Resident News Network

Tiger Distance Runners Take High Medal Count

Sports

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11:57 am

Tiger Distance Runners Take High Medal Count

Addie Bowman and Trinity Triska are top two Lady Tiger finishers at Elkins.

It wasn’t quite a bus load of medals. However, Mansfield took its fair share of the awards offered at the Magazine Invitational Cross Country Meet on September 6.

With an 86% success rate, nearly every Tiger runner involved in long distance running at the Rattler pit came home with a medal. Twelve out of 14 Mansfield participants posted times worthy of a top 20 finish.

“It was a good day to be a Tiger,” said Mansfield head coach John Mackey. “Every division ran the same distance this meet. The familiarity with the conference course really helped.”

MHS senior girls take seocnd at Magazine XC race. Drop title to Waldron by 1 point.

Fact was Mansfield secured medal placements from every runner that had previously navigated the course in past seasons. The only two Tiger players not reaching qualifying times were a pair of novice runners stepping foot on Magazine’s 1.5 mile route for the first time in their careers.

MHS freshman Joey Williams blistered the shorter distance in the fastest time of any Tiger. An All-Conference runner the past two seasons, Williams was second overall in the junior boys race.

Williams won the 2A-4 district title along the same course in 2021. Although not the individual champion this time out, the rising star did set a personal course record along the familiar grounds in a time of 8:35. Only Jakrys Munoz of DeQueen ran a better time (8:28) for the junior high boys race.

“Joey has been working at a level three clip in practice,” stated Mackey. “That means he’s basically putting in the mileage of a high school senior. So far, his efforts are starting to pan out.”

Mansfield’s junior boys ran the table on medal rewards. All six entries on the Tiger team placed inside the top 20 with many running times similar to the top 20 in the senior high race.

MHS junior girls send all seventh graders to compete at the large Elkins Invitational 2-mile run.

For their collective efforts the Tiger cubs cobbled together a second place team score. Only DeQueen did better, pushing past Mansfield 40 to 44 in the team standings.

Gunner Williams (8th), Jonah Martin (9th), Hunter Whittaker, and Braxton Bartlett (18th) joined their team lead runner as the scoring five. Joseph Carter (19th) offered a blocker position to secure the runner-up plaque for the group.

Sisters Laney Wood and Jadelynn Wood gave the Mansfield senior girls their best boost in secring another runner-up team trophy for distance squad.

Laney Wood claimed fourth place overall in a time of 10:46. Jadelynn Wood came across one place behind that in 11:02.

Raine Hecox (11th), Ashley Martin (16th), and Addison Bowman (17th) joined the sister act for the team rankings. Altogether the senior girls scoring five finished with 31 points. That was only one point away from Waldron’s first place mark in the women’s division.

Sophomore Austin Ruiz scored a sixth place medal for the Mansfield men. As the only Tiger runner in that division, Ruiz’s well placed effort of 8:44 could not qualify for any type of team award. He competed as an individual instead of a five person squad.

Expectations Run High for Mansfield Jr Boys

Sports

Tammy Teague

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11:47 am

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Expectations Run High for Mansfield Jr Boys

Four of the Mansfield junior boys are in their third season together as a cross country team. Seasoned at an early age, the experienced distance racers are starting to see positive results. This past week the crew enjoyed a pair of runner-up team plaques at two different races.

Fresh off their second place team total in Magazine on Tuesday, the young Tigers did it again in an even larger meet in Elkins on Saturday, September 10.

“Elkins hosted one of the largest meets in the area,” stated Mansfield coach John Mackey. “Our players were not intimidated by the sight of over 200 runners in the race. These freshmen have been battling since the seventh grade. Their experience is starting to pay off.”

Mansfield’s junior boys cobbled together their second trophy run of the week in the very large 1A-3A divisional race in Elkins. The squad was supposed to run at Ben Geren Park in Ft. Smith but that race was canceled due to the unexpected death of Southside High School cross country coach Aaron Kareus.

“We didn’t want to lose a meet,” expressed the coach. “We completely understood the circumstances that canceled the meet in Ft. Smith. When that tragic news broke, we tried to keep some semblance of normalcy and looked for another opportunity to race. Elkins, although two hours away, was very accomodating.”

Mansfield’s young guns were led by ninth grader Joey Williams. The team’s number one ranked runner for the last two seasons finished in second place for the two mile course in 13:02.77. His compadres added to the mix helping accumulate 82 points in a 10 team setup.

Because of the large number of scoring squads, points were at a premium. West Fork took the winner’s trophy with 42 points. St. Joseph crossed in third at 102 points.

Jonah Martin, Braxton Bartlett, and Joseph Carter were the other three freshmen running for the Tiger’s junior team. All are in their third season having established league credentials from past seasons.

At Elkins, Martin (18th) and Bartlett (45th) finished in the squad’s scoring five. Carter (46th) maintained a blocker’s position for the second consecutive meet.

Eighth grader Gunner Williams medaled with a sixth place small school finish. His time was 14:08.62. Seventh grader Hunter Whittaker climbed to 25th with his first two mile mark in 15:15.82.

Mansfield’s Trinity Triska was the only other Tiger athlete to secure a medal at the Elks Invitational. The sophomore All-Star completed the season’s first 5K race in 23:59.58 for 8th place in the senior girls division.

Teammates Addie Bowman and Ashley Martin crossed in 23rd and 26th place for the MHS women.

The trio did not qualify as a team as the squad was reduced due to the venue change.

Abby Smith, a seventh grader competing in her first meet, ran well for the Lady Tiger junior girls. The diminutive runner started fast, helping push the pace of the top competitors. Her unfamiliarity with the longer two mile race brought her back in the pack leaving her outside the top 15 at 27th position.

“Abby has a lot of talent for this sport,” expressed Mackey. “She has the build and the desire to be good. The more running reps she gets you’ll see that time shrink and the rewards increase.”

Smith was not alone in her debut race. Classmates Adeline Bray, Miley Clopton, and Bailey Quick also toed the line for their first cross country race.

“These girls have a lot of pride and a desire to compete,” continued the coach. “I’m proud of how they took on the challenge of such a big race. There were 184 runners in their heat alone.”

Lilly Young, another Mansfield seventh grader who was in her third race of the season, joined the debut racers.

Together the MHS junior girls had their first chance to score as a team this season. They finished ninth overall.

What stood out was the fact that Smith and Bray finished as the second and fourth fastest runners among 1A-4 conference opponents in attendance.

Waldron FFA Says “Goodbye to Summer!”

Featured

Tammy Teague

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4:08 am

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Contributed by Laura Kitchens

Over the 2022 summer your local FFA chapter was up to a lot! We had a sweetcorn fundraiser, where we supplied fresh picked Webbers Falls’ sweetcorn to our community for the Independence Day Weekend. It was a HIT and we intend to make it a yearly event! Alll of our livestock show kids worked with their show animals in preparation for fair season. On July 9th, Mr. Scoots Hames from Tuttle, OK, came to our ag barn and did a showpig workshop. 15 kids attended the workshop, and we would like to think: Waldron Farmers Co-Op, Poteau Farmers Co-Op, and The Cattlett Brothers feed store for their outstanding support in this event.

Now that school has started back, FFA members have started working in the barn to make sure that all the animals are going to be all prepared for shows. We had a very successful day on August 26th, with the Calloways coming and trimming cattle hooves to get us all set for the show ring! We are excited for this school year and ready to see what all we can accomplish!

Home Sweet GHS – 2022 Football Homecoming

Sports

Tammy Teague

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12:08 am

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Home Sweet GHS – 2022 Football Homecoming

Greenwood High School’s 2022 Football Homecoming will be celebrated Friday, September 23. The homecoming ceremony will take place prior to the game at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Sophomore Maid
Zoe Caldwell, daughter of Ty and Zach Caldwell

Escorted by Logan Taylor, son of Laura and Christopher Taylor

Sophomore Maid
Liddie-Ann Adams, daughter of Nikki and Stewart Adams

Escorted by Hayden Webb, son of Amanda and Lee Webb

Junior Maid
Brielle Burnett, daughter of Liz and Ross Burnett

Escorted by Storm Scherrey, son of Mitzi and Josh Scherrey and Cooper Young, son of Kelly and Chris Young

Junior Maid
Claire Roberts, daughter of Liz and Gabe Roberts

Escorted by Javon Williamson, son of Mary Adams and Josiah Spicer, son of Candace and Johnny Spicer

Senior Maid
Ireland Cooper, daughter of Danae and Chris Warnock

Escorted by Jake Glover, son of Jennifer Nesbit and Grant Glover and Brett Wood, son of Audra and Tommy Wood

Senior Maid of Honor
Grace Aishman, daughter of kKristin and Robert Malenshek and Bri and JD Aishman

Escorted by Tanner McKusker, son of Brandie and Johnny McKusker and Steven Duran, son of Raquel and Darin Swearingen

Queen
Bailey Malenshek, daughter of Danielle Malenshek and Andrew Malenshek

Escorted by Evan Williams, son of Mandi and Justin Williams, Hunter Houston, son of Alison and Scott Houston, and Aiden Kennon, son of Sally and Terrence Wilson and Jeffrey Kennon

Photo credits: Kim Singer Photography

Hogs Defeat South Carolina 44-30 in SEC Opener

Resident News Network

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11:26 pm

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Hogs Defeat South Carolina 44-30 in SEC Opener

The Arkansas Razorbacks made it two in a row by defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks at Razorbacks Stadium by the score of 44-30. The game was a tale of two halves as the Hogs dominated the first half and misfired on both offense and defense to allow the Gamecocks back into the football game. But just as in Week One versus Cincinnati, Arkansas was able to overcome the mistakes and move on to secure the win. The victory over South Carolina improves Arkansas’s record to 2-0 overall, and 1-0 in Southeastern Conference play. Arkansas entered the game ranked number 16 nationally by some outlets, up three spots from their preseason ranking.

RNN Sports is pleased to share with you some comments and statistics from the game, courtesy of the University of Arkansas Office of Communications.

Raheim Sanders rush of 1 yard.TOUCHDOWN | 1Q | 6:42

Raheim Sanders rush of 11 yards.TOUCHDOWN | 2Q | 14:28

Rashod Dubinion rush of 1 yard.TOUCHDOWN | 2Q | 8:13KJ Jefferson rush of 2 yards.TOUCHDOWN | 4Q | 14:55

KJ Jefferson pass to Warren Thompson complete for 23 yards.TOUCHDOWN | 4Q | 12:09TOUCHDOWN | 4Q | 6:00

Arkansas has won consecutive SEC openers for first time since 2003 & 2004.

»RB Raheim Sanders recorded his third career multi-rushing TD game. Dating back to last season, Sanders has rushed for two TDs in three of the last four games.

»RB Raheim Sanders has rushed for 100+ yards in back-to-back games (117 in game 1 and 156 in game two). He’s the first Arkansas rusher to run for 100+ yards in back-to-back contests since RB Rakeem Boyd (2019).

»QB KJ Jefferson registered his fifth career game with at least one passing touchdown and at least one score on the ground.

»Jefferson completed 85.7 percent of his passes (18-of-21 passes) for 162 yards and one TD. His completion percent-age ranks second in school history (min of 20 att). The record is held by Ryan Mallett at .875 (21-of-24) vs Tennessee Tech in 2010. Jefferson and Mallett have combined for each of the top four single-game passing percentage marks.

»Since 2020, the Razorbacks have totaled 28 interceptions in 25 games – the most among all SEC teams in that span. »Arkansas scored on its first three possessions (TD, TD, TD). The last time Arkansas scored on its first three pos-sessions came in last season’s win against Texas A&M (FG, TD, TD). Last time Arkansas scored TDs on its first three possessions was 2019 vs Colorado State.

»Arkansas has scored 30+ points in 11 of QB KJ Jefferson’s 17 career starts: 48 at Missouri (2020), 38 vs. Rice (2021), 40 vs. Texas (2021), 45 vs. Georgia Southern (2021), 51 at Ole Miss (2021), 45 vs. UAPB (2021), 31 vs. Mississippi State (2021), 35 at Alabama (2021), 34 vs. Missouri (2021), 31 vs. Cincinnati (2022), TBD vs. South Carolina (2022).

»Dating back to the 2021 season, Arkansas has rushed for three or more touchdowns in three of the last four games.

»RB Raheim Sanders registered a career-long rush of 47 yards in the third quarter.

»RB Raheim Sanders became one of five Razorbacks who have rushed for 100+ yards with multiple scores in a game against South Carolina: : Madre Hill (1995 – 178 yards, 6 TD), Darren McFadden (2006 – 187 yards, 6 TD), Felix Jones (2007 – 166 yards, 3 TD), Knile Davis (2010 – 110 yards, 3 TD) and Raheim Sanders (2022).

»Four different Razorbacks rushed for a TD (Raheim Sanders, K.J. Jefferson, Rashod Dubinion and AJ Green). The last time Arkansas had three players rush for touchdowns was against Georgia Southern in 2021 (Telon Smith, Domi-nique Johnson and Malik Hornsby).

»The Razorbacks tallied their first five-rushing touchdown game since 2016 against Mississippi State.

»The Hogs have charted three straight games of 200+ rushing yards (295 vs USC) as a team and five-straight games of 400+ yards of total offense (457 vs USC).

