After a road conference victory at Booneville on Monday night, the Paris Lady Eagles returned home on Tuesday to host the Green Forest Lady Tigers in another conference match-up. The Lady Tigers made the almost three hour bus ride from Green Forest to play the Lady Eagles. Green Forest, a newcomer to the Class 3A West volleyball conference, was playing at Paris in the first game of the two game round robin conference schedule. Paris will return the long trip to Green Forest next month.
The game was a mismatch from the beginning. Green Forest, a program that has been in the state tournament frequently over the past few years, seemed to be overwhelmed by the Paris front line. The game quickly got out of control with Paris scoring seven unanswered points to start the first set. Green Forest, a good volleyball program, was left to scramble on seemingly every volley to keep up with the velocity of the Paris serves and kill shots.
After two lopsided Paris wins in the first set, coach Jordan Devine substituted freely in the third set. Many Lady Eagles players who have seen limited playing time to senior “B” games were put into the lineup to start the third set. The Paris starters stood during their time on the court, cheering their teammates.
It was great to see these players get some varsity playing time. Coach Devine took advantage of the opportunity to rest her starters and to give the other players some court time in a conference match. The players remained in the game until the score reached 15-10 in favor of Green Forest. Coach Devine reinserted the starting lineup at that point, and Paris went on to win the third set and the match 3-0.
With the win, Paris improves its overall record to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play. The Lady Eagles next match will be at Elkins on Thursday. The game with the Lady Elks will be another conference match-up for Paris. The Lady Eagles are headed for a showdown next week at Hackett. But before Paris goes to Hackett on September 10, the Lady Eagles must first take care of business at Elkins tomorrow night and at home against Lincoln on next Tuesday night. The young Lady Eagles continue to improve and to mature as they gain more time playing together, and the next stretch of the conference schedule will include a test of two road games against very good teams. So for Paris, the old cliche of “take them one at a time” certainly applies as the Lady Eagles cannot afford to overlook anyone as they approach the game with Hackett.
Paris has the day off today before they make the trip to Elkins tomorrow. The first game at Elkins will begin on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. Junior A, Senior B, and Senior A games are scheduled. Paris fans who plan to make the trip should remember to bring their masks. As has been all season, AAA and Arkansas Department of Health regulations will be in effect at the game.
Stay with Resident Press for complete coverage of the Paris Lady Eagles and their quest to return to the state volleyball tournament!
On Tuesday evening Greenwood Junior High School Principal Josh Nation notified parents that a student at the school had tested positive for COVID-19.
In that message Nation stated:
“Good Afternoon, this is Josh Nation, Principal of Greenwood Junior High School. Late Monday evening, I was notified of a student with COVID symptoms who attended classes on campus at GJHS. The student tested positive and all probable close contacts have been notified by the administration and are under quarantine. Greenwood School District contacted the Arkansas Department of Education and followed the appropriate protocol. Thank you and have a great evening.”
We will continue to provide further updates on this developing story.
Any time Charleston and Lavaca get together, there is always going to be a good contest. The short distance between the locations of both campuses have added to the rivalry history between Charleston and Lavaca. Last year, a very talented senior Charleston team struggled twice with a Lavaca team that played hard in both matches. Last evening’s match was no different, and the Lady Tigers were once again able to prevail over a determined group of Lady Golden Arrows.
(Resident Press Photo / Ronni Tate Young)
After losing at Paris last week in their first game of the season, the Lady Tigers faced the challenge of regrouping and getting ready to play on the road again against Lavaca. Charleston won the match 3-2 by winning the fifth and deciding set 15-8. The Lady Tigers fell behind early by losing the first set 25-15. Charleston evened the match by winning the second set 25-22, only to see Lavaca bounce back and win the third set 25-16. The Lady Tigers forced a fifth and deciding set by winning the fourth 25-15. When it was all over, Charleston left town with a hard fought win that improved their overall record to 2-1.
(Resident Press Photos / Ronni Tate Young)
The Lady Tigers have very little time to enjoy the win as they will again go on the road today at West Fork to play the Lady Tigers. The first match in West Fork is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. Please remember that AAA and Arkansas Department of Health regulations will be in effect for everyone in attendance. Seventh grade, junior “A” and junior “B” games, as well as a varsity match will be played.
Stay with Resident Press all season as we follow the Lady Tigers and their quest to return to the Arkansas state high school volleyball tournament. Don’t forget your masks and drive carefully today on your way to West Fork!
After last week’s game in Mena was postponed, the Mansfield 7th Grade Tigers finally got their chance to step onto the football field as a single unit on Monday night. As will all 7th Grade programs, the Tigers had a short amount of time to ready themselves with the newness of playing at this level, but they weren’t about to back down from the opportunity. With only two 20 minute halves to play, both Mansfield and Mena were set to show their stuff.
#2 QB Cooper Edwards, #59 Wyatt Boyd, and #50 James Bausley
Mansfield’s defense took to the field first and kicked things off with a big hit and takedown by Zander Walters and Dominic Shores. The Tigers stood their ground holding the bearcats to minimal gains at first, but Mena’s top-end speed won the race as they rounded the corner and turned on the heat for the first score of the game. The Tiger’s defense might have been down, but they weren’t going to stop grinding. With Tigers flying to the ball on every occasion, Mansfield held Mena’s offense hostage for most of the rest of the first half. Big perimeter tackles by Walters, Dawson Robinson, Alex Hecox, and Cooper Edwards, forced the Bearcats to rethink their game plan.
#21 Zander Walters
Mansfield’s defense was caught off guard when Mena went from the run game and made a quick pass which led to a touchdown putting the Tigers down 14-0 with 42 seconds left in the half. With time running out, some teams would take it to the half to rest, but not this 7th Grade squad. When the Tigers offense lined up and snapped the ball with only 36 seconds on the clock, it was evident that they were not going to lay down that easy. Quarterback, Cooper Edwards, hit a double-covered Walters with a direct pass and Walters spun out of not one but two tackles to burn a path for Mansfield’s first touchdown of their 2020 season. This put Mansfield in striking distance only down 14-6 going into the half.
Running with the ball is Ethan Martin
The Tigers started out in the second half with the ball, but Mena’s defense lasered in on the Tigers receivers and running backs each play. Mansfield’s defense was able to hold the Bearcats offensive speedsters at bay for most of the half with Logan Newman, Ethan Martin, and James Bausley, making excellent team and solo tackles, but they slipped on a play allowing Mena to put points on the board again bringing the score to 22-6 Bearcats. With the heat, penalties, and first game jitters in full force, the Tigers continued to push forward but to no avail. The Tigers offense got caught up in an all-out blitz by Mena and lost the ball to a pick-6 interception pushing the Tigers down to the game’s final score of 28-6 Mena.
#13 Dawson Robinson with the tackle
Although a win would have been great, it just wasn’t in the cards. Now the 7th Grade crew will review their mistakes, make adjustments, and prepare for what is up next. The Tigers will host their Scott County foes, the Waldron Bulldogs, on Thursday, September 3rd at 5:30 pm in what is sure to be a barn burner.
After stepping out of conference play and experiencing their first loss to a very good Fort Smith Southside team, the Paris Lady Eagles returned to conference play last evening at Booneville. The Lady Eagles won their first two sets decidedly and then struggled to win a 27-25 set over an inspired Lady Bearcats team to complete the three set sweep at Booneville. Paris improves its record to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play with the win. The Lady Eagles went into the contest tied for first in the Class 3A West with Waldron and Hackett.
After Thursday night’s loss, Paris fans were anxious to see how the Lady Eagles would respond in Monday’s game at Booneville. Paris came out strong, winning the first two sets with little trouble. But a never-say-die Lady Bearcats team dug in and played their hearts out in the third set.
Booneville led almost the entire third set until serving errors by the Lady Bearcats eventually allowed Paris to make-up the scoring deficit and eventually get a tough win, 27-25. Other than the loss at Southside, the third set against Booneville was the first time Paris had been pushed to the brink of a loss this season, and is the first time in conference play. Paris played well, but you have to give a lot of credit to Booneville for playing exceptionally hard after being down two sets in the match. Booneville is rebuilding their volleyball program, and they will be a factor in the conference race in the next couple of years.
