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Hogs Look To Turnaround Their Season Saturday at First-ever Trip to BYU

Resident News Network

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8:49 pm

Hogs Look To Turnaround Their Season Saturday at First-ever Trip to BYU

OK Arkansas fans, now it may be time to panic.

In last week’s column, I suggested that a loss to top-ranked Alabama is one thing, but a follow-up loss at Mississippi State would be another. And I went on to say that if the Hogs followed the Alabama loss by playing poorly or loosing at State, then there would be reason to panic.

Well, the Hogs did both; playing poorly and suffering a devastating loss on the road at Starkville. So, it is now time to panic. If not complete panic, the finger is getting close to pushing the button.

But that’s me…I’m just another fan out there that does not know what is actually happening within the program, and I certainly don’t know what is going on in the minds of the players and coaches. I can only repeat the obvious that anyone can see. But I also know this; BYU is an outstanding team and the Hogs’ first ever trip to Provo, Utah will not be an easy proposition. For the Hogs to have a chance to win, the team must rally behind their coach, Sam Pittman, and take an “us against the world” attitude into Provo on Saturday.

K J Jefferson (1) leaves the game vs Alabama with an apparent head injury. His status for Saturday has yet to be announced (RNN Sports File Photo / Jim Best)

One positive flare that happened last Saturday at State was perhaps the emergence of Malik Hornsby as the clear number two quarterback. And in this writer’s opinion, I believe he could be a future starter in a very short time if KJ Jeferson does not rebound quickly on Saturday. Jefferson appears to be returning to practice this week which I take as a sign that he will get the start against BYU. I like Jefferson and he is a legitimate dual-threat quarterback, but the offense seems to take a much more explosive threat to defenses with Hornsby at quarterback. We will see on Saturday.

Here is our weekly report on this week’s opponent as provided by the University of Arkansas:

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS (3-3, 1-3 SEC)
AP/Coaches Poll: NR/NR
Head Coach: Sam Pittman (Pittsburg State [Kan.], ‘86)
Career Record: 15-14 (3rd season)
Record at Arkansas: Same

BYU COUGARS (4-2)
AP/Coaches Poll: RV/RV
Head Coach: Kalani Sitake (BYU, ‘00)
Career Record: 52-31 (7th season)
Record at BYU: Same

• Arkansas goes on the road for the second week in a row to square off against FBS Independent opponent BYU for the first time in program history. Kickoff between the Razorbacks and Cougars is set for 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday, Oct. 15, in Provo, Utah, at LaVell Edwards Stadium on ESPN.

• BYU is receiving votes in both the AP Top 25 Poll and the USA Today Coaches Poll. All six of Arkansas’ FBS opponents this season have either been ranked or received votes. Since 2020, 22 of Arkansas’ 28 FBS opponents have either been ranked or received votes in the national polls.

• Under head coach Sam Pittman, the Razorbacks are a perfect 7-0 against non-conference opponents. Pittman is the first Arkansas head coach since Lou Holtz (1977-78) to win his first seven games against non-conference foes.

• QB KJ Jefferson, who did not play in the contest against Mississippi State, has wreaked havoc on opposing efenses through the air and on the ground. Jefferson has completed 80-of-121 passes (66.1%) for 1,096 yards and nine touchdowns with one interception while rushing for 312 yards and four scores in five games. Entering this week, Jefferson is one of two SEC quarterbacks to throw for over 1,000 yards and run for over 300 yards this season.

• RB Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders is the Hogs’ leading ball carrier through six games, totaling 695 yards on 125 carries (5.6 avg.) with five scores on the ground. He leads the SEC in both rushing yards (695) and rushing yards per game (115.8), and he ranks second in all-purpose yards per game
(146.7) this season. Sanders, who has caught 14 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown, is one of three FBS players with 600+ rushing yards and 100+ receiving yards this year.

• WR Jadon Haselwood leads Arkansas’ receiving corps with a team-high 27 catches for 364 yards (13.5 avg.) and a pair of touchdowns. A transfer from Oklahoma, Haselwood has caught three or more passes in each of his first six games as a Hog and has tallied at least one catch in 18 consecutive games dating back to the start of the 2021 season.

• LB Drew Sanders has emerged as one of the top defensive playmakers in college football, racking up 59 total tackles with a team-leading 7.5 tackles for loss and a team-high 6.5 sacks through six games. Sanders, who leads the SEC and ranks second nationally in sacks, has four double-digit
tackle games this season, most among all Hog defenders

The road game at BYU will be another big test for the Arkansas defense that has struggled all season. The shifting of players into the Arkansas secondary has been a continued experiment as the coaches look to beef up the back end of a defense that has ranked among the poorest in the country.

A win a BYU would be big for the Hogs and would shift momentum in a positive direction heading in to the stretch portion of their schedule. But another loss….

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

Arrest Reports 10/2

Police Reports

Tammy Teague

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5:31 pm

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Arresting agency – Fort Smith Police Department:
Misti Alane Beam of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 2 at 7:52 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Beam was charged with ADC commitment hold, absconding, failure to appear – class A misdemeanor, and parole violation.

Nathaniel Wayne Webber of Central City was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 5 at 11:09 a.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 8 at 11:39 a.m. Webber was charged with driving while intoxicated 1st offense, and endangering the welfare of a minor in the first-degree – conduct.

Arresting agency – Barling Police Department:
Christopher Lee Gray of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 2 at 10 p.m. and released on signature bond October 3 at 3:55 a.m. Gray was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Mikhail Ray Raines of Charleston was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 6 at 10:20 p.m. and transferred to an outside agency on October 7 at 1:24 p.m. Raines was charged as a fugitive from justice out of state.

Arresting agency – Arkansas State Police:
Ryan Patrick Harshall of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 6 at 11:04 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Harshall was charged with assist outside agency – misd., contempt – willful disobedience (failure to pay fine), theft by receiving, and failure to appear – class B misdemeanor.

Arresting agency – Lavaca Police Department:
John J Hartoon of Lavaca was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 4 at 7:59 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 5 at 2:02 p.m. Hartoon was charged with Aggravated Assault – Firearm.

Arresting agency – Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office:
Cecil Dale Hickman of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 4 at 4:24 p.m. and remains at the SCADC. Hickman was charged with Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, and Domestic Battering Third Degree – Purposely A Misd.

Tara Kay Walker of Mansfield was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 6 at 11:13 p.m. and released on legally sufficient bond October 8 at 1:44 p.m. Walker was charged with petition to revoke – felony.

Arresting agency – Greenwood Police Department:
Destanee Meshell Nichols of Fort Smith was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 6 at 8:40 p.m. and released on bond October 7 at 4:28 a.m. Nichols was charged with two counts of Overdraft/Violation Of The Arkansas Hot Check Law Misdemeanor.

Dina Kay Sharp of Hackett was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 7 at 12:28 p.m. and remains at the SCADC without bond. Sharp was charged with two counts of fugitive from justice out of state.

Arresting agency – Hartford Police Department:
James Leonard Shackelford of Hartford was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on October 3 at 10:55 a.m. and released on signature bond October 3 at 12:37 p.m. Shackelford was charged with Contempt-willful disobedience (Failure to Pay Fine).

Arresting agency – Logan County Sheriff’s Office:
Joshua Richardson, 20 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 2 at 10:38 a.m. Richardson was charged with terroristic threatening in the first degree.

Paige Barr, 24 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 2 at 11:23 a.m. Barr was charged with breaking or entering, theft of property, and criminal trespass.

Jeremy Sanders, 26 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 3 at 4 p.m. Sanders was charged with failure to pay and failure to appear.

Michael Suttles, 42 of Greenwood, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 3 at 5:41 p.m. Suttles was charged with failure to pay.

Sharina Snow, 35 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 3 at 6:36 p.m. Snow was charged with terroristic threatening in the first degree, and disorderly conduct.

Melissa Pack, 48 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 4 at 2:18 p.m. Pack was charged with failure to appear.

Robert Capo Nicholas, 40 of Ratcliff, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 4 at 4:12 p.m. Nicholas was charged with body attachment.

Klarissa Ring, 22 of Booneville, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 4 at 5:01 p.m. Ring was charged with failure to pay, and two counts of failure to appear.

Dearl Suttles, 50 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 6 at 10:34 a.m. Suttles was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Christopher Corbitt, 29 of Magazine, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 6 at 6:30 p.m. Corbitt was charged with contempt of court.

Donnie Pruitt, 60 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 6 at 7:16 p.m. Pruitt was charged with possession of methamphetamine or cocaine with the purpose to deliver, and two counts of drug paraphernalia.

Edward Standring, 53 of Paris, was booked into the Logan County Detention Center on October 10 at 11:28 a.m. Standring was sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

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

Workforce Event Held in Booneville

News

Tammy Teague

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5:28 pm

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On Monday, October 3, the Booneville area came together for a community event that involved job opportunities, services, assistance, college and National Guard recruitment.

Booneville Schools bused down students to attend the event and it was a great success.

The Booneville Library works hard to promote community success and workforce development. The library is continually making a huge impact on the community.

A special thanks to those who helped make this event a success:
Wayne’s Farm
Tyson
Arkansas National Guard
First Western Bank of Booneville
Ameriprise
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Logan County Extension Office
ATU/ UAMS/ Rich Mountain/ UAFS University’s
Arkansas Game and Fish
Department of Workforce and the mobile unit
Save the Children
Arkansas Department of Health
BDHC
TEC staffing
Booneville Chamber of Commerce
Arkansas Literacy Council
Steve Reid’s BBQ
Loving Choices and their mobile unit
First Baptist Church
Arkansas River Valley Regional Library System

“Without the support from our community, this event would not have been made possible,” shared Brittany Downs, Branch Manager Logan County Library. “We honor and thank our stakeholders and contributors for their efforts to ensure the success of our youth and community members in need.”

Ten named to 2022 ATU Homecoming court

Featured

Tammy Teague

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2:57 pm

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RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (October 10, 2022)–Five female students and five male students were announced as the members of the 2022 Arkansas Tech University Homecoming court during a pep rally at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field in Russellville on Monday, Oct. 10.

ATU students will have an opportunity to participate in online voting at thelink.atu.edu beginning Tuesday, Oct. 11, to select the 2022 ATU Homecoming queen and king. The names of the queen and king will be announced during a 1:30 p.m. pre-game ceremony at Thone Stadium at Buerkle Field on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Below, in alphabetical order with their classification at Arkansas Tech, hometown and organization(s) that nominated them, are the members of the 2022 ATU Homecoming court.

Homecoming Queen Candidates
Iris Alvarado, senior, Russellville, Emergency Management Student Association
Mackinzie Callahan, senior, Waldron, Phi Mu
Paula Gonzalez, senior, Maracaibo, Venezuela, Student Government Association
Damara Hale, senior, Fayetteville, Society of Professional Journalists
Olivia Rowe, senior, Paragould, Alpha Sigma Tau

Homecoming King Candidates
Mason Blaty, junior, Bella Vista, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Jace Bridges, junior, Fayetteville, African American Student Association
Mark Kuykendall, senior, Fort Smith, Zeta Tau Alpha
Marquis Vasquez, junior, Conway, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Tandem Young, senior, Dover, FBLA Collegiate

For more information about ATU Homecoming events for students, visit www.atu.edu/homecoming.

For information about ATU Homecoming events for alumni and the community, visit www.atualumni.com/homecoming.

Of the candidates, 59 students were nominated by their peers for a position on the 2022 ATU Homecoming court. Those included:
– (ATU Homecoming Queen) Tara Espinoza, senior, Booneville, The Arka Tech
– (ATU Homecoming King) Dalton Tatum, senior, Booneville, Alpha Tau Omega
– (ATU Homecoming King) Haedden Vereecke, senior, Lavaca, Sigma Pi

Obituary – Dorothy Fay Stuart (1926-2022)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

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10:52 pm

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Obituary – Dorothy Fay Stuart (1926-2022)

Dorothy Fay Stuart of Waldron, AR passed from this life Sunday, October 9, 2022 at her home. Dorothy was born in Crawford, Texas to the late Henry Westerfield and Clara (Spross) Westerfield. She was 96 years old.

Dorothy went to a three-room school at Prairie Chapel, then after the schools were consolidated, graduated from Crawford high school in 1944.

