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.
The Mansfield Tigers traveled to Logan County on Friday afternoon in a torrential downpour that showered the city of Paris on and off for most of the afternoon. But when the rain cleared just before kickoff, another storm hit Paris in the form of a dominant Mansfield offense and defense. And at the end of the night at Eagles Stadium, Mansfield walked off the stadium turf with a 31-0 shutout road win over the Eagles.
RNN Photo / Jim BestRNN Photo / Jim Best
Mansfield was impressive in every phase of the game. The Tigers’ size and speed dominated both sides of the line of scrimmage. On offense, the line opened big holes for the fleet Tigers running backs that hit the creases and ran with determination. Defensively, the Mansfield defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, putting constant pressure on the Paris quarterbacks and giving up very little to the Eagles’ running game.
RNN Photo / Jim BestRNN Photo / Jim Best
Mansfield took at 19-0 lead into the locker room at halftime, after scoring on its first offensive possession of the game and then again in the second quarter. The Tigers defense kept the Eagles in check and allowed the offense time to put another score on the board before the half.
RNN Photo / Jim BestRNN Photo / Jim Best
In the second half, the physical domination continued for Mansfield as the Tigers played ball control offense with their running game. Paris could not stop the Tigers’ running game, and Mansfield shortened the game with an effective rushing attack and an explosive passing game that concluded with a touchdown pass to Peyton Martin in the fourth quarter.
Mansfield will have a bye week next week before the Tigers welcome the Waldron Bulldogs to Mansfield on September 16. For Paris, the Eagles will return to the road next Friday to play at West Fork on September 9. Paris will have its bye week on September 16 before they start conference play on September 23.
RNN Photo / Jim BestRNN Photo / Jim Best
The combined Mansfield scores of 41-6 at Magazine and 31-0 at Paris have the Tigers scoring a total of 72 points in two road games and giving up just six. The 4A Waldron Bulldogs will be a big test for Mansfield as they prepare to start conference play in the tough 3A-1 conference. Mansfield begins conference play on September 30 when they host the Greenland Pirates.
The Paris Eagles are giving great effort and are not giving up at any point of their games. They are in a rebuilding mode playing with a lot of sophomores and others who have very little varsity experience. The loss on Friday to a deep and experienced Mansfield team is hard to endure, but it is simply part of their development as a team. The Eagles need their fan base to stick with their team and show up to support this group of players who are working hard and playing their hearts out. They will continue to improve, but they need your support and encouragement.
RNN Photo / Jim Best
RNN Sports will be in West Fork next week to bring you coverage of the Eagles’ game at West Fork. Stay with RNN Sports for complete coverage of Paris Eagles and River Valley high school sports coverage.
Hello everyone! Glad we got some rain. Fall is around the corner. The Greenwood Fair has come and gone. I got my footlong corndog and funnel cake. If you want a good footlong corndog and you can’t go to the fair, go to Poteau, OK and try out Meyers Drive-In. It’s kind of like a Sonic, and it has really good food. They have butterscotch malts, too. Back to the fair…
I was walking along and a man came up to me and asked me if I wrote a column for Resident Press newspaper. I asked him how did he know, and he said he recognized my picture. Of course, I asked him and his wife if they wanted my autograph. Just wanted to let y’all know that I am famous and that if you ever need your paper autographed, I would be happy to do it. Enough rattling my chain.
I guess everyone has heard about the student loan forgiveness. I am stealing this line from Verla Bullock, who is fixing to be 88. She said she is always getting calls about her student loan. She said now that all the loans are being paid off, maybe they will quit calling about paying them off. I hope Verla is at the top of the list for payoff. I’ve got the calls also, so maybe they will stop calling.
My sweet friend Margaret Mergen bought me a big glass bottle of Mexican vanilla. If you didn’t know better, you would think it was alcohol. My grandson, Evan is a man of few words. He sees the tall bottle of vanilla and asked me if I had started drinking. I said Evan, this is Mexican vanilla, not alcohol. I asked him if he thinks I’m drinking since I fall a lot and stumble around. He said you do that anyway, without alcohol. Out of the mouth of babes.
Since fall is around the corner, I’m going to do something pumpkin. If y’all get a chance, go by my house and look at my spooky man. I named him after Curtis by the way. A friend of mine made it, and it is so neat!
PUMPKIN FOUR-LAYER DELIGHT 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup pecans 8 oz cream cheese 1 cup powdered sugar 3 cups Cool Whip 2 1/2 cups milk 3 packages white chocolate or vanilla instant pudding mix (the small ones) 15 oz. can of pumpkin 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice mix Mix flour, butter and 1/2 cup pecans (save the rest for the top)together and press into a greased 9×13 cake pan. Bake for 15 minutes and let cool. Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar, add 1 cup of Cool Whip and spread over the crust. Mix milk, pudding mix, canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and 1 cup of Cool Whip until smooth. Spread over the second layer. Spread remaining cup of Cool Whip on top and sprinkle the rest of the pecans. Let chill for three hours, serve cold. Enjoy, and everyone have a great week!
The road doesn’t get any easier for the Eagles this week when they travel to Northwest Arkansas to play the West Fork Tigers. West Fork has a new coach, Rodney Selfph, who led the Tigers to three conference titles from 2008-10 and a whole host of returning experience and talent. West Fork will be a contender for the state playoffs out of the 3A-1 conference.
West Fork was 3-8 a year ago, defeating Mansfield, Lavaca, and Greenland. The Tigers were a number five seed from the conference in the state playoffs, and lost to a top-seeded Harding Academy Wildcats team by the score of 56-6 in the first round.
West Fork has nine returning starters on each side of the ball, including senior quarterback Eli Howerton who is extremely talented. The Tigers run the Wing T offense and have been a physical offensive team over the past few years. It remains to be seen how the Tigers’ offense will look under new coach Rodney Selph. Under the previous coaching staff, West Fork preferred to run a version of the flexbone with a big offensive line and were content to gain 3-4 yards on a rushing play, chewing up the game clock on each drive. Of course, that is a good philosophy unless you fall behind early and have to play catch-up. And that is what happened to West Fork last year at Eagles Stadium when both the Paris defense and offense quickly took over the game in route to a 54-0 shutout over the Tigers.
At publication time, the Eagles were in final preparation to host the Mansfield Tigers. Coaches often say that the most improvement a team will make all season is between week one and two. Paris will be counting on this as they look to overcome a devastating loss at Waldron in week zero. A Mansfield win, and perhaps more importantly, eliminating the turnovers that plagued the team in the first game, will be important in gaining momentum going into the contest at West Fork.
RNN Sports will have a post-game story on this game on Saturday on its online platform at residentnewsnetwork.com. Fans can access this story on our website free of charge.
Good luck to the Paris Eagles and best wishes for a successful road trip to West Fork. And Eagles fans, this weekend is an excellent opportunity to see the Eagles play in Northwest Arkansas and seeing the Razorbacks play on Saturday!
So have fun, and RNN Sports will see you in West Fork!
