Before we move on to this weekend’s SEC opener for the Hogs with South Carolina, we will put the Cincinnati win in our rear view mirror with these final facts from the game as provided by the University of Arkansas:
Arkansas registered its 27th INT since the start of 2020 (24 games). It ties with Alabama for most in the SEC in that span.
»CB Dwight McGlothern recorded his second career interception in the first quarter, returning it for 51 yards to the CIN29.
»McGlothern’s 51-yard INT return is the longest by a Razorback since Greg Brooks Jr., had a 69-yard return at Miss State on Oct. 3, 2020. It is the 14th 50-plus yard interception return since 1997.
»LB Bumper Pool logged his 18th career game with double-digit tackles.
»S Simeon Blair tallied a career-high seven tackles.
»TE Trey Knox recorded a career high two receiving touchdowns, hauling in passes of five and 32 yards. Knox entered the game with four career touchdown receptions (three as a freshman and one as a junior).
»Saturday’s attendance (74, 751) is the largest season-opening crowd since the 2006 opener against USC (76,564). Additionally, Saturday’s crowd is the seventh-largest in DWWRS history.
»DL Jordan Domineck charted his seventh career forced fumble and first as a Hog in the fourth quarter.
»QB KJ Jefferson tallied his eighth career game with multiple passing touchdowns after finishing with three.
»Arkanas shut out an opponent in the first half for the first time Oct. 23, 2021, against UAPB at War Memorial Stadium.
»Jefferson recorded his third career game with at least one rushing touchdown and at least two passing touch-downs.
»Jefferson charted his sixth career game with three-plus passing touchdowns.
»RB Raheim Sanders eclipsed the 100-yard mark on the ground for the second time in his career. The last time Sanders had 100 or more on the ground was versus Ole Miss on Oct. 9, 2021.
»Arkansas has scored 30+ points in 10 of QB KJ Jefferson’s 16 career starts to date: 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. Mis-sissippi State (2021), 35 at Alabama (2021), 34 vs. Missouri (2021), 31 vs. Cincinnati (2022)
The Razorbacks will be home again this weekend, September 10, when they host South Carolina. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. The game will be televised by ESPN. Watch for a recap of this game in RNN Sports next week on our online platform at residentnewsnetwork.com. Readers may access this story free of charge.
Note to Our Readers: This story was sourced from the University of Arkansas Office of Communications, Mike Cawood, Associate Director of Communications.
Note to Our Readers: The following story was written following the Arkansas Razorbacks’ opening season victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats on September 3, 2022, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorbacks Stadium. RNN Sports would like to thank our newest addition to our sports photojournalism staff, Mr. James Shelly of Lavaca. Mr. Shelly was on the sidelines that day to bring you the game day photos from the field. Finally, RNN Sports would like to acknowledge and thank Amanda Brooks of ESPN Images for her assisting in securing some of the photos for this story.
We hope you enjoy this story that can also give fans some tips on how to make the best of their game day experience at Razorbacks Stadium!
If you have not been to Fayetteville recently for a Razorbacks football game, life has changed a little in the past few years. In fact, in 2019, I had the fortune of being on the sideline to photograph the Razorbacks vs. Western Kentucky that happened to be the last game of the Chad Morris era as the Hogs’ head coach. On that day, it looked like Razorbacks Stadium was preparing for the COVID era that was months away. There were not many fans in the stands that day, and the atmosphere was bleak. But since the arrival of new coach Sam Pittman and the easing of COVID restrictions, DWR Razorbacks Stadium is rocking on game day and could be argued as one of the loudest and most intimidating road atmospheres for visiting teams.
So, when RNN Sports decided to do this story, we wanted to center it on the fans’ perspective; a primer on the pageantry of the experience, as well as, perhaps, some tips on how to maximize your game day experience at the stadium.
RNN Sports did a photographic essay of the Razorbacks’ game with Cincinnati on September 3, 2022. RNN Sports had a photographer on the field and myself in the stadium. Combined, RNN Sports was able to bring our fans the total effect of the stadium atmosphere from the field level to the stadium seats. And on this highly-anticipated opening day of the 2022 season, the Hogs were hosting a team that was a national semi-finalist in the 2021 college football playoffs. The game would be an early measure of how far the Razorbacks football program has come with respect to returning to a nationally-competitive level.
Kickoff time for this game was scheduled for 2:30 p.m. The game was nationally televised on ESPN, and the SEC Network was on campus to present the game as its prime time game of the week. The ESPN SEC Network production crew was on campus on Friday morning to set up for its Friday afternoon television shows. Due to the weather conditions in Fayetteville that threatened rain, the crew errected stage sets both outdoors and indoors to have the ability to react to possible rain during filming of the shows. On Friday morning, the Razorbacks Communication Office forwarded an email from the ESPN production crew stating, “We want to make everyone aware where we’ll be set up for media availability today. There will be an outdoor location and an indoor contingency location in case its pouring. If it is sprinkling, we’ll still do it (record the show) outside.” The outside location of the show was just outside Gearhart Hall near the parking location of the SEC Nation bus, and the indoor backup location was inside Gearhart Hall in room 38. Local media was not allowed at the event, but ESPN had their own photographers present, and they shard their photos with RNN Sports. RNN Sports would like to thank Amanda Brooks of ESPN for sharing the images below.
The set of the ESPN show SEC Nation live from the campus of the University of Arkansas (Image Special to RNN Sports by ESPN Images / Gunnar Rathbun)
RNN Special / ESPN ImagesRNN Special / ESPN ImagesRNN Special / ESPN Images
The rain cleared on Friday night in Fayetteville, and the game day weather for Saturday was more fall-like than late summer that has normally brought high temperatures for the first few games of the year. It was a beautiful day in Fayetteville to kickoff the season against a Top 25 team, and thousands of Razorbacks fans made the annual pilgrimage to Fayetteville to call the hogs!
With the expansion of Razorbacks Stadium to just over 72,000 seats, parking has become a premium for fans. In previous years, it was no problem to arrive two hours or just a little sooner before kickoff. Now, and especially on high-profile games such as last Saturday, fans should consider arriving up to three hours before kickoff to secure a parking place.
Perhaps the best parking deal available to fans is to park in the Baum-Walker (Hogs baseball stadium) parking lot. There is no charge to park there, and the University provides shuttle buses that will take you directly to the stadium and will return you to the parking lot after the game. This is a great service provided by air condition and heated Razorbacks Transit buses. But if you arrive inside of two hours before kickoff, you will likely find yourself scrambling for a parking spot, as my wife and I did on Saturday. And that parking spot may cost you anywhere from $15 – $50, depending on how close to the stadium you park. In fact, last year’s Texas game, the lot at Baum-Walker was full and closed two hours before kickoff.
Image Credit: UARK News
So to get to Fayetteville and to arrive in a timely manner to get a good parking spot, it requires planning. Many fans will try to incorporate a stop to eat a meal on the way to Fayetteville. After all, concessions are a little pricey at Razorbacks Stadium. Bottle water is just shy of $5 each, drinks can run as high as $7, and beer is $8.49 per bottle. And very importantly, fans should remember that cash is not accepted in the stadium concession stands and merchandising stores; it is credit or debit cards only at Razorbacks Stadium. In big news this year, the cola vendor for the stadium has switched from Pepsi to Coca-Cola. All Coca-Cola products are now on sale throughout the stadium.
RNN Sports Photo / Jim Best
Many fans prefer to eat prior to the game where restaurant prices may be less expensive. Timing is everything; expect long lines at restaurants as all fans are doing the same thing. One spot in particular, the Cracker Barrel in Alma, seems to be a popular way point along the way to the game; but fans should allow a good hour to get in and to eat. Fayetteville is approximately one hour from the Cracker Barrel, but traffic off of the interstate and into Baum-Walker can delay you another 30 minutes to even one hour once you exit the highway.
Fans should consider long wait times to be seated at local restaurants before kickoff time (RNN Sports Photo / Jim Best)
Once at the stadium, the staff is very organized and does a very good job of getting people through security, scanning electronic tickets, and into the stadium. Fans should remember that clear purses are required to enter the stadium, as well. Stadium metal detectors are in use, so it is no longer necessary to empty you pockets, etc., unless you are asked to do so. Once inside, fans can make use of free WiFi that is available throughout the stadium. And the Arkansas Razorbacks app is free to fans on the App Store and can provide stadium directions and other information directly to fans on game day.
RNN / Jim BestRNN / Jim BestRNN / Jim Best
The newly expanded and renovated north end zone portion of the stadium provides club seating as well as shops, the A Club (lettermans’ club) and other amenities for donors and fans. There are elevators to the upper deck as well as stairs for those who are brave to scale the mountain of stairs to the upper deck. If you take the elevator, you need to plan for additional time to wait in line for an elevator.
As mentioned before, beer is on sale, and there are beer concessions in both end zones as well as on both sides of the stadium. Identification is required, and, remember, it is debit or credit card only. It can be expensive if you choose to drink, two beers each for a couple is more than $34.
RNN / Jim BestRNN / Jim BestRNN / Jim Best
The pregame ceremony on the field begins approximately 25 minutes before kickoff. The Marching Razorback Band, cheerleaders, and pom squad are all featured during the ceremony. And the U of A Alma Mater, “Mother of Mothers”, is a must see experience. Known for being one of the most beautiful school alma maters ever written, the accompanying video along with lyrics from the song on both end zone video boards is truly inspiring and is emotional to me every time I experience it.
RNN / Jim BestRNN / Jim Best
All together, the pageantry of college football at the University of Arkansas is second to none. Our game day sideline photographer, James Shelly, captured some of those images Saturday during the Cincinnati game.