Now, the Lady Eagles must again, on less than 24 hours rest, get ready to play another conference game, this time against conference newcomer Green Forest. The Lady Tigers have been a state playoff team on a regular basis over the past few years, and they will be coming to Paris Gymnasium tonight to assert their presence in their new conference. Green Forest lost their first two matches of the season against Prairie Grove and Hackett. The Lady Tigers played Alpena on Monday night, but there is no score reported for this game.
The Lady Eagles need their fans to show up again and support Paris in this very important conference match-up. Hackett may be playing the best volleyball so far, and Paris fans will remember the Waldron Lady Bulldogs who were probably the most improved team in the conference and in Class 3A as they made the state tournament and defeated Perryville in the first round. So it is very important for the Lady Eagles to take care of business with the two other top-contending schools still on their schedule.
Tickets for tonight’s match with Green Forest are now available at the Paris district office. For more information on this and other games, please check the Paris school district website for up-to-date information.
Resident Press will be at Tuesday night’s game to capture all of the action for our readers! Watch for a recap of the Lady Eagles game with Green Forest on Wednesday in Resident Press.
And don’t forget to obtain your tickets in advance and wear your masks to the game…see you there!
Skills that just might save your life…that’s what the newest business in the City of Greenwood is aimed at providing.
Owner Joshua Clemmer also operates the Wolf Pack Martial Arts Training Academy in Waldron. Clemmer shared how their methods can help kids overcome issues with bullying, dubbing it the “Bullyproof Program.”
The program developed at Gracie University is “helping kids learn how to deal with bullies, how to avoid a fight but also how to be prepared”. The program is focused on making sure that kids know the difference between self defense and fighting, utilizing the five “Rules of Engagement”:
Rule 1: Avoid the fight at all costs. Rule 2: If physically attacked, defend yourself. Rule 3: If verbally attacked, follow the “Three T-steps” (talk, tell, tackle). Rule 4: Never punch or kick the bully, establish control and negotiate. Rule 5: When applying submissions use minimal force and negotiate.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu instructors Brett Morris (left) and Joshua Clemmer.
Clemmer pointed out that in following the “Three T’s,” tackle, does not mean retaliation on the person verbally attacking you, but rather, tackling the problem head on, not allowing a bully to make you feel as though you need to shy away if confronted. These methods are designed to increase self-confidence and responsibility.
Adult programs are also available to help both men and women increase their self-defense skills. The classes are designed to help those who lack confidence in strength by learning leverage moves and holds that will disable an assailant regardless of stature.
Clemmer concluded that all of the programs offer a free 10-day trial.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu is located at 716 Clinic Street Suite D in Greenwood. The Wolf Pack Martial Arts Academy in Waldron is located at 99 US Business Hwy 71. You can also reach them by phone: (479) 926-5384, and on Facebook.
Skills that just might save your life…that’s what the newest business in the City of Greenwood is aimed at providing.
Owner Joshua Clemmer also operates the Wolf Pack Martial Arts Training Academy in Waldron. Clemmer shared how their methods can help kids overcome issues with bullying, dubbing it the “Bullyproof Program.”
The program developed at Gracie University is “helping kids learn how to deal with bullies, how to avoid a fight but also how to be prepared”. The program is focused on making sure that kids know the difference between self defense and fighting, utilizing the five “Rules of Engagement”:
Rule 1: Avoid the fight at all costs. Rule 2: If physically attacked, defend yourself. Rule 3: If verbally attacked, follow the “Three T-steps” (talk, tell, tackle). Rule 4: Never punch or kick the bully, establish control and negotiate. Rule 5: When applying submissions use minimal force and negotiate.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu instructors Brett Morris (left) and Joshua Clemmer.
Clemmer pointed out that in following the “Three T’s,” tackle, does not mean retaliation on the person verbally attacking you, but rather, tackling the problem head on, not allowing a bully to make you feel as though you need to shy away if confronted. These methods are designed to increase self-confidence and responsibility.
Adult programs are also available to help both men and women increase their self-defense skills. The classes are designed to help those who lack confidence in strength by learning leverage moves and holds that will disable an assailant regardless of stature.
Clemmer concluded that all of the programs offer a free 10-day trial.
Gracie Jiu Jitsu is located at 716 Clinic Street Suite D in Greenwood. The Wolf Pack Martial Arts Academy in Waldron is located at 99 US Business Hwy 71. You can also reach them by phone: (479) 926-5384, and on Facebook.
Hunger impacts people in every corner of the country, including nearly 20 percent of our neighbors in the River Valley. Given the impact of the COVID19 pandemic, that number may increase to 22 ½ percent this year. And with 1 in 4 children in our state experiencing food insecurity, it is important to continue growing efforts to connect families in the River Valley with healthy food.
That’s why the River Valley Regional Food Bank joins Feeding America® food banks nationwide this September to take part in Hunger Action Month, and inspire people to take action and bring attention to the reality of food insecurity in America. This year’s campaign comes at a critical time when the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt millions of people living paycheck to paycheck. And due to staggering unemployment rates, Feeding America estimates an additional 17 million people could be food insecure in 2020 as a result of this crisis, bringing the total up to 54 million people.
“Whether they’ve lost work from the pandemic, or are under-employed, or are seniors, or they live on a fixed income, so many people need food assistance at this time,” Food Bank Director Tracy Engel said. “We work every day to ensure we can provide nutritious food to our 163 pantry agency partners in the eight-county service area in the River Valley, so that they are able to fulfill their missions of helping those in need.”
In an effort to promote hunger awareness throughout the month of September, the River Valley Regional Food Bank has partnered with local businesses, restaurants and government entities to help raise funds and collect in-need pantry items to help stock our shelves.
The food bank also has a number of viral social media campaigns planned, as a way to promote the issues of food disparity in our area. “We need your help now more than ever,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “Hunger in this country existed long before COVID-19, but the pandemic has thrust more and more of our neighbors into food insecurity, and food banks are responding to a sustained, increased demand. With support of the community, together we can end hunger one helping at a time.”
September marks the 13th year the Feeding America network has organized this annual call to action. To learn more about the River Valley Regional Food bank and other ways you can get involved for Hunger Action Month in the River Valley, please visit rvrfoodbank.org/hungeraction-month/ or HungerActionMonth.org. You can also join the conversation by posting photos or stories to social media with #HungerActionMonth, and tag @rivervalleyregionalfoodbank on Instagram, @RVRFoodBank on Facebook and @river_food on Twitter, as well as @FeedingAmerica.
The sport of American football itself was relatively started up in 1892. The basic name of the game was to run with the ball and try to manhandle and mow over your opponents for a touchdown. It was a man’s man physical game. Passing in the game was not even an option until 1906. The town of Cedarville was established before football was even thought of so it only makes sense that the Cedarville Pirates stick to the old ways of the game. In fact, the hard-nosed ground and pound run game is the Pirates calling card. Last Friday night, the Sr High Pirates showed their fans that even though we’re in a “new norm”, old football is still alive and well as they thumped Berryville 44-6.
Kicking is #35 Hayden Partain
When it comes to the offense on a football team, the QB is known as the field general. He must be able to be quick on his feet, throw the pigskin with vigor preciseness, and remain calm under pressure. Luckily for the Sr Pirates, they can check that one off of their to-do list. QB, Cody Dickens, finished the night completing 5/7 passes totaling 140 yards and 2 TDs. When it comes to the running backs, also known as the halfbacks, this player is literally the jack of all trades. They can run, they can pass, and they can block. And last Friday night, the Sr Pirates had two running backs who stole the show. Bruce Turney ended the match with 4 receptions totaling 111 yards and 2 TDs while Darryl Kattich closed shop with 17 carries for 254 yards and 3 TDs including 1 massive out of this world touchdown for a whopping 99 yards. “What will be remembered about this game will be the 50-yard TD pass from junior QB, Cody Dickens to junior, Bruce Turney, right before the half, taking us up 32-0,” stated head coach, Max Washausen. “Also, junior running back, Darryl Kattich’s 99-yard TD run along with our aggressive defense!”
QB #8 Cody Dickens
Cedarville’s defense wouldn’t be outdone by their offense though. The Pirates made Paper-Mache out of Berryville every time they stepped on the field. In fact, there were an unprecedented four Pirates who ended the game with double-digit tackles. Senior, Max Mcgill, and sophomore, Hayden Morton, led the Pirates ship with 13 tackles apiece. Senior, Tommy Metcalf, and junior, Bruce Turney, teamed up for 11 tackles each. Junior, Darryl Kattich shredded the Bobcats and rounded out with eight tackles. And junior, Hayden Partain, jumped in the mix of things to end up with six tackles. Chalk up a big sack for Turney and Kattich snagging a fumble recovery and you could say that the Pirates defense went to war with automatic cannons firing at will. Needless to say, Cedarville’s defense dropped anchor at the kickoff and refused to budge until the final buzzer of the game. “I’m really impressed with how our defense was able to shut down a big physical team like Berryville,” stated head coach, Max Washausen. “We looked really smooth for Game 1.”
The Pirates defense including #57 Luke Mallow and #33 Levi Johnson
Cedarville was picked by many to win the 3A-1 this year and after their performance against Berryville, it’s hard to see anyone who can lower the good ol’ Jolly Roger proudly waving in the wind. The Pirates, on the other hand, know they have a target pinned on them for upcoming games but the Bobcats are now in their rearview mirror. As of now, each player has already forgotten about last Friday. Instead, the Sr Pirates are sharpening swords, loading their cannons, and preparing to set sail for their fierce conference foes. That’s right! It’s Cedarville’s rivalry week against the Mountainburg Dragons on Friday, September 4 at 7 pm in Mountainburg. Treasure Chest or Bust!
#2 Running back, Hayden Morton
Cedarville and Berryville giving their final farewells Covid style
After a week one win over Lavaca that saw Paris have its share of mistakes and other issues, the Paris Eagles will take the field at home again this Friday night as they host the Johnson County Westside Rebels. In addition to winning the game, Paris (1-0, 0-0) will look for more inspired play combined with fewer turnovers as they move through the non-conference portion of their schedule. Paris will play at home this week against JC Westside, and will go on the road the following week, September 11, for their last non-conference game against the West Fork Tigers.
Not every school played last Friday. Some schools were not scheduled to play during zero week, and most of those schools will open their schedules this Friday night. Additionally, some schools either postponed or cancelled games due to the pandemic. In any case, a significant number of the total high school football programs have now played their first games. In addition to football, volleyball games were played for the past week, as well. So now we all hold our collective breaths that the viral positivity rate related to football and volleyball events do not significantly increase the total number of COVID-19 cases in the schools and throughout Arkansas. But one thing is for certain, if we all want to see the sports seasons to continue, we and the schools must comply with the state directives. This is a point that is illustrated below by a letter that was sent last week from the Governor’s Office to high school coaches. The letter was made public on Twitter by ArkansasVarsity.com. If you want to read the letter in its entirety, just click on the Twitter link below.
Letter sent to Arkansas HSFB coaches last week. Reports saying several schools still didn’t follow directives this past week. PA announcements at War Memorial last night constantly telling people to wear their masks. If we want HSFB we better follow the directives! #ArkVarsitypic.twitter.com/7ulXv3dyHC
As a sign of the times during this season of unknowns, some schools are moving up senior night ceremonies during the early portions of their schedules. Senior nights are traditionally held on the last home game of the season, and are a time when senior athletes, cheerleaders, and bandsmen are recognized before their last home games. And because completion of the entire season is not guaranteed, many schools have elected to hold senior night ceremonies at the earliest possible points in their home schedules. For the Paris Eagles, their attention turns to their week two opponent, the Johnson County Westside Rebels.
Paris is counting on the seniors on both the offensive and defensive lines to dominate the line of scrimmage against their opponents
The Johnson County Westside Rebels play in Class 2A, district four. The Rebels’ conference includes Mountainburg, Quitman, Conway Christian, Bigelow, Hector, Yellville-Summit, and Magazine. Looking at opponents from 2019 that will be common to Paris in 2020, the Rebels lost to Lavaca 49-28, and to Two Rivers, 49-46 in overtime. Two Rivers lost last Friday night to Class 2A Quitman, 59-0.
Junior quarterback Brayden Edwards takes over this year at the helm of the Westside offense. The Rebels have an outstanding all-conference receiver in Dakota Beavers. He is described by Hooten’s Arkansas Football publication as being explosive and “can score anytime he touches the ball.”
The challenge for this year’s edition of the Rebel football team will be its low participation level and lack of depth. The Rebels will be able to move the ball, but their defense will be an issue due to lack of experience and depth.
Paris head football coach Tyler Clark is impressed with the Rebels physical play on the line of scrimmage. “To be honest, on the offensive and defensive lines, they look pretty physical. They fire off the ball on the offensive and defensive lines, and it is a very similar story to last week; if we don’t come out and take care of our business, who knows what could happen.”
The Rebels have an all-conference running back in James Linton. According to Hooten’s, Linton could rush for over 1,000 yards this year in Class 2A. Coach Clark indicated that Linton will run between the tackles and behind a very physical line for Westside. “They are very physical, and when you look at them, they look more physical right now than we did last Friday night.” So Coach Clark has challenged the big offensive line of Paris, and it will be interesting to see how the Eagles respond on the line of scrimmage against Westside.
But if there is a lesson to be learned from week one, it is that the Eagles must learn to respect every opponent, regardless of record, and come ready to play for the entire game. There was a noticeable let down in the second half last Friday after the team had jumped out to a 32 point lead. With no disrespect to Lavaca or any other team, if this had happened against Booneville, Atkins, or any other conference contender, it may have been a different outcome for the Eagles. This is part of establishing a winning culture, and the Paris program had fallen on hard times the past three years. Coach Clark and his staff are working hard to instill the characteristics into this program that winning programs possess, and playing hard, regardless of how far ahead you may be, is an aspect Paris has not had a lot of experience with in the past few years. If this lesson was learned against Lavaca, it could benefit the team greatly for the rest of the season. We will know when the Eagles take the field Friday night against Westside.
Coach Clark thinks the mentality of the team is good as they enter practice for week two. “I think they are good. I think they know we have a lot of things we need to get fixed, and I think they are all on board with that. I don’t think any of them are upset that we are coaching them hard or are not real pleased with last week. I think they all understand why we feel that way. I think most of them feel the same way, and that is a good thing.”
Paris will have the advantage of having played a game, and Westside will be playing their first of the season. Westside will return home on September 11 to host Two Rivers in their second week of the season for another non-conference match-up with the Gators. Paris wants to work out remaining issues this week against Westside and eventually win three non-conference games to start the season with a win this week and another against West Fork on September 11. The Eagles want to win those games without losing players to injuries, and move into the bye week before conference play begins on September 25 against Mayflower.
So this is very much a game in which Paris needs to concentrate on what they need to do and to fix the issues from last week. The Eagles need to come out and play with 100% effort for the entire length of the game. The high humidity Friday could have been a reason for the let down, but it affected both teams, and Paris may have to address some conditioning issues this week in practice. As of the publication date of this story, the game time weather forecast according to Weather Bug is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms during the day and clearing at night. So it could be another game that may be impacted by humidity and possible dehydration. I am sure the coaching staffs of both schools will emphasize hydration to their players for Friday night.
Paris showed signs of how explosive they can be on offense against Lavaca, and the defense showed how they can rise up and create a turnover to stop a drive. It was just one game, and the Eagles did a lot of good things. Now, in week two, we will see if Paris takes the next step and improves their play against Westside. The Eagles have to respect the Rebels and be ready to play all night to win and to make progress toward achieving the team goals this team has set for the season.
Friday’s kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Eagles Stadium. Remember that AAA and Arkansas Department of Health regulations will be in effect, and that masks will be required to be worn by all in attendance.
The Eagles had a good crowd last Friday night to see Paris win, and the team needs another good showing by their fans. Resident Press will be there Friday to bring you all of the action in Saturday’s weekly recap of the game against Westside.
On an additional note, RP will cover the Lady Eagles volleyball game at Booneville on Monday. Look for a recap of that match Tuesday afternoon at residentpress.com