»LB Drew Sanders logged career-highs in total tackles (11) and tackles for loss (3.0). Sanders’ 3.0 TFL are the most in a game by an Arkansas defender since Bumper Pool totaled 3.0 TFL against Texas A&M in 2020.

»Sanders added two forced fumbles to tie a school single-game record (based on available stats). 12 others have also forced two fumbles in a game since 2000 with the last being McTelvin Agim who did so in 2018 vs Colorado State and in 2017 vs Mississippi State. Overall, Arkansas forced five fumbles, tying for second-most in school history (dating back to 1998). The record is six forced fumbles vs Eastern Illinois in 2018.

»Arkansas recorded a safety with 1:33 left in the game. It was the Razorbacks’ first safety since 2015 vs Toledo

After the game, Arkansas head football coach, Sam Pittman said, “A lot of respect for South Carolina, their program and Coach Beamer. They play the game like it’s supposed to be played. I was really proud of our offensive line. We asked them to control the game and I felt like they did at least until the last series of the first half. We were a little slippery on pass protection but I think the offensive line wore them down. We made a lot of big plays on defense; a lot of sacks, hurries, this that and the other. We gave up a lot. Three hands to the face and things like that. We certainly haven’t had that in practice but we had it out here today and we’ve got to clean that up as well. I thought the defense made some big plays and (Raheim) Rocket Sanders and the backs ran well. I thought we used our wideouts a little bit better today. We used all of them and each one of them contributed certainly in the blocking aspect but to the win as well. It feels really good to be 2-0 and 1-0 in the SEC. It’s a line of scrimmage game in this league. It depends on if you want to make it that or not. We do. We want to make it a line of scrimmage game. It feels good to be honest with you. I think everyone in the stadium felt good on the first three possessions. We didn’t make a 4th and 1 in the third or the fourth quarter down there but we made close fourth downs and third down and ones. There weren’t really any great, big plays out there. It was really just churning four and five yards out. It feels really, really good. We have a lot of work to do but I’m really pleased with where we are as a coaching staff and as a team.”

When asked about the crowd and the early 11 a.m. kickoff time, Coach Pittman commented,

“I thought there were a lot of people here. It seemed like it. I love the student section. They here have a lot of fun. I think they pretty much sold out that area of the stadium both weeks. It’s a lot of fun for the kids to come, especially when we are winning. I have no idea what an 11 a.m. party would look like, but I hope they had a good time.”

Commenting on KJ Jefferson’s performance:“I thought he played better today than he did last week. I thought he was more accurate today. I thought he ran the ball well both times, but I thought he was more accurate and in total control. When it was third-and-two on the goal line, I told him… if we don’t make it here, I’m taking a field goal to go up eight. I was challenging him, but KJ looked up at me and said, ‘don’t worry about it, call the extra point team on.’ And he did. He can pretty much take over the game when he wants to. He ran the ball 19 times today and took a lot of big hits.

Quarterback K J Jefferson added, “Football is a physical sport. Playing the QB position, you’re gonna get hit whether you got the ball or not. You gotta have a dog mentality and then go in and get treated. Recovery is real big on my part, just making sure that I’m feeling 100%.”

On starting 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in SEC play, Jefferson said, “It’s real big, Coach Pittman put an emphasis on starting off SEC play. We knew it was gonna be a long, physical game. We just wanted to come out and be the more physical and dominant team and then just show the state that this program is still on the rise.”

Dalton Wagner shared that Coach Pittman put the responsibility of the game on the offensive line. “Absolutely, Coach Pittman pretty much called out the O-Line and said, ‘The game is on our backs. The game will be won in the trenches by us.’ O-Line took it really personally this week to make sure we could run the ball… Protection still has to get better still to make sure KJ’s comfortable back there throwing. I think for the run game, couldn’t have asked for a better game.”When you have a QB making runs like KJ and Jadon threw a guy down, is there a physicality that permeates throughout the whole team. Coach Pittman emphasizes it, we go pads 3 times a week. 3 days a week we’re getting after it and hitting each other and he emphasizes physicality. You got a runner like KJ who can throw a shoulder in there and you got the O-Line pushing a pile trying to knock it over and KJ’s still running after we knock the pile over, it’s just physicality. We love it, he loves it, and I think the whole state loves it.”

Yes, the whole state does love it, and the crowds at Razorbacks Stadium are a reflection of the success and enthusiasm the program has brought to the state of Arkansas. And now, the Hogs will return to non-conference play next week when they welcome former Arkansas head football coach Bobby Petrino back when he and the Missouri State Bears visit Razorbacks Stadium. It will be Petrino’s first appearance at Razorbacks Stadium since his firing in April of 2012. His dismissal sent the Arkansas football program into a tail spin that some have argued that it set the program back nearly ten years. Kickoff next Saturday is slated for 6 p.m.

Note to Our Readers: This story was sourced directly from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Mike Cawood, Associate Communications Director.

Over Twenty Years Later, A Nation Vows to Never Forget

Resident News Network

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6:31 pm

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Over Twenty Years Later, A Nation Vows to Never Forget

Each of the past three years that I have had the privilege to write this story, each time I have found myself becoming increasingly emotional from an event that I thought I had compartmentalized in my mind several years ago. But the events of September 11, 2001 are so compelling, it is simply not something you can put in the back of your mind and try to forget. In fact, we shouldn’t forget. For so many reasons, we must never forget.

The documented facts of this terrible day have been repeated each year in television documentaries, the news, and throughout online and social media. Terrorists attacked the U.S. cities of New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pensylvania. People died on this day; thousands of people. And for the first time since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the United States was under attack on its own soil. But the first attack on the U.S. mainland was unique; it was not a formal military attack by a foreign nation, but an attack of terrorist who hated us and wanted to inflict as much damage, death, and destruction that they could in the most unspeakable way. Civilian jet airliners were hijacked and flown kamikaze style into buildings killing hundreds, if not thousands at one time.

As a retired educator, my perspective is through the eyes of the scores of young people who have been students in schools that I have overseen throughout my career. Twenty-one years after the attack means that no K-12 student was alive when the attacks occurred, and now, we are just one to two years removed from college students having grown up in a post 9/11 world and not knowing what life was like before the attacks. So much has changed in reaction to the attacks, and younger people today have no frame of reference to know the world any differently.

But, out of the ashes of death and destruction, one positive thing may have came out of this terrible day. As a nation, we seem to have greater respect and appreciation for our service men and women, as well as emergency personnel and first responders. For those of us who remember September 11, we remember, among other things, the repeated images on television showing firemen, police, and paramedics going into the dangerous areas when all others were fleeing away as fast as they could move. And that is the premise for this story. In this writer’s opinion, 9/11 has become not only a day of remembrance of those who died, but a reminder of how much we owe our emergency personnel for protecting us and being there when we need them the most.

Throughout the Paris community, like most rural communities, are tributes to our fallen service men and women. There are signs of patriotism, a loyalty to our nation that is not lost in small town America.

But there is also a local connection to the paramedics and emergency personnel who responded in New York City, Washington, DC, and in Shanksville on that dark September day. Our local emergency medical technicians, fire and rescue, police, and county Sheriff’s Office. All, I would dare say, are not fully appreciated, until we are in a time of dire need.

There are pictures of New York City firemen, for example, who were photographed that day on the highway moving toward the World Trade Center complex, and according to reports, none of the firemen on the truck survived the response and the subsequent collapse of the towers. And on a local level, we honor our emergency responders who today, throughout Logan County, don’t always know what they are walking into when the respond to a call.

Mr. James Green is the director of EMS services in Logan County, and last week I had the opportunity to visit with him regarding county EMS services and how the events of September 11 have affected his industry. “Since the events of 9/11, there has been a lot more training involved to be prepared for situations such as 9/11.” I asked Mr. Green if he thought people had forgotten about 9/11, and he said, “I believe we will never forget about it.”

James Green, Director of EMS Services, Logan County (RNN Photo / Jim Best)

And I believe Mr. Green is right. Of course, we all get caught up in the events of our daily lives, but the simple fact is, we can never forget the horror, the despair, and the near-panic that we all felt on the day of the attacks. We all remember where we were and what we were doing; in a very similar way that our families may recall what they were doing on the day that President Kennedy was assassinated.

Since that day, the number of people looking to become paramedics has decreased, according to Mr. Green. When I asked why he thought this was the case, he said, “A lot of it is the pay. There are related fields that pay more.”

Covering Logan County on a daily basis are approximately six trained persons on a total of three trucks. If one is taken out of service to transport a patient, say, to a hospital, that leaves fewer people to respond. And when those highly trained individuals respond to a call, they never know potentially what type or how dangerous of a situation they may be responding to, such as someone who pulls a gun on a crew. It is a dangerous job, and although the Logan County crews may not be responding to something as dramatic as the collapse of the World Trade Center, their job is very dangerous and is an act of bravery by everyone who serves.

A very wise person once quoted that all news is local, and even though the news of the 9/11 attacks on the east coast were far away and a long time ago, their effects resonate locally. Airport security standards, emergency personnel training, insurance rates and coverages, all have experienced reactions from the terrorists attacks that day.

So, this Friday night, if you are at a high school football game, without doubt, the home school will likely present some sort of 9/11 tribute and remembrance. When they do, please take a moment to vow that you too will never forget. Never forget that terrible day, and never forget the brave people both then and now who responded and continue to respond for the safety and welfare of us all.

And finally, we should never forget how blessed we are to live in this great nation. The day that saw us in a rare moment of unity, regardless of politics, united for just one cause…the protection of our great land.

Our great nation…we vow to never forget.

Bulldogs Shut Out Bombers

Networks

Ross Fujibayashi

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3:43 pm

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Greenwood’s Defense rises to the occasion to hold out the Bombers 49-0

Junior Riley White *Photo by Ross Fujibayashi*

For the last two weeks Greenwood’s defense has had to face two extremely potent offenses on the ground and through the air. This week the Bulldogs stood tall on the home field and held the Bombers offense to 138 total yards of offense. They only allowed 100 on the ground and just 38 passing yards. The biggest part of that coming off of five turnovers, 3 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. “That’s awesome, we were minus 7 and we’ve never been minus 7 the first two games. Coach Gill and those guys did a good job catching us back up. Hopefully we can get back in the positive numbers next week.” said Head Coach Chris Young

Mountain Home would take the opening kickoff and stall electing to punt. Bulldogs would drive down the field with Senior Running Back Javon Williamson finding a hole in the defense and scoring the touchdown. The Bombers next drive would be stopped by a Josh Allen interception. Seven plays later, Hunter Houston would find Javon Williamson who would take it in for the Greenwood touchdown. Sebastian County Farm Bureau Player of the Week, Steven Duran’s kick would be good pushing the score to 14-0.

Senior Javon Williamson *Photo by Ross Fujibayashi*

Mountain Home’s next possession would and in a Landon Nelms interception that he would take into the end zone. A penalty would negate the touchdown. Greenwood would still find the end zone on a Hunter Houston toss to Grant Karnes. The First Quarter would end Greenwood 21 Mountain Home 0.

Mountain Home would punt pinning Greenwood deep in their own territory on the 10 yard line. Houston would pass to classmate Aiden Kennon for the touchdown, extra point was good pushing the lead to 28. Mountain Home would have their drive once again stopped by a turnover with Riley White picking one of two fumble recoveries. Coach Young said postgame about the Junior, “Riley’s a great kid. He plays with a high motor and he’s moving around. He’s just getting better with every game.”

Javon Williamson would get the call from 1 yard out to get his 3rd score of the night. Another drive another Bomber turnover as Riley White would get his second fumble recovery. Greenwood would get the ball on the 15 and two plays later Freshmen QB Kane Archer would call his own number and run it in for the touchdown. Mountain Home would drive down and try to punch it in before the end of the half but come up short on 4th down. Bulldogs with the lead, 42-0 at halftime.

With both teams first drives ending in punts, Greenwood’s 2nd drive would be highlighted by a one-handed catch by Grant Karnes and Kane Archer connecting with Sophomore Isaiah Arrington for the 2nd half’s only touchdown.

Senior Tanner McKusker *Photo by Ross Fujibayashi*

Mountain Home would start the 4th quarter once again driving into Greenwood territory but a Caden Nelms, Cousin to Landon Nelms, interception would stop the Bombers hopes of putting points on the board. On Mountain Homes last play they would throw deep with Freshman Jacob Cruz and Sophomore Kaylor Jasna in coverage. Cruz would drop the would be interception ending the game.

“We got a little better this week. Still frustrated by mistakes we made tonight, obviously we can’t have those silly penalties. That’s not us, we (have) got to be smarter than that. Those will come back and get you in a big ball game.” Coach Young went on to say “It was a good win. Defense played with a lot of confidence, getting the shut out was big for those guys after the last two weeks. Proud of them. We just have to continue to get better. We got the opportunity if we continue to get better each to have a chance, that’s our goal.”

Greenwood moves to 2-1 and 1-0 in conference. Next week the Bulldogs face the Panthers of Siloam Springs at Panther Stadium in Siloam Springs. Live Stream provided by Greenwood Dog Pound and Greenwood Sports Center on YouTube.

Eagles Show Significant Improvement in Road Loss at West Fork

Resident News Network

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4:09 am

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Eagles Show Significant Improvement in Road Loss at West Fork

The Paris football program is a proud program with a proud past of alumni who have played for the Eagles over many years. The pride in the program transcends every player on the current roster. Most recently, the Eagles football program has won 23 games over the two previous seasons, and this year’s rebuild of the program has had three painful weeks.

For the third week in a row, the young Eagles have played deep and experienced teams. In zero week, the turnover bug took the Eagles out of their opener at Waldron. In week one, the Eagles ran into a deep and experienced Mansfield team that will likely make the playoffs in their conference this year. Tonight, Paris traveled to West Fork, and, again, ran into a experienced Tigers roster.

But from this writer’s perspective, tonight’s game was a big step forward for the Eagles. Make no mistake, this is a program that does not believe in moral victories. The Eagles take no consolation in losing at West Fork 13-0. But, in the evaluation of the effort, the progress, and the coaching staff who is trying everything they can do to facilitate the Eagles development and competitiveness, tonight was definitely a step forward.

The game started with West Fork, behind their big and physical offensive line, marching down the field methodically and eventually into the end zone. The Tigers scored again in the second quarter, but missed a point after touchdown attempt, and the teams went into the locker room with West Fork leading, 13-0.

But the Eagles are showing their fans that there is no quit in this team. They are struggling, but, they play hard on every down for the entire game. Paris was able to shut out West Fork in the second half, and offensively, the Eagles had a couple of scoring opportunities on possessions inside the West Fork thirty yard line but were unable to sustain drives and turn them into points. The game ended with West Fork getting a 13-0 home win.

Paris continues to improve, and that is a credit to the character of the players, as well as the hard work of the coaching staff. Paris head coach Jeff Weaver has plenty this week that is positive to share with his players and to use in continuing to teach and improve as a team. There will be opportunities down the schedule for Paris to win some conference games, and, possibly qualify for the playoffs. That would be a huge accomplishment for this team, and Paris fans need to continue to show up big and support this young team. And speaking of showing up big, the Paris fan base can be very proud of the good crowd that made the trip on Friday night to Northwest Arkansas to support their Eagles! Great job Paris fans!

Paris will have a bye week next week that will give the team a chance to rest, heal from the nicks they may have from the first three games, and to work on fixing issues that continue to be a challenge for the team. Tonight I saw a Paris team that gave up a size advantage to West Fork, but played hard and matched the Tigers’ physicality for the most part. You cannot doubt the heart of the Paris Eagles.

Paris will return home on September 23 to open conference play with Glen Rose. RNN Sports will be in Charleston next week for our feature coverage of the Charleston Tigers and the Nashville Scrappers.

Photos from tonight’s game will be posted on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports on Sunday night. Stay with RNN Sports for the best in Paris Eagles football coverage!

JR Tigers Run Bulldogs Ragged

Adam Hecox

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2:12 am

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The Mansfield JR Tigers usually don’t care much about how they look, but their on-field style has been high-class lately. Mansfield was walking fancy with snakeskin boots after their beating Magazine in their first game. Unfortunately, the Tigers were short-changed getting a feather in their hat last week when their game against the Paris Eagles got canceled due to weather. So the 1-0 Tigers took to the road and headed to Waldron on Thursday, September 8th to see if they could fetch a fancy collar from the Bulldogs.

The JR Tigers planning their next offensive move.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox

Mansfield received the opening kickoff and proceeded to march down the field on Waldron. The Tigers opted to go with their typical ground-and-pound rushing attack with Ethan Martin, Dawson Robinson, and Zander Walters to take command of the field early. The trio gashed and bashed Waldron’s defense driving the ball down to the five-yard line in just seven plays. Mansfield had the pedal to the floor but ran out of gas and ended up turning the ball over to Waldron after failing to capitalize on 4^th down. Waldron was able to get a few solid plays off but the Tigers held strong until the end of the first quarter leaving the game knotted up with the scoreboard sitting at 0-0.

Running back, Dawson Robinson, throws down a would-be Waldron tackler.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox

Waldron kept the ball as the second quarter started and the Tigers defense quickly latched on to the Bulldogs. Head Coach, Tim Cothran, released the chains on his linebackers as Dawson Robinson, Ethan Martin, Zander Walters, and Alex Hecox took turns blitzing Waldron’s backfield forcing the Bulldogs to run for their lives. The chaos Mansfield’s linebackers created caused Waldron to make mental mistakes which resulted in penalty flags hitting the turf against the Bulldogs. Mansfield was able to get the ball back on offense and showed Waldron that they’re not just a one-trick Tiger. Using the talented running back trio in their opening drive opened up the opportunity for Mansfield’s passing game to take off on the second drive downfield.

