons. His 2004 team led the nation in total offense (539.0 ypg) and scoring offense (49.8 ppg) while posting 50+ points in seven games and setting a NCAA record by scoring 55+ points in five straight games en route to an 11-1 record and an appearance in the Gator bowl.

Petrino’s resume also has NFL coaching experience, having served as the Falcons head coach in 2007 and as an offensive coordinator with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2001), while also working with the Jaguars’ quarterbacks (1999-2001).

At the collegiate level, Petrino has worked with quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends, while also coordinating offenses for Idaho (1990-91), Arizona State (1992-93), Nevada (1994), Utah State (1995-97), Louisville (1998) and Auburn (2002). He helped the Auburn Tigers to a 9-4 record and a 5-3 mark in the SEC, finishing No. 14 in the Associated Press Poll in 2002. Petrino worked with quarterback Jake Plummer at ASU before Plummer went on to a successful NFL career. At Nevada, Petrino had the nation’s No. 2 passing and total offensive unit. As the offensive coordinator with the Utah State Aggies in 1996, Petrino set school records for total offense (468.5) and passing yards (317.5). His 1998 Louisville offense led the FBS in scoring and total offense.

The longtime coach has also produced elite, next level talent during his career, coaching 2016 Heisman Trophy winner and current Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson while at Louisville. With the Hogs, he tutored two of the best quarterbacks in school history in the late Ryan Mallett and Tyler Wilson. He also coached a trio of national award winners in Joe Adams (2011 Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers Award), DJ Williams (2010 Mackey Award and Disney Spirit Award) and Jonathan Luigs (2007 Rimington Trophy). Arkansas’ top three wide receivers – Cobi Hamilton, Jarius Wright and Joe Adams – on the all-time receptions list all played under Petrino with Wright still holding the receiving yards school record with 2,934 yards.

Petrino is the son of legendary Carroll College coach Bob Petrino Sr. The younger Petrino began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 1983 for his father in Helena, Montana. After one season with Weber State as a graduate assistant, Petrino returned to coordinate the offense for Carroll College from 1985-86 – his first offensive coordinator job.

The younger Petrino played for his father at Carroll, twice earning NAIA All-America honors and helping lead the squad to three straight conference championships. He was named the league’s MVP in 1981 and 1982. He also played four years of basketball at Carroll while earning his degree in physical education with a minor in mathematics in 1983.

Petrino and his wife, Becky, have four children: Kelsey, Nick, Bobby and Katie, along with eight grandchildren.

The Petrino File

Birthdate: March 10, 1961

Hometown: Lewiston, Montana

College: Carroll College, 1983 BA, Physical Education
Family: Wife, Becky; Daughters – Kelsey and Katie; Sons – Nick and Bobby

Coaching Experience

1983 Carroll College (Graduate Assistant)

1984 Weber State (Graduate Assistant)

1985-86 Carroll College (Offensive Coordinator)

1987-88 Weber State (WRs/TEs)

1989 Idaho (QBs)

1990-91 Idaho (Offensive Coordinator)

1992-93 Arizona State (QBs)

1994 Nevada (Offensive Coordinator/QBs)

1995-97 Utah State (Offensive Coordinator)

1998 Louisville (Offensive Coordinator)

1999-00 Jacksonville Jaguars (QBs)

2001 Jacksonville Jaguars (Offensive Coordinator)

2002 Auburn (Offensive Coordinator)

2003-06 Louisville (Head Coach)

2007 Atlanta Falcons (Head Coach)

2008-11 Arkansas (Head Coach)

2013 Western Kentucky (Head Coach)

2014-18 Louisville (Head Coach)

2020-22 Missouri State (Head Coach)

2023 Texas A&M (Offensive Coordinator)

Note to Our Readers: Portions of the previous story were sourced directly from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Kyle Parkinson.

Manna Ministry Making a Difference

Madison VanRavensway

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6:14 pm

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For the past several years Manna Ministry has been working to make a difference in the lives of Scott County citizens.
The ministry was founded by former Waldron Mayor, Neil Cherry. Cherry is dedicated to service at his home church, Waldron First Baptist.
On Thursdays produce is received from the River Valley Food Bank. A group of approximately 20 people volunteer their services week after week to ensure the logistics from receiving to distributing goes efficiently.
The produce is cleaned up and sorted into boxes to be distributed on early on Friday mornings (5:30 – 6:30 a.m.)
Additional produce is transported on to Mena and the Black Fork community for distribution.
The ministry provides to community members regardless of income.
“We ask no questions about income,” shared Cherry. “The only question we ask is if they are able to come and collect the food.”

Manna Ministries volunteers working hard to prepare for distributions, despite the chilly weather. (Photo courtesy of Vicki Metcalf)

Volunteers cater to the needs of those who are shut ins and are unable to come to the distribution site.
Recently, the ministry relocated their distribution site to the old field house by Sawyer Wright Field at 953 W 5th St. Through community donations they acquired a double door refrigerator to add their storage capacity.
The ministry pays per pound on the produce they give out. Donations are never required when picking up but are always appreciated to keep the distributions going for the future.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about Manna Ministries can contact Neil Cherry (479-207-0981) or follow the Manna Ministries Facebook page. It includes weekly updates and specific pickup times.
To pick up produce, they ask that you turn in off 6th Street into the parking lot, continue up to the building, and exit out 5th Street.

Budweiser Clydesdales Coming to the University of Arkansas on Friday

Resident News Network

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12:42 am

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Budweiser Clydesdales Coming to the University of Arkansas on Friday

FAYETTEVILLE- The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will march into Fayetteville on Friday, December 1, making a stop on the University of Arkansas campus during their stay.

The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed to the iconic turn-of-the-century beer wagon on Friday, December 1 for an appearance and photo opportunities from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Baum-Walker Stadium East Parking lot located at the corner of Razorback Road and Baum Drive. The event is free and open to the public.

The Clydesdales’ appearance in Fayetteville is one of hundreds made annually by three teams of traveling hitches based out of operational headquarters located at the St. Louis Brewery in Missouri. Brought to the U.S. in the mid-1800s as draft horses used for farm work, Clydesdales today are used primarily for breeding and show.

The Clydesdales have been the mascot of Anheuser-Busch since 1933, when a team of these majestic horses was presented to August A. Busch Sr. to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. Nearly 90 years later, the celebrity horses are staples of fairs, festivals and sporting events. Most notably, the Clydesdales have marched in two presidential inauguration parades.

In addition to the appearances, they make across the country, the Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed in St. Louis at the Anheuser-Busch brewery and at Grant’s Farm as well as at Warm Springs Ranch, the 300-plus acre Clydesdale breeding farm located in Boonville, Missouri. For more information, visit www.BudweiserTours.com.

Note to Our Readers: The previous story was sourced directly and in its entirety from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Kevin Trainor.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Madison VanRavensway

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6:04 pm

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Did you know hot chocolate is super easy to make homemade? Am I the last person to figure this out? When I got ready to share this recipe I did a quick google to see what determines if it’s hot chocolate vs hot cocoa and I learned they are different things. Hot chocolate includes melted chocolate and hot cocoa is made from dried powder

Everyone else probably already knew the difference in that too, but I’m out here sharing information anyway. My husband and oldest son both said it was the best hot chocolate they have ever drank, maybe because it’s the first time they have had actual hot chocolate since every other time I’ve used a powder mix. Either way, it’s super easy and allowed me to satisfy the oldest kid’s request without having to buy Swiss Miss.

Ingredients

4 cups milk
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup semi sweet or bitter sweet chocolate bar chopped/chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Place milk, cocoa powder, and sugar into a sauce pan. Stir until hot but not boiling.
Add in chocolate and stir continuously until melted. Add vanilla extract, stir, and serve immediately.
Serve with mini marshmallows or whipped cream. We jazzed ours up with mini chocolate chips and dye free sprinkles!

Mansfield’s Historic Season Continues Friday in State Semifinals at Prescott

Resident News Network

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3:42 am

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Mansfield’s Historic Season Continues Friday in State Semifinals at Prescott

MANSFIELD- In perhaps the best “feel good” story this year in Arkansas high school football, the Mansfield Tigers have advanced to the Class 3A state semifinals of the 2023 state playoffs. Mansfield travels to Prescott on Friday to take on the Curly Wolves for the right to advance to this year’s state championship game in Little Rock at War Memorial Stadium.

Mansfield advanced to the semis by defeating Centerpoint, Hoxie, and Salem. The Tigers, along with Booneville from the 3A-1 conference are still alive and competing for state championships. Wins by both schools on Friday will set up for the second consecutive year a state final between two 3A-1 schools. Booneville will play Glen Rose on Friday in their semifinal match-up.

It has been a year of change in historic proportions for the Mansfield football program. In late June of this year, the district made a coaching change and hired former Mansfield High School graduate and then Booneville Junior High head football coach, Whit Overton. Overton had to move quickly in July to install both his systems and program culture before the Tigers’ first game that would take place approximately seven weeks later in August.

Mansfield would go on to win eight games in the regular season against just two losses. In conference play, the Tigers would go 5-2 with their only losses being to Booneville and Charleston. The Tigers’ 5-2 conference mark would be good enough for a three seed from the conference heading into the state playoffs.

In the first round of the state playoffs, Mansfield played host to the Centerpoint Knights. Mansfield defeated the Knights by the score of 57-22 to advance to the second round. The win would send the Tigers northeast by more than four hours to play at Hoxie.

In a thriller, the Tigers held the Mustangs on a fourth and goal late in the game to defeat Hoxie 14-13. The Mustangs elected to go for the fourth and goal instead of kicking a field goal, likely due to Mansfield having had blocked a Hoxie point-after-touchdown kick earlier in the game. It was a huge win for the program, and the win in northeast Arkansas sent the Tigers to the state quarterfinals.

For the second consecutive week, the Tigers boarded charter buses, thanks to the donations from the Mansfield community, and made the long trip to north Arkansas to play the Salem Greyhounds. And in true Tiger fashion, Mansfield won another thriller on the strength of their defense that once again stood strong late in the game. Mansfield defeated Salem 26-22 and now finds themselves one game away from playing in Little Rock for a state championship.

