“It’s back to the drawing board,” stated Mansfield Sr High Tigers head coach, Tim Cothran. This being said after last Friday nights football match against the West Fork Tigers that left Mansfield with a 46-14 loss. The Mansfield Tigers went into this game feeling good about their first conference face-off of the season. But after falling short, the Tigers are going to regroup, refocus, and reinforce their skills in preparation for this Friday.
#21 Austin Carlton
Mansfield’s contest with West Fork started off fair enough with West Fork up just 14-6 at the end of the first quarter. But it was the second and third quarters that the winds began to change for Mansfield. In those quarters alone, West Fork stacked up 32 points on the scoreboard leaving Mansfield with zero accumulation. Although Mansfield was able to hold West Fork off in the final minutes of the game as they secured 8 more points, it just wasn’t enough to take home the win.
#87 Bri Sanderson
QB Zayne Dugan completed 5 passes for 45-yards and 2 interceptions along with 9 rushing attempts for 41-yards and 1 TD. Randy Claude made 15 rushes totaling 48-yards as well as 2 receptions for 12-yards. Codi Chick obtained 77-yards on 8 rushes, 1 TD, and 1 reception for 7-yards. Austin Carlton brought home 5 rushes for 17-yards including 1 PAT. Bri Sanderson rushed for 7-yards on 3 attempts and 2 receptions for 26-yards. And Shawn Brown rushed for 6-yards. The Tigers walked away with a total of 241 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 interceptions on the game.
#6 Randy Claude
The Mansfield Sr Tigers will go into this Friday’s home conference game with a 1-3 total season record and 0-1 in conference. Mansfield will be hosting the (2-2) Greenland Pirates on October 2. The Pirates are coming off of a 48-18 loss against the Charleston Tigers. Last year, Mansfield took the short end of the stick at Greenland with a heart-stopping 21-18 loss. This year though, the Tigers are done playing any-mini-miny-moe with their opponents as they look to knock the Pirates down a peg or two.
Pictured: The finish line at the Today’s Bank Cross Country Invitational is pictured on the school grounds of Mansfield High School. The race event was run on Saturday, September 26.
Organizers of the 2020 Today’s Bank Cross Country Invitational were excited to host Saturday’s event despite the new challenges brought on by the coronavirus. By implementing extra precautions and adhering to strict state health guidelines, Mansfield High School and it’s slew of masked volunteers managed 33 schools and 819 athletes for a beautiful morning of long-distance racing.
Scorekeepers Debbie Mackey and Jaymie Bell work the numbers at the Today’s Bank XC Meet
Representing Today’s Bank, volunteer workers Ramona Huber, Debra Bailey, Kellie Copeland, and Sheila Crelia join meet announcer Travis Pettus at Saturday’s cross country race at Mansfield
“Our people really worked hard to operate this large scale event in the safest manner possible,” Mansfield cross country coach and meet director John Mackey stated. “Our maintenance staff, the meet workers, and the volunteers from Today’s Bank did an incredible job. I think the fans really appreciated the extra efforts. In response, most everyone was pretty good about following the rules. The race event really exceeded expectations.”
The four-race schedule was split into two divisions. The large school division was comprised of teams from class 4A-6A. The small school group came from classes 1A-3A.
Host Mansfield, listed as a 2A school for the current Arkansas Activities Association cycle, managed six award winners and a couple of near-misses in their division.
West Fork and Waldron, two schools from the Tiger’s former 3A league, were very strong in the small school races as well.
Bentonville West, Lakeside, Vilonia, and Grimsley dominated the big school ticket.
Darby Jones closes in on the home stretch
Jadelynn Wood runs to the finish
Megan Rose, Mansfield’s former number one runner, meets Faith Rainwater, the team’s current number one runner. Rose, a 2018 graduate of MHS and a current Southeastern Oklahoma State University scholarship athlete, drove the led 4-wheeler at the Today’s Bank XC Meet. Hannah Holstein (not pictured) another number one Lady Tiger was the meet’s timer. She won the 2013 state championship before graduating from Mansfield and becoming UCA Bear runner
Jadelynn Wood, Alyssa James, Katlynn Moore, and Darby Jones take a rest after the senior girls race
Mansfield’s senior girls were led by Faith Rainwater, Jadelynn Wood, Darby Jones, and Katlynn Moore. The four Lady Tigers saturated the back half of the Top 15 medalist list.
Rainwater was the fastest off the home town roster with a 5K time of 24:12.97. The eleventh grader was eighth place alongside her small school peers.
Wood, just a sophomore, came next for the Lady Tigers. She was clocked at a personal best 24:48.16 for tenth place.
Two places later junior Darby Jones completed the 5K course. She crossed the finish line in 25:33.93.
Again, two places later another Mansfield junior touched the timeline. Katlynn Moore came across in 26:33.74 for 14th place.
All four of the Mansfield women earned medals. They were part of the top 15 runners from each division who were graced with Today’s Bank engraved hardware.
Defending Class 3A State Champions, the Waldron Lady Bulldogs, won the small school section with a team score of 29 points. West Fork behind individual winner Joyce Ferguson amassed 34 points for second place among the team rankings. Mansfield with a depleted roster finished third with 57 points.
Mansfield’s scoring five included Rainwater, Wood, Jones, Moore, and McKenzie Griffin.
Griffin, last season’s MHS Player of the Year, had been slowed by a leg injury through the early part of the season. The junior long-distance runner was two places outside the Top 15. Her time was 28:15.00.
Alyssa James, a dual-sport athlete that earned her way to the state golf championships, ran her first complete race of the season. She was the Tiger’s first displacer at 24th place.
Ethan Streets and John Branche
John Branche off the Mansfield men’s team completed his race in 23:06:14. The junior athlete that splits time playing on the Tiger football team was one position away from a medal in the small school division.
Ethan Streets, a senior and first-time cross country runner, only ran the first half of the 5K race as part of his training schedule. According to his coach, the new runner was still in the acclimation phase of his workout program.
Mansfield’s junior girls, who won last year’s event, finished third in the team standings with 52 points. West Fork (39), Lamar (48), Acorn (72), and Western Yell County (133) completed the top five teams among the class 1A-3A schools.
Addison Bowman passes down the stretch
Azlynn Stover gives chase
Trinity Triska closes near the top
Laney Wood comes in at third place among small school finishers
Laney Wood was the Tiger cubs’ fastest player on the day among the small schools at 11:43.60. She was 22 seconds off the lead runner for third place.
Trinity Triska, last year’s regional champion, covered the 1.75-mile course in 11:58.15. Her time was fourth in the small school section.
Aidan Fildes was Mansfield’s number three scorer for the second week in a row. She clocked in at 13:43.01.
“Aidan has been coming on of late,” Mackey said. “It was disappointing she was so close to a medal. She finished eighteenth in the race.”
Azlynn Stover (26) and Addie Bowman (28) completed the MJH scoring five. Summer Frazier (43) was the unit’s first blocker.
Rylan Nichols for the Mansfield junior boys team was another near miss. He too was 18th in the small school standings. His time was 12:39.66.
Jonah Martin (26) and Joseph Carter (33) also ran for the younger Tiger men’s team. They checked in at 13:13.40 and 13:59.18 respectively.
Today’s Bank junior boys at the start
Jonah Martin, Rylan Nichols, and Joseph Carter ready for their race
West Fork and Waldron were the top two teams for the junior boys’ small school race. Vilonia and Bentonville West were the big school winners for the junior high boys.
Vilonia also won the big school junior girls’ race. Grimsley, out of Bentonville, was second.
Bentonville West and Lakeside went one-two in both the men’s and women’s races in the 4A-6A division in the senior high 5K’s.
Pictured is #62 Taylor Humble and #68 Nathaniel Smith
After Friday nights incredible 46-14 victory over the Lavaca Golden Arrows, the Cedarville Sr High Pirates remain undefeated 4-0. As the Arrows went to Cedarville looking for a win, the Pirates had other plans in mind. Since the start of the season, every opponent that has faced Cedarville has had the same idea as Lavaca and like Lavaca found out, every opponent has walked away with a rude awakening. The entire Pirate community spent the first half of the game on their feet cheering their hearts out due to the fact that Cedarville earned every.single.point. in the first two-quarters of the game. In just four games, the Pirates have accumulated 176 points while holding their competitors to just 46. Since the season has started, one thing has been clear. Whatever is in the Pirates water, is working for the 2020 squad.
#35 Hayden Partain
According to coach, Max Washausen, one thing that stands out from Friday nights game was that “It was a team effort! We had 8 players carry the ball for a total of 400-yards. Cody Dickens passed for 102-yards and Tommy Metcalf made plays all over the field.” Darryl Kattich exited the game with 16 carries for 148-yards, 3TDs, 7 tackles, and 1 TFL. Hayden Partain had 6 carries for 53-yards and a TD. Hayden Morton earned 2 carries for 51-yards, 1 TD, and 6 tackles. Tommy Metcalf obtained 1 carry for 19-yards 1 TD, 1 tackle, and 2 knocked-down passes as well as 2 receptions for 61-yards gaining him 500 total yards of offense. Kelin Mitchell snagged 3 carries for 36-yards. Max McGill knocked out 6 tackles and 1 TFL. And Bruce Turney picked-up 5 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 TFL.
#22 Darryl Kattich
Upcoming for this Friday night’s away football match for the Sr Pirates will be 3A conference rivals the Charleston Tigers. Last year, Cedarville fell short to the Tigers with a score of 27-18. “The Charleston game is a program changer. We have to believe we can do it. We have a group of winners and I want those guys to accomplish something that hasn’t happened since 1985. We have a lot to prove and I believe in my guys!” Program changer is right. But with the way the Pirates have been playing this season, it’s looking like the tide could be changing.
In a high school football year that has been anything but normal, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced football teams, school administrators, and the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) to adapt ways to both protect the health and safety of all concerned while simultaneously attempting to insure fair play and competition. The 2020 high school football season can be described as one that no one has ever seen, nor possibly ever will see again in their lifetimes.
The AAA has released a statement that outlines how playoff teams in football will be determined if certain situations exist due to the cancellation of games due to COVID reasons. The policy only pertains to football conferences who have had a conference school cancel a conference game due to COVID reasons. Non-conference cancellations do not apply to this policy. Resident Press has obtained a copy of the AAA memo.
The AAA has ruled that, “If any team in a classification is NOT able to complete their conference schedule due to COVID-19, all teams in that classification will qualify for the playoffs with an option to opt-out of the playoffs.” For example, in the 3A-1 conference, Hackett and Lincoln were not able to play last Friday due to COVID reasons. According to this memo from the AAA, all teams in that conference are now eligible if Lincoln and Hackett are unable to make-up the game this season.
AAA Memo Outlining Football Conference Tie-Breakers and COVID Eligibility for the State Playoffs
The policy appears to be an effort by the AAA to insure that all teams have a chance to qualify for the state playoffs if they have been impacted by circumstances beyond their control; in this case, the COVID virus.
The AAA’s policy also outlines the succession of tie-breakers that are now in place for determining playoff seedings. In order, they include: 1) total number of conference wins, 2) head to head results, 3) average number of tie-breaking points, and 4) coin toss. The policy goes on to describe how lower-seeded teams will be bracketed in the playoffs.
Superintendents of schools in a conference affected by the virus and who have not been able to complete their conference schedules have until 5 p.m. on Monday, October 26, to opt out of the playoffs. For example, if a school is winless on the season and they prefer not to play in the state playoffs, that school’s superintendent can notify the AAA that they choose not to play in the tournament. Conversely, a school that perhaps would have just missed qualifying for the playoffs may elect to take advantage of this year’s exception and play in the state playoffs. Each head football coach and their administration will have to make this call.
It should be noted that the “all teams qualify” exception only pertains to football conferences who have had a team or teams not able to complete their conference schedule. For example, the 3A-4 conference that includes Booneville, Paris, Atkins, Little Rock Baptist Prep, Mayflower, Perryville, Two Rivers, and Danville does not qualify at this point for exemption. No teams in this conference have yet to miss a conference game due to COVID reasons. But the AAA’s policy will have a significant effect on a week-by-week basis as the season continues into its second half.
Resident Press will continue to follow this and other important stories that impact high school football in the River Valley and across Arkansas. Stay with Resident Press for the most complete coverage of high school football.
Jennifer Lea Freeman of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 21 at 3:18 a.m. and released on signature bond on September 21 at 1:55 p.m. Freeman was charged with contempt-willful disobedience (failure to pay fine,) and public intoxication – danger to self or others.
James Kirk Pettigrew of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 23 at 9:25 p.m. and released on signature bond September 24 at 1:36 a.m. Pettigrew was charged with two counts of failure to appear – class B misdemeanors, and obstructing governmental operations – ID.
Deborah Karen Tompkins of Greenwood was booked into the Sebastian County Detention Center on September 25 at 12:10 a.m. and released on signature bond September 25 at 8:28 a.m. Tompkins was charged with possession of controlled substance – schedule I/II 2-28g felony.
Greenwood Police Department: On September 22, at approximately 9:22 p.m. a Greenwood Police Officer initiated a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet HHR on East Center Street, near the intersection of North Main Street, for having expired tags. The officer made contact with the driver, Oleta Miller, and front seat passenger, Paul Miller. After explaining the reason for the stop, the officer took information from both individuals and ran it through ACIC/NCIC. Two confirmed warrants were discovered for Paul Miller’s arrest, one from Sebastian County and the other from the Van Buren Police Department. Paul Miller was placed under arrest and transported him to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center without incident. Oleta Miller was issued a warning and released from the scene.
**The charges against those arrested are allegations and the cases are still pending in the courts.**
James Ben Bray of North Little Rock, Arkansas, formerly of Waldron, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, September 25, 2020, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. James was born November 4,1950, in Manila, Arkansas to Ernest “Buck” Bray and Roxie Irene Bray. He was 69 years old.
James hired on at the North Little Rock Electric Department as a Groundman in May of 1975. Soon after, he was promoted into the Lineman Apprenticeship program, and in 1981, he made Journeyman Lineman. In 1982, James moved into the Engineering Department as a Distribution Designer. He quickly climbed the ranks in engineering, and in 1994 was promoted to Distribution Engineer. This is where James spent the majority of his career, twenty-one of his forty-three years and where his talents really began to shine. A large part of what is known today as NLR Electric’s distribution system was designed by James Bray. Substations were his specialty, in fact, years ago the Lakewood switch station was renamed, the “James B. Bray Lakewood Switch Station” to honor James. Many will never know the dedication he showed to his department and NLRED’s customers other than a few co-workers and his family, who themselves made great sacrifices due to his devotion. He was the glue that held it all together for many years at the Electric Department. The level of respect that James had earned ws exemplary and unmatched. He was loved by all within the organization. In April 2015, James was appointed General Manager by Mayor Joe Smith. No one has ever been more deserving of a nomination. He served approximately three years in that role and retired in May of 2018, with hopes of many years of walking his dog, Cooper, working in yard and traveling with his wonderful wife and soul mate Pandora. Needless to say, he will be missed by many but his legacy at the North Little Rock Electric Department will not be forgotten.
When James was not working, he enjoyed playing golf, going to NLRHS football and basketball games. James was an avid Razorback fan. But James was happiest when traveling with his family and spending time with them taking cruises and having friends along was always a bonus.
James leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Pandora of the home, one son, Corey Bray and wife Sasha of Sherwood, Arkansas and one granddaughter, Mahalia (Haley) Bray. James is also survived by one brother, Maurice (Red) Long of Apache Junction, Arizona, and sisters, Eautaw Buckhannan of Seattle, Washington, Kay Kiln of Spokane, Washington and sister in law Rita Winn and husband Darron of Melissa, Texas. James will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, family by marriage and work family he loved dearly.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Roxie Bray and one brother, Rocky Verdell Long.
James’ life celebration will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Paul Kinsey and Rev. Roy Edwards officiating. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
James’ pallbearers will be Richmond Langley, Jeremy Hunt, Trevor Hattabaugh, Shay Hattabaugh, Garris Hattabaugh, and Chase Hattabaugh. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Treece, Scott Springer, Ron Osbourne, Joe Martin, Mike Allen, Mike Daniels, Ray Johnson, Gary Sartin, Ebbie Eugene Ussery, Danny Bradley, Mayor Joe Smith and all of his North Little Rock Electric friends.
James’ visitation will be Monday, September 28, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
During these trying and difficult times, we must limit public gatherings in our funeral home and do our part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Family and friends are welcome to attend the service but everyone must wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Bray, please visit our floral store.
The Charleston Tigers traveled to Northwest Arkansas on Friday and defeated the Greenland Pirates 48-18 to open in conference play. The game sets the stage for Charleston (2-2, 1-0) to host Cedarville for the early lead in the 3A-1 conference standings. The winner of next Friday’s contest will be in the driver’s seat for both the conference championship and the top seed in the upcoming state playoffs. Cedarville (4-0,1-0) defeated Lavaca 46-14 last Friday and enters next week’s game as the favorite by Hooten’s Arkansas Football publication to win the 3A-1 conference. Charleston was predicted to finish second to Cedarville in the same publication.
Resident Press Photo / Ronni Tate Young
The Charleston Tigers typically play a very tough 4A non-conference schedule every year in hopes of better preparing them for the conference schedule. This year, the Tigers went 1-2 against three of the top four teams in the 4A-4 conference, and now have won their opening conference game on the road against a very good program. Charleston head football coach Ricky May seems to have his young Tigers in great position to compete this year for a conference championship. Anything the Tigers do this year with respect to a championship and a playoff run is icing on the cake for a program that is young and will have a lot of talent and numbers returning next year. Tiger fans have a lot to be excited about this year and in future years.
Resident Press Photo / Ronni Tate Young
In recapping Friday’s game at Greenland, Coach May said, “It was a big win, we needed that one. We received the opening kickoff and fumbled on the second play of the game on our own thirty. But the defense held up and we got the ball back. We traded touchdowns and then we didn’t field a punt on our thirty and it rolled down all the way to our four. So, pinned deep, we ended up turning the ball over deep in our own territory. They scored a couple of plays later. We then drove down and scored and kicked the extra point. In second half, they got the ball first and we held them. After that, we may have scored on every drive in the second half. So, the offense played pretty good. Defensively, we gave up a couple of big plays being out of position a little bit. But, in the second half, we kind of settled down a little bit on defense too.”
Resident Press Photo / Ronni Tate Young
Around the conference, Charleston positioned themselves in the top half of the standings by virtue of their win over Greenland. Greenland, forecasted by many to finish third behind Charleston, now finds themselves having to play leap frog over at least four other teams in the division. Results of games played in the conference were:
Charleston defeated Greenland 48-18
Cedarville defeated Lavaca, 46-16
West Fork defeated Mansfield, 46-14
Hackett and Lincoln did not play due to COVID reasons.
The standings in the conference after last Friday’s action are:
Cedarville 1-0
Charleston 1-0
West Fork 1-0
Mansfield 0-1
Lavaca 0-1
Lincoln 0-0*
Hackett 0-0*
*Teams have not played a conference game due to COVID reasons.
The winner of Friday night’s game at Alumni Field will undoubtedly be the favorite to finish the regular season as the conference champion and the top seed from the conference in the state playoffs. But as the 2020 season has been so far, nothing is assured, and there will no doubt be more unexpected variables that could surface before the end of the season in November. One such variable is that there are now two teams in the conference that will finish with fewer conference games played than the rest of the conference due to COVID positivity within programs. The pandemic could cause the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) to make modifications in this year’s state playoff eligibility that no one has seen in many years. In fact, to make allowances for teams not having equal numbers of conference games and chances to compete for the playoffs, it is very possible that all teams in the conference may end up being eligible for what could be an expanded Class 3A state playoff bracket. Resident Press is researching this possibility and will publish a story later in the week on how possibly every team in the 3A-1 conference could be eligible for the playoffs.
Resident Press Photo / Ronni Tate Young
But, first things first. The Cedarville Pirates and their vaunted rushing attack will visit Charleston in what should be one whale of a football game. The Tigers will have to be completely focused on the Pirates, particularly when everyone knows how well they can run the football. But this year, the Pirates passing attack has improved making Cedarville especially dangerous as a more balanced offensive team.
According to Max Preps, Cedarville averages 94.5 yards per game passing. Their potent rushing attack is averaging 349.8 yards per game. The Pirates have scored 24 touchdowns; of which, four were through the air, and 20 were rushing touchdowns.
The Pirates’ Daryl Kattich, a junior running back, has rushed 67 times for 812 yards already this season. He averages 12 yards per rush, and is averaging 203 yards per game. His longest run from scrimmage is 99 yards.
Cedarville quarterback Cody Dickens, also a junior, has completed 18 of 29 passes on the season for 378 yards. He has a 62% completion percentage and has averaged 21 yards per pass. Dickens is average 94 yards passing per game and has thrown for four touchdowns.
Cedarville’s non-conference strength of schedule has not been as tough as Charleston’s, but the Pirates were impressive in their three non-conference wins. The Pirates defeated Berryville 44-6, Mountainburg 34-6 and Green Forest 52-20. In last week’s opening of the conference schedule, Cedarville defeated Lavaca 46-14.
Resident Press Photo / Ronni Tate Young
We will know a lot more about the playoff fate of all the teams in the 3A-1 conference after Friday night. Both Charleston and Cedarville could put themselves in great position to possibly win the conference with a victory Friday night. Resident Press will have more on the developing story of how the COVID pandemic may affect every team’s playoff futures in a later edition this week.
So, Tiger fans, enjoy what should be a great high school football game on a cool and crisp night at Alumni Field. And don’t forget to look for a recap on this big game in Sunday’s edition of the Resident Press!
Stay with RP for the most complete coverage of Charleston football!
After a hot 4-0 start to the 2020 season, the Paris Eagles will host the Two Rivers Gators this Friday in week two of the conference schedule. Paris hopes to move to 2-0 in the conference and keep pace with the conference leaders; remaining in contention for the conference championship and a high seed going into the state playoffs.
So far this season, and as evidenced last Friday against Mayflower, the Paris Eagles have been dominant in all phases of the game. In last week’s victory, the Paris defense completely shutdown Mayflower and never allowed the Eagles to get started on offense. Paris head football coach Tyler Clark was ecstatic over his team’s performance, especially on defense. Coach Clark commented after the game, “Proud of the kids, man. Our defense played really, really well. They are flying to the football like they have been, really all season. So, they are really setting the tone for us right now. We took a little while to get going on offense, but I thought we saw some good things once we did get going.” I asked Coach Clark if he thought the physical game the Eagles played at West Fork was carrying over for the team, especially on the defensive line. Coach Clark responded, “Anytime you play versus a quality opponent, it makes you better. I certainly believe West Fork was that. That’s going to help us, but also our confidence level. Our kids are really confident; not cocky, but really confident. Our heads are really in a nice spot right now, and it is nice to be 1-0 (in conference play.)”
Resident Press File Photo
Paris was able to once again empty the bench and give its reserve players significant playing time against Mayflower. I asked Coach Clark how important this is, as the Eagles have been able to do so several times already this season. Coach Clark said, “It’s (mass substitutions) what has to happen. These programs that are really good, they get their backups in all the time. Those kids get reps and they get better, too. I’m glad its happening this year.” The role of the reserve players cannot be understated. Their playing time protects the starters and at the same time develops quality depth on the roster as the team goes down the schedule and each game becomes increasingly more important.
Resident Press File Photo
And it appears that Paris once again has escaped a game without significant loss of personnel due to injury. Coach Clark said, “We have some bumps and bruises, but that’s going to happen in football. Yeah, I think we are fairly healthy right now.” For all conference teams, the teams that are healthiest at the end of the season have a decided advantage both making and playing in the state playoffs.
Resident Press File Photo
After last Friday’s opening night in conference play, the conference standings going into week two are as follows:
Paris 1-0
Booneville 1-0
Atkins 1-0
Perryville 1-0
LR Baptist Prep 0-1
Mayflower 0-1
Danville 0-1
Two Rivers 0-1
Resident Press File Photo
The week two conference schedule is:
Paris vs. Two Rivers
Booneville at Danville
Atkins at Perryville
LR Baptist Prep at Mayflower
Resident Press File Photo
When you look at the week two schedule, the standings could begin to separate teams a little, especially in the order of the top four. Either Atkins or Perryville will lose a conference game this week, and the winner could find themselves in a potential three way tie for first, and the loser dropping into as low as fifth place in the conference. This underscores the importance for Paris having won their first game of the conference season last week, and why this week’s game against Two Rivers must be the Eagles’ sole focus on Friday. Important games down the line in the Eagles’ schedule will not be as important if they do not take care of business this week against the Gators.
Resident Press File Photo
Coach Clark commented, “Our defense, our starting defense, is playing lights out right now. Our defense has given up seven points in three games. That’s pretty impressive. Our defensive line is playing really well. Jimmy Dikeman, I’ve been at a few places and I have seen my fair share of football, but he (Dikeman) may have had the best all around game I have seen a kid have. On the offensive line, he is getting after it. Really, just finishing his blocks and putting people on the ground; going off on linebackers. Defensively, he was blowing up the center all night. And then, he’s a big kid and he is not really fast, but he was finding his way down the line and getting in on tackles toward the sidelines. I was extremely impressed with his game.”
Resident Press File Photo
As a reporter, I often have to remind myself that teams must respect every opponent, regardless of their record. Two Rivers has not won a game this year, and their program has struggled over the past several years. But Coach Clark knows, and his team knows, that you must respect every opponent. Coach Clark said, “I see it (this week’s game) as an opportunity to work on putting people away when we are supposed to; taking care of our business. We want to get our backups in to get those guys reps, but at the same time, there’s a lot of things we still have to fix, offensively and defensively. But, the second we do not respect folks, that is when we will get hit in the mouth pretty hard and get a big piece of humble pie. It’s not like we are a perennial powerhouse. It wasn’t long ago that we were struggling as a program.”
Resident Press File Photo
Friday night’s game against Two Rivers is scheduled as Paris’s homecoming game. As of the publication time of this story, it is unknown to Resident Press as to if homecoming ceremonies will go on as planned, or if they will be re-scheduled. The quarantine status of the Paris volleyball team could potentially affect homecoming as some of the girls on the team have been selected as part of the homecoming court. The unofficial word that Resident Press has now is that the volleyball team will not be out of quarantine until after Friday’s football game with Two Rivers.
So, Friday’s game with Two Rivers will be a test of how far the Eagles’ football program has developed over the past three years. Respecting all opponents, regardless of record, is a maturity mark for a team and their program. I expect to see the same Paris team come out this Friday that has played so far; a team who will play with great energy and intensity as they have all season. Friday’s game will mark the halfway point of the 2020 season, and all of the goals this team has set for themselves are still out there and are obtainable. It will be up to the Eagles to play Two Rivers as the most important game of the season so far, and that is exactly what it is.
The Weather Bug forecast for Friday is perfect for high school football. The forecast calls for clear and sunny with a high temperature of 65 degrees and a low of 50 degrees. Temperature at kickoff should be around 62 degrees with second half temperatures in the mid fifties…perfect football weather!
So, bring a light jacket and come out and support your undefeated Paris Eagles! And don’t forget, Resident Press will have a recap on the Two Rivers game Saturday afternoon.
Have a great week, and RP will see you at the game!
Jerry Dean Parker, 79, of Lowell, Arkansas passed from this life September 26, 2020. Jerry was born January 4, 1941, in Bakersfield, California to Isham Arritt and Ollie Arizona (Suit) Parker. He was of the Baptist faith.
Jerry was a long-time resident of Waldron, Arkansas before retiring to move to Fort Smith and later Lowell to be nearer to his children and grandchildren. Jerry and his wife, Jo, opened the Bulldog Den in Waldron in 1973. Over the years, he continued to develop property in Waldron, such as Parker Plaza, which included the Pizza Barn, Coachman’s Inn and Town & Country market. He was always happiest when he had a project to work on.
He absolutely loved to golf, and he was particularly proud of his work in helping to build the Waldron Country Club. One of his most treasured memories was he and his teammates winning the 1977 Walter Hagen National Championship in Orlando, Florida.
He was a lifelong boxing fan and loved going to casinos – sometimes to play black jack, but mostly to score free meals! When he ran across George Foreman in a Las Vegas casino and got to shake his hand, he didn’t stop smiling for days, and he never stopped retelling the story.
In his later years he enjoyed making the rounds of the “junk shops” to find treasures, and lately, locating a bargain via the internet instead. He told us always how much he loved us and recently, repeatedly, for everyone to remember after he was gone that he felt he’d had a wonderful life.
For those of you who knew Jerry, you know that he was a passionate, life-long Democrat. The circumstances of his upbringing taught him the importance of offering a helping hand to those in need. These lessons learned during his childhood drove his support for many Democratic candidates over the years, but he was especially proud to be a friend and supporter of President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sarah Jo Kitchens Parker; the light of his life for the past ten years: Pam (Delores Ann) Kitchens; his children: Jeff and Sheila Parker and Jo Ann Parker; his grandchildren: Kelli Robertson, Terri Robertson, Sarah and Brian Koltzau, Jenna and Kyle Brown, Clay Willoughby, JD Parker and Christopher and Liz Parker; his great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Rilee, Gabi, Finlay, Jack and Odie. He is also survived by his siblings Mack and Georgia Parker, and Eloisa Parker, and an “adopted” daughter, Erica Buneo, whom we know he would definitely not want to leave out, plus too many nieces and nephews to name here – he loved them all.
Jerry was preceded in death by his son David Parker.
Jerry’s public visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Interment will be in the Center Point Cemetery near Hon, Arkansas where he will be laid to rest beside his son, David, in a private service for his immediate family only, due to the current situation. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
His honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren Kelli, Terri, Sarah, Brian, Jenna, Kyle, Clay, JD, Chris and Liz. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Waldron Country Club, which was near and dear to his heart.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry Dean Parker, please visit our floral store.
When it comes to life, nothing is more heartbreaking than being so close to something that you can taste it. Whether it be a job promotion or a big-time football game, that gut-wrenching pain is never forgotten. On Friday, September, 25, holding an undefeated 3-0 season record, Waldron just knew that this would be the season when their 26-year losing streak to the Mena Bearcats would come to an end. Since 1993, the Sr Bulldogs have had zero victories against the Bearcats but with a new head coach and a fresh coat of paint on their football program, the same winning feeling was felt all throughout the community. The night was going great. Homecoming had been a success. The stadium was Covid-19 packed. And the weather was perfect. What more could a football fan ask for?
The match was officially underway. The name of the game in the first quarter was definitely defense rules! As each team’s offense tried to get things off the ground and running, the opposing team’s defense was rock solid in not allowing that to happen. Quarter number one ended with a score of 0-0. The score gave the Bulldogs the reassurance that was needed for them to know that they really could get the job done. In the second quarter, Mena capitalized on a broken Bulldog play, leading them to gain the first touchdown of the night.
With the scoreboard reading 7-0 Mena, Waldron answered right back when Trenton Hunt jetted 35-yards downfield faster than a 747 at takeoff for a Bulldog TD and tying the game 7-7 which is where the score remained going into the half. Coming back refreshed and re-pumped, the Bulldogs were ready to keep the party going. And boy did they! Caden Fuller was quicker on his feet than a Kangaroo at a kids’ birthday party as he delivered a massive Pick 6 to move the score to 14-7. After a time out, Mena came back to see the Bulldogs touchdown and raise them a touchdown of their own placing the score at 14-14.
Leo Lopez
As hearts were racing and fans were pacing, the anxiety level of the game hit the roof. The Bearcats laid out a pass play that set them up nicely for paydirt as they delivered a TD run allowing them to control the board 21-14. But that control wouldn’t last long as QB Braden Williams ran the ball in from the one-yard line to earn a Bulldog touchdown. Add in the PAT acquired by Leo Lopez and the scoreboard was lit at 21-21 with 29 seconds remaining in the game. With most people assuming that the match was about to go into overtime, the worst happened. After a few wonky plays by Mena, the QB caught wind of his receiver downfield permitting him do catapult a successful 50-yard hail mary at the final buzzer ending the game 28-21 Mena. The Waldron Sr Bulldogs are now 3-1 in total season play and 0-1 in conference.