Running back, Zander Walters, being helped by linemen Levi Langford (#64) and Logan Ore (#72).
Photo Courtesy of Raine Hecox

Quarterback, Cooper Edwards, was still handing the ball off to his running backs but would now and then sling passes to Ethan Martin, Matthew Burton, and receiver Joseph Carter to keep the Bulldogs defense honest. The now honest Bulldogs were soon after caught off guard when Cooper Edwards lied with a fake handoff and found Joseph Carter for a big 33-yard pass completion. The completion set up Zander Walters for a five-yard dive into the end zone for a Tiger Touchdown. Matthew Burton would catch a quick pass from Cooper Edwards in the corner of the end zone for the two-point conversion to put Mansfield up 8-0. The Bulldogs would try to even things up before the half, but the Tigers linebacker corps along with defensive ends Braxton Bartlett and Matthew Burton put an end to their attempt as the half closed with Mansfield leading 8-0.

Ethan Martin (#24) reaches for a pass right before scoring on Waldron.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox

The Tigers started the second half with the same intensity as they ended the first half. Even though Waldron started the half with the ball, Mansfield’s defense forced a quick three and out on the Bulldogs offense. Just like clockwork, the Tigers were back at their rushing attack as momentum rolled up as well as the Tigers running backs ran downfield. Mansfield capitalized on the rushing games momentum as Cooper Edwards zipped a perfect pass to a wide-open Ethan Martin for a 34-yard Tiger touchdown. Edwards would again find Martin open for a pass as the Tigers tacked on the two-point conversion stretching the score to 16-0 in Mansfield’s favor.

Logan Newman (#16) breaks down to put a Waldron runner on the turf.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox

Mansfield kept their ears pinned back on the ensuing kickoff as Dalton Knowles and Zander Walters forced a fumble on the Bulldogs return with Dawson Robinson recovering the ball for the Tigers. With a 16-0 lead, Mansfield was content with playing it safe and continued to run the ball while running the clock out at the same time. While the Tigers running backs were getting the glory, the offensive line was owning the trenches. Linemen Cadien Ore, Logan Ore, James Bausley, Levi Langford, and Weston Harrison plowed over Waldron’s defense all night and didn’t let up in the fourth quarter. Proof of that came when James Baulsey locked up with a Bulldog defensive lineman and drove him 15 yards backward before pancaking the defender. A few snaps later the Tigers lined up in victory formation and downed the ball to end the game with a 16-0 win over Waldron.

Zander Walters (#6) aims for a touchdown as he rounds the corner.
Photo courtesy of Raine Hecox

The win gives Mansfield’s JR High a 2-0 record and bragging rights over Scott County for 2022. That being said, the town of Mansfield sits in two different counties. There’ll be no rest for the Tigers as they’ll roll into Hackett next week to vie for the Sebastian County crown. The Tigers vs Hornets matchup will not only be for bragging rights between rivals, but it’ll also be the first 3A-1 conference game of the season for both programs.

The Forging Place – As Iron Sharpens Iron

Tammy Teague

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10:46 pm

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The Forging Place – As Iron Sharpens Iron

Change…it’s rarely easy. Of course, anything worthwhile never is. When it comes to mental health, however, change can be an ongoing course for all of us as we strive to be better, healthier human beings.

The Forging Place has made it a mission to assist its clients in this journey. This diverse team of licensed specialists serve the greater Fort Smith area, Van Buren, Greenwood and Mena. “We offer both marital counseling and behavioral therapy – helping our clients to receive healing treatment in a trustworthy environment.” – The Forging Place website

Originating in 2013 in Van Buren, The Forging Place would eventually expand its coverage. The clinic offers services including marriage counseling, behavioral issues in children and teens, grief, anxiety, trauma, substance dependency, PTSD, and counseling for police and first responders.

Haley Bryant, LPC, LMFT, is the Clinical Director. “The name ‘The Forging Place’ is based on the scripture Proverbs 27:17,” shared Bryant. “Therapy is hard work, and as they work through the program it’s like a new creation is formed.”

This month, The Forging Place held its open house at its new location in Greenwood on 511 W. Denver Street.

“The vision is to have a place for anyone who needs help to come, regardless of their financial abilities,” continued Bryant. “If money is an issue, don’t want to turn anyone away.” With that in mind, The Forging Place has utilized an internship program.

The three locations boast 12 therapists, each with their own area of specialty. The main office is located at 1304 Cherry St., Van Buren, AR 72956. For more information you can contact The Forging Place: Fort Smith, Van Buren Individual and Relationship Counseling:

Tel: (479) 310-9096
Business Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

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