According to Dylan Hann, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission fisheries supervisor for southwest Arkansas, some anglers have called with reports of red dots on the skin of some bass they’ve caught. He stresses that there’s no cause for alarm.
“We have seen some bass with these spots ourselves during routine sampling on Dierks Lake recently,” Hann said. “As we’ve mentioned in a recent post on the AGFC Black Bass Facebook Page, red dots don’t only appear on Rudolph’s nose this time of year. These are actually caused by a very common parasite called Epistylis.”
Hann says these parasites are commonly found on bass and bream when water is cooling. The organism Dr attaches to the fish, which causes the red spots of inflammation.
“The parasites are filter feeders, so they don’t actually feed on the fish,” Hann said. “The red inflammation spots are usually contained to the outer skin. Occasionally, the fish will get secondary fungal and bacterial infections and the spots will look fairly irritated; however, the fish’s immune system will catch up and fight it off.”
Another common call that comes from anglers enjoying the solitude of cold weather angling concerns bass and crappie with white, pimple-like bumps along their bodies. This disorder is called Saprolegniasis.
Kelly Winningham, AGFC fish pathologist in Hot Springs, says this disease will fuel more than a few calls during winter as well.
“It’s a fungal disease of fish and fish eggs called Saprolegniasis,” Winningham said. “Some members of this fungi family are primary pathogens, but most are secondary pathogens and cause disease when there are other illnesses, injuries or stress.”
These types of fungus, also known as water molds, can affect any freshwater fish species, and are present in nearly all freshwater environments, but are most prevalent when water temperatures are below 60 degrees.
“Saprolegnia in Arkansas typically occurs between October and March,” Winningham said. “This is generally when water temperatures are in the optimal growth range for the fungi. Water molds are everywhere in the environment, but when the water temperature cools and a fish gets stressed, it gives the fungi an opportunity to get through the fish’s natural defenses.”
In severe cases, individual fish may die from the infection, but Saprolegnia also poses no large-scale threat to fish in a wild setting.
Although unsightly, neither disorder poses a threat to people or pets. In small cases where only one or two spots occur on the fish, the area where Epistylis or water molds are present may be cut from filets without cause for alarm if the angler chooses. In extensive cases, the entire fish may need to be discarded.
“Everyone has a plan until they’ve been hit. You my friend have just been hit. The getting up is up to you”. That is a quote from actor Michael Douglas in the 1996 movie “The Ghost and The Darkness”. Douglas made the quote to costar Val Kilmer after Kilmer missed a shot while hunting a pair of lions. The Lady Tigers were rolling high on the hardwoods going 7-0 overall and on their way to a Booneville Classic tournament championship. They literally couldn’t miss. That is until they got “hit” by the Dover Lady Pirates with a 53-41 loss in the championship game. Now with a loss in their pockets, would Mansfield stay hit or would they get back up? That question was answered when the Lady Tigers took on the Hackett Lady Hornets on Tuesday, December 6th.
Trinity Triska maneuvers the ball around the perimeter to open up a pass.
The early answer wasn’t hit, it was a downright H-I-T. The Lady Tigers seemed to be playing on two left feet and without thumbs which gave Hackett an early 8-0 run on Mansfield. Mansfield’s shots and passes were wildly missing the mark while Hackett was running smoothly through the Lady Tigers defense. It was Alyson Edwards who finally broke out onto the scoreboard on a free throw with just 1:32 left in the opening quarter. Edwards created a spark for the Lady Tigers, but it was a far cry from the normal bonfire the Lady Tigers usually produce as Mansfield ended the first quarter down 8-4. Hackett continued to pour it on the Lady Tigers in the second quarter with three-point shots and owning the backboards for rebounds. Although Kynslee and Kaylee Ward kept the Lady Tigers idling along by making a couple of shots and steals, Hackett was able to continue swarming numbers up higher and higher on the scoreboard. With Mansfield unable to get up to play, things began to look dismal as the halftime buzzer sounded with Hackett having a commanding 24-9 lead over the Lady Tigers.
Kaylee Ward posterizes her way to the net for a Lady Tigers score.
After their first loss followed by a 15-point deficit, the Lady Tigers didn’t look like they would be able to get back up. Looks can be deceiving though and Mansfield began to straighten things out behind the hardwood buzzsaw herself, Alyson Edwards. Edwards started the second half with a quick bucket off the boards and then was fouled on the way up for another shot for a plus-one. But wait, there’s more. Edwards powered her way back to the nets for a solo score and backed that one up with yet another rebound and board bucket. Hackett was still scoring on the Lady Tigers, but Edwards determination kicked the rest of the team into gear. Kaylee Ward drew a foul on a rebound putback and sank both free throws. Natalie Allison got the Lady Tigers long-range game on par by draining a three-pointer from downtown to close out the third quarter. Mansfield was closing the gap on the scoreboard, but the gap was still ever present with the Lady Hornets leading 33-19 as both teams prepared for the final quarter.
Alyson Edwards lets it be known that she will not be stopped as she battles to the basket.
Hackett started the fourth quarter with a double-digit lead and the ball. Both would be taken from the Lady Hornets though as the Lady Tigers began to roar back. Harlie Fuller lit the fuse for Mansfield’s dynamite comeback when she jumped amongst a bigger group of Lady Hornets and fought her way for a huge rebound. The rebound by Fuller not only turned into points on the other side of the court, but also gave Mansfield a lot of momentum. Kynslee Ward brought the score to a one-point 33-32 gap by sinking a three-pointer. Ward was quick to steal the ball on Hackett’s next possession to roll in an easy layup to give Mansfield the lead for the first time in the game. Jump shots by Natalie Allison and Alyson Edwards, and a three-pointer by Harlie Fuller put the Lady Tigers on an unprecedented 20-point run on Hackett forcing the Lady Tigers to take a time-out. With a 39-33 lead on Hackett, the Lady Tigers went back on the court to make up for the previous three quarters. Now with their offense clicking, Mansfield put on the full-court defense to shut down any Hackett comeback attempts. It was all Mansfield from there as Harlie Fuller and Natalie Allison dropped some threes through the net while Seven Sanderson, Kaylee Ward, and Alyson Edwards dominated the backboards. The Lady Tigers held Hackett to just three points and racked up ten times more than allowed in the fourth quarter by collecting 30 points in just one quarter to defeat Hackett 49-36.
Harley Fuller provides some impressive man-to-man defense on a Hackett shooter.
If there were any questions as to whether the Lady Tigers could get back up on their own after a loss, their game versus Hackett proved that they definitely have the capability to stand tall. Now with an 8-1 overall record, Mansfield will go into conference play. This is where all the hits count as Mansfield eyes another conference championship. The first conference game will be against a very unfamiliar opponent. In fact, many players on the team may not have ever even heard of them. Mansfield will host the Hector Wildcats on Friday, December 9th. Although the players may not know much about Hector, many of their parents know what the Wildcats used to bring to the table in the 90s. Hector will be no walk in the park, but the Lady Tigers aren’t walkers, they’re runners.
Laurie Lynn Denham, 57, has been charged in the Circuit Court of Sebastian County. Arkansas, with Theft of Property, Class “B” Felony. On November 23, 2022, the Affidavit for Warrant of Arrest was presented to the Honorable Stephen Tabor who found that probable cause existed for the arrest. Bond was set at $3,500 legally sufficient at that time.
A redacted copy of the file-marked Information and Affidavit for Warrant of Arrest are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Ms. Denham will be arraigned on these charges on December 7, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. In addition, the investigation by the Arkansas State Police, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, and other law enforcement agencies is ongoing with regard to this criminal offense.
Lastly, pursuant to the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.6, the charges filed against Laurie Lynn Denham are merely accusations, and Laurie Lynn Denham is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
According to a statement by the prosecutor, Denham Committed as follows: Count # 1 Offense Theft of Property >$25k The defendant on or between the 1st day of January, 2018 and the gun day of August, 2022 (date), in Sebastian County, Arkansas did unlawfully and feloniously knowingly take or exercise unauthorized control over or make an unauthorized transfer of an interest in the property of City of Bonanza with the purpose of depriving the owner of the property, and the value of the property is twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or more Against the peace and dignity of the State of Arkansas.
On Friday, December 2, Bonanza Mayor Elmer Nelson, Denham’s father, fielded questions from legislators after a state audit indicated the city’s administrative assistant (Denham) took thousands of dollars from the city just a couple of years after pleading guilty to stealing from the city while serving in the same role.
Photo courtesy of Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office
Spring football practice for the Arkansas Razorbacks will unofficially start in December of 2022 when the Hogs begin bowl practice to play in the Autozone Liberty Bowl later this month. Undoubtedly, one of the biggest benefits of playing in a bowl game, regardless of stature, are the additional practices the team will now have to prepare for the game. It is a time when teams can give younger players additional practice time before the official start of spring practice in March.
Arkansas, who limped to the finish line this year with a season-ending loss at Missouri, finished the season 6-6 after several close losses throughout the year. Since the loss at Columbia, several players have entered the NCAA transfer portal, and one standout in particular, Jadon Haselwood, has declared his eligibility for the NFL draft.
The University of Arkansas released the following information yesterday regarding the Hogs’ acceptance of the bid to play in the Liberty Bowl:
“FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Razorbacks are headed to Memphis to take on Kansas in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on Dec. 28 at 4:30 p.m. on ESPN.