Dorothy was married to Lester Gerald Stuart for 72 years. Lester and Dorothy began their lifelong journey on November 26th, 1947. They were joined as husband and wife by Reverend Patterson of McGregor, Texas. Dorothy was baptized at the Baptist Church of Crawford, Texas. Dorothy worked for South Western Bell for many years. Dorothy and Lester retired to their farm in 1986, where they enjoyed hunting, fishing, and tending cattle. Her life was filled with love for the Lord, and her family. Dorothy will be greatly missed by all.

She is survived by two daughters, Peggy Kluck of Waldron, Arkansas and Darlene Perry and husband David of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, two grandchildren, Kris Kluck and wife Kaitlin of Waldron, Arkansas, Jessica Green and husband Brian of Pennsylvania, and seven great-grandchildren.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, nine siblings, and their spouses, and one grandson.

Dorothy’s life celebration will be 10:00 a.m., November 26, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted with Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

The family of Dorothy Stuart would like to thank you for all the acts of kindness shown to our loved one who was so special to all of us.

Woman Charged in Mansfield Murder Granted Conditional Release

Tammy Teague

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10:43 pm

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Woman Charged in Mansfield Murder Granted Conditional Release

Jordana Rogers, the woman charged in the December 2019 slaying of her mother, has been granted a conditional release by Sebastian County Circuit Judge Gunner Delay.

Rogers was acquitted of the murder charge in 2021 due to mental disease or defect. She was ordered into the custody of the Arkansas Department of Health and committed to the Arkansas State Hospital.

On October 7, 2022, the Circuit Judge granted Rogers a conditional release. The order stated that Rogers was “…a moderate risk for future violence…but does not present a current risk or danger to herself or to the person or property of others so long as she complies with her prescribed regime of medical, psychiatric, or psychological care or treatment.”

The order goes on to note that Rogers has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic stimulant use disorder – methamphetamine, and cannabis use disorder.

Rogers will remain in the custody of the Arkansas Department of Human Services and under supervision with the ACT 911 program. Rogers has been accepted into Birch Tree Communities in Mountain View Arkansas, where she will continue supervised treatment in a “less restrictive” environment.

Judge Delay ordered the conditions of Rogers’ release to be in effect for five years and remain under the Juris of the Sebastian County Circuit Court “until such time the court is satisfied and deems transfer of jurisdiction appropriate.”

–Judge Delay’s full order–

Tigers Shine At Waldron Emmet Barnett Memorial

Sports

Tammy Teague

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5:49 pm

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Tigers Shine At Waldron Emmet Barnett Memorial

Mansfield rallies at Waldron’s first annual cross country race, the Tri-County Emmet Barnett Memorial Invitational, behind the strength of 12 medals, 1 first place trophy, and an individual race title.

Thick as thieves, Mansfield’s top trio of Trinity Triska, Laney Wood, and Jadelynn Wood celebrate making the medal stand.

On October 4, the MHS Lady Tigers took home the top team prize in the senior girls division. It was a close battle between Mansfield, Waldron, and Western Yell County before the visiting Tigers prevailed. Mansfield cobbled together 34 team points followed by Waldron’s 43 and WYC’s 44.

For the Mansfield girls it was sister act Laney Wood and Jadelynn Wood scoring premium points to pace the team effort. The pair were fourth and fifth overall leading a charge that saw four of its members finish in the Top 20.

Overall junior boys champion Joey Williams makes his way back to the Mansfield camp as medalist Hunter Whittaker follows.

Sophomore Trinity Triska (13th) and junior Raine Hecox (17th) kept the team in a tight cluster. When sophomore Ashley Martin closed in 25th place, the Tiger total was in the books for the win. Sophomore Addie Bowman was the club’s lone blocker at 26th place.

For the junior boys, it was Joey Williams doing what he does best. The freshman front runner took to the lead and never looked back.

Offering up a wire to wire finish, Williams broke the tape in 8:43.30 for the 1.5 mile loop. The time stamp was 12.1 seconds faster than Waldron’s Eli Connelly who chased for second place.

“It was good to see Joey take this one,” expressed Mansfield coach John Mackey. “He has been the leader in the small school divisions but hasn’t won the overall yet this season. It was good to see him earn this victory.”

Mansfield’s junior boys take third place overall in Waldron.

Close behind Williams was a flock of Tiger teammates. Gunner Williams (5th), Hunter Whittaker (9th), Holden Powers (16th), and Braxton Bartlett (19th) finished in a flurry to post the Mansfield junior boys team score.

One of the team’s stronger runners, freshman Jonah Martin, was absent from the race due to a conflict with the school’s band competition in Perryville. Without the typical number three scorer, the Tiger cubs finished third in the team standings with 47 points.

Lady Tiger seventh grader Abby Smith makes a move for medal contention.

Mena and Waldron prevailed taking the top two team awards with 40 points each. Mena’s number six runner broke the tie giving the Bearcats the championship plaque.

Joining the awards assembly for Mansfield were Rylan Jones, Abby Smith, and Lilly Young. All seventh graders, the trio cross the tape respectively at 5th, 8th, and 15th places.

Jones continued her ascent towards the top of the leaderboard. Her overall time for the 1.5 mile race was 11:31.10.

“Rylan is making progress each week,” offered Mackey. “Her pace workout was pretty good this week. She is inching her way to that ten something range.”

Rylan Jones of Mansfield makes her way to the finish at the Waldron 1.5 mile race.

Smith, who doubles up on the Mansfield junior girls volleyball team as well as the cross country team ran in only her third race of the season. Her 11:47.70 finish planted her firmly within the top ten. The effort earned a second consecutive racing medal.

Young took home her first individual medal of the season. After using most of the regular season to get in shape after joining the team late, Young found success along the Waldron course.

Mansfield’s Holden Powers brings a tight group of runners towards the final stretch in Waldron. Tigers Braxton Bartlett and Joesph Carter push within the pack.

Clarksville College Race Reunite Jones and Moore

Sports

Tammy Teague

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5:26 pm

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Clarksville College Race Reunite Jones and Moore

For the second time this college cross country season, former Mansfield products Darby Jones and Katlynn Moore have crossed paths. Presently running for different university teams, the two have now landed in each other’s new backyards for distance racing competition.

To open the 2022 season, Moore made her way to Jones’ new digs at Ouachita Baptist University as the Purple Tigers hosted their home meet. On Saturday, October 8 the reverse was true as Jones dropped into the University of the Ozarks Eagle’s nest for Moore’s home opener.

Katlynn Moore laces up her running shoes for the U. of O. 5K.

“This was a day I had marked on my calendar for a long time,” said John Mackey, the pair’s former high school coach in Mansfield. “Ozarks Collegiate Invitational was supposed to have had all of Mansfield’s current college runners in the same race. UA Rich Mountain pulled out and ran the Chile Pepper instead. So, the twins (Faith and Hope Rainwater) didn’t get to go.”

Mansfield’s high school cross country coach did get to see two of the four prized pupils off of last season’s Class 2A state runner-up team. Jones, now a Ouachita Baptist Tiger out of Arkadelphia, and Moore, now at U. of O. in Clarksville did get to run.

Darby Jones rushes to the finish in Clarksville.

Jones posted her best collegiate time to date with a 22:43.7 at the Clarksville based 5K course. The measure which landed her in 31st place overall was a minute and 40 seconds faster than her recent trip to the Argonaut Invitational in Pensacola, FL.

“The course in Pensacola was pretty tough,” admitted Jones as the player and coach caught up before Saturday’s race. “It was a lot like running in Arkansas through the trees and such but then there would be these random sand dunes you had to run through.”

“The Ouachita track team got to go with us,” continued Jones. “They lined up along the finish line and cheered us on. The next day we got to spend the day on the beach. It was pretty cool.”

The scenery in Clarksville was a little different. No sand dunes to speak of but plenty of trees did line the upper ridge of the course. The lower field and finish didn’t have track teammates in attendance but it was populated by the familiar faces of Arkansas family and friends.

Perhaps a few ghosts of runners past greeted the players as well. A sinister site of several old abandoned running shoes tied along the fence leading to Clarksville’s course greeted the participants and fans.

“I think that’s been a tradition here for a long time,” said Moore, a freshman for the University of the Ozarks. “Some of the mud runs in the past sucked those shoes right off. They ended up hanging on the fence rail, and the habit stuck.”

Moore finished 63rd overall. Her time was a pedestrian 27:54.2 which admittedly disappointed the Mansfield native.

“We lost our coach a couple of weeks ago,” confessed Moore. “Her husband got a job out of state and their family made the decision to move. Our practices have been a little inconsistent so I wasn’t at my best.”

According to Mansfield’s coach, the inconvenience of finding an interim coach in the middle of the season can’t be of benefit to the Eagle lineup.

“It has to hurt,” shared Mackey. “I believe Ozarks have their conference coming up in a few weeks. My hope is Kat and Darby both find their best pace heading towards the postseason. I’m proud these two are representing what’s possible for Mansfield runners in the future.”

Ouachita easily won the overall women’s title. Six of their runners landed inside the top ten for a near perfect score of 23 points. Ozarks dropped to sixth in the team standings.

The entrance way to the Clarksville based college course is haunted by the legend of runner past.

SR Tigers Overpowered By Charleston

Adam Hecox

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4:46 pm

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The 3A-1 has always been one of the state’s toughest conferences at any level. Each year a different team emerges from the ashes of the previous season to make a run at the top. The Mansfield SR High Tigers started off the season looking like one of those teams too. With an early 4-0 start and a big conference win at West Fork, the Tigers were making some noise in the conference. A slip-up against Greenland stunned the Tigers though and just like that, Mansfield was 1-1 going into the skid row of their 2022 schedule. Lying in wait for a wounded Mansfield was 3A-1 perineal powerhouse Charleston. The pair of Tigers teams came into the contest with a split 2-2 record against each other in the past four years with Charleston winning the previous two contests.

Mansfield defensive lineman, Braxton Byers (#71), looks to disrupt a Charleston pass attempt.
Photo courtesy of Shelly² Photography Videography and Design

Mansfield received the opening kickoff and the battle between the big cats was on. Tigers quarterback, Cole Kindle zipped a pair of good passes to wide receivers Tyler Turnipseed and Daniel Burton to get Mansfield a quick first down. But the drive ended just as quickly as it started, forcing the Tigers to punt the ball. Charleston’s high-octane offense wasted little time getting points on the board with a pair of passes and then another for 29 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers offense struggled to get their rhythm in and wound up being pinned back deep in their own territory to punt. That gave Charleston only 55 yards to drive and drive they did in just seven plays for a touchdown. The extra point was missed but Charleston still led 13-0 in the first quarter. Mansfield’s offense would sustain a good eleven play drive with catches by Tyler Turnipseed, Clint Stovall, Daniel Burton, and Peyton Martin but an unfortunate interception cut the momentum off at the end of the first quarter.

Tigers quarterback, Cole Kindle (#3), take aim at his wide receiver Peyton Martin (#25).
Photo courtesy of Shelly² Photography Videography and Design

Going into the second quarter, Charleston had momentum and the ball back again. Mansfield’s defense held off the Charleston onslaught for eleven plays, but Charleston would connect with a dump pass for another touchdown. Charleston went for a two-point conversion to make up for their previous missed extra point and connected with a pass to achieve that goal setting the score at 21-0 in their favor. The Tigers needed a boost and the boost needed to come quickly. So, when Charleston kicked off, Mansfield got a big boost very quickly from Daniel Burton who returned the kick 96 yards for a Tiger touchdown. Jeremy Strozier tacked on the extra point kick to set the ball game at 21-7. Mansfield’s defense pinned their ears back on Charleston’s next possession as Trey Vaughan, Samuel Burton, Dakota Deer, and Kindel Noblitt teamed up to pressure Charleston’s quarterback on each play while racking up five sacks. The Tigers defense then forced a turnover on downs sending fans in The Jungle into a frenzy.

Mansfield defenders Dakota Deer (#68), Kindel Noblitt (#87), Samuel Burton (#23), and Jeremy Strozier (#7) swarm Charleston’s quarterback.
Photo courtesy of Shelly² Photography Videography and Design

Charleston’s defense next forced a three and out right back at Mansfield giving their offense the ball right back. Charleston was determined not to give the Tigers defense any more momentum and went for all out and shot a pass down the middle of the field. There to greet the ball was none other than Tyler Turnipseed who snagged the pass for a Mansfield interception. Unfortunately, the Tigers offense was unable to capitalize on the turnover and the defense high was grounded with another Charleston touchdown to end the half with Charleston leading Mansfield 28-7.

Tigers running back, Tyler Woolbright (#22), cuts past a pair of Charleston defenders for a big gain.
Photo courtesy of Shelly² Photography Videography and Design

The Tigers were bit by the injury bug in the second half as they lost starting quarterback Cole Kindle. Sophomore, Jeremy Strozier, stepped in as quarterback and led Mansfield’s offense on a few good drives in the second half but the Tigers couldn’t produce any points from the drives. The Tigers defense stepped up a little more in the second half by holding Charleston a little closer by only allowing one touchdown in the third quarter and one in the fourth quarter. But Mansfield’s first-half deficit was too big to overcome and victory just wasn’t in the cards for the Tigers as Charleston defeated Mansfield with a final score of 42-7. The loss sets the Tigers with a 4-2 overall record, but behind the eight ball in the 3A-1 with a 1-2 conference record.

Tiger defensive linemen, Dakota Deer (#68) and Samuel Burton (#23), team up for a quarterback sack.
Photo courtesy of Shelly² Photography Videography and Design

Mansfield’s skid row of opponents is no joke. Charleston was ranked #3 in the entire state of 3A football programs, and Mansfield must next head to Booneville to face off against a Bearcats team listed as the #2 in the state. Following that there are the up-and-coming Lavaca Golden Arrows who are undefeated right now and then the Tigers will face rivals Cedarville and Hackett. But don’t count Mansfield out just yet. Many of the teams ahead of the Tigers in the conference standings still have to face off against each other. Charleston, Booneville, and Lavaca play each other to close out the final three weeks of the season and the facts are, someone has to lose in each of those games. Mansfield is very capable of cleaning house too. Not only in the rest of their conference schedule to make the playoffs but can also make big waves once they get there. Next, Mansfield will travel to Booneville on Friday, October 14^th.

Freshmen Bulldogs Survive Goblins Scare

Networks

Ross Fujibayashi

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4:33 pm

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Greenwood 9th Grade moves to 5-1 on the season with a 36-35 win over Harrison.

Coming off a tough loss to Farmington in the previous week is never easy. When expectations are high because you are a part of one the top public school football programs in the state, being able to put that in the past and not let it define you is on another level. For the past two seasons the class of 2026 Bulldogs have dropped tough games against Fort Smith Darby. Realistically, in the former River Valley Conference Harrison and Darby were the teams most likely to give this class the toughest games. In 2020, Harrison came to Greenwood and it came down to the final play. Greenwood got the win. In 2021, Greenwood traveled to Harrison, several of their then 8th graders had been moved up to 9th Grade due to numbers. Greenwood wins 43-28. This season, the team knew those kids were back.

Greenwood receives the opening kickoff and his driving into Harrison territory, when a wild bobbled pass is intercepted by Harrison. Harrison drives down the field, and their big running back Eli McNutt takes it in for the score. Kick is good 7-0 3:50 left in the 1st quarter. On Greenwood’s possession, a big run by the quick Wesley Raggio set up several plays in near the goalline for the Bulldogs. Quarterback Cooper Goodwin keeps it and gets the touchdown. Laydn Casanova kicks the field goal to tie the game 7-7. Greenwood’s defense would step up huge, stops by Easton Carter and Ethan Kelley had the Goblins facing a 4th down. Cody Johnson would make the stop on 4th down, giving the ball back to Greenwood on their own 45. Cooper Goodwin finds Raggio for a short pass to end the 1st quarter.

To open the 2nd quarter a facemask penalty gets Greenwood deep into Harrison territory. Cooper Goodwin gets a great run to put them down by the goal line. Wesley Raggio gets it in for the touchdown. Casanova get the field goal to make it 14-7 6:14 left in the half. Harrison’s next drive seems to halt after a stop behind the line by Akira Fujibayashi. A screenplay on 3rd down puts Harrison in the end zone. The field goal is blocked by Cody Johnson making the score 13-14. Greenwood’s next drive would stall out and elect to punt. Harrison takes the opportunity to drive down the field getting the touchdown. They would elect to go for two and get it making the score 21-14 with 16 seconds left in the 1st half. Raggio gets the run and runs out the clock. 21-14 Harrison on top going into Halftime.

Harrison receives the kick but would be stopped on their next drive when Easton Carter puts pressure on the QB. Facing 4th down the Goblins elect to punt. On Greenwood’s drive they also faced 4th down. Gambling on yardage, Cooper Goodwin finds Lawyer Thornsberry, he takes it for the first down and then some on the reception. Greenwood gets down to the Harrison goal line when Brayden Shepard hammers it in, Casanova gets field goal number 3 on the night to make it 21-21. Harrison gets stopped on 3rd down by Caleb Cox and Jin Sayadeth. 4th down they take it to the air and find Lucas Brumley. Few plays later, Payton Reece goes deep and finds Brumley, he scampers into the end zone for his 2nd TD of the night. The kick is good 28-21 1:08 left in the 3rd Quarter. Greenwood is stopped on 4th down turning the ball over to Harrison.

The Goblins would meet the full brunt of the Greenwood defense. Tuomeng Tung would come in and make a big stop on 3rd down behind the line of scrimmage. Harrison would elect to punt. On 2nd down, Harrison would send an outside linebacker who was met at the line. Raggio would scamper behind the blocks from his offensive line for the score. Casanova gets the field goal tying the game 28-28. On the ensuing kickoff Harrison’s Lucas Brumley takes it to the end zone kick good 35-28 3:30 left in the 2nd half. On Greenwood’s next possession Raggio would get his second 35 yrd TD run getting his 3rd TD. Head Coach Luke Hales opts to go for 2, Goodwin finds longtime teammate Cody Johnson in the end zone to go up 36-35 with 2:14 left in the 4th. On the ensuing kickoff they kick it back to Brumley. He’s first hit by Goodwin, Blaze McDaniel wraps him up and gets him down. 1st down McNutt is stopped by Akira Fujibayashi on a 1yd gain. 2nd Blaze McDaniel steps in front of the pass intended for Brumley breaking it up. 3rd down Harrison tries for the screen but tripped after the catch. 4th down, Harrison throws an incomplete pass turning the ball back over. Goodwin would take the knee to run out the clock. Greenwood wins 36-35

Unofficially Wesley Raggio finished with 235 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. Brayden Shepard with 39 yards 1 TD and Cooper Goodwin with 55 yards and 1 touchdown.

“It was a great night to be a Bulldog.” Head Coach Luke Hales said. On the two-point conversion to seal the game. “We don’t want a tie, we are trying to win the game. As a staff we make the decision we want to go for it.” Coach Hales on Raggio’s performance “And none of it wouldn’t have happened without the offensive line. They really stepped up tonight. We moved some guys around and we were mauling them. Harrison is tough up front, those kids are big and strong, but our kids got after it.”

“Our line was amazing tonight, they blocked perfectly. Our line [is] the reason we won tonight.” Running Back Wesley Raggio said. Cooper Goodwin praised the Offensive Line play as well “We were able to just run the ball the whole night.” Cody Johnson had a big night as well on both sides of the ball. “Not going to lie I thought I was going to drop it.” Johnson said of his two-point catch.

The race for the Conference title just got a bit more interesting. Shiloh is in sole possession of the conference as they are undefeated. Farmington who beat Greenwood, has two losses now to Dardenelle and Harrison. Harrison has two losses to Greenwood and Shiloh. Shiloh still has to play Farmington and Greenwood. Greenwood has Siloam Springs and Pea Ridge before making the trip to Shiloh, if Greenwood is able to win the next two games the and Shiloh does the same, the Conference title may be decided at Shiloh on October 27. The Bulldogs would still have to win the next week after that against Alma. If this author’s math is correct.

The 9th Grade Bulldogs are on the road next week in Siloam Springs.

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