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7th Grade Tigers Pounce Past West Fork

Megan Hecox
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7th Grade Tigers Pounce Past West Fork

The Mansfield 7th Grade Tigers have had to learn through the school of hard knocks so far this season. They have faced learning a new style of football, low numbers, huge opponents, quarantines, and more. On Thursday, September 23rd, the 7th Grade Tigers traveled to West Fork with exactly eleven 7th Graders in uniform for the first time this season. With an 8-0 win, Mansfield proved that they not only can but will stand against all forms of adversity without backing down.  

Facing down a West Fork team who had monstrous players, the 7th Grade Tigers quickly showed why it’s not the size of the Tiger in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the Tiger. Mansfield’s defense used their smaller stature to their advantage as they shot gaps in the West Fork offense to create chaos in the backfield. West Forks’ favorite play was a dive right up the gut of the field. Fortunately for the Tigers, middle linebacker Levi Langford stood strong to punch West Fork right back in the gut each time they tried to run the play. Being shut down in the run game up the middle, West Fork tried to pitch the ball and test the Tigers defense outside of the pocket. It was a good plan on paper, but what that plan didn’t include was the Tiger’s quick speed and excellent open-field tackling abilities. Tigers Gunner Williams, Billy Sellers, Holden Powers, and Brennon Collie were able to seal and stamp West Forks plans and hand it right back to them. The headhunter of the bunch though was Mason Sterling. Sterling was all over the field and if he wasn’t in on the tackle itself, he was merely inches away from being in on it.

The Tiger’s offensive line was dwarfed by the massiveness of West Forks defensive line. Dynamite comes in small packages though and the Tiger O-Line consisting of Noah Cole, Levi Langford, Braxton Turnipseed, Weston Harrison, and Nathan Dyer opened up lanes for their backs that were big enough for a Mac Truck to drive through. Taking advantage of those holes was running back “Stone Cold” Cordell Stone. It only took Stone three plays to gain 25 yards and two first downs for the Tigers in their opening drive. When West Fork began to catch on to Stones running patterns, Mansfield unleashed their not-so-secret secret weapon………quarterback Gunner Williams. Anytime Williams took aim with his feet, he hit the target. It was the combo of Stone being the rock and Gunner being the sling that struck West Forks Goliath defense right between the eyes. The dynamic duo teamed up on a quick pitch and Stone bobbed and weaved his way 31 yards downfield for a Tiger touchdown. Williams took the direct snap and went untouched for the two-point conversion to give the Tigers an 8-0 lead at the half. 

Mansfield’s defense was challenged to keep West Fork scoreless at the beginning of the game and they took that challenge to heart. The Tiger’s defense swarmed West Fork for the rest of the game. Two halves, eleven 7th Graders, and zero points allowed as Mansfield closed out the game with an 8-0 victory. With their first win of the season under their belt, the 7th Grade Tigers now know what it takes. Their schedule doesn’t get any easier though. Next up will be the Greenland Pirates on Thursday, September 30th and they are definitely not a pushover program. And with Mansfield growing the way they are now, neither are they.

Down Two Sets, Defending State Champs Lady Hornets Come Back to Defeat Paris 3-2 at Hackett

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Down Two Sets, Defending State Champs Lady Hornets Come Back to Defeat Paris 3-2 at Hackett

As a sports fan, how many times have you heard the expression that games are often a story of momentum and momentum shifts? On Thursday night, there perhaps was no greater example than the hard-fought match between Paris and the defending state champion Hackett Lady Hornets. After Paris defeated Hackett in the first two sets, the Lady Hornets showed why they are state champions by arching their backs and winning the third set to begin a comeback that would eventually end in a close fourth set victory for Hackett and a deciding fifth set to win the match, 3-2.

Thursday’s match was the first time the two programs had faced each other since the state finals in Hot Springs on Halloween in 2020. In that match, Hackett defeated Paris in three decisive sets. Many of the Paris players who experienced that loss returned this year, and in the first two sets, it appeared that it was Paris who had the resolve to win the match.

But in the third set, Paris seemed to lose their momentum, and the play of the Hornets who were determined to turn the match around had a lot to do with the Lady Eagles losing momentum. But both schools have proud volleyball programs that are quickly building traditions of excellence, and neither team was about to quit.

