Resident News Network

Hurts Celebrate 50 Years

Lifestyle

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8:50 pm

Family and friends of Glen and Jan Hurt gathered together on Saturday evening, September 18, at Fellowship Baptist Church to celebrate the couple’s 50 years of marriage.

Glen was born in Little Rock, AR. He has lived in the Mansfield area since age three, after returning from Austria where his dad, Captain Pete Hurt, was stationed. He attended Mansfield Schools K-12. Jan was born in Excelsior, AR. With her Dad’s job in transportation/NASA, she lived in various states growing up, including Arkansas, Indiana, Alabama, and Texas. She attended Mansfield Schools from grades 9-12.

The couple married on September 17, 1971, in Ratcliff, AR at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The service was officiated by Glen’s Uncle, Reverend Alton Dorrough. Also attending the ceremony, Rachel Dorrough, Tommy and Barbara Stephens.

For nearly all their married life, Glen and Jan have resided in the Mansfield area. They have called their current house, home, since 1982.

The couple has two children, Jason Hurt and his wife Leann, and Chanda Adams and her husband John. They also have six grandchildren: Chloe Hurt, Makenna Hurt, Brooklyn Adams, Presley Adams, and by marriage, Brooklyn and Austin Carlton.

“I often laugh at mom and dad’s relationship as I find them bickering about silly things, but I know how deeply they care for each other and lean on each other,” shared daughter, Chanda. “They have been through the good and the bad and still remain strong together. They both love God, their family, their town, and community.”

Glen served as Mayor for the City of Mansfield for 24 years. During that period, Jan operated their insurance agency for over 10 years. They also owned and operated the Mansfield Laundromat for a decade. The couple established Hurt’s Hardware & Lumber at their home in 1983 and operated the business for 10 years. Later, in 2006, they acquired the Mansfield Hardware store and operated it until 2014. Glen also worked as an electrician for over 50 years while obtaining his master electrician status.

“They have always had a love for music and are both extremely talented whether they are playing guitar, fiddle, piano or just singing,” Adams added. “There are many memories I have growing up watching them sing and play. They enjoy cheering on the Houston I Astro’s and the Razorbacks. Nowadays you will find them working on numerous projects around their house, watching their favorite series on TV and loving on their pooches Bella and Biggio.”

Congratulations Glen and Jan on this marriage milestone, may God bless you with many more happy years together!

The Hurt family
(photo courtesy of Rachel James)

Glen and Jan Hurt with their two children, Jason and Chanda.
(photo courtesy of Rachel James)

After Milestone Win, Paris Volleyball Program Faces Big Week Ahead

Sports

Resident News Network

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3:09 pm

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After Milestone Win, Paris Volleyball Program Faces Big Week Ahead

After finishing the week last Thursday evening with a conference win in the re-match with Charleston and notching Paris coach Jordan Devine’s 100th coaching victory, the Paris Lady Eagles turn their sights forward to a big week in the schedule starting on Monday. The Lady Eagles travel to Class 4A Mena on Monday for a big non-conference match; return home on Tuesday for an important conference match with Elkins, and finish the week on Thursday with a big showdown match at Hackett. Mena is an important game to the Lady Eagles, but the conference games with Elkins and the defending Class 3A state champion Hackett Lady Hornets are huge for Paris.

Paris has not lost a set in conference play this year, and their only losses of the season have been non-conference matches with upper classification teams such as Fort Smith Southside in five sets, and 16-time state champion Valley View in an invitational, two-set tournament earlier in the season. Hackett and Paris are once again the top teams in the 3A West, and before the season is over, the two teams could play each other up to four times in the next six weeks.

On last Thursday evening, it was Paris defeating Charleston in three sets in the conference re-match. The Lady Eagles continued their domination and clearly frustrated the Lady Tigers again. The Lady Eagles’ front line hitters were clearly dominant in the match, and the setters and back line of the Lady Eagles played “lights out” as they have all season.

With the victory over Charleston, Paris coach Jordan Devine picked up her 100th career coaching victory in just four years. Devine and the Lady Eagles hope that this is the year the team will once again get over the hump of winning a 3A state championship late next month. But, standing in their way are the Lady Hornets who are not ready to surrender their two-year run of winning a Class 2A state title in 2019 and a 3A title in 2020. Paris will have to focus on Mena and Elkins to avoid an upset by looking ahead to Thursday’s road match at Hackett.

Last year at this time, Paris traveled to Mena for what has become an annual road, non-conference match with the Lady Bearcats. Paris did not play well that night, and the next day, the team was quarantined for a two week stretch that had a significant effect on the final conference standings and seedings going into the district tournament. One may never know if the quarantine had an effect on how Paris played against Mena last year, but tomorrow, the Lady Eagles will be out to make a much better showing than last year’s at Mena.

Resident Press will be in Mena on Monday night and will bring you coverage of both the Mena match and Tuesday’s conference match with Elkins in Thursday’s online edition. Photos of both matches will be available on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports on Thursday afternoon. Photos of the Charleston match are now available to fans on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports.

And of course, Resident Press will be in Hackett on Thursday for the big showdown match between the best two teams in the 3A West. Stay with Resident Press for the best coverage of Paris Lady Eagles volleyball!

Sr Tigers Punished By Pirates

Sports

Megan Hecox

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6:47 pm

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Pictured is Drew Elmore

After their Week0 victory against Magazine, the Mansfield Sr Tigers were dismantled by the quarantine effect. The Tigers were cut so deep by quarantines that they were forced to cancel their games against Waldron and Elkins due to numbers so low that they couldn’t fill a roster. This past Friday, the Tigers had just enough players suited up for a game. Although still, the Tigers were out multiple starters, the ability to play was there so they were able to step up to the plate. After searching near and far, the Tigers were able to find an opponent in their conference rivals, the Cedarville Pirates. With both schools agreeing to play the game as a nonconference game, it was finally time for some football.

Mansfield came out hyped and ready to get after it. But that hype quickly diminished into holding on to hope as the Pirates recovered the onside kick and ran a reverse pass for a touchdown on their first play from the scrimmage. The Pirates tacked on a two-point conversion to take an early 8-0 lead. The Tiger’s offense went to work as Zayne Dugan zipped a quick pass to Tyler Turnipseed for a 17 yard gain. That unfortunately was the quick start to the end of the drive as the Tigers were forced to punt. It took Cedarville just one play again to score on a halfback sweep. Mansfield was able to stuff the two-point conversion this time but was still down 14-0. Mansfield’s offense began to click as they drove downfield within the 10-yard line. Fisher Willsey drove his way into the endzone, but the run was called back on a penalty against the Tigers. Still being close to the endzone, Mansfield went for it on 4^th down but were unable to convert.

Cedarville coughed the ball up on their next possession and Drew Elmore flew in for the recovery giving Mansfield life once again. But the rust of two weeks without an opponent was evident as the Tigers got inside the 10-yard line again but couldn’t punch it in closing the 1st quarter down 14-0. Cedarville drove the ball down the Tiger’s throat early in the 2nd quarter, but the Tigers defense held strong and forced a turnover on downs. Mansfield faced a similar fate as they were forced to punt and then suffer another Cedarville score in two plays. Unable to covert their two-point conversion, Cedarville bumped the score up to 20-0. Back on offense, Mansfield was again able to drive on the Pirates with big runs by Willsey and Tyler Woolbright but this time the Tigers capitalized with a big Dugan to Turnipseed pass as Turnipseed screamed downfield for a Tiger touchdown. The extra-point kick was no good, but the Tigers were on the board down 20-6. Cedarville would again put points on the board to bump their lead to 26-6 going into the half.

Coming into the second half, the Tigers were short-handed again as two more starters were unable to play due to injury. But that didn’t stop them as they went to work quickly on defense. Mansfield stalled the Pirate’s initial surge but were caught up in mixed coverage as the Pirates scored off of a big pass. Tacking on the two-point conversion, Cedarville went up 34-6 with 9:02 left in the 3rd quarter. Cedarville’s offense would again prove to be too much for the Tigers as they would again drop a pass off into the endzone just a few minutes later in the 3rd pushing their lead up to 42-6. Most teams would give up at that point and call it a night. Mansfield’s coaches and players prove that giving up is never an option though. On the Pirate’s next position, the Tigers forced another fumble on Cedarville, and it was Drew Elmore again coming up with the recovery. Elmore wasn’t finished either as he snagged a pass from Dugan for a first down and then followed his own lead to do the same for another Tiger touchdown. Dugan then took the Tigers on his shoulders and drove in for the two-point conversion closing the gap to a 42-14 score.

The surge was a little too late for the Tigers as they fell in non-conference play to the Pirates with a final score of 42-14. Head Coach Tim Cothran said “We looked like a team that hasn’t played a game in three weeks. It’s hard for players to keep a game mindset going when they’re not playing games. We are still missing several starters which hurt last night, but hopefully, we will be near full strength by next Friday when we face West Fork.” The Tigers will host the West Fork Tigers for Homecoming on Friday, September 24^th which will be the start of Mansfield’s conference games.

Sr Bulldogs In Heaven After Win Over Atkins

Sports

Megan Hecox

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6:23 pm

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Sr Bulldogs In Heaven After Win Over Atkins

The Waldron Sr Bulldogs have had a rough start to 2021. They suffered a loss to Gentry, had their rivalry game against Mansfield canceled, and then lost to Gore with a depleted roster. But you can’t keep a good dog down. Waldron proved that they will take on any challenge and give it their all. The Bulldogs traveled to Atkins on Friday, September 17th with that open challenge mentality which drove them to a 31-16 victory over the Red Devils.

Waldron opened the game up early and kept their paws on the pedal offensively. Led by the rushing attack of Gabino Grano, the Bulldogs shoved the ball down Atkins’s throat with each snap of the ball. Grano had 22 carries and 225 yards with two touchdowns in the game. Those stats for Grano aren’t a typo or smudged either. Grano averaged over 10 yards per carry as the unstoppable running back left the Red Devils praying for mercy. He wasn’t the sole factor of the offense either. The Bulldog’s beefy backfield as a whole put Atkins defense on a diet. Logan Young averaged 8.9 yards per carry off of 10 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown while Matt Brigance, Kason Davis, and Chris Lopez pounded out a combined 50 yards on just 13 carries.

A defensive coach would stack the box with that kind of firepower shooting at them. The problem is, Matt Brigance is a running AND passing quarterback. Brigance might have only completed four passes, but those four passes were holy water on the Red Devils head. Brigance threw for 92 yards and two touchdowns in the game. Even better, those four completions were to four different receivers. Each receiver caught their pass for over five yards each with Bryson Baker leading the receiving core with a 59-yard snag for a touchdown. Logan Young caught his 7-yard pass for a touchdown while Chris Lopez grabbed an 18-yard pass and Peyton Lipham caught an 8-yard pass.

Defensively, Waldron owned the Red Devils’ golden fiddled offense. The Bulldogs had not one, not two, but 11 players rack up both solo and assisted tackles in the game. Players like Peyton Lipham, Chris Lopez, and Logan Young led the way as the trio combined for 9 solo tackles and 10 assists. Trevor Bates had the only turnover in the game when he saw the Devils’ eyes and picked off a pass. In all, 16 Bulldog defenders rounded up 18 solo tackles and 36 assists in the game. The defense was so dominant that Atkins’s final score was late in the 4^th quarter.

Head Coach Doug Powell said “It has been a horrible start to the season before Friday night. It has felt like everything has been against us due to quarantines and injuries. We have continued to work with what we have and focus on improving as much as we can. Almost every day of the last week, we gained back at least one kid. Most of them helped tremendously against Atkins. For the first time since the Gentry game, I feel like we have had something positive go our way.” The win was not only big for Waldron but gave momentum for the Bulldogs going into conference play. “I have never been in quicksand, but I would imagine the feelings would be similar. The more you fight and work to get out, the more you sink and suffer. The Atkins game, and in particular the second half, felt like we found a solid bottom or at least a branch. Hopefully, this game will slingshot us toward achieving our goals.”

Waldron will step into their first conference play against a familiar and formidable foe. The Mena Bearcats. The Bulldogs were edged out of the win over Mena last season in a monsoon and haven’t forgotten it yet. Waldron will head south to Bearcat country on Friday, September 24^th.

Jr Tigers Humbled By Hornets

Sports

Megan Hecox

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5:59 pm

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Pictured is Quarterback Jeremy Strozier

The Mansfield Jr Tigers have been blessed so far by having a pretty full roster. The Tigers faced three straight 4A opponents and held their own decently with a win over Waldron and losses to Mena and Elkins. Even in the losses though, they showed poise. When Hackett came knocking, Mansfield felt confident in their abilities. Unfortunately, the Tigers were humbled by mental mistakes that gave the Hornets a dominant 22-6 victory over Mansfield.

The Tigers did what they have done since the season started by leaning on solid defense to build up momentum. Tackles by Jeremy Strozier, Boston Elmore, and Zander Walters scrambled the Hornet’s offensive plans early. Mansfield’s offense made themselves know and pounded the ball downfield inside the 15-yard line. The Tigers then faced a foe they have faced every game thus far. The red zone blues. Mansfield was unable to punch the ball in for a score and turned the ball over to Hackett. The teams went back and forth blow for blow until the Hornets capitalized on a Mansfield miscue and put the first points of the game on the board. Hackett was unsuccessful with their two-point conversion but took a 6-0 lead with 5:49 left in the first quarter. Mansfield’s offensive struggles continued but the defense picked up the slack with Dakota Deer and Ethan Martin swarming the Hornets making tackles seem easy and closing the 1^st quarter on a positive note.

Coach Tim Cothran pumping up his Jr Tigers

Hackett started off the 2^nd quarter strong, but the Tigers defense wouldn’t budge. The Hornets flung a rocketing pass into the end zone only to have the ball caught by Mansfield’s Trey Powell at the two-yard line. Dawson Robinson, Walters, and Strozier kept the Tiger’s offense chugging along but were still unable to light up the scoreboard as the defense again stepped back on the field. Alex Hecox, Toby Towe, and Cooper Edwards made big-time stops against the Hackett offense. But just as the Hornets seemed stuffed, a chink in the Tiger’s defensive armor was jabbed and the Hornets scored a touchdown. With the two-point conversion good, the Hornets went into the half with a 14-0 lead.

The third quarter was a stalemate for both teams as neither could build up offensive momentum against each other’s defenses. Passes were covered, runs were stuffed, and bodies hit the ground often and hard as the 3^rd quarter ended with the same 14-0 Hackett lead that it started with. Hackett would again score on Mansfield in the closing minute of the 4^th quarter with just 0:39 left in the game. The added two-point conversion left the Tigers staring at a 22-0 goose egg on the scoreboard. The Tigers were down and some teams would have walked off the field. But Mansfield still had time on the clock and determination in their tank. A big run by Ethan Martin set up Zander Walters for a rush in the other direction. Walters took the rock 44 yards to the house and a Mansfield touchdown with just 0:12 seconds left on the clock. Unable to push their way in for the two-point conversion, the Tigers were at the mercy of the clock. A Tigers onside kick was the only hope to close the gap, but Hackett recovered the ball and ended the game with a 22-6 final score over the Tigers.

Mansfield’s passing game was hit hard by dropped balls as they only completed two of ten passes for 21 yards and an interception. Although the passing game was down and Hackett keyed on the run game, the Tigers were still able to prove their rushing attack is bar to none. Jeremy Strozier rushed 9 times for 45 yards and Zander Walters had 8 carries for 94 yards and the Tiger’s sole touchdown of the night. Mansfield now sits at a 1-3 overall record and 0-1 conference record. The Tigers may have a slow start to the season, but there are a lot of games ahead of them. “We had too many penalties, too many mistakes, too many dropped passes, which all added up to too much frustration. We have just a few 9th graders on the team so we are relying very heavily on 8th graders to help carry us. There are some rough edges to smooth off still with this young team”. explained Coach Tim Cothran. Next up will be the West Fork Tigers on Thursday, September 23^rd. Mansfield will leave The Red Jungle and travel north to the Gold Jungle in hopes of proving that they are the only Tigers on the block.

Chief Sehorn Retires After Three Decades of Service

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Resident News Network

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7:34 pm

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Chief Sehorn Retires After Three Decades of Service

Chief Master Sgt. Ricky D. Sehorn, 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) chief of transportation, retired in a formal ceremony held here September 11, 2021.

Sehorn closed out a military career spanning over 36 years and two service branches with family, friends, and current and former coworkers. The event was presided over by Lt. Col. James T. Garvey, 188th LRS commander.

Sehorn’s military career began in 1985 when he enlisted in the 188th Fighter Wing as a life support specialist while attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Upon graduation, he joined the Army’s 95th Infantry Division. Serving as the platoon leader, Sehorn deployed to Europe in response to Operation Decisive Endeavor.

In 1990, Sehorn returned to the 188th and joined the security forces squadron before transferring to vehicle maintenance. As the 188th chief of transportation, he was responsible for 12 vehicle maintainers and 220 assigned vehicles and equipment pieces.

In addition to his official papers of retirement, Sehorn was presented with numerous awards, citations, and accolades earned during his distinguished years of service including an Arkansas Exceptional Service Medal for his leadership while Chief of Transportation.

Sehorn spoke of what the Guard means to him, especially since the events of 9/11. “To me, the Guard is a people. I believe the Guard is still young men and women who join this organization for education, adventure, and to defend their nation and their communities against enemies and catastrophes. But most importantly, they join to be a part of something bigger than their self. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

He will continue to manage his 150 acres of farmland near Waldron, Arkansas, of which about 5 acres is farmed by horse and mule.

(photos courtesy of 188th Wing, Air National Guard)

TSgt Cody Carson Recipient of 2021 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award

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7:12 pm

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TSgt Cody Carson Recipient of 2021 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award

Congratulations to TSgt Cody Carson for winning the 2021 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award in the NCO category.

TSgt Carson is a member of the 153rd Intelligence Squadron and was selected for the award for his work in leading his fellow Airmen and supporting MAJCOMS with vital intelligence products.

“This is a very prestigious award with a very select group of recipients. Reading past recipient’s stories and citations makes me proud to follow in their footsteps. I am grateful to my command for the recommendation but even more grateful for the personnel that are involved in my squadron’s targeting operations that I supervise,” said Carson.

The Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award, created in 1981, recognizes the accomplishments of Airmen, both officers and enlisted, who demonstrate the highest qualities of leadership in the performance of their duties and conduct of their lives.

Sijan, an Air Force captain and fighter pilot, died while a POW in Vietnam. Prior to his capture, the United States Air Force Academy graduate and posthumous Medal of Honor recipient evaded the North Vietnamese for six weeks after being shot down in November 1967.

The national award has become one of the U.S. Air Force’s most prestigious honors.

“Everyday TSgt Cody Carson comes to work ready to lead our production team,” shared a fellow airmen. “He consistently goes above and beyond his normal duties to ensure that the 153rd ITD products are completed correctly and submitted on time. His attitude and passion emulate that of an outstanding leader. This guy is going places and I’m so blessed to be part of his journey! I can’t wait to see what the future holds and the plans that God has for him! Cody, I pray that you continue to work hard, continue to inspire others, keep the positive attitude regardless of the obstacles you face, and stay passionate about Airmen! This award is very much deserved!”

(photo courtesy of 188th Wing, Air National Guard)

AGFC Proposing Fishing Regulation Change at Sugar Loaf Lake

Outdoors

Resident News Network

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5:15 pm

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AGFC Proposing Fishing Regulation Change at Sugar Loaf Lake

MIDLAND — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is taking public comments on a proposal to remove the 13- to 16-inch length limit on largemouth bass at Sugar Loaf Lake in Sebastian County.

Currently, any largemouth bass caught from Sugar Loaf Lake measuring from 13 inches to 16 inches (measured from the tip of the tail to the tip of the lower jaw) must be immediately released into the water. The slot limit has been in place since 1996. Recent electrofishing efforts indicate that the lake is becoming overpopulated with young largemouth bass, which can stunt the growth of fish in the lake.

The AGFC is seeking public comments on the proposal now to present with the recommendation to the Commission during its regulations-setting process in 2022. If passed, it would become effective Jan. 1, 2023.

A video presentation of the proposal and its justification is available at the following YouTube link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsOOpDVzaMU. A questionnaire for public comments is available in the description below the video on YouTube.

The Pros and Cons of Keeping Your Own Chickens

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

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9:00 am

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The Pros and Cons of Keeping Your Own Chickens

Homesteading is in. More people are trying to be as self-sufficient on their property as they can when it comes to food, and chickens—and their eggs—are no exception. For your consideration, here are a few of the pros and cons of keeping your own chickens.

Pro: Back-to-the-Land Satisfaction

Something about cooking with produce you grew yourself feels great. The same goes for the breakfasts and desserts you’ll make with your homegrown eggs. You’ll feel a sense of pride and self-reliance with these ingredients. Just make sure to take pride in your coop, too, for reasons we’ll explore later.

Con: High Upfront Expenses

It’s hard to do the math to determine whether you’ll come out ahead by keeping your own chickens rather than buying them from the grocery store or the farmers market. Whatever the costs or benefits in the long run, know that the upfront expenses will be high either way. If you would struggle to shoulder those costs right now, it’s best to wait.

Pro: Compost Products

In addition to laying eggs, chickens have another way of giving back. We’ll warn you right now that chicken manure is going to be a very plentiful “resource.” However, this waste product is more than mere waste—its nitrogen and mineral content make it an ideal fertilizer, one that can add a great deal to your compost heap. With time to further decompose, chicken manure will supplement your compost and help your garden grow. Cracked eggshells, another organic material, can also provide more minerals to your heap.

Con: Potential Salmonellosis Cases

Having eggs close at hand would seem like a healthy alternative to grabbing cartons from the grocery store. However, the quality of homegrown eggs isn’t always everything it’s cracked up to be. You don’t have the quality-control measures in place that major egg producers do, and if you don’t enforce stringent sanitation practices around your coop, it’s possible for Salmonella bacteria to infiltrate your eggs, causing dangerous or even deadly cases of food poisoning. Indeed, salmonellosis outbreaks because of tainted backyard chicken eggs have been on the rise lately, with well-meaning poultry hobbyists coming down with nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Pro and Con: No Need for Alarm Clocks

Clichés are rooted in truth. Your rooster is indeed going to let out a “cock-a-doodle-doo” at the crack of dawn. Even your hens can get in on the action, making a great deal of noise as they rise and shine each morning. The pros and cons of keeping your own chickens overlap with this noise. Some keepers of chickens may relish the sounds of their birds, especially if they, like their chickens, need to be early risers. Neighbors in proximity to your coop, however, may disagree. Your municipality may have reservations about residents keeping chickens due to the noise. Make sure you’re complying with local ordinances before you throw out your alarm clock—and be ready for strongly worded letters from the neighbors.

Having Defeated Pottsville, Charleston Travels to Ozark on Friday Seeking 4A-4 Sweep in Non-conference Play

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2:52 pm

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Having Defeated Pottsville, Charleston Travels to Ozark on Friday Seeking 4A-4 Sweep in Non-conference Play

The Charleston Tigers played their second non-conference game of the 2021 season last Friday at Pottsville. When the night was over, Charleston came away with their second victory over a 4A-4 team, defeating the Apaches, 35-14. The 3A Tigers go to 2-0 on the season and will travel to Ozark this Friday night to play the Hillbillies in the “Battle of Franklin County.”

Ozark finished the 2020 regular season at 7-3, including a 54-21 win at Charleston. In 2021, the Hillbillies are 1-1, having defeated Clarksville and losing to Booneville. Ozark returns seven starters on offense and six on defense.

The battle at Ozark will be the final non-conference test for Charleston before they return home on September 24 to host the Greenland Pirates in the opening weekend of 3A-1 conference play. In fact, the Charleston schedule resembles a gauntlet of five games to start the season that could determine not only the Tigers overall record, but their playoff berth and seeding within their own conference. The Tigers host Greenland at Alumni Field next week, and will go on the road to Cedarville for a tough showdown game with huge conference implications. But first things first. This week, it is the perennial 4A power Ozark Hillbillies that are on the radar of head coach Ricky May and the Charleston coaching staff.

Coach May had significant concerns about his defense following the preseason scrimmage against Booneville. The Bearcats are tough this year, and have had big success against both Dardanelle and Ozark. Since that night of the preseason scrimmage, Coach May and the Charleston coaching staff emphasized toughness and getting off the field after third downs and not giving up big plays for first downs. Coach May has been pleased with the start of the defense since their opening game, and the Tigers have allowed an average of just 10 points per game so far. For Coach May, the biggest thing on his mind is, “we haven’t beat them in a while.”

Coach May elaborated, “We haven’t beaten them since I’ve been a head coach. I have been close once, but did not win.” In the Booneville win over Ozark, the Hillbillies were missing their quarterback. That is not to take anything away fro a Bearcats team that handled Ozark that night, but the Hillbillies’ back-up quarterback (Ryker Martin), according to May, “is more of a runner, so, Booneville had eight in the box (on defense to play against the run).” The Tigers expect the Ozark starting quarterback (Landon Wright) to return this Friday. In short, Charleston expects all of the injured Ozark starters to return in this rivalry game on Friday. The Hillbillies run the spread offense, and Wright is the better passer of the two Ozark quarterbacks. His return would mean that Ozark would be able to run their offense more efficiently than was possible against Booneville.

Coach May has been pleased with his team’s play, including his defense that he expressed concern with earlier in the year. “We have played with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. Our physicality has been really good, and I feel like we have matched our opponents’ physicality. But we still turned it over three times (against Pottsville). We can’t continue to do that and be successful.” The Tigers turned the ball over to Pottsville on one interception and two fumbles. “On the two fumbles, we were going in (for a score on each drive). The interception was down about on our 20 yard line. We have been real fortunate to win (against the 4A non-conference teams) when we have turned the ball over. We have to fix us (correct the turnovers and mistakes).

Resident Press will have a recap on this game next week in its online edition. Friday’s game in Ozark should be another great edition of this cross county rivalry between two great football programs. You will want to get there early to get a seat at this one!

Good luck to the Charleston Tigers who look to go to 3-0 on the 2021 season!

R

Pro: Back-to-the-Land Satisfaction

Con: High Upfront Expenses

Pro: Compost Products

Con: Potential Salmonellosis Cases

Pro and Con: No Need for Alarm Clocks

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK