Resident News Network

Lady Eagles Volleyball Plays Ball & Leaves it All in Three Set Sweep of Booneville

Sports

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11:42 am

Lady Eagles Volleyball Plays Ball & Leaves it All in Three Set Sweep of Booneville

Anytime you get Paris and Booneville together, regardless of the sport, fans from both communities know it is going to be a game of emotion and all-out play by both teams. Tuesday night’s game at Paris Gymnasium pitted the Lady Eagles against the much-improved Lady Bearcats. And the Lady Eagles, flying high over the opponents in the 2021 season, improved their record to 2-0 in the 3A West by sweeping Booneville 3-0.

Booneville is an improved program and it appeared that Paris respected the Lady Bearcats and their progress and were ready to fly at game time. The sets, however, were not that competitive with the Lady Eagles winning by the scores of 25-17, 25-11, and 25-6. As the match played out, the deficit between the two schools increased with Paris eventually taking one of its all star hitters, senior Alyssa Komp, out of the game in the third set.

In the first set, the Lady Eagles flew out to a 18-13 lead before Booneville called its first timeout. Paris mistakes were keeping the set fairly closed, but the Lady Eagles, both their front line hitters, and their outstanding back line were proving to be too much for the Lady Bearcats. Booneville called timeout again with Paris leading in the first set by the score of 23-14. The Lady Eagles front line then capped the first set victory with key kill shots that put the set away with Paris winning 25-17.

In the second set, Paris began to assert its dominance by racing out to a 11-6 lead. A short time after a Booneville team time out, an official time out was called for an injured Booneville player with the set score 14-7 in favor of Paris. Booneville again called time out with the score 21-11after the Lady Bearcats were taking multiple hits for scores against the strong Paris front line. Paris junior Rachel O’Neal served the final points to close out the second set with the Lady Eagles winning, 25-11.

In the third and final set, it was apparent that the momentum was completely on the side of Paris, and the Lady Eagles made quick work of securing the match win. Paris won the third match in dominating all phases of the match by a score of 25-6.

The tough non-conference portion of the Paris volleyball schedule is paying off in conference play for the Lady Eagles. And now, Paris will take a short break from conference play to host another Class 3A volleyball power in Harding Academy on Thursday at Paris Gymnasium. The Lady Wildcats will be another measure of how much Paris has improved this season and could be a preview of a state tournament match that could take place in October in Paris.

Resident Press will be in Paris on Thursday to cover the Lady Eagles big match with Harding Academy. Watch for this story over the weekend in Resident Press. And as always, photos from the game will be posted on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports. Watch for these photos on Sunday evening.

Congratulations to the Lady Eagles on their second conference victory, and I hope to see you Thursday night for the big game with Harding Academy!

Obituary – Mary Lou Smith (1948-2021)

Obituaries

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11:20 am

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Mary Lou (Mahurin) Smith of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday, September 6, 2021 in Waldron, Arkansas with her loving family by her side.

Mary was born September 19, 1948 in Waldron, Arkansas to “Hoot” Mahurin and Ruby Brown Mahurin. She was 72 years old. Mary was a long-time member of Waldron Pentecostal Church.

Mary worked many for many years at Tyson Foods. Having done almost every job in the plant, she retired working in the Quality Assurance Department. Mary was a kind and humble woman who worked hard and always helped others when possible, even doing without sometimes to give to others. Her caring nature and love for family and friends were insurmountable. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. A pot of coffee, good conversation and laughs were always found sitting around Mary’s table. When time would afford her the opportunity, she could be found very happily throwing a line to see if she could snag her a big o’l fish. At the end of every day, her prayer, her happiness, her worry and her blessings were to know that her family was taken care of.

Mary leaves behind to cherish her memory, one son, Hondo Smith and wife Nelva and three daughters: Lisa Smith, Misty Smith and Faith Smith all of Waldron, Arkansas. Nana will forever remain in the hearts of her 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Mary is also survived by one sister Lessie Dean Stuart of Hon, Arkansas and one brother Danny Mahurin of Bates, Arkansas. Mary will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted, including an extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins, many friends and loved ones she held dear to her heart.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny L. Smith, one infant son, Shane Lee Smith, her parents, Hoot and Ruby Mahurin and one brother, Charlie Mahurin.

Mary’s life celebration will be held, 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 9, 2021, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Rickey Hunt officiating. Interment will follow in the Duncan Cemetery. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Mary’s pallbearers will be Garry Smith, Garon Smith, David Walker, Jeff Pennington, Cameron Young and Jessie Oldaker. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Edwards, Chuck Reay, Larry Stuart and Tim Stuart.

Mary’s visitation will be Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas.

Blythe Featured in Hometown Highlight

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1:12 pm

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Most would call her a mainstay, a cornerstone if you will, of our community. She has been a devoted lifelong Tiger fan and longstanding member of the Mansfield/Huntington Chamber of Commerce. Ann Blythe is, and always be, remembered for her community activism.

A Mansfield High School Class of 1956 alumna, Ann Wisley Blythe met and married her beau, Farris Blythe, in June of 1955. For the past 66 years, Ann and Farris have made a wonderful life together.

Ann Blythe has often been called the “First Lady” of Abbott, and her husband, “Mayor”.

Ann Blythe serving up desserts at a Mansfield/Huntington Chamber of Commerce fundraiser.

Ann Blythe has held career positions at “The Citizen” and CV’s, among others. She lived and worked around the schedule of volleyball and softball games. Whatever her grandchildren were doing, she was involved.

Family, including their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, is the heart of the Blythes.

The Blythes have seen their share of hardships as well as triumphs along life’s journey. However, their faith in God has never waivered.

It is a great honor and privilege to feature Ann Blythe as our Hometown Highlight. If you know of an ordinary person doing extraordinary things, we want to feature them – contact us!

Ann Blythe, and her sister, Gaile Hainley

Troopers to Utilize New Low Profile Patrols Targeting Aggressive and Distracted Drivers

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11:49 am

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A dangerous and escalating trend in the number of aggressive driving violations on the state’s highways has Arkansas State Troopers turning to an improved tool to curb the deadly threats. Twenty-five new low-profile highway patrol vehicles have been acquired by the Arkansas State Police to bolster the attack against incidents of aggressive and distracted driving.

The black Chevrolet Tahoes are partially marked with the state police insignia visible only from the passenger side, but fully equipped to conduct traffic stops. “Putting state troopers in non-conventional patrol vehicles to blend unnoticed in traffic is nothing new; we’ve been doing it more than 20 years,” said Colonel Bill Bryant, Director of the Arkansas State Police. “What’s new today is the use of a taller vehicle platform like the Tahoe that will offer troopers an improved visual perspective to detect drivers violating distracted driving laws or spotting a vehicle being driven in an aggressive manner that threatens other motorist’s safety.”

During calendar year 2020 there were 641 Arkansas deaths resulting from motor vehicle crashes, a 27% increase over the previous year. The number of highway crash deaths has already surpassed 400 this year. Colonel Bryant testified before a General Assembly sub-committee earlier this summer that Arkansas has not escaped a national epidemic of lawlessness on the nation’s highways. He told the legislators, “. . . law abiding Arkansas motorists are finding themselves confronted with new threats on the highways and more frequently than ever before.”

Last year Arkansas troopers stopped 2,030 drivers who were traveling at 100 miles per hour, or faster, an increase of more than 100 percent from 2019 among violators exceeding the 100 miles per hour speed. The three digit speed violations in 2021 have already surpassed all last year with troopers issuing 2,381 tickets to violators between January – June this year for speeds between 100 – 160 miles per hour. Cumulatively this year (*January – August) state troopers have issued 52,593 citations for various speeding and dangerous or aggressive driving type violations. The anomaly of faster speeding violations has been compounded by a brazen spike in incidences of drivers refusing to stop when state troopers attempt to initiate traffic stops. Over the past five years troopers in Arkansas have documented a 98 percent increase in pursuits involving drivers who choose to flee rather than pull-over for the initial violation.

In the metropolitan Little Rock/Central Arkansas area pursuits are up 170 percent since 2016. Colonel Bryant told legislators, “When a driver makes the conscious choice to flee from law enforcement they increase their speed, drive erratically, weave in and out of traffic, passing other vehicles on the highway shoulder; they’re putting innocent lives at risk for no reason other than they refuse stop for the initial traffic violation.” The danger on Arkansas highways is not just limited to speeding violations and aggressive driving but also incidents of gunfire directed at vehicles and occupants.

The state police Criminal Investigation Division has 21 open cases currently under investigation with at least two of the cases involving the deaths of three individuals. Distracted driving violations continue to pose a danger for motorists on state highways with troopers already issuing more than 800 violator citations this year. Using a phone or other device to send text messages or post social media comments while driving is one of the leading causes of distracted driving and is a violation of Arkansas law.

“Statistically, teenage drivers are the most common violators, but middle age adults aren’t far behind,” commented Major Forrest Marks, commander of the state police Highway Patrol Division, Western Region. Troopers assigned to the low profile patrols will additionally be watching for drivers who illegally use the left lane of a multi-lane highway. Arkansas law was amended this year to prohibit drivers from using the left lane of a multi-lane highway except when passing other traffic. Presently troopers are issuing warnings to violators while drivers acclimate themselves to the change. In the coming days troopers will transition to strict enforcement of the new law and begin issuing violator citations. “Every highway patrol troop will have the low profile marked Tahoes and we hope the use of the special patrol vehicles throughout the state will be a deterrent to the growing threat caused by drivers who choose to ignore the law and safety of others”, said Major Jason Aaron, commander of the Highway Patrol Division, Eastern Region. “If a trooper can stop just one of these dangerous drivers before killing an innocent motorist, the new tool we have in our patrol fleet will have been worth it.”

The recognizable white sedan with blue stripes and state police markings will continue to be the mainstay of the ASP highway patrol fleet with aerial observation from two aircraft flying in support over the highways. The low profile vehicles will be assigned to each of the twelve highway patrol troops across the state. The new low profile patrol vehicles and law enforcement equipment installed in the vehicles were purchased with federal grant money totaling $1.15 million provided by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.

Gamble Family Honored At First Home Game

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10:07 am

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Gamble Family Honored At First Home Game

On a warm Friday night, the stands were packed, the band played, and the school district honored the Gamble family. On the backs of the scoreboard in either end zone is the now infamous quote from Aaron Gamble “It’s not about me, it’s about the ‘G'” Fans and faculty wore shirts with the quote proudly displayed on the back.

During the pregame festivities, Tara and Dacie Gamble handed the game ball to Bulldog Head Coach Chris Young. Coach Young was hired with Aaron back in 2000 to be coaches under then head coach Ronnie Peacock. As most know now, Aaron Gamble and his son Landry passed away on June 18 as a result of an automobile accident. It is a loss that has affected the school and community of 10,000 deeply.

Dacie and Tara Gamble with Head Coach Chris Young

At halftime of the Varsity game, it was announced that Aaron’s number 84, as seen on the Bulldog on the end zone scoreboards, would be permanently retired at the conclusion of the 2021 Football season. Current Senior Wide Receiver Luke Brewer wears the number 84, and at the request of the Gamble Family, will continue to do so until the season’s end. During the game ball presentation and the number retiring at halftime, the crowd gave a standing ovation on either side of the stadium.

The number 84 joins 25 as the only numbers to be retired at Greenwood. Twenty-five was worn by one of Aaron Gamble’s favorite targets in the 1995 season when the Center turned QB, helped then WR Kris Weible average 23 yards per catch, setting a National record the following season.

Midwest Sporting Goods donated helmet decals to honor Aaron Gamble. Designed by Kristin Aishman, each grade displays the sticker on the back of the helmet.

Greenwood Shuts Out Russellville

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9:54 am

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All it took was one half to see how dominant the Greenwood freshman squad was on Thursday night. As the halftime horn went off, the damage was done. The 9th-grade team had racked up a 42-0 lead. A defensive stop on the first Russellville drive would result in a punt with a 15-yard return by Daniel Burton. On the first offensive play, Kaylor Jasna would take the Kane Archer pitch 5 yards. On the very next play, Archer would find an open Daniel Burton for 44 yards and a Zak Edwards kick would put the score 7-0 with 5:19 left in the first.

Greenwood’s 9th Grade Defense scored three touchdowns against Russellville

Russellville’s next drive would end with a Cash Archer sack on 3rd down, another punt by the Whirlwinds saw Daniel Burton once again put the ball in perfect position on the Russellville 45. Jeremy Lawyer will take the handoff 11 yards for another first down. Next play Archer finds Burton again, extra point no good score 13-0.

Zak Edwards goes to kick an extra point, Kaylor Jasna with the hold.

Russellville’s next drive would be more productive but almost came to a halt with a near interception by Isiah Arrington. They would end the 1st quarter 13-0. Starting the 2nd quarter Cash Archer would read the swing pass perfectly taking the interception 69 yards to the end zone. Kane Archer would find Daniel Burton for the two-point conversion to bring the score 21-0. Russellville would take over again their own 15-yard line. Three plays later, a tipped pass and interception by Scott Holland goes into the end zone. The extra point was blocked by Russellville, Bulldogs up 27-0 with 5:58 in the 2nd quarter. On third down, Zak Zitsman would get an interception off of a dropped pass that hit the receiver’s foot and popped up. After a short pass from Kane Archer to Kaylor Jasna, Archer would find Isiah Arrington for a 49-yard touchdown, Arrington would also snag the two-point conversion putting the score 35-0.

Russellville would get deep into Greenwood territory, Jasna would have a big pass break up and then a huge hit that would result in a penalty. It would put the Whirlwinds at the 9-yard line. An incomplete pass on 4th down gave Greenwood the ball at the 9-yard line. Archer would take the snap and throw to Grant Karnes and to the end zone he went on a 91-yard pass, the Zak Edwards kick with nothing left on the clock, put the score at 42-0 at the half.

Scott Holland runs toward the end zone on his interception in the 2nd quarter

To start the 2nd half the Greenwood drive would stall and end with a Jasna punt. Two plays later Mark Garretson would pick up the Russellville fumble and rumble to the end zone for 6. The extra point was no good leaving the score 48-0 with just over two minutes left in the 3rd quarter. With the sportsmanship rule in effect, Russellville would get three plays until the end of the quarter. Russellville’s drive would sputter out and end on a punt. Kaylor Jasna would lead the Dogs back on the field. Samuel Burton will take the handoff 67 yards for a touchdown, the Edwards extra point is good with the score 55-0. On the next series, Greenwood would recover another fumble and then run out the clock.

The Freshman squad moves to 2-0 on the season their next action was to be against the Booneville Bearcats just like the 8th-grade team, Covid protocols have canceled that game. As of press time, another opponent had not been named for the September 9 date. They did pick up another game for their bye week on October 14 with the Little Rock Parkview Patriots. Times and location of the Parkview game have not been released as of yet. Just like the Bulldogs, the Patriots have also been putting up big numbers on their opponents.

Daniel Burton looks for a lane on his first Punt return

(Left to Right) Cash Archer, Gage Hanna, and Samuel Burton await the snap to take on Russellville’s offensive line

Kane Archer rolls out on a two-point conversion

Greenwood’s Defense swallows up a Russellville running back

Kaylor Jasna lays a helmet popping hit on a Russellville receiver

Grant Karnes awaits a Kane Archer pass as the Varsity Coaches look on

Jaxson Cole and Samuel Burton head down the field on a kickoff

A Tale of Two Halves

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9:42 am

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The home opener for the 8th Grade Bulldogs was a tale of two halves. The first half saw the Russellville Whirlwinds keep the ball on offense for most of the 1st quarter. A stop on 4th and 11 by Boaz Channer gave the Dogs the ball on their own 20 with less than a minute in the first. Drive would stall out with Greenwood punting away. On the ensuing play, Russellville would find the endzone for the only touchdown of the first half. The Whirlwinds would attempt an onside but would touch the ball before going the 10 yards, giving the Bulldogs the ball on the Russellville 44.

Quarterback Jackson Overton looks for yardage in the 2nd Quarter

Russellville would get the ball back, but a fumble and recovery by Wesley Raggio, would send the Jackson Overton led Bulldogs back out with 2:21 left in the 2nd. A 26-yard pass to Raggio would put the Dogs down on the 22-yard line within striking distance of the end zone. An Overton TD pass to Andrew Burton would be negated by a block in the back penalty. The drive would stop on 4th and 20 with the Whirlwinds getting the ball back on the 50-yard line. Russellville would spike the ball with 8 seconds left and attempt a pass with Lawyer Thornsberry defending. A delay of game penalty left one second on the clock with Russellville taking a knee to take it to half. Score 7-0.

(Left to Right) Cody Johnson, Andrew Burton, and Easton Carter go for a fumble in the 2nd qtr.

Russellville would come out in the second half and kick low to Easton Carter, who would fall on the ball at the 43-yard line. Kane Archer would come out the 2nd half to get the offense going with a strike to Andrew Burton and then a scramble. A loss on the next play had the Dogs facing a 3rd and 15 with Archer finding Burton again for a first down. After another pass to Burton, Archer would find Brayden Shepard for a TD. On the two-point conversion, Benton Hossley would snag the pass from Archer, making the score 8-7.

Russellville would take over and connect on a deep pass to be brought back by a holding call. Another holding call on 3rd down would bring out the Russellville punt team and a delay of game penalty. A bad snap caused the Whirlwind punter to mistakenly take a knee giving Greenwood the ball on the 14-yard line. Hossely would get a pass and fight for extra yardage down to the 6-yard line. A run by Raggio would make it good for 6 points, an unsuccessful two-point conversion would leave the score 14-7 with 53 seconds left in the 3rd Quarter.

Benton Hossely fights for extra yardage.

Russellville ran one play and ended the 3rd quarter on the 43-yard line. A wild tipped pass on 2nd down was snagged by a Whirlwinds player with the point after good to tie the game 14-14 with 5:24 left. Brayden Shepard takes a pass from Archer 58 yards down to the Russellville 6 yard line. Raggio would punch it in on the next play, with Andrew Burton getting the two-point pass to push the score to 22-14. The Whirlwinds would get some big runs to get them down to the Greenwood 43. On 4th and 8, Safety Lawyer Thornsberry would come up big with an interception starting the drive on Russellville 30. Kane Archer would take the read-option 70 yards for a TD with 48 seconds left. Archer would float up to a leaping Benton Hossely to put the score at 30-14.

On the ensuing kickoff, Blaze McDaniel would meet the Russellville returner on the 37. Reis Denson would record the last tackle of the game on a short Russellville pass.

The 8th Grade Bulldogs were to be in action on Tuesday, September 7 versus Fort Smith Kimmons, but due to Covid protocols on behalf of Kimmons, the Dogs find themselves going against Pocola, Oklahoma on Thursday night, September 9 at 7 p.m. The game will be at Smith-Robinson Stadium. There will be a 7th grade game against Kimmons on Tuesday, September 7 against Kimmons.

Kane Archer looks downfield against Russellville

Boaz Channer wraps up the Russellville QB

Wesley Raggio runs in a TD in the 4th Quarter.

Andrew Burton makes a two-point conversion reception

Deacon Cameron looks to the scoreboard in the 3rd quarter

Eagles Host West Fork in Final Non-conference Game & First Test of the Season

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9:09 am

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Eagles Host West Fork in Final Non-conference Game & First Test of the Season

The Paris Eagles are now 2-0 on the high school football season. After opening the season on the road for their first two games, the Eagles finally return home to the friendly confines of Eagles Stadium on Friday. The good news is that Paris is 2-0 and will be playing at home. The not-so-good news is that the West Fork Tigers are coming to town and will bring an experienced and talented team that has a lot of motivation to win at Paris.

West Fork will test the physicality of the Eagles in Friday’s contest. Specifically, the Tigers’ flex bone offense will want to run a physical, ball-control game that will take time from the Eagles offense and will test the new Paris defensive line and linebackers. In their first two contests, Paris has looked good on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, but, the teams they have played do not resemble the big and physical Tigers.

Eagles defensive line will be tested against the physical, Tigers flex bone offense (Resident Press File Photo / Jim Best)

Last week’s Eagles win at Johnson County Westside was just that; it was a win. But due to the fact that the “mercy rule” was implemented at Westside’s request just five minutes into the game, Paris coach Jeff Weaver pulled his starters for the remainder of the game. It was a good move to protect the starters from potential injury, and it showed good sportsmanship on behalf of Weaver and the Eagles. But the downside is that the Paris starters did not get a lot of reps in the game, and that could have an effect in week two against West Fork. Coach Weaver commented, “That was the first time I’ve ever seen a team ask to start the sportsmanship rule with five minutes to go in the first quarter.”

The Eagles offensive line will have to provide protection for their quarterback, Chase Watts (2) to find his talented receiver corps (Resident Press File Photo / Jim Best)

Coach Weaver praised his team for the week of preparation the team had in the week leading up to the Westside game. “I was proud of the week our guys had in preparation for the game. We came out and took care of business.”

This Friday against West Fork, it will be up to the Eagles offensive and defensive lines to “take care of business.” Last year’s Tigers team may have surprised some fans by making the state playoffs from the 3A-1 conference, but this year’s edition of the Tigers will be no surprise. Weaver spoke of West Fork by saying, “West Fork is big and physical. We have to play good disciplined football. The team that controls the tempo will probably win the game.”

And that is the challenge for a team that wants to control the clock (West Fork) and another team that wants to score quickly (Paris). West Fork is not built to score quickly, and some would argue that Paris is not built to stand up to a big and physical running attack. So, this is an intriguing match-up that could give Paris fans some insight as to how the Eagles may play, for example, Booneville, and their physical rushing attack.

Aside from the obvious fact that Paris wants to win the game and improve to 3-0 on the season, the Eagles have a bye week next week before they open conference play on September 24 at Mayflower. An Eagles win that is free of injuries would be just what the doctor ordered before the off week. It would be a chance to enter conference play undefeated, get some rest before conference play, and be ready to once again go on the road for that all important first conference game at Mayflower.

But, first things first. The West Fork Tigers come to Paris this Friday, and kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Eagles Stadium. Resident Press will be there to photograph the game and bring you all of the action in its Saturday morning recap. Photos from the game will be posted on Facebook at Paris Eagles Sports on Sunday afternoon.

So, the stage is set for a great football game on Friday, and the Eagles need their fans to pack the stadium! I look forward to seeing you there, and GO EAGLES!

Jr Bulldogs Tough Turfed By Mansfield

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:45 am

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The Waldron Jr High Bulldogs had a double dose of bad luck on Thursday, September 2^nd. The team not only had a few key players out but also had to face a stacked Mansfield Tiger team. The Bulldogs may have been down in players, but they weren’t down in fighting spirit. Waldron jumped at every chance to take down the Tigers, but in the end, they were just too worn out to succeed in a 28-0 loss to their rivals.

The Bulldogs opened the game with some stiff defense as they shut down Mansfield’s prized rushing attack for a quick three and out. Waldron then took over on offense but couldn’t light the fire to drive downfield. With their defense again taking hold of the Tiger’s tail, the Bulldogs proved that they would not be bullied around forcing the Tigers out again. Shortly after, disaster struck for Waldron. The Bulldogs were putting together some offensive movement when the ball was fumbled allowing Mansfield to pick it up and score. If once wasn’t bad enough, on their next possession the flippin’ fumble beast struck the Bulldogs again and Mansfield again picked the ball up to score.

Waldron is a proud program though and their players are the definition of never quit. The Bulldogs defense continued to keep Mansfield at bay. Tiger running backs were swarmed by black jerseys as Waldron kept up the heavy pressure. Mansfield was able to fool the Bulldogs though by faking a run and going with a play-action pass for a touchdown to close the half with the Tigers up 20-0.

Down but not out, the Bulldogs came out of the half with determination to step it up. The offense put together some more good drives, but couldn’t execute them far enough downfield to score. Waldron would allow only one more offensive touchdown by the Tigers but still had issues holding on to the ball in the second half as the Bulldogs turned the ball over two more times. Waldron’s efforts were not in doubt at any point though as they pushed for the full four quarters. The Bulldogs held Mansfield to just one offensive score in the second half, but missing players and self-inflicted miscues were too much as the Bulldogs fell to Mansfield with a 28-0 final.

The Bulldogs can hang their hat on defense as they held the Tigers to a mere 97 yards rushing and just 34 yards passing. Future opponents had better not take them lightly on offense though. Although the score of this game would suggest Waldron’s offense is poor, they are not by far. Players will return to the team and ball security corrections will be made. Jr High Coach Garett Lazenby said, “I’m very proud of our players. We only had 16 kids that could play in that game and each one of them gave everything they had on the field. That’s all anyone can ask of them. I think once we get more players back from quarantine we will be just fine.” The Bulldogs will have a bye week to get those players back again and then face off against the Ozark Hillbillies on September 16^th.

Jr Tigers Train Bulldogs To “Turnover” In Win

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Megan Hecox

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10:29 am

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Jr Tigers Train Bulldogs To “Turnover” In Win

When most folks think of the Battle of Scott County, the first thing that comes to mind is the Sr High battles over the years between Mansfield and Waldron. The Jr High games tend to fall to the side in Tiger fans’ minds. Why? Simply because Bulldogs have owned the Tiger’s tails over the past few years, and nobody wants to remember losses. But that all changed on Thursday, September 2^nd as the Jr Tigers traveled to The Pound and routed Waldron 28-0.

The game kicked off with both teams sizing each other up. Mansfield went to work on offense first but was stunned by the bigger Bulldogs as Waldron stuffed the Tiger’s power run game. The Tigers returned the favor as they were able to shut down Waldron’s bread and butter runs to the perimeter of the field. With neither offense running on all cylinders, the game looked to become a slow defensive battle. Waldron was beginning to put a solid drive together with 2:11 left in the 1^st quarter when the Tigers defense went into attack mode. Mansfield flooded the backfield with white jerseys with Cisco Fildes forcing the Bulldogs to put the ball on the turf. Nose guard Toby Towe scooped up the fumble and screamed 37 yards downfield for a Tiger touchdown. And Zander Walters plowed his way into the end zone for the two-point conversion to give Mansfield an early 8-0 lead.

A defensive score is a great way to start a game, but Mansfield wanted to finish this one and finish it fast. On the Bulldog’s next offensive position, the Tigers again created chaos in the Waldron backfield forcing another fumble with Mansfield’s Jeremy Strozier recovering the ball and rolling downfield 39 yards for another Tiger touchdown with 0:43 seconds left in the 1st quarter. The extra point attempt was no good, but Mansfield closed out the 1st quarter with a 14-0 lead over Waldron. Although the defense was scoring for Mansfield, the offense would not be outdone. Trey Powell took a handoff and dodged black jerseys to the left and right for what would have been another touchdown for Mansfield, but the run was called back by a holding penalty. The Tigers shrugged off the penalty and shorty landed an offensive touchdown when Jeremy Strozier zoned in a laser dot pass to Toby Towe who took the ball 58 yards to the end zone. With the extra point attempt no good, Mansfield kicked off to Waldron again. Waldron almost gave the Tigers the ball right back as they ended the half with a pass that was nearly intercepted by Joey Fildes. The Tigers would walk into halftime with a commanding 20-0 lead over the Bulldogs.

The Tigers may have worn their all-white uniforms to Waldron, but they were red hot coming out of halftime. Mansfield’s defense continued to pound away at the Bulldogs and again forced the ball on the turf as Dawson Robinson recovered turnover number three for the Tigers. That’s when the offense put together a drive that would make even a NASCAR driver take a double look. With big runs by Trey Powell, Jeremy Strozier, and Dawson Robinson, Mansfield made it hard for the Bulldogs defense to figure out who the threat really was. That’s when Zander “The Zan-Dozer” Walters made his Sports Center Top10 appearance. At 2:28 on the clock, Walters took a handoff from Strozier and mowed over one defender, juked another in the open field, and stiff-armed another Bulldog en route to a Mansfield touchdown. Strozier tacked on a two-point conversion to end the 3^rd quarter with a 28-0 lead for the Tigers.

Mansfield closed the game out the way they started…….with defense. Aaron Person who contained the Bulldogs all night at his left linebacker position, racked up a few more tackles giving Waldron no choice but to run up the gut where the Tigers would again make the Bulldogs drop the ball but this time with Cooper Edwards recovering the ball for the Tigers sealing up the final score for Mansfield with a 28-0 shut out. Although the Tiger’s defense stole the show, their offense was good enough to stun most future opponents. Quarterback, Jeremy Strozier, was a perfect 2 for 2 passing for 34 yards and a touchdown. Wide Receivers Toby Towe and Trey Powell caught one pass each with Towe gaining his 23 yards for a touchdown and Powell zipping 11 yards with his catch. But it was the ground and pound game that was again the staple of the Tigers offense. Zander Walters had 9 rushes for 69 yards and a touchdown while Jeremy Strozier gained 26 yards off of 4 carries. Trey Powell made a positive 6 yards on his only carry of the game.

“Any win is a good win,” said Coach Tim Cothran. “We had most of our team back for that game and Waldron was shorthanded due to quarantines just like we were last week. Our players executed very well and made the best of the opportunities given to them. It was a great experience for our players and a good win.” The win over Waldron was a great motivator for Mansfield, but the Tiger’s grueling schedule doesn’t end quite yet. Sitting with a 1-1 record vs larger 4A schools, the Tigers aim to carve some tenderloin from their next 4A opponents, the Elkins Elks. The Jr Tigers will play their 3^rd straight larger 4A opponent as they welcome the Elkins Elks to The Jungle on September 10^th.

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