For the third straight season under Head Coach Sam Pittman, the Hogs have received an invite to a bowl game making Pittman the fourth Arkansas coach to ever achieve bowl eligibility in each of first three years alongside Houston Nutt, Ken Hatfield and Lou Holtz. This year’s trip to the Liberty Bowl will mark Arkansas’ sixth appearance in the game dating back to the program’s first trip in 1971. The Razorbacks last played in the Liberty Bowl in 2016 – a 45-23 victory over Kansas State.
“We’re extremely excited to be headed to Memphis to play a really good Kansas team in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl,” Arkansas Head Coach Sam Pittman said. “Coach Leipold and his staff have done a tremendous job with their team, and we look forward to the challenge. For us, the opportunity to play a bowl game in what we consider our backyard is going to be special. We can’t wait to see our fans in Memphis in a few weeks.”
Arkansas will meet Kansas on the gridiron for just the third time in history with the only two games coming in 1905 and 1906. Arkansas opened the 1905 season with a 6-0 home loss to the Jayhawks and dropped a 37-5 decision at Kansas the following season.
The Liberty Bowl will be Arkansas’ 44th bowl appearance after the Razorbacks wrapped up a 6-6 season. QB KJ Jefferson, who announced his plans to return for the 2023 season last week, led the Hogs with 2,361 yards passing and 22 touchdowns to go with 510 yards rushing and seven more TDs despite missing two games. RB Raheim Sanders finished the regular season with 1,426 yards rushing – the second-most in the SEC and 12th nationally – and a team-high 10 touchdowns. The Arkansas defense wrapped up the regular season with 39 sacks – one shy of the school record set in 1998 – to lead the SEC and rank fifth nationally.
Liberty Bowl Tickets
Season ticket holders and Razorback Foundation members who pre-ordered Liberty Bowl tickets will have their order request fulfilled. Those who pre-ordered can expect to receive an email from the Razorback Ticket Center early this week and credit cards will be charged on Tuesday, Dec. 6.
For fans who did not pre-order, a limited number of Liberty Bowl tickets will go on sale on Sunday evening on a first-come, first-served basis. The seating locations will be allocated in Razorback Foundation priority point order. A limited number of tickets will be available to the general public on Sunday evening by visiting arkansasrazorbacks.com.
Student Tickets
University of Arkansas students can expect to receive an email with ticket on-sale information Sunday evening for the allotment of tickets specifically reserved for Arkansas students.”
RNN Sports will have coverage of the Hogs game in Memphis later in the month. And on behalf of everyone at RNN Sports, we thank you for following our coverage of Razorbacks football this year, and we sincerely appreciate your loyalty, subscriptions, and comments regarding our coverage. On a personal note, I would also like to thank our photographers, James Shelly, Selena Shelly, and Ronni Tate Young who brought our readers great field-level photos of Razorbacks football this fall!
See you in Memphis on December 28!
Note to Our Readers: Portions of this story were sourced directly from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Kyle Parkinson.
Although December is bringing us closer to a cold winter, you might be thinking about the next home improvement projects you can complete when the weather gets more agreeable. Consider the additions you could make outside your house to add more space. In fact, there are some very good reasons why your home should get a patio.
Get More Space
You may have wanted to do more in your kitchen or create a new place to exercise, but you couldn’t because of the lack of room inside your house. A new patio allows you to utilize that new space as you see fit. Your kids will even be happy that they get a new space to play outdoors.
Use it to Entertain
Another good reason why your home should get a patio is that it provides you with a new environment in your backyard where you can entertain guests. On your patio, you can host all types of dinners, parties, and other gatherings for your friends, family, and neighbors. Even if you don’t have people over, the patio gives you a nice space to sit, relax, and enjoy the outdoor weather.
Add Visual Appeal
One of the things to expect when you install a new patio is the ability to customize your patio however you like. You have an array of options regarding the colors and materials you can integrate into the patio, its design, and its location. Many people tend to put it directly in the back of their house, but you also can have it in other areas of your backyard.
Grow Your Home’s Value
Your addition of a patio will add to your enjoyment of your home as well as its worth. Because many view patios as a feature they want when buying a home, it will add value to your property and make your home more appealing if you decide to sell it someday. So when you install a patio, you’re adding more luxury and making a long-term investment.
Adding a patio can liven up your life and make your home more attractive to yourself, your neighbors, and even future buyers. Your next question should really be when you’ll get to building!
The Pulaski Academy Bruins beat the Greenwood Bulldogs 42-35 in the Class 6A Championship
To make it to the State Championship game it is an honor. It is a culmination of 13 weeks of things going just right to put you in the position to go. There’s hours of practice, being in the film room, working in the weight room all to to play a game and to have pride to do it for your school and town. Two teams went to battle and momentum swings were huge in the game. Pulaski Academy would go on to win their 11th State Championship, Greenwood would get their 6th State Runner-Up.
On a cold night in Little Rock, among the confines that is War Memorial, the Class 6A State Championship game, that folks predicted would happen in preseason, was about to be underway. State Championship winners this week were momentous, Izard County captured their 1st 8-man Championship. 2A Hazen would win their first State Championship ever. 7A Bryant would absolutely steam roll Bentonville to win their 5th in a row. Former Greenwood Defensive Coordinator Brad Bolding would get that elusive State Championship as Little Rock Parkview would beat Shiloh Christian for the 5A Championship. Friday night Bonneville and Charleston punched their tickets to face each other in the 3A Championship game. Then two of the states most-storied programs of this century were about to face off in the Saturday night game, Hollywood couldn’t have written a better script.
Pulaski Academy would get the opening kickoff. A batted pass at the line of scrimmage would get to the hands of Greenwood Defensive Back Josh Allen for the interception. Greenwood has short field position and Junior Brayden Davis gets it in for the first Touchdown of the game. Bodey Steinfeldt’s kick would be good putting Greenwood up top 7-0 with 9:53 in the 1st. The Bruins would answer back and Kenny Jordan would punch it in for 6, the 2 point conversion would fail. Greenwood’s drive would find them backed up 3rd and 20 when Hunter Houston would find Isaiah Arrington to get them close to the first down. Greenwood would get the first and then Jake Glover would rumble it in for the touchdown, kick was good 14-6. Kel Busby answers back with a deep pass of his own and then calling his own number to run it in the end zone for the TD. 2 point would fail 14-12 with 2:29 in the 1st quarter. Hunter Houston makes quick work and finds Jake Glover on the screen pass. Glover takes it down the Pulaski sideline for the touchdown kick was good 21-12 1:40 still in the 1st quarter. Pulaski then drives down into Greenwood territory as time expires.
Kel Busby again rushes it in for the touchdown and the 2 point try would fail 21-18 11:32 in the 2nd quarter. Greenwood has a shot to put the game up by 10 but are stopped on 4th and 5 deep in the red zone. The Bruins take the opportunity to drive down the field and Kenny Jordan gets it in for Pulaski’s first lead of the game. 2 point would fail leaving the score 25-21. With 3:40 left in the half. Greenwood’s next drive would end in a punt. The Bruins would take over but would try to go through the air after big stop by Cash Archer. Brady Mackey would get an interception to take it into the locker room. Halftime 25-21
Greenwood receives the 2nd half kick and drives down into Bruin territory. The ‘Dogs would be stopped on 4th down. Pulaski’s drive would stall on their side of the field with a stop from Evan Williams, an intentional grounding call, and what looked like another Josh Allen interception would have the Bruins punting on 4th down. Greenwood would punt on 4th down as well. Pulaski would punt again after a defensive stand with a stop from Eli Whitaker and a pass breakup from Isaiah Arrington. Greenwood’s next drive would be highlighted by a Grant Karnes catch. Karnes would lineup at QB start to run to the left then pitch to Houston. He would try to throw over the middle but it would be incomplete. Houston’s next pass would be just out of reach of an open Aiden Kennon. On fourth down Houston passes to Karnes who comes up short from getting the 1st down. The Bruins took over on the suddenly now defensive chess match waiting for the for either team to break the ice. Brady Mackey would get a pass breakup on the first play of the drive. Two plays later on a screen play, Busby would find Kenny Jordan, Braden Skaggs and Evan Williams stopped what was the first big play for the Bruins in the 2nd half. Stops from Josh Allen, Mackey, and Brady Pettigrew would have the Bruins settle for a Field Goal. 28-21. Greenwood would get back to work. Runs from Glover and passes from Houston to Karnes and Kennon setup a long pass to L.J. Robins for the T.D. Steinfeldt kick was good score 28-28 8:20 in the 4th.
The Bruins would drive down the field facing 4th down a critical pass interference call set up another Kenny Jordan TD the extra point would be blocked 34-28. A pass from Houston popped in and out of the hands of L.J. Robins into the hands of a Pulaski defender. Two plays later Busby would find the end zone and Pulaski would get their first two point conversion of the game. 42-28.
Greenwood would get a deep kick from Pulaski Academy, with Houston finding L.J. Robins open behind the Bruin secondary. Kick was good 35-42. On the first play of the drive Brady Pettigrew would come through and force a fumble that would be recovered by Kel Busby. Busby would complete one pass on the drive then punt the ball away putting Greenwood deep in their own territory, giving the ‘Dogs one drive to tie or win the game. A high pass intended for Aiden Kennon would fall incomplete. A pass to Karnes is complete but still short of the first down. An incomplete pass on the next play set up 4th down. Houston would go over the top to L.J. Robins and the Pulaski defender broke up the pass sealing the game for the Bruins. They would take a knee to run out the final minute.
“Greenwood kids are special, they don’t give up. I am proud to be their football coach, I am lucky to be their football coach. We [have] an outstanding group of young men in there that make us proud every single day.” Head Coach Chris Young said after the tough loss. “We got beat by a great football team tonight. You got to take your hat’s off to Pulaski Academy. Those guys are very talented, they’re good at what they do.”
Regarding the Seniors class “That’s small group for us. We talked to them last night, there’s a lot of local teams that we play around. That these guys actually played a full season more than the Seniors at those schools did, because they played 4 weeks in the Playoffs for 3 years.” Coach Young went on to say, “We had a young football team, but we had great leadership from those eleven. And we have some great football players in those eleven guys. Although we got a lot of guys coming back next year, we lost a lot of really good football players.”
Author’s Note: Over the past 5 seasons I have followed this team in different capacities. Doing photos for the Greenwood Dog Pound, Sideline Highlight video, and writing for this excellent newspaper. We take for granted that Greenwood goes to State every year no matter the sport. But underneath these are still kids that have a passion for the game. This was the first Senior class that I became close to due to how much I was able to be around. Covid almost took away their Sophomore year, but they fought through and played for a Championship and won. The next year was full of adversity and injuries and still made it back to the Championship and took a loss to El Dorado. This year had it’s highs and lows but still ended in the same stadium. I cannot thank these Seniors like Tanner McKusker, Evan Williams, Hayden Webb, and Logan Taylor enough for upholding the Tradition at Greenwood. Adding yet another trophy to the cases at H.B. Stewart and a seasons worth of memories.
My son who has been a part of this team alongside me has become friends with the Upperclassmen in this time. He hugged the Seniors as they walked off the field, embraced his classmate and long time teammate Kane Archer. He then stood by himself watching Pulaski celebrate their 11th Championship. Folks will say it is just a game. For some it is a way of life. A dream since he was 3 years old watching Current Co-Offensive Coordinator Stephen Hogan throw the ball all over the field at Smith-Robinson Stadium. I asked Coach Young as we walked away from the Post-Game press conference “When do you start preparing for the next one, tomorrow?” He chuckled a little bit and said “We will take a little time off.” For some preparation starts today.
Tara Crippen recently opened her own law firm, but she is no stranger to the legal profession. Prior to becoming an attorney, she worked as a legal assistant and law clerk for 16 years. During that time, she assisted counsel with preparing and filing appellate briefs, trial preparation, research, and has participated in every stage of the litigation process.
Tara’s practice is primarily focused on family law. Her practice covers a broad range of family law issues, including paternity, custody, parenting time, support and property issues. Tara’s training in dependency neglect proceedings translates to a more child centric approach in her domestic relations matters. In addition to family law, however, Tara’s smalltown practice is evolving to include LLC formation, estate planning and many other facets of law. She appreciates a challenge and wants to work with people who want to work with her.
Tara went to law school to learn to be an advocate for people who were not able to advocate for themselves. Her approach to law brings her straight to your door, and she will meet you where and when it is convenient for you.
She prefers working from unconventional spaces, so don’t be alarmed if you see her in the day at her favorite coffee shop or in the evening with her laptop at the local brewery. Feel free to stop and say hi. When she is not hard at it working for her clients, you will find her working hard on Cicada Song Farms. She and her partner have a small herd of dexter cattle and a flock of Rhode Island Red and Barred Rock chickens.
“I am grateful for an opportunity to serve a community that has been helpful and welcoming since we moved here in May,” shared Crippen. “There are few options to access legal services locally. I recognized that there was a hole that I could fill. In this area, clients may make too much to qualify for legal aid, but it also can be difficult to pay a large retainer. I keep my overhead low so that my prices can be reasonable, and people can access the services they need.”
The Class 6A State Championship will be decided this Saturday at 6:30 as the Greenwood Bulldogs take on the Pulaski Academy Bruins.
A combined 20 Football State Championships, 10 each all won since 2000. Two tradition rich programs. One known for producing Razorbacks with names like Wilson, Morgan, Noland, and Holt. For being FasDogs during the summer. The other being known the world over through articles and documentaries about their unorthodox approach to special teams and unworldly numbers in the passing game. Both with legendary coaches that joined the college ranks and promoted within. One coach with a legendary last name that has blazed his own path and been a part of all of the schools 10 State Championships. The other coach a Razorback receiving legend. Both Coaches won State Championships in their first year. Two programs vying for one thing, the 2022 Class 6A State Championship.
When looking at Arkansas High School Football programs in this century that is still young at 22 years, it is hard to escape the two that are the Greenwood Bulldogs and the Pulaski Academy Bruins. Two teams that as mentioned above have won 20 State Championships together. It is also interesting to note that they have only met once before in the State Championship. More on that in a few sentences or paragraphs.
This Saturdays matchup is just the 6th time these two have met. A week 9 game against Pulaski this season saw the Bulldogs coming out on top 33-23. Before you start getting excited, Pulaski’s starting QB went down early in the game followed by Hunter Houston leaving the game as well. The stout Greenwood defense and Freshman QB Kane Archer were able to come away with a 10 point victory. Kel Busby and Hunter Houston are healthy and look poised to lead their teams to hoisting the trophy written in gold on Saturday evening.
This is Greenwood’s mind boggling 16th trip to the State Championship game dating back to 1996. What happened for Greenwood to becoming a perennial favorite year after year.
1996 – Watson Chapel 35-13 Loss: Sophomore QB Brooks Coatney led the Bulldogs to their first State Championship game after game winning touchdown in the fog at Smith-Robinson against Malvern. A talented receiving corps with National Record holder Kris Weible and tough running back and future Razorback Tatum Owenby, were no match for the running back duo of Watson Chapel’s Ron Johnson and Bobby Jett.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/MICHAEL WOODS
The Greenwood Bulldogs Josh Bell breaks around the corner for a gain in Friday nights game against the Northside Grizzlies in Fort Smith.
9/1/00
2000 – Hope 30-2 WIN: At the time Greenwood posted the largest margin of victory with rout of the Hope Bobcats. First drive of the game one of the Hope defenders would snag Josh Bell’s jersey and spin him around hoping he would go down, Bell would score a TD on that play setting the tone for the rest of the game. Josh Bell would become the MVP of the game after getting a unanimous vote. Head Coach Ronnie Peacock would get that elusive State Championship then take a job at Rogers High School.
2000 State Championship
2004 – Wynne 28-26 Loss: This was Head Coach Rick Jones’ first trip to the Arkansas State Championship after a successful run in Broken Arrow, OK. Coach Jones took over a program that went 23-11 under Harv Welch from 2001-2003. The game foreshadowed what was to come for the next 15 years with Coach Jones at the helm. The ‘Dogs would let Wynne score to give them the ball back with enough time on the clock to set up a game winning drive. They would get the TD and then go for two when Daniel Stegall would throw to future Razorback Lucas Miller, but it would go through his hands.
2005 – Morrilton 35-32 WIN: Redemption. The Bulldogs march back to The Rock with William Ridener winning the State Game MVP. Daniel Stegall would be the first player in Arkansas history to rush for 1000 yards and pass for 2000 yards in back to back seasons.
2006 – Pulaski Academy 56-55 WIN: This was Greenwood’s version of Miracle on Markham, well it would be one of the first of those. This is was just the beginning of what would be two teams at the beginning of their dynasties. Tyler Wilson would throw for a crazy 563 yards in the game. Cornerbacks Coach and Freshman Center Assistant Principal Travis Sandifer was a junior on that squad.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/BENJAMIN KRAIN 12-01-07
Greenwood quarterback Tyler Wilson escapes Little Rock Christian defenders during the 5A state championship high school football game.
2007 – Little Rock Christian 27-6 WIN: The win avenged a 44-7 loss in the regular season to LR Christian. Greenwood would beat Pulaski Academy 57-50 in the Semi-Finals to earn a trip to War Memorial. Tyler Wilson would be named State Game MVP, to complete the Three-Peat
2010 – Camden Fairview 36-35 WIN: Another Miracle on Markham moment. Greenwood was down with two minutes in the game and was able to score 15 points in that time span to win the game, start the second three-peat and score the 10th win in the 50 game win streak. Current Co-Offensive Coordinator Stephen Hogan was the QB for Greenwood that year throwing for 2,888 yards.
2011 – Batesville 53-11 WIN: The ‘Dogs had to overcome a 21 point deficit in the Semi-Finals against Camden Fairview to get a shot at the Rock. Their 24th win in a row was a dominate one for the Championship with future Razorback Drew Morgan. This was the last Championship in Class 5A.
Greenwood quarterback Jabe Burgess looks looks to pass during the first quarter of Friday night’s game against Parkview at War Eagle field in Little Rock.
Special to the Democrat-Gazette/JIMMY JONES
2012 – Pine Bluff 51-44 WIN: With the move to the hybrid 6A/7A Greenwood did not skip a beat. Jabe Burgess would take the helm of the Bulldogs following in the steps of cousins Brooks Coatney and Tyler Wilson. The 38th win in a row would give Greenwood a second Three-Peat. In their bid for a 4th consecutive State Championship and 51st victory, Pine Bluff would become the spoiler the following year kicking a last second Field Goal ending the Bulldogs 2013 season.
Arkansas Democrat Gazette photo – Drew Morgan
2015 – Pine Bluff 28-21 Loss: Those pesky Zebras, but this Greenwood team was not short on talent itself. Two future Razorbacks in Senior Grant Morgan and Sophomore Connor Noland. Future UCA Bear QB and Head Junior High Coach Luke Hales, another future UCA bear in Sophomore Kenny Wood. This was the first of 4 trips in a row for the Bulldogs.
Whole Hawg Sports Photo: Grant Morgan
2016 – Russellville 37-23 Loss: Greenwood was up 16-13 at halftime of the State Championship game when Russellville held Greenwood to 7 points.
2017 – Pine Bluff 52-14 WIN: 26 Seniors went into the season looking to turn around the last two years of coming up short. Connor Noland would pass for 2,801 yards and 34 Touchdowns en route to an undefeated season. Noland and Jon Womack would sweep the Farm Bureau Insurance Class 7A/6A Offensive and Defensive players of the year.
Connor Noland
2018 – Benton 45-14 WIN: After an early season loss to Northside, Greenwood’s defense took charge and got two shutouts, two one score games, and three two score games. Just as Coach Jones had done previously, Receiver turned QB Peyton Holt would show how much of a game changer he could be. A spinning TD in the state game, coupled with a one handed catch by Lazaro Angel sealed the deal for the Bulldogs and their 9th State Championship. Coach Jones would coach one more season at the school in South Sebastian County. Greenwood’s shot at a 5th trip in a row to the State Championship in 2019 was stopped short in Searcy.
RNN Sports Photo – Lazaro Angel “The Catch”
2020 – Lake Hamilton 49-24 WIN: Number 10. Coach Chris Young was promoted to Head Coach as Coach Rick Jones took a position at the University of Missouri. Shortly after taking the position the world nearly came to a halt and the fall season was put in jeopardy due to Covid. The schedule took a few turns with Northside and L.R. Parkview having to cancel due restrictions. In their place Springdale Har-Ber and Bentonville West in their place. The Greenwood machine never stopped. In the state Championship Greenwood did start slow going down 10-0 but then rallied back on the performance of State Game MVP L.D. Richmond and Current Arkansas Tech players Jayden Jasna and Hunter Wilkinson. Jasna would set a State Championship game record with a 98 yard Kickoff return.
RNN Sport Photo – Coach Chris Young after the 2020 State Championship Game
2021 – El Dorado 27-17 Loss: Going for one State Championship is tough, going for 11 on your 15th trip…. The expectation is easy to figure out at Greenwood, they are going to come home with a trophy at the end of the season. The Senior laden El Dorado proved to be Greenwood’s Kryptonite in their chance to get another Back to Back Championship. Hunter Houston would go out due to injury and the now Elkins QB Slade Dean stepped in and almost pulled off the win. Two Turnovers in the 2nd half kept Greenwood from winning their 11th and had to watch El Dorado hoist the Gold Trophy.
There you have it 15 trips. 10 wins. Legendary names. Legendary Games. If history is any indicator Saturday nights game will add to the lore of both Greenwood and Pulaski Academy.
After three straight wins in the state playoffs at home, some fans wondered if Charleston could take their dominant play on the road and beat a good Rison football program that has won eight state titles in its program’s history. The Charleston defense had been stellar throughout the playoffs, but, the Tigers were about to face a very physical and talented rushing attack from legendary Rison Coach Clay Totty. And on a perfect evening weather-wise in south Arkansas, it didn’t take long for the questions to be answered.
After stopping the Wildcats on their first offensive possession, it was clear that the defensive line and linebacker corps for Charleston were there to play. The Tigers forced a Rison punt, and Charleston would take possession of the football for the first time.
On the first Charleston snap, senior running back Brevyn Ketter took the handoff from Brandon Scott and raced the distance to the end zone to score a touchdown for Charleston. The point after touchdown attempt was blocked, but the Tigers led 6-0 early, and never looked back. The stop on defense and the lightning strike score on the first Charleston offensive play seemingly put Rison in shock, and the Tigers went on to win the state semifinal game, 27-0.
Charleston’s Brevyn Ketter (4) races to the end zone on the first offensive play of the game for Charleston (RNN Sports Photo / Jim Best)
The Tigers will now advance to the Class 3A state championship next Saturday, December 10, 6:30 p.m., at War Memorial Stadium. Charleston will face the Booneville Bearcats who also won their state semifinal game at Melbourne on Friday night by the score of 41-36. The rematch from their regular season game in October will be for a state championship and will match the numbers one and three ranked teams in Class 3A according to Max Preps. The top-ranked Tigers will face a Booneville team that will be at full-strength on Saturday. The Bearcats had several players and starters, including their record-breaking running back, Dax Goff, unavailable in their first meeting. Boneville and Charleston have clearly been the best two teams in 3A this season, and the rematch will be a fan’s dream, featuring the best two teams competing for the state title.
Rison is a team that likes to run the football, pounding defenses into submission, and striking with the occasional pass when the defense sells out to stop the run. As tough as the Wildcats’ rushing attack can be, they are not built to score quickly or to come from behind. Ketter’s touchdown run early forced Rison to play catch-up all night against a very tough Charleston defense. The Wildcats did have two possessions inside the red zone, but on both possessions, Rison would not be able to score due to turnovers. The Wildcats’ running backs were capable of exploding for big plays, and at times they seemed like they were on the verge of breaking a run from scrimmage for a long gain, but, they never did. Charleston was physical on the offensive and defensive lines, and the Tigers’ secondary was able to stop the pass all night.
Charleston took a 12-0 halftime lead into the locker room with possession of the ball to start the second half. The Tigers began to put the game away when the Charleston offense took their first possession of the third quarter and marched down the field, overcoming a couple of controversial calls and penalties against them, and scoring a touchdown to extend their lead.
As the game clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, a focused Charleston head coach, Ricky May, began to allow himself to smile with approximately four minutes remaining and the Tigers up by 27 points. In fact, in one experience that this reporter will never forget, we glanced at each other on the sideline with about four minutes, each hesitating to smile, and then broke out into big smiles and a congratulatory hug. Coach May has done a very good job as the Tigers coach since his arrival in 2019, and he always gives all of the credit for the program’s success to his players. He is truly a class act.
Watch for photos from this game next week on Facebook at Charleston Tigers Sports. And yes, RNN Sports will be on the field next Saturday in Little Rock to bring you coverage of the Tigers state championship game.
Congratulations to the Charleston Tigers, coaches, fans, and the community of Charleston on the Tigers’ appearance next week in the state championship game. This is a very special team, and the many seniors on this roster will end their high school careers at War Memorial on Saturday. They deserve a huge turnout by the fans and the community to see them compete for a state title.
It takes a lot of peas to make a hundred pounds!!! That thought was constantly in my mind as I crawled down the row shoving dried pea shells into the canvas sack I was pulling. Leroy Wade had planted acres of the peas and was paying us a whole $3.50 cents per hundred to pick them. As soon as school was out, our entire clan would head down the road and work till sunset picking the peas. On a good afternoon I might make $2, not bad when you could pay a week’s school lunch for a dollar or buy a pop cola and a hamburger at the small stand just off campus for twenty-five cents.
Later, I started working at Warehouse Market grocery store and my starting salary was $1.45 an hour. Months later, the minimum wage went up all the way to $1.60 an hour. I remember clearly the day I interviewed for my first teaching job. Mr. Ehren, the superintendent questioned prospective employees about all kinds of stuff, most of which wouldn’t be allowed today but, he wanted only the best to work with his school kids. Did I live in the community? Was I a church member? Would I assist with duties not assigned such as chaperoning groups, work ball games, or sponsor clubs? Then came the hard question, “do you owe a lot of money.” I had worked my way through college and paid as I went. “Mr. Ehren,” was my worried reply, “my son was recently in the hospital with pneumonia and I owe them $400.” He laughed, “Ninety-nine percent of the people in this town would like to change their debts for yours.” Four-hundred might not seem like anything but it seemed a mountain of debt to me at the time. I was hired on the spot making $8,800 dollars per year.
People are always sharing history with me and I received the old 1930’s menu from the Buckman Inn on Magazine Mountain. Room and board was $2 per day or $8.75 per week. Food prices at the Lodge included $2.50 for a sirloin steak dinner, plate lunch for 65 cents, and desserts for a dime.
Gerald Rice shared an old grocery add from the 1970’s newspaper. It is hard to believe prices were ever that cheap. The center of the add had a large rocket and was entitled a rocket of values at .29 cents. This include pie filling, picnic hams, regular box of tide, lunch meats, dozen eggs, and a two-pound box of oleo. At the time, hamburger was three pounds for a dollar, soda a dime a bottle, gas was 29 cents a gallon, and milk was 59 cents a gallon. What a bargain, but we were making a whooping dollar and fifty cents an hour if we were lucky.
Why the sudden interest in prices? I was recently in Los Angeles. Gas was $5.69 cents per gallon! Engaging in conversation with a person I sat next with on a boat tour, I found that he was mechanic, made six figure plus a year, paid a house payment of $3,900 per month, and lived from pay check to pay check. Minimum wage in California was $15 per hour but people making that were living in their cars or on the street. Even in Arkansas, with much smaller expenses, inflation rates were staying way ahead of salary increases. I make multiples of any salary I dreamed of in my youth but my standard of living, in comparison, is about the same. The twenty-nine cent a dozen eggs are now two dollars, the twenty-nine cent gas is now three dollars, and soda is over a dollar a bottle. Another facet of inflation is that many of the starter jobs have been eliminated. There are no grocery sackers and, in most stores, you must check out your own purchases.
Wages go up, prices go up, and I have found it a necessity to have a good work ethic and keep your nose to the grindstone to survive.