RNN Sports Photo / James Shelly
RNN / James ShellyRNN / James Shelly
And, of course, there is the game itself. The Cincinnati game lived up to its hype and was hotly contested for the entire game with the Razorbacks winning their home opener by the score of 31-24. The Hogs will play this Saturday again in Fayetteville when they host the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first SEC conference game of the 2022 season for both schools. In the photos below, our photographer, James Shelly, captured these great images of Razorbacks seniors K. J. Jefferson (1) and Bumper Pool (10) during the game.
RNN / James ShellyRNN / James Shelly
And based upon the crowd last week and the Hogs’ victory over a very good football team, I expect the stadium to be at or near capacity again this weekend. Perhaps the best unsolicited advice I can offer to our readers who plan to go to the game is to…ARRIVE EARLY…VERY EARLY. This weekend’s game with South Carolina will likely be a near sellout, and, another victory on Saturday sets up the return visit of former Hogs head football coach Bobby Petrino when he brings in Missouri State to DWR Razorbacks Stadium to play an emotional non-conference game with the Razorbacks.
So…Hogs fans…arrive early, and enjoy what looks like a great season ahead of Razorbacks football! And in doing so, enjoy one of the best game day experiences in college football!
RNN Sports Photo / James Shelly
RNN Sports thanks the following people and organizations that made this story possible:
Mr. James Shelly, RNN Sports sideline photographer
By John Lovett U of A System Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Muscadine Grape Workshop and Field Day will be on Sept. 19 at the Fruit Research Station in Clarksville.
The program will include updates on muscadine breeding research, grape tasting and a session about establishing a muscadine vineyard. The event will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Fruit Research Station, 1749 State Highway 818, in Clarksville.
“We look forward to hosting our grape industry at this event so they can interact and network while learning more about our muscadine fruit breeding and the status of the U.S. muscadine industry,” Renee Threlfall, research scientist of enology and viticulture for the Division of Agriculture, said.
Attendees will hear from a variety of experts about grape production, establishing a vineyard and vineyard, pest and disease management, and get a firsthand look at the Division of Agriculture’s muscadine grape breeding program with a field tour.
Registration is $20 a person and includes dinner. The deadline to register is Sept. 12. Participants can register using the online registration form.
Speakers and topics include:
Margaret Worthington, associate professor of horticulture, will give an update on the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station’s Muscadine Breeding Program
Mark Wessel, director of horticulture research for Gardens Alive! will give an update on seedless muscadine cultivars
Amanda McWhirt, fruit and vegetable research specialist for the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, will give a presentation on considerations in establishing a muscadine vineyard
Renee Threlfall, research scientist of enology and viticulture, will give a research update on Arkansas fresh-market and processing muscadines
Joseph Post, vice president of sales for Post Winery, will give a presentation on the past, present and future of the Arkansas muscadine industry
Greg Ison, co-owner of Ison’s Nursery and Vineyard in Brooks, Georgia, will give a presentation on commercial opportunities for muscadine production
The Division of Agriculture’s muscadine breeding program was established in 2006 by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station with a focus on improved consumer quality, disease resistance, and extending the marketing season. The program also seeks to broaden where the grapes are grown and marketed. The Experiment Station is the research arm of the Division of Agriculture.
For more information about the workshop, please contact Renee Threlfall by phone at (479) 575-4677 or email at rthrelf@uark.edu.
To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch and Instagram at @ArkAgResearch.
To learn about Extension Programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit https://uaex.uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AR_Extension.
To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on Twitter at @AgInArk.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Huntington Mayoral candidate Brenton Townsend released the following statement regarding his candidacy:
To the citizens of the City of Huntington: To those who do not know me, my name is Brenton Townsend. My wife Patience and I have been married since January 2015, and have lived here in Huntington since 2017. I am a native to this area, growing up in the Lucas community, attending Lucas Presbyterian Church with my Grandma Nell Hattabaugh, as well as attending Mansfield Schools.
I have always wanted to help others. In the early 2000’s I joined a volunteer fire department, Northwest Scott County. In the spring of 2008, I attended the Arkansas Fire Academy in Camden AR.
Last year, my wife and I started a free outdoor movie night at the building that we own in town. Earlier this year we established and began hosting a free vendor flea market. We have several locals who are volunteering their time.
My father-in-law is a small-town mayor. I think seeing things he’s changed made me start thinking of the things I could do for our small town. I’ve always loved this town and I’ve seen stores come and go over the past 20 years. I just want to better my town like I’ve tried to do as a citizen. I can do that and more as your mayor.
I think the streets and ditches need attention in our town. This needs to start with the west side of Highway 71, along with Broadway Street. I also think we need to make things better for our residents. We need someone to answer calls after hours for leaks.
For example, we had a busted pipe when we woke up early one cold winter day with no one to turn our water off. I want to make sure you always have a number to call, and if you have to, you can call my cell phone and I’ll go turn your water off.
I want to update our citizens online and not by mail. We need an online option for paying our water bill.
I love this area, and I want to fight to bring this small community together. Vote me, Brenton Townsend for Mayor 2023, and let us fight for you!
-Brenton Townsend, candidate for Mayor of the City of Huntington
On Friday, September 30, an appointed special prosecutor filed charges in Scott County against former Waldron Police Officer Omar Gonzalez and Scott County Sheriff Randy Shores.
Charges stem from an investigation into an incident involving the Waldron Police Department and a vehicle pursuit, which started in Huntington and ended in Scott County on February 16, 2022.
Gonzalez has been charged with three counts of third-degree battery, class A misdemeanors, and Shores with two counts of accomplice to battery in the third degree.
Emily White was appointed as a special prosecutor for the 15th Judicial District, which includes Scott County on Wednesday, June 29.
In Re Special Investigation Scott County Use of Force Incident 2/16/2022: Today, the State of Arkansas initiated criminal charges against former Waldron Police Officer, Omar Gonzalez and Scott County Sheriff Randy Shores, resulting from an incident in Scott County on February 16, 2022. Multiple local law enforcement agencies were involved in the incident, which lead to the ultimate detainment and arrest of Mr. Robert Deer. Mr. Deer sustained physical injury as a result of his interaction with law enforcement on this date. The probable cause affidavits and charging documents are filed of record with the Scott County Circuit Court. In addition to the filed documents, I am releasing body cam footage from Huntington Police Department and Mansfield Police Department. Both Gonzalez and Shores remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Beyond the parameters of this statement, the charging documents, and the videos, I will refrain from further comment as this case progresses through the court system. Continued appreciation to the Arkansas State Police for their diligent support during the remainder of this open criminal investigation. -Emily White, Special Prosecutor
Gonzalez turned himself in on Friday, and per Arkansas law, the Coroner, Dana Anderson, placed Shores under arrest. Both were released of their own recognizance after being booked.
Arkansas classifies third-degree battery as a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. The law treats the charge of an accomplice equally so that the accomplice can be prosecuted in the same manner as the actual perpetrator.
Waldron Police Chief Jeremy Hunt issued the following press release: On February 17th I was contacted by Wayne Robb of the Mansfield Police Department concerning body cam footage from an arrest the prior night. Robb advised that I would want to review the footage as he felt there were some concerns regarding use of force. The following morning I retrieved the video and reviewed it back at my office. After watching the video, I contacted Mark Johnson, who serves as both our City Attorney and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. I advised Mark of what I had seen on the video and concerns that I had, arrangements were then made to get him a copy of the video that day. The video was also given to Tom Tatum, who is the PA for the 15th Judicial District, who requested Agents with the Arkansas State Police do the investigation. That same day Sgt. Omar Gonzalez was placed on Administrative Leave pending the outcome of the investigation, as per Waldron Police Department Policy. On April 26th, I was notified by SA John Rhone that the case had been turned over to the Prosecutor’s Office, who then requested a Special Prosecutor be appointed. On May 2, 2022, Sgt. Omar Gonzalez resigned his position with the Waldron Police Department, that same day paperwork was sent to the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training to decertify Sgt. Gonzalez. On September 28th, I was notified of the outcome of the investigation and that charges were to be filed against Gonzalez. Since February, the Waldron Police Department has procured body cameras and tasers. We have instituted a mandatory camera policy and will also be retraining each officer in Response to Resistance Techniques, along with requiring refresher training each year on Use of Force. -Jeremy Hunt, Chief of Police Waldron Police Department
Robert Deer (photo courtesy of the office of the special prosecutor)
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office issued the following statement: On February 16th 2022 Deputies of our agency assisted with a pursuit that originated in Sebastian County. Sheriff Randy Shores also responded and assisted with that pursuit. In the days following the pursuit it was brought to our attention that inappropriate conduct may have taken place during the arrest of the suspect in that pursuit. We subsequently conducted an internal review of the actions taken by our personnel who participated in the response to that pursuit. We also cooperated fully with the independent investigation conducted by the Arkansas State Police. Our review determined that our Deputies conducted themselves within our policy and within Arkansas state law. We will not be making any statements regarding the actions of personnel of other agencies. Our Deputies behaved appropriately and within the scope of their duties. They were not yet present on scene when much of the incident took place and our review concluded that, partially due to that lack of context and partially due to the short time period during which the incident took place, they did not have a realistic opportunity to intervene. The prosecutor assigned to this incident has decided to charge Sheriff Shores with a misdemeanor as an accomplice to a 3rd Degree Battery charge that she has filed against a former Waldron Police Department Officer. It is our understanding that this charge has been filed simply because Sheriff Shores, as the head Law Enforcement Officer in the county, was present on scene at the end of the incident. He is not alleged to have taken any action that violated the law. Sheriff Shores has stated (and stated to the ASP CID Agents who investigated this incident) that he did not witness the actions that are the basis for the 3rd Degree Battery charge, and therefore was never in a position to intervene. On September 30th 2022 Sheriff Shores was presented with the appropriate documents regarding that misdemeanor and complied with all procedures required by law. For the brief time required to process those documents and procedures the Scott County Coroner, Dana Anderson, took responsibility for the operation of the Scott County Detention Center, as is required by Arkansas State law. We at the Scott County Sheriff’s Department are committed to conducting ourselves within the law, and within the Constitutions of the State of Arkansas and the United States of America. We believe in transparency, accountability, and duty. While we are disappointed in the decision made by this prosecuting attorney regarding Sheriff Shores, we remain dedicated to our system of justice, and trust in our court system as this issue is addressed. We will continue to work closely with the Arkansas State Police and the Waldron Police Department, and we will continue to serve the People of Scott County to the best of our abilities.
(Left) Omar Gonzalez (Right) Scott County Sheriff Randy Shores (photos courtesy of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office)
We will continue to follow this story and bring you more facts about this case as they are made known.
Saprina A. Yandell, 62 of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday, September 2, 2022 in Waldron with her family by her side. Saprina was born November 12, 1959 in Waldron, Arkansas to David Richard Edwards and Louanna (Millard) Smith.
She was a member of the Waldron First Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed crafting, working with flowers in her garden, consignment shopping and loved her dog Harley. Her grandbabies were her absolute joy and loved spoiling them as well as her nieces.
Saprina leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter Kayla Cottrell and husband Stanley of Waldron. two twin grandchildren who called her Nanny, Hayes Valton and Maeleigh Ann Cottrell; one brother Rick Edwards and wife Michelle of Chester, two nieces who called her Meme: Alishia Deramas and husband Waylon of Waldron and Abby Morgan and husband Cameron of Van Buren; two great nieces: Mckena Deramus and Bristol Morgan and a great nephew Garron Deramus. She loved her girls; Bethany Hughes, April Nelson and Mandy Brooks, her special cousin who she called her sister, Theresa Balcom of Russellville and her close friend Sheila Webster.
Saprina was preceded in death by her parents, Louanna (Millard) and Max Smith and father David Richard Edwards, two sisters, Sheila Riddle and Sarie Edwards and one nephew Payton Lee.
Saprina’s life celebration will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 5, 2022 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Wally Beckman officiating. Interment will follow at Birdsview Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Saprina’s pallbearers will be Waylon Deramus, Garron Deramus, Cameron Morgan, Sean Allen, Ethan Yandell and Omar Gonzalez. Honorary pallbearers: Hayes Valton Cottrell, Ryan Roper, Jake Waddle, Wes Nelson, Jeff Brooks, Danny Harrison, Robert Sanders and Duane Blackmon.
Saprina’s visitation will be on Sunday, September 4, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Former Mansfield cross country athlete Faith Rainwater (2nd from right) poses with her new UA Rich Mountain teammates before the start of the college opener.
Former Mansfield Lady Tigers laced up their running shoes in recent weeks to make their college debuts. In different uniforms for the first time since graduating high school last May, the core members of Mansfield’s most celebrated cross country team found mixed success in their college openers.
Former Lady Tiger Darby Jones (2nd row far left) is seen with the incoming freshmen cross country runners at Ouachita Baptist University.
Darby Jones, Katlynn Moore, Faith Rainwater, and Hope Rainwater found their way to next level long distance running via their remarkable high school careers. Now, the new college freshmen minus one have posted their first times as collegiate runners.
Faith Rainwater was the first of the four former Tigers to run a college race. The two-time high school All-State cross country runner did so on August 26 as a member of the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Bucks.
Katlynn Moore and Darby Jones, once Mansfield teammates, meet as opposing runners at their college debut for the season opener for both the University of the Ozarks and Ouachita Baptist.
Jones and Moore followed eight days later at the Bob Gravett Invitational albeit for different schools. Jones ran for the host school, Ouachita Baptist University, while Moore donned the colors of the University of the Ozarks.
Hope Rainwater was to join her twin sister Faith at the UARM home opener. The younger of the sisters by only a few hours was sidelined with a foot injury. She was unable to run at her first college meet.
Darby Jones, an All-State runner from the 2021 Mansfield Lady TIgers cross country team, turns toward the finish as a member of the OBU cross country team.
“These girls were the foundation for one of Mansfield’s most decorated cross country teams,” said Mansfield mentor John Mackey. “I’m really proud of them. It takes courage to step up to the challenge of college running. They gave us two big state runner-up trophies. They will be assets moving forward for their respective teams.”
The results were varied as the former Tigers found stiff competition from seasoned collegiate runners. They also found familiar faces that ran in some of the same scheduled high school events of which Mansfield once competed in through past seasons.
Samantha Shores, the UA Rich Mountain head cross country coach, gave her perspective to the college upgrade.
“The first race is always the hardest race and especially here,” sent the UARM coach via email. “It is very hot and our course is not for the faint of heart.”
Shores, who spotted Faith Rainwater from an early age, recruited the recent Lady Tiger graduate as her MHS team used to run local high school meets along the Rich Mountain home course.
“I have known since I first met Faith that I wanted her to be part of this team”, continued Shores in the email address. “I signed her early on. Faith is a good runner with great potential.”
Faith Rainwater navigated the hilly landscapes of the Mena junior college’s home course in 23:28.5 for the 5K distance. Her time, most likely elevated by the extreme high temperatures greeting the afternoon race, was still good enough for second place among all contenders.
As a team, the UARM Bucks finished second with 55 points. NorthWest Arkansas CC took first with 32 points while Redlands CC and National Park College took third and fourth respectively.
“The girls ran well considering,” said Shores. “I believe it is the start of a great season for them.”
Jones, who was also recruited by Shores for the UARM Bucks, crossed the finish line of her first college event along the comforts of the Ouachita home course on September 3. The 2021 high school All-State selection and MHS Player of the Year, rounded the 5K course in 22:51. Her position was 33rd among the large field of entries.
Ouachita flooded the field with Purple Tigers as the well stocked racing stable nearly pulled off a perfect score to take the home meet with 18 points.
Southern Arkansas, Henderson State, and the University of the Ozarks followed in the team standings at the Ouachita hosted 5k race.
“It looks like Darby started out about where she did this time last year,” said her high school coach, John Mackey. “From the sounds of it, it went pretty well. She was excited to see Kat (Katlynn Moore) at the same race. They even started the race next to each other.”
Moore now runs for The University of the Ozarks. She’s one of three incoming freshmen on the Eagles nine person roster. She finished 24 spots behind her former Tiger teammate but figured into the point positioning of the D-III school out of Clarksville, AR.
The former Mansfield product got a late start to preseason cross country camp at U of O. Moore spent nearly her entire summer at military training for the Army.
“We started the race next to each other,” texted Jones as she expressed the thrill of seeing Moore’s friendly face among the large group of runners at the Gravette Invite. “We got pictures.”
As far as the race went, Jones offered only a few details.
“It was mostly hilly and I kept my pace the entire time,” wrote Jones. “I was nervous to say the least but it was an exciting weekend. Kind of a medium feeling run but I’m proud of it.”
Rich Mountain’s Coach Shores explained the jump to the collegiate level as typically hard on most incoming freshmen.
“The transition from high school to college is difficult for many,” read Shores’ email. “The mileage increases and the workload gets a little tougher. It is demanding on the individual and their time.”
Although at a different school now, Jones considered attending Rich Mountain with Shores and Mansfield’s celebrated twin runners. The newest Ouachita Tiger confirmed the preseason training has been difficult at times.
“It’s been really busy and I’m very tired,” commented Jones. “I’m still trying to figure things out but I’m meeting a lot of sweet people on the team. I’m even finding people that I can pace with and that push me to keep up. I’m proud of Faith, Kat, and pray that Hope recovers soon.”
Hope Rainwater missed her first race due to an untimely sprained ankle suffered by some hill training in preparation for the debut. She was in a walking boot the day her new Rich Mountain teammates including her sister ran the first race of the season.
“Over the summer I kept thinking about Hope,” confessed Shores. “I called her up and asked her if she wanted to come to college and run for the Bucks XC. She committed not long after that. Hope is a powerhouse. She is going to surprise many people this year. Hope being hurt was hard since she had been putting in the work and looking forward to her first race.”
Mansfield senior girls open the 2022 cross country season at Perryville.
Four divisional races took place around the outskirts of Perryville High School on August 30. Among the 25 schools in attendance, Mansfield High School made the longest trip to open the 2022 cross country season.
Perryville, a class 3A participant, openly invited an abundance of large size schools. Mansfield, a class 2A cross country school, saw the likes of Benton, Conway, Hot Springs, and Little Rock Catholic among other higher classification schools in attendance.
Sophmore Laney Wood heads to the finish.
Mansfield fared well despite the big school competition and the high heat overwhelming the afternoon events.
Tigers Laney Wood, Rylan Jones, and Joey Wiiliams all finished inside the top ten for their respective races. Sporting less than five person scoring teams at each level other than the junior boys, the Tiger units could not score as a team.
Mansfield freshman Joey Williams runs the Tiger’s top time at Perryville.
Mansfield’s junior boys were the only squad with the required number of runners to qualify as a team. The young Tigers didn’t disappoint as they finished as the third best team on the night.
Catholic easily took the team title with 29 points and an average time of 10 minutes for the 1.7 mile race. Conway came in second with a 10:31 average. Mansfield closed with an 11:08 average for their scoring five.
Austin Ruiz competes for the Tiger senior boys.
Williams led the junior Tigers with a 10:06.20 clocking. He finished in 8th place overall. Younger brother Gunner Williams received 12th place points at a time of 10:30.20.
Mansfield’s other junior boy scorers included Jonah Martin (16th), Hunter Whittaker (39th), and Braxton Bartlett (47th). Joseph Carter (58th) was the lone displacer.
Sophomore Laney Wood came across in tenth place for the senior girls. The 2021 All-State runner struggled somewhat with the high temperatures. She took the reconstructed course in 12:29.40.
Senior Jadelynn Wood, Laney’s older sister and a River Valley All-Star participant from last season, finished outside the medals in 14th place position. Her measurement was timed at 13:02.50.
Mansfield junior boys take thrid at Perryville Invitational.
Newcomer Rylan Jones, a seventh grader, snuck into the top ten among the junior girls. The first time distance racer completed the 1.7 mile course in 12:42.20 for 9th place.
Neither of the MHS girl teams qualified for the team scoring. Both squads were hamstrung due to running mates that double as volleyball players. A host of those dual sport Mansfield athletes stayed home for a conference game at Tiger Gymnasium.
Mansfield junior girl Rylan Jones pushes to the finish line at Perryville.
Austin Ruiz was the lone senior high competitor for the Tiger men. Just a sophomore, the first time distance runner came in 23rd place.
There were 119 recorded finishers in the senior boys race.
Ruiz would have earned a second place medal had the scores been divided into big school and small school outcomes.
Mansfield’s Trinity Triska along with running mates Wood and Wood would have fared similarly had the divisions been split in the senior girls race as well. The trio of Lady Tigers would have each received top 10 medals for small school top tier finishes.
Sophomore Ashley Martin and seventh grader Lilly Young were the only other runners that competed for Mansfield. The team’s complete roster is expected to expand as other runners have begun working into the rotation.
The Greenwood Bulldogs would pull off what seemed to be an improbable come from behind victory. 56-53 against Fort Smith Northside.
Greenwood Offensive Line provides protection for Kane Archer -Ross Fujibayashi Photo
Seven Seconds. Seven Seconds is all Greenwood needed to cap one of the most memorable games in Bulldog football history. Why not? It is the 100th Anniversary of Greenwood Football. The win against Pulaski Academy in 2010, the “Fog Game” in the semi-finals against Malvern, down to Alma 21-7 to win Conference in 1996, these all have a place. Joining them now is the 2022 Northside vs Greenwood thriller.
With seven seconds left on the clock freshman Kane Archer, not only subbing for the injured Hunter Houston, stepped up in the pocket and threw a Hail Mary pass to Grant Karnes. Karnes turned at the 5 and dove to the end zone securing the win with no time left on the clock. It would be the only time Greenwood would have the lead and it was the most important time to have the lead.
“It is a night I will remember for the rest of my life”
– Head Coach Chris Young
Early on it looked as if Northside had the Greenwood Offense and Defense figured out. A deep pass on the first drive set Northside up for the quick first score. Greenwood would answer back driving down inside the Northside 5, where Senior QB Hunter Houston would punch it in. Northside when then drive down into Greenwood territory where a well executed reverse by T’Kavion King would put Northside up 14-7. On the ensuing Greenwood drive a snap would get past the QB and end up in the hands of Northside who would take it in for the score 21-7. Greenwood would get the ball and stall out and punt. Northside would take to the air again to find the end zone to go up 27-7.
Into the 2nd quarter, Hunter Houston would connect with Aiden Kennon to set up a 30 yard pass for a touchdown to sophomore Grant Karnes. Northside’s offense would hit a wall in the quarter, stalling on their first drive forcing them to punt within their own red zone. A toe dragging catch by Junior Peyton Presson and the catch and run to the 5 yard line by L.J. Robins was capped by Hunter Houston’s second rushing TD of the game. With the Dogs chipping away at the Northside lead. Northside would then drive down to the Greenwood 20 yard line and elect to attempt a field goal on 4th down. The kick would be blocked with Greenwood recovering. Houston would go out that drive with an injury opening the door for the touted Freshmen signal-caller an opportunity. Kane Archer got several plays in, when Hunter Houston would check back in. After a run down to the 5 the senior would check out of the rest of the game, bringing Archer back in at QB. A high pass on 4th down would stop the Bulldogs chances on scoring before the half. The score at halftime was 27-21 Northside on top.
Greenwood’s first drive of the second half would result in a fumble. On the other side, Northside’s first drive would see T’Kavion King taking the handoff and sprinting to the left for a TD, the extra point would be missed when the kick pinged off the upright. Greenwood would get the kickoff and drive down the field with passes to Presson and Noah Chaser. Several runs highlighted the drive, Archer escapes a would be tackle and keeps it sliding close to the first down marker to setup a run by Javon Williamson on the next play. Another run by Williamson put the Dogs on the Grizzly 13 yard line. Facing 4th and goal, Archer would find L.J. Robins in the back of the end zone for the TD. The extra point would be good bringing Greenwood within five, 33-28. Northside would face fourth and eight on their next drive with the Greenwood defense coming up with a big stop of elusive QB Pum Savoy. Greenwood’s next possession would end in a punt that put Northside deep in their own territory. A few plays later the quarter would come to an end. Northside on top 33-28. The fireworks were just about to begin.
Northside would overcome several penalties to score the touchdown on a Savoy pass. Greenwood’s drive would end with an interception, which Northside would capitalize on with another pass for the touchdown. The Bulldogs would then score again adding the extra point. with the score 46-35 with 5:54 left to play. On the ensuing kickoff, a penalty would have Greenwood kicking off from the Northside 45, Grant Karnes would come diving in for the onside recovery. Archer would get intercepted for the 2nd time. Northside’s Pum Savoy would take the quarterback keeper 64 yards for the touchdown, extra point was good making the score 53-35. Grant Karnes would take the kickoff down to the Northside 22, breathing life back into the Bulldogs with under four minutes left in the game. Archer would find Aiden Kennon at the 20 and he would take the ball inside the 5 yard line. Two plays later Payton Presson gets the touchdown off an Archer throw, extra point is good. The onside kick would be recovered by Northside. The Grizzlies would lean on their run game to help seal the win but would come up short on a crucial third down and have to punt.
Greenwood’s next series, Archer would spread the ball around getting passes to Kennon, Robins, Karnes, Williamson. Javon Williamson would punch it in from a yard out, with Kane getting the 2-point conversion. Greenwood would recover the onside. With 13 seconds left in the game Archer would keep the ball running out of bounds. Seven Seconds. The pass is thrown to the only spot it can go, Karnes makes the catch turns and dives into the end zone capping one of the most improbable come from behind victories. Northside 53, Greenwood 56
“Man, I’m just so proud of our kids. I told them it wasn’t about winning the ball game it’s about not giving up.” Head Coach Chris Young said. “We were getting our tail kicked and our kids didn’t make excuses. They didn’t gripe at each other. They said ‘Coach! We got it!'”
“I hate it for Northside, those kids played their tails off. There wasn’t a loser tonight. Everyone on the field was a winner, because they all kept playing.”
The win moved Greenwood to 51 straight home victories and their 14th straight home opener. Greenwood will be at home against Mountain Home next Friday to start 6A West Conference play.
Note to Our Readers:The following story was sourced in its entirety from Mr. Jonathan Gipson, Social Media / Public Relations Coordinator, Magazine School District. Mr. Gipson is a RNN Sports contributor, and we thank him for bringing Magazine sports coverage to our readers!
MAGAZINE – With a young roster, it’s not surprising that the Magazine Rattlers have endured some growing pains during the first two weeks of nonconference play, but with the final week of nonconference looming, there have been lots of positive glimpses of what the future holds for the Rattlers.
Sophomore Kolton McCubbin capped the Rattlers’ most successful offensive drive of the night with an 8-yard run late in the third quarter and senior Trace Nicholas added the extra point as the Rattlers broke up the Lavaca Golden Arrows’ shutout bid in a 40-7 loss Friday night at Shorty Wright Field at Diamondback Stadium.
Class 2A Magazine (0-2), whose losses have been to Class 3A teams, will finish nonconference play next week with its first roadtrip of the season when the Rattlers travel to Class 3A Danville.
Lavaca (1-0), which just missed the playoffs a year ago, used its quickness, size on the offensive and defensive lines and depth to build an early 33-0 lead after the first quarter, which held until halftime.
Golden Arrows quarterback Maddox Noel scored on a 14 yard keeper with 8:46 left in what was a 51-minute (real time) first quarter. Dakota Hartsfield followed with a 2-yard run with 4:31 that gave Lavaca a 13-0 lead after a failed extra-point attempt.
A bobbled kickoff return attempt pinned the Rattlers deep in their own territory, and the Golden Arrows defense forced a safety on the Rattlers’ ensuing drive with 4:19 left in the first quarter to make it 15-0.
With possession of the ball after the safety, Lavaca scored again on a 30-yard catch and run by Alex Townley that made it 21-0 with 3:29 left in the first quarter. Lavaca scored twice in the final two minutes of the first quarter on a 15-yard run on a scramble by Noel and 6-yard touchdown catch by Townley to build a 33-0 lead after one quarter.
Lavaca padded its lead to 40-0 and evoked the sportsmanship running clock with 14 seconds left in the third quarter on a 61-yard run by Hunter Israel.
McCubbin added a spark to the Rattlers’ running game late in the game, helping Magazine march down the field for its lone touchdown with 4:03 left to play.