Paris appeared to regroup and fought their way to what fans thought was going to be a final set win for the match. But again, the state champions showed why they are champions, and fought their way back to eventually tie the set late and go on their way to win, 26-24. The match was tied, and for the second consecutive year at Hackett, the first game of the yearly series would go five sets.

In the fifth, Hackett took and early lead, and the best Paris could manage was to keep the margin at three points. Seemingly each time Paris would win a point and have an opportunity to make a run, the team would commit a serving error or otherwise lose the point, giving the serve and the advantage back to Hackett. The Lady Hornets went on to win the deciding set, 15-9.

The ramifications of this game are interesting, as has been the case over the past two seasons. The game played at Hackett last Thursday did not count as a conference game for either school. The two teams will play again on Tuesday, October 5 at Paris Gymnasium. The 3A West conference decided before the season to only play a single game, round robin conference season. So, bottom line, the October 5 game in Paris will be the match that counts toward the final conference standings and has an effect on post-season, conference tournament seedings.

The October 5 match will be the first time the Lady Hornets have played on the Lady Eagles’ home floor since joining the 3A West in 2020. That match may ultimately determine the final order of finish in the conference as well as seedings for the conference tournament. It is possible that the two teams could play each other three more times over the next four weeks if both teams were to meet in the district and state tournaments.

Hackett coach Bridget Freeman has built a powerhouse program in Hackett and could be in position to win three more state titles in as many years if her Lady Hornets are able to repeat as state champions this year. But Paris has experience and talent and could win the championship this year. It will remain to be seen how the Lady Eagles react to the devastating loss at Hackett. On Monday, Paris welcomes the 2019 state champion Little Rock Episcopal Lady Wildcats to Paris Gymnasium for a big non-conference match. If the Lady Eagles do not put Hackett out of their minds for now, Episcopal could hand them a second consecutive loss. Paris is loaded with a strong senior class, and now is the time for those seniors to take control of the team and refocus them on what is still obtainable and not on what could have been. This may be the most critical point of the season for Paris. Eagles fans will know much more about their team tomorrow when they play Episcopal.

Resident Press will be in Paris on Monday to bring you coverage of the Episcopal game in Wednesday’s online edition. Photos from the game will be posted on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports on Thursday.

The Lady Eagles need their loyal fan base to show up big on Monday to support their team against a 3A power Little Rock Episcopal team. So, wear your blue and show up big and proud for the Lady Eagles!

See you Monday!

Tigers Keep Title Home With Today’s Bank Win

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Tigers Keep Title Home With Today’s Bank Win

Things are shaping up for a special season for the five seniors off the Mansfield Lady Tiger cross country team. Already winners of two team titles this season before Saturday’s home meet, the senior team grabbed their most significant win so far this season.

Mansfield’s senior girls wanted to leave their mark by winning their final regular season run across the home campus. At the 18th annual Today’s Bank Mansfield Invitational on September 25, the experienced crew swept one-third of the medals on route to their third team championship of this season. 

Mansfield’s Darby Jones ranks third among all class 2A cross country runners in the state.

The MHS title team was configured by all seniors. Darby Jones and Faith Rainwater headlined the spirited bunch with strong finishes by McKenzie Griffin, Katlynn Moore, and Hope Rainwater. All five took medal placements among the top 15 small school scorers.

Jones set another personal record for the 5K distance with an amazing 20:59.38 finish. That mark placed her second overall in the 51 person race. It was nearly five minutes faster than her previous best time on the same course last season.

“Darby is really motivated to run fast this season,” said John Mackey, Mansfield’s head cross country coach. “She broke that 21 minute barrier for the first time today. That’s impressive. If I know her, she’s gonna be gunning for the 19’s real soon.”

Laney Wood and Trinity Triska take a break after finishing with silver and bronze medals.

Jones’s most recent career best now ranks her third among all class 2A runners in the state at the 5K distance this season. The top class 2A mark was posted by Kate Provence of Cedar Ridge on September 18 at 20:06.10.

Faith Rainwater also ran a season best and a near career best at the Today’s Bank home meet. The most decorated runner off the Lady Tiger squad went the 2 loop course in 23:01.66. It ranked her fourth among the small school finishers, and was five seconds shy of her All-State time at last year’s state finals.

Laney Wood and Trinity Triska are among the top 3 at the Today’s Bank home meet.

“Faith is starting to come on as well,” said the coach. “She now ranks eleventh in the state with room to grow. I believe she too will get a couple more minutes trimmed off her time.”

Mansfield’s other three seniors did their part. Among small school results, Griffin finished in ninth place at 25:06.31. Moore went for 11th place in 25:55.72 while Hope Rainwater crossed at 13th place in 26:31.75.

According to Mackey, who also served as meet director, the members of Today’s Bank Mansfield were impressed by the school’s runners and the overall organization of the event.

“Kellie Copeland of Today’s Bank came to me during the meet and let me know how well things were going,” smiled Mackey. “We appreciate Kellie so much for being our advocate. We’d also like to thank Nathan Hurst, the River Valley Market President, for participating in the awards. I think our kids put on a show as did all the runners from all the schools. The many volunteers from Today’s Bank and our school community made this work.”

The junior boys crowd the start at the Today’s Bank Invitational.

Mansfield’s other teams didn’t quite reach first place but they have solid showings. The junior girls finished third as did the junior boys.

Laney Wood, a freshman, pushed the pace with a second place small school finish. Her time was 12:35.00 for the 1.8 mile race. Trinity Triska, also a freshman, came just behind that for third place in the 1A-3A division. Her clock read 12:47.06.

The Lady Tiger junior team with 50 points were behind champions West Fork (29 points) and runner-up Magazine (49 points). The Mansfield team’s 5 player average time was about 2 seconds below the second place team finish and nearly a minute from the first place group.

Aidan Fildes was the team’s third best runner in 21st place. That was supported by Danielle Lowery’s 25th place score and Addision Bowman’s 29th position.

Joey Fildes catches his breath after a hard fought race.
Jonah Martin grabs a water after finishing in medal standing at the Today’s Bank XC Meet.

Joey Fildes off the junior Tiger’s men squad was stiller once again. The group’s leading scorer so far this season found the finish in 11:13.18. He was in fourth place among the 1A-3A division runners.

Gunner Williams came in 13th place. The seventh grader ran 12:07.87. With that mark a string of consecutive runners from Mansfield finished next. Rylan Nichols (14th in 12:16.08), Jonah Martin (15th in 12:16.54), and Trey Powell (16th in 12:21.94) all crowded the line for the Tiger score.

Fildes, Williams, Nichols, and Martin all medaled for the Mansfield men. Wood and Triska were the only Mansfield junior girls to take home individual hardware and stand atop the awards podium.

Mansfield junior boys gather at the Tiger’s home meet.
Mansfield’s Faith Rainwater prepares to pass a runner to start the second loop of the team’s home meet.
Volunteers wait for the next wave of runners to cross the finish at the Mansfield hosted Today’s Bank cross country race.

Eagles Cruise to 4-0 on the Season with 48-7 Conference Victory at Mayflower

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Eagles Cruise to 4-0 on the Season with 48-7 Conference Victory at Mayflower

For the second consecutive season, the Paris Eagles football program has opened 4-0 on the season. Paris (4-0, 1-0) defeated Mayflower on Friday night by the score of 48-7, and in doing so, opened the 2021 3A-4 conference season with a win. Once again, Paris took the lead early in the game, and finished its fourth consecutive game this year under the “sportsmanship rule” by leading opponents by wide margins going into the second halves of each game. Paris starters have yet to finish a game giving reserve players the opportunity to play significant minutes in each of the Eagles first four games this season.

The Eagles’ first score of the game took place with 8:13 remaining in the first quarter when Duke Walker took a hand-off and plunged over the goal line from one yard out. Just minutes later, Walker would rush for another touchdown of approximately 70 yards for the Eagles’ second score.

Paris senior quarterback had another big night throwing the football for the Eagles. Watts’s first touchdown pass was a 63 yard play in which he scrambled and found a receiver for the touchdown. In the second quarter, it was Watts again, scrambling and finding Bo Baine for a pass and catch that resulted in a 53 yard touchdown for Paris. Then it was Watts again, this time hooking up with Cooper Haley for a touchdown pass of approximately 40 yards, and the Eagles went into the locker room at half leading Mayflower 34-0.

On his final scoring play, Watts ran around end in the third quarter for yet another touchdown, and with 8:20 remaining in the third quarter, the Eagles lead had increased to 41-0. Paris played a lot of reserve players from this point forward to finishing the game, but it was starter Blake Martines intercepting a pass and streaking down the artificial turf for the Eagles’ final score. Mayflower was able to manage a scoring run against the Paris reserves for its only score, and that’s the way the game ended with Paris winning, 48-7.

After the game, a happy Paris coach, Jeff Weaver, commented, “This group (Paris) continues to impress me how they come out ready to play. Their (Mayflower) speed scared us, but we did a great job of neutralizing it and controlled the line of scrimmage. We wanted to come out and establish the run and once we did that it opened up everything.”

After the win at Mayflower, Paris goes back on the road again this Friday to Two Rivers for its second conference game of the season. Last season, Two Rivers cancelled their game in Paris due to COVID reasons, and the Paris administration quickly scrambled on game day to find a replacement game with Hector.

Photos from this game will be published on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports on Sunday night. Resident Press will be at Two Rivers next Friday to bring you game coverage. Look for a preview of this game next week in Resident Press.

Congratulations to the Eagles on their 4-0 start for the second consecutive season!

Obituary – Alex “Andy” Andrew Ingle (1964-2021)

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Obituary – Alex “Andy” Andrew Ingle (1964-2021)

Alex Andrew Ingle, better known as “Andy” of Waldron, Arkansas passed away Monday, September 20, 2021 in Waldron, Arkansas. Andy was born December 26, 1964 to Vernon and Shirley (Rorie) Ingle in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Andy worked hard as a concrete layer. He loved what he did. He enjoyed camping, being outdoors and family. He especially enjoyed vacations.

Andy leaves behind to cherish his memory, his sons; Sonny Winger, Winchester Ingle, Marshall Ingle, and Boone Ingle, his daughter Sophia Price, his brothers; Steven Ingle, John (Lynda) Ingle, Toby (Beth) Ingle, his sisters; Angela Crow, Desaree (Shaun Sherer) Ingle, Natasha McCubbin, Brandilyn (Josh) Corntassel, and he also left behind numerous grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Andy is preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Shirley Ingle, and a brother Paul Brandt.

Andy’s life celebration will be held Monday, September 27, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Rickey Hunt officiating.  Arrangements and cremation is being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Obituary – Lloyd “Chief” Alfred Hattabaugh (1928-2021)

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Obituary – Lloyd “Chief” Alfred Hattabaugh (1928-2021)

Lloyd Alfred Hattabaugh, better known as Chief, of Freedom community went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, September 23, 2021 in Waldron, Arkansas. Lloyd was born was born December 13, 1928 to Van D. and Homey Hattabaugh in Elm Park, Arkansas. He was 92 years old. Lloyd was a longtime member of Waldron Pentecostal Church of God.

Lloyd was a lifelong resident of the Freedom community North of Waldron. As a young man he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Korean War. He worked his way up the ranks and became a 1st Sargent. He later transferred to 296th Medical Company in the National Guard. Lloyd was a road foreman for the Scott County Road Department for many years. His love for being an avid turkey hunter helped lead to him being a founding member of the Poteau Mountain Turkey Federation. Lloyd also served 27 years as a Scott County Justice of the Peace. He was also a 32* mason and a member of the French Prairie Masonic Lodge #568.

Lloyd leaves behind to cherish his memory, one son, David Hattabaugh and wife Mary of Elm Park, Arkansas and grandchildren: John David Hattabaugh and wife Candy, and 2 great grandchildren, Haley Nichols and Jessica Hattabaugh as well as 2 great great grandsons and 3 great great granddaughters. Lloyd is also survived by his brother Bobby Hattabaugh. Lloyd will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a large extended family of nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. 

Lloyd was preceded in death by his loving wife of 45 years, Evalou Scantling Hattabaugh, his parents, Van D. and Homey, and siblings: Ruby, Annie, Della, Grace Rachel, Ervel, Charlie, Jerry, Van, Howard.

Lloyd’s life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 27, 2021 at the Freedom Freewill Baptist Church near Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Rickey Hunt officiating. Interment will follow in Freedom Cemetery. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Lloyd’s pallbearers will be Steve Hattabaugh, Jerald Hattabaugh, Robert Dale Hattabaugh, John Beasley, Darrel Pyles and Gary Ashford. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Don Hattabaugh, Frank Blansett and Bill Garner.

Lloyd’s visitation will be Sunday, September 26, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

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Obituary – Robert Wesley Salmon (1938-2021)

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Obituary – Robert Wesley Salmon (1938-2021)

Robert Wesley “Bob” Salmon of Boles, Arkansas passed from this life Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 at his home. Bob was born April 2, 1938 to the late Homer and Mable (Kelly) Salmon.

Bob was a U. S. Army veteran where he retired after over 20 years of service to his country. He was of the Baptist Faith. He loved fishing, shooting guns and working on old vehicles.

Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory one daughter, Tonyia (Salmon/Funk) Adamson and husband Thomas; two sons, Paul Salmon and wife Cheryl and Wesley Salmon and wife Ladonna. Grandpa Bob will ever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren, Robert and wife, Heather, Amanda and husband Loyad, Jackie and wife Brittney, Dusty and wife Melissa, Chris, Sara and husband Wesley, Dawn, Rebekkah, Jesse and fiance’ Mai Yang, Jessie, and Robert. Great-grandchildren, Marshall, Kira, James, Jacob, Braxton, and Faith.

Bob’s family will have a private life celebration at a later date. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas

Harness a Safe Hunt this Deer Season ​​​​​​​

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Harness a Safe Hunt this Deer Season ​​​​​​​

Chuck Long AGFC Northeast Regional Educator, Jonesboro

LITTLE ROCK — Innovations in gear used by bowhunters to pursue white-tailed deer continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Bows that were obnoxiously loud and required a heavy draw weight have been replaced by lighter, whisper-quiet bows thats shoot arrows lightning fast at a minimal draw weight. Arrows have become more durable, consistent and forgiving and the choices in broadheads range from traditional deep-penetrating fixed-blade heads to devastating mechanicals that cut a huge swath through flesh. Clothing comes in a wide range of camo patterns to hide the human profile from the keen eyes of a whitetail and is also designed to lessen the scent dispersion of a hunter. All these are important, but one sector of hunting gear that is vital to a safe hunt has also seen great advances. Fall arrest systems have transitioned from simple belts to harnesses that will keep a hunter safe should an unexpected fall occur.

There were 19 reported hunting incidents reports in Arkansas in the 2020-21 hunting season. Of those 19 incidents, 10 were falls from treestands. In each of these cases, the proper use of a treestand harness could have prevented a tragedy.

In the early days of treestand use, many hunters resorted to a simple belt as a restraint in case of a fall. These belts were first worn around the waist, but fall incident reports showed wearing a single belt around the waist could cause lung constriction and suffocation if a fall occurred. The idea was circulated to move the belt to the chest area, just below the armpits, but the same result occurred, breathing could be hampered in a fall. That led to the development of modern harness systems.

Many hunters did not like to wear a safety harness because they were cumbersome or noisy, but that is no longer the case. Fall arrest systems have changed dramatically to provide greater comfort and ease of use. Many manufacturers offer fall arrest systems and they are available in a wide array of configurations. Some hunters prefer the minimal webbing-style harnesses with simple straps and buckles. These harnesses often weigh two pounds or less and are perfect to wear under the outer layer of a layering system. They have minimal impact on the comfort of the hunter and allow a full range of movement.

On the other end of the spectrum is a fall arrest system integrated into some type of clothing, most often a vest. Some hunters prefer this type as it completely hides the harness while providing safety and comfort. There are also harnesses that fall in between the minimal style and the vest style. These harnesses provide comfort, range of movement and some pocket storage.

In addition to a harness, consider adding a lifeline to complete the fall arrest system. Also available from several manufacturers, the lifeline attaches to the tree above the stand. The tether from the harness is attached with a sliding knot called a Prusik knot that allows slow ascent and descent but tightens and locks in place in the event of a fast drop. Many treestand falls occur at the moment of getting into or out of the stand, and a lifeline offers an additional point of contact with the tree during that critical time.

Much like other hunting gear, the fall arrest system is a very personal piece of equipment. It is a good idea to try on several brands and styles and then choose a harness that provides great comfort and fit. A good safety system is vital to ensure a lifetime of wonderful hunting experiences. Take some time and find a fall arrest that fits your hunting style. And remember to “harness before the hunt.”

Tips for Throwing a Fall Outdoor Get-Together

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Tips for Throwing a Fall Outdoor Get-Together

While most people associate big parties with summer and warm weather, you’d be remiss to forget about all of the fun that fall can offer. The scenery outside starts to change, the weather gets to be a little cooler, and you can enjoy all the pumpkin spice everything! If you’re looking to hold your own autumn party, take a look at this list of tips for throwing a fall outdoor get-together!

Pick Your Menu

You don’t need an extravagant meal to enjoy a wonderful evening. Simple menus consisting of comfort foods are excellent for outdoor fall events. You can serve foods that you can prepare beforehand and heat up later, leaving you free to enjoy company with your visitors while leaving them satiated. You can even use disposable dinnerware to make cleanup easy! When all is said and done, beverages and desserts are always what guests remember most—so be sure you have lots of drinks available and bring something with apple or pumpkin!

Decorate for Fall

To give your visitors a fantastic entrance, get a couple of big pumpkins to greet them when they arrive. If you want to add some autumn to your decorations, go to a craft store to get some cheap tablecloths covered in fall leaves and fall colors. Choose flowers in shades that are reminiscent of fall, like red, yellow, and orange, in order to make your centerpiece even more radiant and lively.

Turn on the Lights

String lights are excellent for a backyard autumn get-together. Remember to use plenty of lighting, especially on stairs and other hazardous areas. Light the fire pit early so that you can better illuminate the whole patio. One great way to dress up the property would be to put some lights on the branches outside for a nice, decorative touch.

Consider Your Theme

Fall is associated with lots of festivities, like Oktoberfest and football. Think about selecting a theme that connects to your personal interests—that will make menu planning, design choices, and everything else much easier. This can be one of the most fun tips for throwing a fall outdoor get-together!

Make It Comfortable

Think about where you’re putting seats so people can choose where to sit and not end up piling in one place. Put a few sets of seats and tables near the fire pit, as well as around the patio. Put throw blankets and pillows on the patio furniture to make it appealing and comfortable.

Paris Splits Pair of Non-conference and Conference Matches Before Showdown Today at Hackett

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Paris Splits Pair of Non-conference and Conference Matches Before Showdown Today at Hackett

Paris knew going into this week that it would be a challenging week for the Lady Eagles. On Monday, Paris traveled to Mena to play the perennial Class 4A powerhouse Mena Lady Bearcats, and in less than 24 hours, would return home on Tuesday to resume conference play against the Elkins Lady Elks. And, of course, today, it is part one of the two game regular season showdown series with the defending Class 3A state champions, Hackett Lady Hornets. Today’s match at Hackett will be the first of two matches between the two teams with Hackett returning the home game at Paris in approximately two weeks.

Paris lost Monday’s non-conference match at Mena by the set scores of 25-23, 25-17, and 25-16. Paris fought hard throughout each set, but after a first set that could have gone either way, the Lady Bearcats began to dominate a Paris front line who was not use to having matches dominated to them. It was the second straight year that Paris suffered a lopsided loss at Mena. In 2020, Paris suffered a big loss just before the team was quarantined for the next two weeks.

After the loss at Mena, the Lady Eagles returned home to the friendly environment of Paris Gymnasium to resume conference play against Elkins. It turned out to be good timing in the schedule for Paris, allowing them to quickly play again and get the bad taste out of their mouths from the Mena loss. On this night, it was Paris returning to their dominate ways against the Lady Elks and remaining undefeated in conference play. The win was mental therapy for a team that did not play well the night before and should help Paris as it now travels to Hackett to play the defending state champions.

In the first match of the year in 2020at Hackett, the Lady Eagles won a close match in five sets to defeat the Lady Hornets on their home floor. The two teams would not meet again that year in the regular season due to unusual circumstances due to the COVID pandemic, and the next meeting would again be on the Hackett home floor in the finals of the district tournament. On that day, it was the Hackett Lady Hornets soundly defeating Paris for the district tournament championship. A few weeks later, the two teams met a third time on Halloween afternoon in Hot Springs in the Class 3A state championship match. And on that day, it was Hackett routing the Lady Eagles in three sets for the state championship.

The Lady Hornets are extremely well-coached by Bridget Freeman, and she will have her team ready to go tonight when the Lady Eagles step off the bus in Hackett. It should be another epic match of high school volleyball. In fact, it is a big night in the state of Arkansas for volleyball as this match, as well as the two top teams overall in the state, the Fayetteville Lady Bulldogs and Springdale Har-Ber will play tonight in Fayetteville. As is the case tonight in Hackett, the game in Fayetteville could be a preview of the state championship matches in Hot Springs next month.

Resident Press will be in Hackett tonight for the Lady Eagles’ match with the Lady Hornets. Watch for this story on Sunday in Resident Press. Photos from the match will also be available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports on Sunday night.

So, volleyball fans, get to your games early tonight, whether you are going to Hackett or to Fayetteville, and enjoy a great night for high school volleyball! See you there!

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