State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice
Little Rock – In July, the federal government’s passage of HR1, the Big Beautiful Bill, established the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. The program established $50 billion to be allocated to the States over a ten-year period to alleviate concerns over the cuts to Medicaid in the bill. Half of the funding will be divided equally among the 50 states and the remaining funds will be made available to states through grants distributed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
In October, Arkansas applied for a portion of the federal funding in the amount of $1 billion that would be paid out in installments over five years. The RHT Program seeks to address the major challenges faced by rural Arkansas. Statistics from the Arkansas Department of Health found that about 45% of Arkansas live in rural areas, making it one of the most rural states in the country. Almost half of our rural hospitals are considered vulnerable to closure.
The state’s proposal is divided into four subsections: Promoting Access, Coordination, and Transformation (PACT), Healthy Eating, Active Recreation, and Transformation (HEART), Recruitment, Innovation, Skills, and Education for Arkansas (RISE AR) and Telehealth, Health-monitoring, and Response Innovation for Vital Expansion (THRIVE).
The PACT initiative is the costliest, with $400 million for initiatives including primary care, specialty care, preventive screenings, and telehealth services in underserved communities. The plan would focus on Clinically Integrated Networks (CIN) to improve efficiency, data sharing and regional collaboration. PACT ensures that rural residents can access timely, coordinated care close to home.
The HEART initiative would cost approximately $150 million to create a community-driven approach to nutrition, physical activity and chronic disease management. HEART would strengthen rural health systems by integrating school programs, community-based initiatives, faith organizations, and healthcare education. In addition, it would provide $10 million for school-based clinics and mobile care units.
With approximately $161 million, the RISE AR initiative would focus on recruitment and training programs, increasing medical school rotation slots and new workplace retention methods.
The strategy for THRIVE would be funded at approximately $267 million to upgrade EMS and emergency response systems. The initiative would also be invested in telehealth infrastructure, including cybersecurity and network upgrades, with nearly $92 million to be used for launching remote pilot programs for chronic diseases.
CMS is currently in the review process of the RHT grants that will be awarded by the end of this year. According to the National Rural Health Association, each state is given a score dependent on rural facilities and population estimates based on factors outlined by the CMS.
The Rural Health Transformation Program presents an opportunity to invest in promoting an innovative and sustainable healthcare system in rural Arkansas. Through proper funding and implementation, the program has the potential to improve the long-term financial viability of Arkansas’ rural healthcare. The application for the grant can be found at: https://governor.arkansas.gov/arkansas-rural-health-transformation-program-application/.
“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor
Hello everyone!!! Warm weather we are having in the River Valley. We are having our big Wagoner family Thanksgiving this Saturday, so you know I’m going to have stories to tell. My niece, Kelly — the funny one — has gotten remarried and her new last name is Winklepleck. How many are betting I can’t pronounce that name?? I’m not even sure if she can. So we have a newbie to break in at the crazy Wag family gathering. I’m even letting him bring food. I told him if he messes up, I will go easy on him since it’s his first year. His wife, my niece Kelly, is never allowed to bring deviled eggs again. She brought them one year and they were awful. I had to tell her they were real bad. You can’t tell a group of Wags the deviled eggs are not edible — you could have a gang fight. I won’t even start on the turkey carcass she left in the car for over a month. Her new husband actually said he wants the turkey carcass. I feel a story coming. Why would anyone want a turkey carcass?? I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I guess it’s because I know we are having Thanksgiving, but I have been wanting to eat all the time. I think I could eat a table leg I’ve been feeling so hungry. I am going on a diet after the holidays. How many times have we heard that story?? I’ve told y’all about some of the dumb stuff I have done. This is in the top ten for sure. I’ve done all kinds of diets: Dexatrim (aka speed), no fat, no flour or sugar, counting calories, diet pills of some sort (I don’t remember the name), walking two miles a day — I have done it all except I haven’t had my mouth wired shut. This is the one that was crazy. Someone told a friend of mine’s mom about a doctor in Van Buren that could put a little tiny ring — I believe it was called an acupressure ring — inside your ear and you would lose weight. Well, count me in. I’m all for that. Lose weight and eat what you want and just have a little ring in your ear. I was all for that. Honey, I left that doctor’s office thinking I would be skinny in a matter of months. Wrong-o!! That thing fell out the first week and it was a waste of money and I never lost an ounce. Moral of the story is: just eat less and walk more. That all being said — after the holidays, I’m going on a diet for real. Have a happy Thanksgiving, everyone!! This will be a good salad to serve at Thanksgiving. I got the recipe from a friend of mine, Rhonda. Cherry Pie Filling Salad 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (20-ounce) can crushed or tidbit pineapples (drained) 1 (12-ounce) tub of Cool Whip 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows You can also add a handful of nuts and a handful of shredded coconut to this recipe — makes it more yummy. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together real good and keep in the refrigerator. It needs to chill for at least two hours before serving. Enjoy!!
Stone Cold Lock Of The Week: Playoffs Round 2
Now that we are on the other side of the first round, only four teams in the Resident News coverage area remain. Lavaca and Hackett had first-round exits, as well as Fort Smith Southside and Van Buren. The next three weeks could be an absolute gauntlet for Mansfield. Charleston and Booneville could meet again in the semi-finals. Greenwood could march to a sixth consecutive state championship game appearance.
Stone Cold Lock of the Week
Charleston vs Fordyce
In the past two meetings of Charleston and Fordyce, the Tigers handled the Redbugs quite comfortably. But. Those were at Champions Stadium in Charleston, this Friday, Charleston will make the three-hour sixteen-minute trip to south central Arkansas. Both teams come in with identical 10-1 records, however how they achieved those was vastly different. In pre-season Hooten’s rankings, Fordyce was number three, while Charleston was number four. Fordyce’s defense has been tough all year allowing just ninety points, with five games being a shut-out. Charleston is coming into the game after a 71-point effort against the Barton Bears.
The Rest
Walnut Ridge vs Mansfield
Eighty points and bye week in the playoffs sums up the last two weeks for Mansfield. In ten games the Tiger defense has only had more than two touchdowns scored on them twice. When it comes to scoring touchdowns, the Mansfield offense averaged 51-points in conference play that included the 16-14 win over Booneville. On paper this does not look like a walk in the park win for Mansfield, but they are going to need to score early and jump out to big lead and get the starters rest. The next two weeks could see a re-match of Week 0 with Bismarck. Get through that, and there is possible semi-finals game repeat from last season with Salem. Just as it was all hands-on deck to get to eighty on West Fork, the Tigers will need some guys to step up in the play-offs to prove Mansfield once again is the team to beat. Walnut Ridge will have to shake off a four-hour bus ride and hopefully catch Mansfield on a bye-week lull.
Booneville vs Rivercrest
Team coming off a bye week and the opposing team making a long road trip, it is a common theme for the area schools. The pre-season #2 Rivercrest Colts rolled through the 3A-3 to take the top spot, while Booneville dropped two in conference. Do not count out this Booneville squad just yet. This is the fourth meeting of the two schools with the Bearcats leading the Colts 3-0. Rivercrest has given up three hundred points this season, while Booneville put up sixty-nine points on Quitman. The Bearcats will have to come off the bus ready and focused.
Jonesboro vs Greenwood
You guessed it, bye week and team traveling a great distance. Jonesboro found themselves stopping Fort Smith Southside in the Former 7A Because Of Competition Equity Factor Bowl, in the final minutes. While a great win for the Hurricane program, they won a chance to play another week, it will just have to be 250 miles away in Greenwood. Where historically the Bulldogs have been tough to beat since the current Senior class was in first grade. This is Greenwood’s 30th consecutive season in the playoffs. In that time Greenwood is 79-17 in the playoffs. Also of note, Greenwood’s program 7th-Varsity finished 39-2, with Varsity, JV, and 8th grade finishing undefeated in regular season play.
Clinton vs Arkadelphia
The fun thing about doing this column every year is when playoff time rolls around, and we have to discuss over teams and their games. Clinton and Arkadelphia come into this game with identical 10-1 records. Both teams only loss came in conference play, where the Yellowjackets of Clinton lost to Dardanelle. Arkadelphia’s fell to Nashville by one point in Week 4. The Badgers are you defending State Champions in Class 4A and played a tough non-conference schedule against larger classification talent. This will be the third meeting of the two schools, after back-to-back years in the playoffs in 2021 and 2022.
Carlisle vs Mt. Ida
Again, two teams with a 10-1 record, this is so much fun! After a week 1 loss to Junction City, the Mount Ida Lions have been on the hunt to return to Little Rock. It has been since 2017 for the Lions to roam War Memorial and they have made a case to be there. In front of them this week Carlisle fresh off a 48-6 victory over Spring Hill in round 1.
Mountain Home vs Benton
Since Steve Ary’s arrival, the Mountain Home Bombers have made it to the Quarterfinals every year. For six seasons, three of those were at Greenwood. The Bombers are once again on the road, this time to Benton to face the Panthers. The winner of this game will either travel to Greenwood the day after Thanksgiving or host Jonesboro depending on the outcome. As far as points go, both teams are even offensive and defensive. This could be the Bombers closest game since Shiloh in early conference play. Benton is coming off a bye, with Mountain Home returning to Benton after a 78-42 win over Sheridan.
Mayflower vs Smackover
An unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Smackover has racked up 522 points, while Mayflower has only allowed 52 points. Yes, just 52 points over eleven games. Salem is the only team to put up double digits on the Eagle defense, and it was just 12 points.
Hamburg vs Dardanelle
State Record holder and Austin Peay committed Ni’kel Lewis, and the Hamburg Lions go down by the river to face the Dardanelle Sand Lizards and their Air Force committed QB Cred Vega. Dardanelle is rolling this year with a few close games under their belt but a spotless 11-0 record. Hamburg has two losses coming from Magnolia and Stuttgart.
Southside (Batesville) vs Elkins
The Elkins Elks have a very physical defense that stopped Forrest City in their tracks until the underclassman got in. Forrest City coincidentally bookend their season with these two teams. Southside opened the season with a 35-8 win, while the Elks were not as conservative winning 52-14.
A Night of Voices, Values, and Voters: Meet the Candidates Town Hall Draws Landmark Crowd
What began five years ago in the very venue where we hosted the first-ever Meet the Candidates Town Hall returned on November 18, 2025—and it served as a powerful reminder of something important: people still want to hear the truth. People still want to listen to and interact with prospective candidates. And the proof was unmistakable in the crowd of 283 people who filled the room last night, with candidates traveling from across the State of Arkansas and from within the four counties in our coverage area.
With that said, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make this event such an enormous success.
First, to our RN Network team:
Joey Bolin, our incredibly talented chief photographer;
Cassi Coben, who greeted and guided each candidate with professionalism and grace;
and RNN owners, Jason and Lesli Baggett, for ensuring every detail was handled exactly as it should be.
To Mansfield First Assembly of God Pastor Les Elmore and his precious wife Teresa—thank you for blessing us with a heartfelt invocation. To the Boy Scouts Troop 330 for proudly posting the colors, and to the incredibly talented Scout Stubbs for her beautiful rendition of our National Anthem. And to Bill Coben—his love for God, his love for Country, his leadership, and his passion made him the perfect person to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
I also want to thank Gun Owners of Arkansas—President Gary Epperson, Vice President Leah Herron, and Jessica Ree—for their role in honoring the life and legacy of the late Senator Gary Stubblefield. It was a privilege to have Senator Stubblefield’s daughter, Amber Sullivan, in attendance. Senator Terry Rice’s remarks, delivered on behalf of Senator Ron Caldwell, were heartfelt, emotional, and deeply meaningful. We could certainly feel the presence of our beloved friend and late senator smiling down.
Now…the food. The food was the rave of the night—and that credit belongs to the multi-talented former Scott County Judge James Forbes. He may have played a little joke on me about the dates and nearly made me fall out of my chair, but he is one amazing man, and I’m proud to call him my friend.
Speaking of food, Angela Hunsucker was an absolute Godsend. Cut from the same cloth—strong, independent women who rarely ask for help—she stepped into a servant’s role with a servant’s heart and made sure everyone was taken care of. I appreciate her more than words can say.
I am also incredibly grateful for our team of panelists: Ryan Norris, James Forbes, Jessica Ree, Justin Story, and Natalie Kengla. And our timekeeper, Lance Stinson, who had the enormous task of keeping everything moving on schedule.
To our Emcee, Don Cloud Davis—I cannot say enough good things about him. Don worked closely with me to ensure this event was fair, balanced, and timely. He is truly gifted at what he does and an incredible human being. I am so thankful for him.
To our lead sponsor, Americans for Prosperity – Arkansas State Director Ryan Norris. Ryan is one of the most intelligent, sincere, and genuine individuals I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. It has been an honor partnering with him, and I look forward to future endeavors. I also want to thank AFP-AR’s Cameron Kehler for his support and attendance.
To all of our co-sponsors — Gravel & Grit, Senator Terry Rice, the late Senator Gary Stubblefield, the Scott County Republican Committee, State Representative Matt Duffield, Gun Owners of Arkansas, the Scott County Farm Bureau Federation, the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce, and Angela Hunsucker — as well as to the candidates for office: Curtis Varnell (State Representative), Ashleigh Buckley (Circuit Court Judge), Ted Tritt (State Senate), Wade Dunn (State Senate), Ronni Young (State Representative), Brian Cooper (State Representative), Crystal Malloy (State Representative), Brad Simon (State Senate), Tyler Barham (Prosecuting Attorney), Mike Jones (State Representative), and Brent Montgomery (State Representative) — thank you for investing in this event and in your communities.
Candidates in attendance were:
City of Waldron Mayor:
Konnor McKay
City of Waldron Alderman (Ward 2 Position 2):
Jimmy Rinker
City of Waldron Alderman (Ward 3 Position 1):
Doyle Dickens
City of Waldron Alderman (Ward 3 Position 2):
Misty Mitchell
Scott County Circuit and County Clerk:
Taylor Carpenter-Steele
Logan County Clerk:
Amanda Anhalt
Sebastian County JP 2:
Kendall Beam
Sebastian County Treasurer/Collector:
Tammie Brown
Sebastian County Assessor:
Zach Johnson*
Sebastian County Coroner:
Ricky Boles
Circuit Court Judge Division 1 in Sebastian County:
Michael Wagoner
Prosecuting Attorney 15th judicial district (Scott, Yell, Logan and Conway Counties):
Tyler Barham
District 28 Senator:
Bryan King *
Commissioner of State Lands:
Christian Olson
Scott County Treasurer:
Teresa Scantling
Supreme Court Justice:
Nick Bronny
Scott County Tax Assessor:
Sarah Wilson
Sheri Thompson
Scott County Judge:
Brian Jones *
Logan County Judge:
Ron Redding
Bryce Cobb
Brent Anderton
Logan County Sheriff:
Jason Massey *
Michael “Mickey” Huber
Scott County Sheriff:
Mark Chapman
Jason Daggs
Randy Shores *
Sebastian County Sheriff:
Wyatt McIntyre
John Miller
Circuit Court Judge Division 5 in Sebastian County:
Ashleigh Buckley
Gunner DeLay
District 52 State Representative:
Crystal Malloy
Brent Montgomery
Kristain Thompson
Mike Jones
District 46 State Representative:
Brian Cooper
Dr. Curtis Varnell
Ronni Tate Young
District 26 Senator:
Ted Tritt
Brad Simon
Stacie Smith
Wade Dunn
Adam Watson
Secretary of State:
Cathy Harrison
Bryan Norris
*denotes incumbent
To each and every candidate who showed up for the biggest job interview of your life—you made no excuses. You rearranged your schedules, and your lives to be there. Your commitment did not go unnoticed. Running for office is not easy. Speaking in front of a packed auditorium is not easy. Answering unscripted questions is not easy. But you did it—and I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of you.
To the citizens and voters of our four-county region—WOW, did you ever show up. As one candidate said last night:
“Campaigning can certainly be tiring, but nights like this make every mile worth it.
In a world where technology often pulls us apart, events like this remind us how important real conversation is—listening, learning, and understanding each other. That spirit was alive and well tonight, and I walked away feeling encouraged and optimistic about our future.”
Events like these are nothing without WE THE PEOPLE. Thank you for your tremendous attendance and participation.
Lastly, I have to brag on the Mansfield School District. Superintendent Joe Staton, along with the maintenance staff and administrators, were all hands on deck to ensure the venue was prepared, the microphones were working, and all technology needs were met. Superintendent Staton went above and beyond anything we could have asked for, and we are extremely humbled and grateful for him and for the district’s willingness to support this event. Their efforts made a tremendous difference.
Our goal has always been—and will continue to be—to provide news and relevant information to the citizens we serve. This event has grown exponentially over the years, and that growth is a testament to the devotion of the people and to everyone who invested their time and talents to make it one of the most valued town hall events in the State of Arkansas.
Thank you. — TT
(all photos courtesy of Joey Bolin Photography)
Waldron School Board Meets
The regular monthly meeting of the Waldron School Board was held in the Central Office Building Monday, November 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Board members present were Clay Woodall,Angela Hunsucker, Mac Davis, Konnor McKay and Toni VanDeWiele. Others present were Superintendent Daniel Fielding, Misty Owens, Kim Solomon, Cheyenne Smith, Zack Taylor, Kristi Sigman, Josh Atchley, Chelsea Ridenhour, Natalie Cadena, Misty Mitchell, Erica Richardson, Toni Dozier and Chris Lipham.
President Clay Woodall called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m.
Konnor McKay began the meeting with a word of prayer.
Angela Hunsucker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded byAngela Hunsucker to approve the Consent Agenda items: A) Approval of the October 13th Minutes; B) Approve Financial Reports and Expenditures. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Konnor McKay to approve policies 3.56L, 4.5, and 8.46L. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Mac Davis to adopt the Attached Proposed Budget of Expenditures with Tax Levy for Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2027 to and including June 20, 2028 and to approve the related Sample Ballot. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made by Angela Hunsucker and seconded by Mac Davis to approve the Contract Disclosure Form for Traci Brown. Motion carried 5-0.
Each of the principals reported on the things that are happening at their building, with all of them mentioning the great turnout for Parent Teacher Conferences and the awesome Red Ribbon week/Homecoming week that they each got to experience. Mrs. Solomon reported that ABC/First Step went Trick-or-Treating at the Waldron Nursing Home, Dalton’s Place and Mercy Hospital. A huge thank you to West Fraser for donating shavings to the ABC and Elementary playgrounds and to County Judge Brian Jones for spreading the shavings for us. Mrs. Smith wanted to congratulate Chloe Roberson and Zane Justice for bringing home bronze at the Chess tournament in Greenwood on October 27th. Mrs. Smith also wanted to give Roger Rice and the Methodist Foundation a huge shout out for feeding our students with a $5000.00 donation towards the backpack program! Mrs. Smith informed the board on the growth she is seeing on state testing as well. The 4th grade Christmas program will be December 4th at 7:00. Mr. Taylorinformed the board of all the activities happening at the Middle School, some of which included; VIP dance, Veterans Days program and the Choir concert scheduled for December 11th at 6:00. Mr. Taylor also informed the board members of the Patriot’s Pin winners who are; Ashlyn Whitney, Danni Ingle and Zoey Kelley. The 3D Archery program finished in 3rd place. Mr. Atchley had many things to add which included that the Bulldog Future’s Day had a phenomenal community turnout and was extremely informational. The High School hosted a theatre production company from Fayetteville, that performed a show covering all things Shakespeare. Rich Mountain College Fair will be coming up on November 29th for our seniors. Bandcompeted at State Monday, November 3rd and was greeted with a send-off from all the buildings.
Assistant Superintendent Chris Lipham reported that fall sports are all wrapped up and the banquet will be on December 9th. Basketball and cheerleading competitions are now in full force! The volleyball conference alignment will be out by the end of the week.
Superintendent Fielding informed the board members on the progress with the roofs on the Elementary and Middle schools.
A motion was made by Mac Davis and seconded by Angela Hunsucker to transfer Gina Efurd to Accounts Payable/Bookkeeper effective January 5, 2026. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made by Konnor McKay and seconded by Toni VanDeWiele to adjourn. Motion carried 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
Round2 Will Be “Prove It” Games For 3A-1 Teams
Everyone thinks that their team is the best. That’s just natural fandom. However, some take it a step further by claiming that their entire conference is superior to all the rest. Take the SEC versus BIG10 in college football or the AFC versus the NFC in the NFL. That mindset has slowly but surely made its way into the 3A State Playoff picture as programs vie for a shot at program supremacy, and perhaps, conference supremacy.
The 3A-1 has hoisted up the most overall State Championships in the 3A over the past 20 years, with Charleston going 6-1 at War Memorial and Booneville winning in two of their three trips to the State Championship. The pair of programs even faced off against each other for the 3A State Championship in 2022. That brings up a lot of “conference” bragging rights, but there’s not a team one in the 2025 Playoffs that suits up for their conference. They suit up for their teammates, their coaches, and their town. Even with that though, the fandom cannot be denied. That being the case, let’s break down the 3A-1 teams and their opponents in Round2 of the State Playoffs.
With the only bye week in the 3A-1, the Mansfield Tigers will strap up after a long week off. The Tigers are one of the favorites in the state to make it to Little Rock as they pack a 10-0 record, the 3A-1 Conference Championship, and home field advantage all through the Playoffs into their first game in Round2. Mansfield has knocked off teams such as Bismarck, Charleston, and Booneville to earn a little respect from the fans and media polls. The good news is, bye weeks can be great for a team to heal up and rest. The bad news is that a bye week can also create a rusty trap for some teams. Mansfield hasn’t taken the time of their bye week to allow rust to develop though as they continued to keep their standard regimen intact through the so called downtime. The first 2025 State Playoffs opponents will be a big task due to some BIG players.
Mansfield will host the Walnut Ridge Bobcats in Round2 of the State Playoffs on Friday, November 21st. Walnut Ridge may hold an 8-3 overall record, but don’t let that stat alone fool you. The Bobcats have hung up 494 total points which is the fourth best in the state, best in the 3A-3, and more than any team in the 3A-1. Walnut Ridge’s game plan is similar to Mansfield’s as they lean heavily on their run game and boy do they have some big’uns on the roster for that purpose. The Bobcats racked up a total of 2,806 yards on the ground in the regular season and “ground up” Dumas in Round1 of the Playoffs by rushing for 496 yards. As impressive as that sounds, the Tigers have 4,218 tards on the ground in their ten-game regular season slate, so they know a thing or two about run games.
Even though the Bobcats and Tigers have similar offensive tactics, Mansfeld will likely have the explosive play advantage in this matchup as well as a defensive edge. Walnut Ridge’s defense can be gashed on both sides of the ball with speed and that’s something the Tigers definitely have in their arsenal. The Bobcats have allowed 263 points in their eleven games so far this season and most of those points have been to teams who can burn rubber in the open field. If you enjoy a good old school ground and pound man’s man football game, then get your tickets online now and plan to be at the Jungle Friday night.
The Charleston Tigers took it to the limit in last week’s 71-48 win over the legendary Barton Bears. Even though the Tigers defense allowed 48 points in the Round1 game, it’s hard to lose when you put up 71 points. That was a home game against a now 5-6 team in the 3A-8 that barely made it into the playoffs though. This week’s task will not be near as statistically easy as Charleston will make a 197-mile trip south to Redbug Country to face off against another historic program at Fordyce.
It’s hard enough to find Paul “Bear” Bryant Stadium to start with, but to beat the Redbugs on their own grass is even harder. Fordyce prides itself on being a rough and tumble team on both sides of the ball and have the talent on their roster to make opponents look downright foolish at times. The Redbugs’ defense has only allowed a total of 72 points in their eleven games this season. That’s only one point more allowed than Charleston scored last Friday in their 71-48 victory over Barton.
Fordyce has won back-to-back 3A-1 Championships and has been in the Top3 of most of the media polls all year. They have tradition, they have history, they have State Championships…but Charleston does too. The last time Fordyce won a State Championship was in 2019 and 2020 in the 2A. You’d have to go back to 1991 to find their next trophy. The Tigers, on the other hand, have cased up six 3A Championships since 2005. This matchup could be the sling shot that sends one of the programs to Little Rock, but it won’t be easy. The two teams are polar opposites in their strengths and weaknesses so whichever team’s weakness steps up the most will likely be the winner. With a combined 14 State Championships between the two programs, it’s easy to say this will be a big-time small-town showdown in Round2.
Bonneville and Rivercrest. Two teams that have bounced around with success in both the 3A and 4A for decades. Oddly enough though, the last time these two crossed paths was…(fourth wall break)…this writer’s senior year. But here we are in 2025 and the Colts and Cats are ready for a long-awaited battle. Rivercrest had a first-round bye as the 3A-3 Champions, while Booneville whipped up on Quitman in Round1. Offensively, both teams can score and score a lot. Rivercrest has scored an average of 43 points in their ten games while Booneville’s season average sits at 36 points per game. It’s their method of putting up points that clashes though. The Colts utilize a speedy air raid offense while Booneville runs a head-smashing ground game. Rivercrest can score fast while the Bearcats’ goal is to wear down both their opponents and the clock with a repetitive playbook of three yards and a cloud of dust.
Just like the Charleston and Fordyce game though, this game will be won by the teams whose weakest link steps up the most. Booneville has been plagued by turnovers all season and if that trend continues, Rivercrest has the capabilities to run away with the game. The Bearcats’ defense has seen it all with Charleston’s spread offense and Mansfield’s head on collision run game tactics. In both of those narrow losses, it was the offensive turnovers in enemy territory that put their defense in a pickle. Even being put in a tight spot, Booneville’s defense was still able to hold those two teams to their lowest points of the year. The Colts have scored 437 points in their ten games season so far, but they’ve yet to face a defense like Booneville’s who has only allowed an average of 17 points per game. If the Bearcats offense can bear hug the ball and eat away at the time of possession, their defense should be able to out physical Rivercrest en route to a long, drawn-out victory.
Throw out all of the conference talk because we still have three teams in the hunt and these three games are the ones that a lot of fans statewide are circling like buzzards that haven’t eaten since Labor Day. There will be clashes in styles, clashes tradition, and even better, clashes on the field itself. So come Friday night, put on those school colors. So go ahead and grab that red, black or purple shirt you wore back in the day (even if it’s three sizes too small and smells like concession stand nachos). Then load up and head to Fordyce, Rivercrest, or Mansfield and yell for your team like your voice has a replacement warranty!