To get to Little Rock, the Tigers will face a big road challenge once again, this time against the Prescott Curly Wolves. Prescott is another Arkansas program that is loaded with speed and talent, and it will take an all-out effort for the Tigers to win on the road. But that is OK; the “experts” have not picked Mansfield to win since their first-round victory, and the Tigers have proven them wrong for the past two weeks, playing on the road, and a long way from home. In fact, the state media has not shown a lot of love to Mansfield during their playoff run, and I am sure that is not lost as motivation to the Tigers.

Prescott finished the regular season with a 9-1 overall record and were undefeated at 5-0 in their conference. In the first round of the state playoffs, the Curly Wolves defeated Palestine-Wheatley by the score of 42-0. In the second round, Prescott won a nail-biter, defeating Fordyce, 7-6. In last week’s quarterfinal, Prescott defeated Bismarck by the score of 42-13. The Bismarck defeat sets up the state semifinal with Mansfield at 7 p.m. in Prescott.

Tigers’ coach Whit Overton was good enough to take time from his busy week of preparation to visit with us on the phone in advance of his team’s trip to Prescott. The Tigers’ coach could not express enough how proud he is of his players, and I am sure that everyone connected to the program shares his feelings.

We asked Coach Overton to share with our readers how things are going for him and the team during their historic state playoff run. Coach began by saying, “It took a little while (speaking of the transition with the team after he was hired in June) to get clicking. We had those two losses in the middle of the season, and we had an opportunity to “let go of the rope”, but they (the players) didn’t, and we got better from those losses. We learned a lot about ourselves, our team, and I think that was key to us making this playoff run. Nobody “let go of the rope”, and everybody stayed locked in and kept fighting. And that is why we are where we are now.”

With respect to what has changed in the Mansfield football program, Coach Overton shared, “I know these kids have bought in and have worked hard every day, and we (coaches) have preached “team” over “individual”, and a lot of kids were asked to change positions; maybe running back to lineman, to things like that and the kids have just said that they were going to do whatever they had to do win. They were not worried about individual credit or anything like that.”

One aspect of the Tigers this year that has been apparent to this observer is the increased physicality of the team. In an earlier game this season at Mansfield, it was apparent that the Tigers are a physical ball club on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The Tigers running backs run hard and with the intent of not being denied. I asked Coach about his emphasis on being physical at the point of attack on offense, as well as on defense. Coach Overton explained, “We’re careful now (with contact in practice) more than we were in the season. We had physical practices during the season. You can’t play physical without being physical in practice. We started that the first day we could put on the pads, and we started holding the kids accountable for being physical in practice. We preached “going hard on every play”, and the kids really bought into it. It has been a big part of what we do.”

As Coach Overton and I visited, I asked him about the players he took over this year as head coach. Coach said, “I just think they want to be winners. They are willing to sacrifice their time and their efforts to win. One of those things that has kind of changed is that we are going to work hard. I’m conscious of their time, as well. In practice, we don’t waste any time. We don’t have long, drawn-out, three-hour practices. We get everything done in two hours and that includes meetings and everything. So, these kids have really shown that they watch film, they study their scout pages, and it is, just like everything else, you (the coach) have to hold them accountable. But this group has a lot of good leaders (players). We don’t have a lot of seniors, but we have a lot of good leaders. They hold each other accountable, and the younger kids see that and want to play for those older guys, as well. We have t-shirts that our kids wear during pregame warmup that say, “Fight until your last breath”, and that is just what our kids have done all season.”

That is more than an expression on a t-shirt, it is a core principle of the Mansfield football culture. Coach explained, “It doesn’t matter what is going on around us, we are going to fight on every play. If we are up 45 points or down 45, we are going to keep playing hard.”

To go from where the program has been historically where a good year was to either make the playoffs, or perhaps win a state playoff game, to where they are now of being in the state semifinals as one of four teams left playing for a state championship, is amazing.

When Coach Overton took over the program in late June, the Tigers were scheduled to play their first game on August 25. The dramatic turnaround for this program that has been less than six months in the making is quite a feat. In fact, Coach Overton and his staff have not yet had the opportunity to get the players into his offseason weight and conditioning program. So, it is scary to think how good this team could be in 2024.

Turning the page to Prescott on Friday, I asked Coach what concerned him the most about the Curly Wolves. Coach shared, “Well, their tradition, athleticism, and they have won every state track meet since 2016. They have tons of speed; they are big and physical, and we are going to have to play a really good game to have a chance. We are going to have to be physical and run the football, and we are going to have to make some big plays on defense…create turnovers, get stops, and things like that. They (Prescott) have so much speed that it is just incredible how fast they are.”

Kickoff in Prescott is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, and Mansfield fans, along with their team, will make the drive that is just short of three hours to the southeast Arkansas community to do battle with the Curly Wolves. The WeatherBug forecast for Prescott on Friday is predicting a high temperature that day of 62 degrees and a low of 42. There is a 40% chance of storms. Perhaps a wet field could be to the advantage of the power rushing attack of Mansfield….who knows? But fans should be prepared for rain on Friday night.

RNN Sports would like to thank Tigers head football coach Whit Overton for taking time to visit with us and for contributing to this story. And on behalf of all of us at RNN Sports, we congratulate the Mansfield Tigers on a historic season that we believe is not yet finished!

Good luck Friday night and GO TIGERS!

Arrest Reports 11/19

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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9:54 pm

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Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Damian William Arnold of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 23 at 2:02 a.m. and released to an outside agency on November 23 at 9:59 a.m. Arnold was charged with Assist Outside Agency-Misd.

Cathleen Michelle Henry of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 22 at 12:39 p.m. and released on signature bond November 22 at 2:31 p.m. Henry was charged with Criminal Trespass – Premises.

Juddson Scott Thomlison of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 19 at 5:21 p.m. and released on signature bond November 19 at 10:07 p.m. Thomlison was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 1st Offense.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police Troop H:
Paul Raymond Burton Junior of Subiaco was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 22 at 2:15 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Burton was charged with two counts of Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Thomas Robert Capo of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 21 at 8:03 p.m. and remains at the SCADC with bond. Capo was charged with Failure to Appear – Class C Felony, and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Joshua Adam Cason of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 20 at 2:35 p.m. and released on signature bond November 20 at 3:55 p.m. Cason was charged with Driving when vehicle License or Registration Suspended or Revoked.

Mary Jane Draper, of Booneville was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 21 at 2:29 p.m. and released on signature bond November 21 at 8:06 p.m. Draper was charged with Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor

Luke L Escalante of Huntington was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 25 at 3:57 a.m. and remains at the SCDC with bond. Escalante was charged with Minor in Possession, and Assault On Family Or Household Member-3rd Degree.

Hannah Nicole McElyea of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 20 at 10:34 a.m. and released on signature bond November 20 at 11:29 a.m. McElyea was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine), and Failure to Appear – Class C Misdemeanor.

Logan Renee Nelms of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 24 at 12:53 p.m. and released on signature bond November 24 at 5:56 p.m. Nelms was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor, and Failure to Appear – Class B Misdemeanor.

Malinda Sue Peterson of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 21 at 9:14 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond November 21 at 9:24 p.m. Peterson was charged with Petition to Revoke – Felony.

Sean David Spoon of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 22 at 10:58 a.m. and remains on hold without bond as an Arkansas Department of Corrections hold.

Shellie Lafawn Straham of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 25 at 11:52 p.m. and released on signature bond November 26 at 12:29 a.m. Straham was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Matthew Alan Taylor of Waldron was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 22 at 3:30 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Taylor was charged with Driving While Intoxicated 2nd offense.

Arresting agency – Central City Police Department:
Jesse Lee Ferguson of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 21 at 8:14 p.m. Ferguson was charged with Fleeing -Vehicle, Possession of Firearms By Certain Persons – Prior Violence-Felon in Possession, Resisting Arrest Misdemeanor, and Driving Left Of Center/Improper Overtaking or Passing.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Cody Lance Fowler of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 21 at 9:09 a.m. and released on November 21 at 4:26 p.m. Fowler was charged with Racing On Public Highways, Speeding-More than 15 mph over limit, Reckless Driving 1st Offense.

Samuel Allen Warner of Magazine was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 21 at 12:34 p.m. on signature bond November 21 at 3:36 p.m. Warner was charged with Reckless Driving 1st Offense, and Speeding-More than 15 mph over limit.

Arresting agency – Bonanza Police Department:
Colton Duane Goff of Bonanza was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on November 24 at 6:39 p.m. and released on signature bond November 24 at 8:28 p.m. Goff was charged with Failure to Appear – Class A Misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Maranda Griggs, 36 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 19 at 10:02 a.m. Griggs was charged with failure to appear.

David Davidson, 43 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 20 at 10:54 a.m. Davidson was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, and failure to appear.

Robert Williams, 35 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 21 at 1:19 p.m. Williams was charged with body attachment.

Allen Miner, 27 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 21 at 7:02 p.m. Miner was charged with obstructing governmental operations, resisting arrest/uses force, fleeing, possession of a controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence, warrant served, failure to appear, possession of drug paraphernalia, and body attachment.

Jessie Franklin, 40 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 22 at 11:28 p.m. Franklin was charged with two counts of failure to pay, and one count of failure to appear.

Lucas Wilkins, 35, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 23 at 11:56 a.m. Wilkins was charged with return for court.

Michael Inman, 52, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 24 at 9:37 a.m. Inman was charged with return for court.

Jason Geels, 42 of Scranton, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on November 24 at 7:29 p.m. Geels was charged with failure to appear.

**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**

‘Fishdozer’ may aid in invasive carp management

Outdoors

Tammy Teague

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7:32 pm

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‘Fishdozer’ may aid in invasive carp management

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Lower Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Tupelo, Mississippi, recently tested a new method of fish sampling on the White River that may help monitor the fight against invasive carp. The electrified dozer trawl method streamlines two previously used sampling techniques to collect information on the populations of silver and bighead carp, two invasive species the AGFC is working to reduce in Arkansas waters.

Previously, biologists would slowly motor through an area and use electricity to stun fish while simultaneously dipping them from the water using long-handled dip nets.

“Dip netting those giant carp can be extremely difficult for the person on the front of the boat,” Matt Horton, Aquatic Nuisance Species Coordinator for the AGFC, said. “You also have some variability between how good different ‘dippers’ are that can make it difficult to get consistent numbers between sampling events.”

The ‘fishdozer’ takes that variability out of the equation. Instead of people using dip nets, a device called a push trawl is lowered into the water. The trawl looks like a blade of a bulldozer that’s been hollowed out and outfitted with a length of netting as a catch bag that flows underneath the hull of the boat. As fish are stunned by the electric field, the boat cruises over them, securing them in the net like a whale swallowing krill.

According to Jimmy Barnett, Invasive Carp Biologist for the AGFC, the dozer testing was conducted in three different scenarios along the White River to determine its effectiveness in varying aquatic habitats. Researchers are testing the experimental gear throughout the Mississippi River Basin to modify the design and technique to optimize carp capture and identify where it is most effective.

Standardized sampling methods are necessary to estimate fish abundance. Horton says the AGFC and its partners may be able to more accurately measure the effectiveness of carp removal efforts in some bodies of water using the dozer trawl.

The sampling technique doesn’t have immediate use as a fish removal strategy, but Barnett mentions that with some modifications, the tool may have some applications to help control these invasive fish.

“We performed both active netting with gill nets and the electrified dozer trawl in Cook’s Lake, which lets us compare the two,” Barnett said. “Gill nets produced 200 adult silver carp versus 78 collected with the dozer trawl, but we did see that the trawl collected mostly fish in the juvenile size ranges up to about 8 pounds. We use gill nets that have large webbing to reduce the amount of nontarget fish we catch, so catching carp smaller than 10 to 12 pounds is pretty rare with our current netting protocol.

“I wouldn’t say this gear is as efficient as other methods for removing carp, but it may provide managers with another tool for monitoring the distribution and abundance of carp and evaluate the effectiveness of control efforts.”

Visit www.agfc.com/ANS for more information on aquatic nuisance species like invasive carp.

SR Tigers Burn Past Salem In Historic Playoff Trial

Sports

Adam Hecox

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12:29 am

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SR Tigers Burn Past Salem In Historic Playoff Trial

A witty title and a cool header photo. That’s normally where most folks outside the small town of Mansfield Arkansas turn the page and look at other scores. They see a Mansfield score and then move on to read about the more popular and football blue bloods in the area. But it seems Mansfield doesn’t want that blue-blood notoriety, instead, the 2023 Tigers would prefer to remain a red-blooded underdog. The lack of state-wide recognition has benefited Mansfield going through the 3A State Playoffs thus far as their opponents have seemingly looked past the Tigers. But after dropping the undefeated 3A-3 Champion Hoxie Mustangs and then defeating the 11-0 number one seeded Salem Greyhounds on Friday, November 24th, Mansfield has found a way to go from red-blooded underdogs to painting the state red as upset kings.

Salem was confident going into their matchup with the Tigers so the Greyhounds opted to have Manfield kickoff the ball to allow Salem’s potent offense an opportunity to get on the board quickly. The gamble looked to have paid off as Salem started with the ball on the Tigers 44-yard line. Behind their massive offensive line, the Greyhounds pushed their way down inside the ten-yard line. The Tigers defense was unphased though and were able to shut them down to force a turnover on downs. Now with Mansfield in possession of the ball, the Tigers were ready to turn their ground and pound rushing attack loose on Salem. The Greyhounds didn’t enter the game as a 1Seed because they had a lackluster defense and they proved that by shutting down Mansfield’s running backs forcing Mansfield to punt the ball away. Pinned at the one-yard line, punter Andrew Burton kicked the ball from out of the Tigers own endzone. The punt was short which would’ve given Salem great field position, but the Greyhounds returner opted to try and return the ball off the ground and advance. But pressure by Mansfield’s Trey Powell caused Salem’s returner to bobble the ball which left the football as free game on the ground. Powell immediately recovered the ball giving the Tigers a huge break and their offense the ball back again. It only took the Tigers two plays to make the best of the turnover as Jeremy Strozier made a quick pitch to Daniel Burton who ducked and dodged his way 51 yards down the 15-yard line. Mansfield ran the ball on back-to-back plays to attempt to suck in Salem’s defense which was a plan that worked out as Jeremy Strozier found an open Peyton Martin for a 10-yard Tiger touchdown. Ethan Martin tacked on the extra-point kick giving Mansfield a 7-0 lead over Salem at the end of the first quarter.

The quick lead on the Tigers second possession didn’t last for very long though as the Greyhounds quickly rolled their way downfield to almost create a carbon copy scoring pass against Mansfield. Salem went for a two-point conversion to take the lead, but the Tigers defense denied the Greyhounds to keep a slim 7-6 lead. The Greyhounds then pulled a little bit of trickery on the ensuing kickoff going by onsiding the kick. The gamble paid off as Salem recovered the ball to give them a new offensive possession and all of the momentum, or so they thought. Salem’s offense ran the ball on the next play, but Mansfield’s Andrew Burton gave the Tigers a shot of adrenaline by stripping the ball from Salem’s runner to create a Tiger turnover. Mansfield couldn’t capitalize on the turnover though as Salem’s defense pinned their ears back and forced the Tigers into a fourth-down punting situation. Now with the ball again, the Greyhounds began to again gash Mansfield’s defense for big chunks of yardage. But the Tigers clawed out another turnover against Salem when Daniel Burton forced a fumble out allowing his brother, Andrew Burton, to recover the ball and roll downfield to the Tigers 40-yard line. The Tigers offense took the turnover seriously as Jeremy Strozier zipped a pass to Cooper Edwards for an 18-yard completion on the first play from scrimmage. Strozier then connected with Peyton Martin on a go route to set the Tigers up in scoring position at the one-yard line. Mansfield quickly lined up to catch Salem off guard allowing Strozier to keep the ball himself to plow in for a Tiger touchdown. The extra point kick went a hair wide, but the score remained in Mansfield’s favor with the Tigers up 13-6 late in the second quarter. Salem erased the Tigers stretched-out lead nearly as soon as they got it though as the Greyhounds ran two plays for 20 yards before busting through the center of the Tigers defense for a 40-yard run for a touchdown. The Greyhounds converted a two-point conversion attempt and just like that, Salem had a 14-13 lead over Mansfield. The Greyhounds would gain an interception off of a Mansfield pass at the end of the first half sending Mansfield into halftime down 14-13 on the scoreboard.

As both teams came out of the half, fans on both sides of the field were shivering. The goosebumps weren’t from the cold but rather from nerves. The Mansfield faithful had the close game nerves while Salem’s fans had the how could it be this close nerves. The Tigers would start the second half on offense and quickly warmed the field with Daniel Burton burning up yards along the way. Burton rushed twice then caught a 28-yard Jeremy Strozier pass to set the Tigers up at the 19-yard line. With Burton on fire, Salem began to key on the Tigers star runner and that was the plan all along. Two plays later, Mansfield faked a handoff to Burton and then gave the ball to Peyton Martin on an end-around run. With only one black Salem jersey in sight, Martin tight-roped his way into the endzone for a Tiger touchdown. The Tigers tried for a two-point conversion but failed leaving the score with Mansfield up on Salem 19-14. The defense held each other at bay for most of the rest of the third quarter but it was again Daniel Burton who caused concern for Salem’s defense toward the close of the quarter. Burton took a pitch from Jeremy Strozier and darted for a 38-yard gain as the clock ran out of the third quarter with Mansfield threatening at the Greyhounds 10-yard line going into the fourth and final quarter of the game.

With the Tigers threatening Salem’s defense in the red zone to start the fourth quarter, Salem flexed their muscles to give Mansfield a taste of their own medicine. Just as Mansfield held Hoxie on a goal-line stand the week prior, Salem stuffed the Tigers to force a turnover on downs giving the Greyhounds the ball back. The Greyhounds took full advantage of their massive offensive line and impressive running backs as they began to drive the ball down the Tigers throats. A Salem comeback was in the works, but a fumbled snap set Salem back. Although the Greyhounds recovered the fumble, it put them at a far stretch to convert on third down. Third and long is an automatic pass play in every coach’s book and Mansfield’s Jeremy Strozier knew it. Strozier telegraphed the Greyhounds pass and snatched the ball for a 22-yard Mansfield Tiger pick-six. Ethan Martin split the uprights for the extra point and just like that, Mansfield had the game in the bag with a 26-14 lead over Salem with just a handful of minutes left in the game. Or did they? Salem didn’t go 11-0 and became the 3A-2 Champions by laying down when things got tough. The Greyhounds blistered the Tigers special teams’ ensuing kickoff by returning the ball all the way down to the 25-yard line. It took Salem just five plays to dive into the endzone closing the score down to 26-20. The Greyhounds converted their two-point attempt to make the score 26-22 with just 4:01 left in the game. The game went Tick Tock Tick Tock as both teams’ offenses battled the clock. Salem’s defense struck first by forcing Mansfield to punt the ball back to them with just a minute left in the game. But it was the Tigers defense who again saved the day as they stopped the Greyhounds to win the game 26-22.

The Mansfield Tigers made school history with their quarterfinal victory as the first team to ever reach the State Playoff semifinals. The Tigers have done so in grand fashion too as they have defeated two 1Seeded Playoff teams who both were undefeated and champions of their respective conferences. The ultimate underdogs aren’t down yet either. Under the leadership of first-year head coach, Whit Overton, and just five seniors, this young team has made their way to become one of the top four teams in the entire Arkansas 3A. The Tigers next test will not be one they’re unfamiliar with as they play the Prescott Curly Wolves. Just like Hoxie and Salem, Prescott is one of the 3As blue blood premiere programs each and every year. The Curly Wolves are the 3A-5 Conference Champions with an impressive 12-1 overall record. Many are already counting the Tigers out which is something Mansfield is familiar with by now. But one thing is for sure, Mansfield will not allow the naysayers to sway their focus. The goal for the Tigers is still Little Rock or bust and only the scoreboard at the end of next week’s semifinal game will change their mind.

Hogs’ Season Ends with Loss to Missouri…Many Questions for the Program Going into the Offseason

Resident News Network

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5:15 pm

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Hogs’ Season Ends with Loss to Missouri…Many Questions for the Program Going into the Offseason

FAYETTEVILLE- A tough season for the Arkansas football program ended with a thud on Friday. The Missouri Tigers dominated the Hogs in a 48-14 loss at Donald W. Reynolds Razorbacks Stadium. With the loss, the season comes to an end, and an arduous offseason begins with several crucial questions to be answered along with a renewed commitment to resources and talent that badly needs to be infused into the program.

Arkansas quarterback K J Jefferson, who may have played his final game in a Razorbacks uniform, was injured in the first half on Friday, adding insult to what has been a very difficult year. Jefferson, who broke Arkansas’s career touchdown passes record last week, will now have a decision to make on his future. Among Jefferson’s options are, return to the Hogs for a final COVID year of eligibility, transfer to another school to play that year, or declare for the NFL draft. Jefferson will likely be joined by others on the roster who may elect to leave the program next season. All of this, combined with the NCAA early football signing period in December, will have a significant impact on the Razorbacks roster for 2024.

Here are the final highlights and post-game comments on the Hogs’ last game for 2023 as provided by the University of Arkansas:

» WR Andrew Armstrong hauled in a team-high four receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown. Armstrong finished the season with multiple catches in all 12 of the Razorbacks’ games and has recorded at least one catch in 28 consecutive contests dating back to his 2021 campaign at Texas A&M-Commerce.
» True freshman RB Isaiah Augustave scored his first collegiate touchdown on a six-yard rush in the fourth quarter. Augustave finished with 15 carries for 80 yards (5.3 ypc) and one touchdown. He also added three receptions for seven yards.
» K Cam Little is 129-for-129 on PAT attempts in his career and owns the school record for consecutive PAT made (129), a streak that ranks third-most among active FBS kickers.
» DL John Morgan III had a career-high five tackles and also registered a season-high in tackles for loss (2.0).
» DB Lorando Johnson tied his career-high in PBUs with two. Johnson compiled two tackles and two PBUs.

ATTENDANCE
59,847

Sam Pittman, Arkansas Head Coach
Opening statement:
“I want to start out twofold by thanking the fans for continuing to come out to support us over the Thanksgiving holiday and I want to thank Missouri. We knew they had a really good football
team and a physical football team. They played a really good game today and obviously, we did not. But congratulations to them; they were a physical team and the running back is really
good. We had a hard time and couldn’t stop him.”

On Jacolby Criswell:
“Jacolby, he’s tough. I thought he played extremely hard he just didn’t have time to throw the football. Neither did KJ for that matter. We got beat up front and we gave up a sack, and he
never had any time to throw the football, so it’d be hard to judge his performance but you could say he was tough and very gritty.”
“He’s a competitor and he’s athletic. I thought he did a nice job of leading the team and obviously in the fourth quarter he led us down to a couple of touchdowns and threw a nice touchdown
pass. It’s really hard to judge him other than his character and his toughness to continue to get up and play.”

Hudson Clark, Arkansas DB
On KJ getting injured at the start of the game:
“It is sad to see, he is our leader. Again sad to see, but he will bounce back.”
On Missouri’s quick start to the second half:
“It is tough anytime you get put into that situation, but it does not matter where the ball gets placed. We have to fight and try to get the ball back for our offense. We have to have that
mindset going into every drive.”
Hudson, the defense had such a good start to the season and then the last 4 games haven’t quite matched. What, from your vantage point changed, and led to the struggles
to close the season?
“I don’t know if anything changed. We just have to come out every game and fight hard, and we are not going to let the last couple of games take away what we did during the season.”

Josh Braun, Arkansas OL
On Jacolby Criswell’s extended playing time:
“[He handled] it with maturity and poise in a very unfortunate situation, and he handled it well. He did his best. He kept us motivated between every drive. He’d come over on the sideline and
we’d talk through pretty much every play with him – what we were seeing versus what he was seeing, and how we could execute better in the next drive.”
On KJ Jefferson leaving with an injury:
” It’s disappointing to see any of our teammates get hurt, with their effort and desire to play this game, anything that prevents them from doing that hurts us as a team.”
On disappointing end to the season:
“After a disappointing year like this, something has to change. We have to do better. If we want to have any success next year, it starts with the offensive line. We didn’t put our offense in a good position, and that put a lot of stress on our defense and special teams. Something definitely needs to change, and we’ve got to put it on ourselves to get better every day this offseason.

At RNN Sports, it was our pleasure to bring you Razorbacks coverage all season. We will continue to bring you updates on offseason and spring football developments leading into next season. Thank you for following RNN Sports, and we look forward to bringing you Razorbacks men’s and women’s basketball coverage this winter!

Note to Our Readers: Portions of this story were sourced directly from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Grace Tafolla.

Bulldogs Beat Bruins For Fourth Straight Trip To The State Championship

Ross Fujibayashi

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4:19 pm

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Bulldogs Beat Bruins For Fourth Straight Trip To The State Championship

Water is wet, the sun is hot, the Greenwood Bulldogs are going to the State Championship. As we have seen from the Girls Cross Country and Volleyball teams the Greenwood Bulldogs once again punched their ticket to Little Rock. While this will be their 4th consecutive trip it marks their 17th appearance at War Memorial.

Greenwood kicked off to the Bruins to start the game, and Pulaski Academy would stall on their own side of the field. The Bruins came up short on fourth down giving the ball back to Greenwood. 9 plays later, Kane Archer found the end zone from 1 yard out. The Bodey Steinfeldt kick was good to make the score 7-0. Pulaski Academy made their way down to the Greenwood 17-yard line on a drive that included Cash Archer picking up sack number 16 on the year. A penalty backed the Bruins up to the 27. On the following play Bruin QB Brandon Cobb was intercepted at the 15-yard line by Senior Brady Mackey, who took the pick 85 yards for the touchdown. Point after was good, Greenwood on top 14-0. The Bruins answered right back with a 80-yard touchdown pass, the 2-point conversion attempt failed, 14-6. The Bulldogs answered back as well with a 13-yard one-handed catch from Junior Grant Karnes. 21-6 Bulldogs, after the Jack Edwards snap, Blaze McDaniel hold, and Bodey Steinfeldt kick. To end the 1st quarter, Cash Archer and classmate Zak Edwards sacked the Bruin QB.

Facing fourth down on their own 15-yard line, Pulaski Academy elected to punt, albeit a very short punt had the Bulldogs starting from the Bruin 27-yard line. On 4th down, Greenwood elected to go for it, where Kane Archer found L.J. Robins near the back of the end zone. Point after was good, 28-6 Greenwood. Senior Brenden Chick opened the Bruins next drive with a sack. Following a 36-yard pass to get the Bruins to midfield, Cash Archer stopped the Bruin running back for a loss, the following play, Senior Riley White added his name to the sack list getting one of his own. The Bruins attempted another 4th down conversion and fall incomplete. Greenwood drove down the field again trying to put the Bulldogs close to Sportsmanship territory. Stalling out on the Bruin goal line, the Bulldogs lined up to attempt a field goal. A penalty moved them closer and they came up short on the one yard line handing the Bruins back the ball. Pulaski Academy on their own 34-yard line went deep in the middle of the field for a touchdown, their 2-point conversion was good making the score 28-14. Greenwood’s next drive relied heavy on the running of Senior Brayedan Davis to get the Bulldogs within scoring distance. Kane Archer found Senior L.J. Robins again this time with a one-handed catch for the touchdown. Point after was good, Greenwood 35, Pulaski 14. The Bruin drive was started by Senior Brady Pettigrew and Cash Archer combining for a sack. Pulaski Academy ran out the clock on the rest of the half.

Greenwood recovered the signature Bruin onside kick to start the second half. Driving down the Bulldogs scored on a Kane Archer 14-yard run. 35-14 Bulldogs in the 3rd Quarter. The Bruins drove down the field and found the end zone on a 1-yard run. A penalty on the point after moved the Bruins back, the ensuing Field Goal went wide right making the score 42-20. The following onside popped up into the waiting hands of Grant Karnes, he took the kickoff in for a touchdown. Point after was good, Greenwood 49-20. On the Pulaski Academy next drive, Cash Archer sacked the Bruin QB to setup a 4th down interception from Braden Skaggs. Three plays later Kane Archer found Junior Isaiah Arrington for a Touchdown, point after was good making it Greenwood 56 Pulaski Academy 20 and enacting the Sportsmanship rule in the third quarter. Pulaski would run out the rest of the clock on the 3rd quarter.

The Bruins drove down the field and got a touchdown on their final drive, the point after attempt was blocked leaving the score 56-26. With the game in hand the Bulldogs elected to let the reserves finish the game, with Sophomores Wesley Raggio and Cooper Goodwin and Senior Isaiah Niles taking a bulk of the running before finishing in the Victory formation.

“Proud for those kids, they worked so darn hard this year. To see them celebrate another trip to War Memorial. You know we’re spoiled around here. These Seniors are going to make their third consecutive trip to War Memorial, they have some unfinished business.” Head Coach Chris Young said following the win.

While most stories this year have focused on the explosive offense and tough defense, the surprise play of the night was the onside recovery for a touchdown. “We had a hat on hat, and we knew we let the outside guy on each side go. We told Grant, if he caught it clean to go score with it and he did. Once Grant got through there, they weren’t catching him.” Coach Young said about the onside return.

The Bulldogs will face Little Rock Christian on December 1st at War Memorial. Kickoff is slated for 6:30p.m. A link to tickets will be posted by the Greenwood School District. The game will be broadcast on PBS, channel 13-1 on digital antenna, 13 on Cox, 2 on Dish Network. There is a Livestream available through the Arkansas PBS website but it is geo-blocked to viewers outside of Arkansas unless you subscribe to the NFHS website. The Greenwood Sports Center will have an audio only Livestream on Youtube. There will be a State Championship send-off announced during the week.

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RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK