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
Talk about a great way to open volleyball season. The Waldron Jr Lady Bulldogs spent their first volleyball conference week kickin’ butt and takin’ names. Up first for the Jr Lady Bulldogs was Booneville on August 25. The two teams furiously jousted each other in two sets ’till the bitter end. Although Waldron wangled the win, the Jr Lady Bearcats made sure the Jr Lady Bulldogs worked for it. Waldron took wins in both sets 25-16 and 25-17. Leading in kills was Kyleigh Cook and leading in aces was Cherish Rhinehart.
Next up, Waldron took on the West Fork Lady Tigers.“We traveled to West Fork on Thursday, August 27, and came home with a conference victory,” exclaimed Coach Hannah Scantling. Bursting with excitement over their second conference win of the week, the Jr Lady Bulldogs winning fate was sealed when they earned scores of 25-10 and 25-22. Ranking first in kills and aces was Kyleigh Cook. And top-tier in blocks was Lily Woodard and Emily Powell.
“Coach Moore and I are beyond proud of how our Jr High girls swept both of last week’s opponents. After a tough season last year, I’m thrilled with how well the girls have adjusted to the changes made this season and the intensity they bring to the court. We still have a lot of work to do, but starting off the opening week with two wins is huge for them!” For the upcoming week, the Lady Bulldogs will battle the Lady Tigers at Mansfield on August 31 at 4 pm. Then Waldron will stay home for Senior Night on September 1 to host Elkins at 4:30 pm. To finish the week, the Lady Bulldogs will take a road trip to Charleston on September 3 with gameplay starting at 4:30.
It’s not every year that a volleyball program comes across a Jr High team that is just as equally matched as their Sr High squad from top to bottom. In most cases, Jr High sports gives coaches the chance to mold their players into Sr High supremacy. But this season, Coach Kaylie Pyles has struck the good fortune of having not one team who could very easily go on to become conference champions but two teams. The Jr Lady Tigers are fitting in rather nicely in their new conference home of 2A volleyball.
The girls had a busy first week of conference play taking on the Mulberry Lady Yellowjackets on August 25 and the Eureka Springs Lady Highlanders on August 27. The Jr Lady Tigers completely dominated Mulberry winning sets of 25-1 and 25-2. Cole Smith finished the match with 15 aces while Kynslee Ward made six, and Rachel Johnson secured one. Alyson Edwards ended the evening with one kill.
For their second match of the week, Mansfield wasn’t deterred by the fact of having to face the Lady Highlanders on their home court. In fact, not only did they delight in the thought of it but they took charge of the situation by ruling with an iron hand. After commandeering the court, the Jr Lady Tigers earned a 2-0 win with sets of 25-11 and 25-7. Cole Smith attained seven aces, two kills, and two assists. Harlie Fuller got a hold of six aces, one kill, and seven assists. Alyson Edwards bagged three aces, five kills, and two digs. Kynslee Ward landed two kills and six digs. Rachel Johnson gained 13 aces and three kills. And Trinity Triska wangled in two digs.
“It was a very successful first week within a new 2A conference,” explained Coach Pyles. “I am really proud of the way the Jr High girls stayed focused throughout both games. They played extremely well. We are now 2-0 in conference play and I’m hoping by this time next week we will be 5-0!” The Jr Lady Tigers have an even busier schedule next week as they face three top-notch opponents back to back. On August 31, the Jr Lady Tigers will dance with the Waldron Lady Bulldogs on Mansfields home court. Then on September 1, the Lavaca Lady Golden Arrows will throw down with the Lady Tigers in red and white territory. Finally, Mansfield will close shop with their away game against Thaden, a newly added to the 2A conference private school.
It’s always nerve-wracking when a program starts a season off with a new head coach. Are they going to implement all new plays? Are they going to have what it takes to continue building and bettering the program? Those are just a few questions on a player’s mind during this transition. Fortunately for the Waldron Sr High Lady Bulldogs, they scored the volleyball jackpot. After having great success last year under Coach Toby Hollin, who took the girls to the second round of State after finishing third in conference, new head coach, Hannah Scantling is picking up right where last year’s Sr Lady Bulldogs left off.
Coach Scantling along with Coach Bailey Moore, has spent many many hours over the summer making sure the girls were in tip-top shape and fully prepared for what the upcoming season had to offer. And so far, its paid off victoriously. This past week, the Sr Lady Bulldogs took on two very well-coached volleyball teams in 3A conference play. On August, 25, Waldron hosted the Booneville Lady Bearcats and after a close scoring and physical face-off, the Lady Bulldogs walked away unbeaten 3-1. “Our Senior High got off to a great start this week,” Coach Scantling excitedly stated. “I am so incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication these girls have put in!” Leading in the “kills” department was senior, Rheagan Sanford. Senior, Karissa Johnston was all about that “ace”. And hosting the “block” party was junior, Molly Richmond.
For their second conference game, Waldron took to West Fork in hopes of conquering the Lady Tigers den. After close sets of 25-16, 25-8, and 25-22, the Lady Bulldogs were over the moon about their 3-0 win. Taking the head “kill”er top-shot award was Rheagan Sanford. Jessica Ozuna led with her hand of “ace” high royal flush. And leaving fans in “Block”-n-Awe was Molly Richmond.
“I’m so proud of the Senior High team! Although the girls came out a little flat in the first set against Booneville, they quickly realized that we had to find that momentum we have been talking about for the past few weeks in practice. Once they found it though, they never looked back. Their winning attitude carried over to Thursday’s game at West Fork. After Tuesday’s game, we really set our focus on defense and blocking in practice and I could really tell a difference at West Fork.”
“Molly Richmond has been working hard on getting her timing down and she had a big block game at West Fork. My front line has been doing a really good job as well at being versatile and finding holes in the defense. I’m excited for this upcoming week as we get ready to travel to Mansfield on Monday, August 31, and then turn around on Tuesday, September 1, to host the Elkins Lady Elks for Senior Night.”
Through donations from the community, businesses and First Baptist Church, every teacher, support staff, office worker, custodian, and cafeteria worker at the Greenwood School District received a goodie-bag and $5 gift card. This as a show of gratitude through the Community Teacher Appreciation Project.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone who supported the Teacher Appreciation Project,” stated organizer Jade Graves.“Because of your generous donations, every teacher, support staff, office worker, custodian, and cafeteria worker received a goodie-bag and a $5 gift card! We were also able to draw names for larger prizes for each campus.”
Graves enlisted the help of Beau Barlett to assist with drawing names for larger prizes. In total, seven names per campus and 12 names for the high school, were drawn. The drawing, which was held on Wednesday, August 26, included additional gift cards and prizes, all from local businesses.
Those businesses include: Cornerstone Veterinary Clinic Vache Grass Country Club Shop Persnickety Bishop Family Dentistry Cucina Pizza Pizza Barn The Dari Walmart First Baptist Church Lin’s House The Cup-Coffee Shop Real Food Co TLC Confections by Melissa Jones Jade Graves Photography McGraw Reality: Tonia Hobbs Shiela Reid Susie Sparkman
A group of 10th grade girls, Alana Buchanan, Shelby Mayor, Lyric Graves, and Kenzie Auterson all helped to stuff the bags for presentation.
“A huge thank you to Erin Bartlett,” added Graves. “She handled the GoFundMe financial side of things and did an amazing job!What an awesome community we are blessed to live in! I am so very proud to call Greenwood home!”
