Resident News Network

Mansfield Athletic Award Series: Tigers of the Year

Sports

-

7:45 am

Mansfield Athletic Award Series: Tigers of the Year

Editor’s note…

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the traditional Mansfield Tiger Booster Club Banquet to honor the athletic award winners of the 2019-2020 sports seasons were canceled. To publicize the athletes that won either conference, state, or local awards, this publication is offering a series of articles related to those participants that earned athletic accolades this school year. This final chapter of this series will announce the T. Franklin Boyd Mansfield Tigers of the Year.

2019-2020 T. Franklin Boyd Tiger of the Year Awards:

(contributions by MHS Coaches)

The T. Franklin Boyd Booster Club Tiger of the Year Award is given each year to the outstanding male and female senior high athlete. It is an award that considers athletic involvement, athletic success, academic history, and the spirit of the Tiger once rooted for by the late T. Franklin Boyd. This year, an extensive rubric based upon evidentiary data was established to help select the Tigers of the Year.

Through a public meeting of Booster Club officers, interested membership, coaches, and administration, that point system was finalized to help determine this most anticipated award. The new criteria were implemented this season to pare down a list of highly regarded nominees.

The T. Franklin Boyd Female Tiger of the Year:

Mansfield’s Female Athlete of the Year set a path towards this conclusion many moons ago. Currently a senior, this deserving athlete was once recognized as the “Freshman Rising Star”. The honor, awarded at the 2017 Booster Club Awards Banquet, sent notice to an athletic-minded community that her sports skills were worthy of watching.

Since that day, those skills continued to rise through a variety of sports. Count golf, volleyball, basketball, and softball as just a sample of the activities to which she caught the clouds. Accomplishments on the course, courts, or field followed her like footprints in the sand. Those impressions dug deep with All-District, All-Conference, Player of the Year, and State qualifying steps.

This past school year alone she picked up All-Conference honors and a Player of the Year award in golf. She also donned All-District armor through a hard-fought volleyball campaign. Both sports made their respective postseason State Tournaments. She spent the winter months preparing for a softball season that by all indications had the ingredients for a successful season. Although the team only got to play five games because of the Covid-19 shutdown, she was already pitching 1.2 strikeouts per inning and hitting the ball as well as anyone on the team.

Put this senior’s grade point average up against other athletes and you could easily tell why she stood out in the classroom as well as on the diamond. Ask a faculty member of her manners and conduct throughout a school day and you’d be equally impressed. Academic excellence, athletic efficiency, and citizenship characteristics certainly set this senior as the one to watch. Better yet, it set this senior as the one to rejoice!

This year’s T. Franklin Boyd Female Tiger of the Year award goes to Maggie Strunk.

The T. Franklin Boyd Male Tiger of the Year:

The Mansfield Tiger of the Year was described as “one of the most explosive players I have ever had the privilege to coach”. In the athletic world, you hear coaches speak of certain players and how the game has “slowed down” for them. With this Mansfield senior, it seemed his opponents were crawling.

In football, opposing coaches refused to kick the ball to him. They’d rather kick the ball out of bounds and take a penalty. According to MaxPreps, a statewide statistical bank, this athlete ranked number one in the entire state for kickoff returns and total returns. Local outlets pegged him as the “Special Teams Player of the Year”. He produced the #1 “Sweetest Play of the Year” and was recognized as a River Valley Prep Football All-Star.

The collection of these accolades seemed forthright as evidenced by opposing defenses putting their best defender on him to try to stop him from getting the ball. No doubt, he had some electrifying moments this year. If you were fortunate enough to watch the games he played, you’d certainly agree. Long-distance touchdowns, high flying catches, and basketball dunks were a normal day at the office for him.

Believe it or not, athletics was not his whole world. He also led in the classroom. He finished in the top ten in his graduating class and received multiple academic scholarships. Had he wished, he could have also accepted any number of athletic scholarship offers as well.

This year’s T. Franklin Boyd Tiger of the Year goes to Layton Howard.

Obituary- Joyce Lucille Woodard-Griffin (1932-2020)

Obituaries

Tammy Teague

-

2:06 pm

0

Obituary- Joyce Lucille Woodard-Griffin (1932-2020)

Joyce Lucille Woodard Griffin of Fort Smith, Arkansas (formerly of Waldron, Arkansas) went to be with her Lord and Savior, Sunday, May 3, 2020, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Joyce was born May 25, 1932, in Leachville, Arkansas to James Griffin and Alice (Mobbs) Griffin. She was 87 years old and would have turned 88 years young in 22 days.

Joyce leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband Harold L. Griffin of the home, three daughters: Brenda Patton (Ray) of Booneville, Arkansas, Janet Owens (Reggie) of Waldron, Arkansas and Pam Woodard of Fort Smith, Arkansas and two sons: Mike Woodard (Debbie) of Van Buren, Arkansas and Jamie Woodard (Glenda) of Waldron, Arkansas. Joyce will forever be remembered by one sister, Frieda Kniebes of Shelby, North Carolina as well as her eleven grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. Joyce is also survived by her family in love, Randall Griffin (Teresa) of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Piper Salley (Gene) of Branson, Missouri, David Griffin (Bonnie) of Bethel Heights, Arkansas, Darell Griffin (Becky) of Jenny Lind, Arkansas and nine step grandchildren and nine step great grandchildren. Joyce will be missed by all that knew her and the many whose lives she impacted including a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband of 49 years to Eston Theo Woodard, and her brother and sisters; Jake Griffin, Bobbie Johnson, James Griffin, Bill Griffin, Fay Griffin, and Polly Padgett.

Joyce’s celebration of life will be Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas, with Rev. Jerry Grimes officiating, Interment will follow in the Square Rock Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Ray Patton singing, Pam Woodard reading of a poem.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Michael Allen Woodard, Shawn Woodard, Martin Patton, Byron Owens, T.J. Bailey, Derek Owens and John Patton.

Joyce Woodard Griffin accepted Christ at a later age in life. She was a stay at home mom for her five kids and many others until moving from Michigan to Arkansas, There she became employed at The Waldron Furniture Factory as a button maker, and then her and her husband (Eston Wooodard) became chicken growers for Tyson.

She was joined in holy matrimony on September 16, 1949, to Eston Theo Woodard for 49 years, until he passed away on April 23, 1999. They had five children. Her children can attest to the fact that she had “no patience” and “was a very stubborn woman”.; however, she loved her family very much. She was also worrying about her kids and grand kids whom she encouraged, and was so very proud of.

She enjoyed the farm life, always listening to Woody, Jamie, and Ray sing, and following the band “Woody and the Rounders” around and visiting with all the fans. She was an amazing cook and seamstress, she loved company and to talk about good times. Her favorite thing in life were sweets!! She loved it when it was her birthday, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Easter, any holiday or anyone’s birthday, because she always knew there would be sweets! and family!

She fought many battles in life, cancer, losing the love of her life, diabetes, losing brothers and sisters, dementia, and much more. She was a fighter, a woman of great strength. That is one thing that we all admire and learned from her was to be a fighter in life no matter what. TO BE STRONG!! She was strong until the end. She fought alone in ICU for 2 weeks, once moved to hospice, her husband, kids and a grand daughter were able to visit her, she was ready to receive her angel wings and go home to heaven. She is still watching over us and will be missed forever.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Words cannot express how much we thank you for the expressions of sympathy, and all the help you have provided us during our moment of sorrow. We are truly grateful for your friendships and support.

During these trying and difficult times, we must limit public gatherings to 10 persons 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 must remain in their vehicles. Joyce’s life celebration will be live streamed on the link by Services on her webpage and the graveside service can be heard from the comfort of your vehicle at radio station 87.9 FM.

Even With Track Season Cut Short, It’s Still A “Run”derful Day To Be A Rattler

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

11:36 am

0

Even With Track Season Cut Short, It’s Still A “Run”derful Day To Be A Rattler

In a pre-Covid world, kids were going to school, families were going to church, and high school seniors were looking forward to their end of year senior activities. Unfortunately, as we all know, nothing is guaranteed in life and things can change in the blink of an eye. Prior to the epidemic, Senior High Track and Field athletes were looking forward to the ultimate prize at the end of the track season road. STATE. Slated to be held in Prescott on May 5, the athletes that took the biggest hit were the seniors. And for the Magazine Rattlers Sr High Track and Field team, having to miss their season was gut-wrenching.

For Magazine, Rattler track holds a lot of tradition. Three State Championships, three State Runner-Ups, 59 conference titles, 74 State Champions, and 130 All-State athletes. “This spring, the boys were coming off of a 2019 Indoor State title, third-place at Outdoor State, and a 2020 Indoor State Runner-Up title,” stated coach, Randy Bryan. “We had incredibly high expectations for the spring outdoor season. But, that did not get to happen. Since we had to forego all of our spring sports and ceremonies, I felt that I should at least in some way recognize a few seniors on this year’s track team.”

Senior Rattlers:

Caleb Hyatt– Caleb is the type of kid you build a team around and that is just what I did. Even in junior high, I could tell that he was special. Special in athletic ability, special in work ethic, special in the desire to be excellent and win, special in everything he attempted. He was already part of a winning team by junior high but he set the tone for the team. At District, he went back and forth with another senior this year, Xeng Yang, in the discus. Caleb finished with first-place in shot put, second to Xeng in discus, second in sprint relay, and first in mile relay to secure a close win at Conway that day!

Caleb was part of a relay team (Xeng, Tsim Neej, and Tatum Scott) that set the junior high record for the mile relay. I remember days that he and his friends would stay after having lifted, and worked in my practice from 2:20-5:00, and then work on his throws until late suppertime. During summer, he would attend football practice, then track workouts, and then throw until I had to run him off. He was just determined to be the best. Then in senior high, he just kept getting better. He won District every year. At State, he took bronze in discus his sophomore year, then gold his junior year (was projected to win his senior year), and took gold at Indoor shot his junior and senior year making him a three-time State Champion thrower topping John Williams (2X) and a host of one-time winners.

Caleb’s three All-State accolades in Track and Field place him in a tie with Travis Williams for second on the All-Time Rattler list behind Roy Carey’s four on the men’s side. (He also was All-State and two-time conference champion in football) As a leader, Caleb guided his teams to five District titles, a State third-place, a State Runner-Up, and the 2019 State title. He now joins the elite athletes to have ever walked the hallowed halls of Magazine High School. He will forever be used as an example of the way to do things, the way to work hard, and that good leadership paves the way to success. Caleb Hyatt- Rattler Pride!!

Xeng Yang– Xeng is the embodiment of being a Rattler. I could just copy and paste the first section from Caleb’s paragraph and it would describe Xeng as well. The great work ethic. The great leadership. The desire to perfect his craft which by the way, included hurdles and discus, two events in which he is not prototypical. Yet, he won. He won at the junior high level. And he won at the senior high level. He was the school’s second-ever hurdles State champion. He has been District Champion in discus and was part of our District Champion relay teams for years. He was either District Champion or Runner-Up in every hurdle event. He was part of the sprint relay team that scored at State and part of the mile relay team that took silver at State one year and bronze the next season. He took fourth at State in the 300m hurdles as well. He was All-Conference every year. He was District MVP. He was All-State. He, too, was responsible for five District titles, third-place at State, State Runner-Up, and a State Championship. Xeng will join Caleb on the Wall of Champions as one of our All-Time greats. Xeng Yang- Rattler Pride!!

Next on our list of seniors to be recognized is Jacob Hall. Jacob was a jack of all trades. He could and would do whatever the team needed and do it well! He has run distance races, mid-distance, sprints, relays of all kinds, jumps, throws, and was even working on hurdles when an injury derailed the plan. That is just who he is: Team! His accolades include being named All-State, State silver medalist, State bronze medalist, All-Conference, District Champions four times, State Runner-Up, and State Champion. Jacob Hall- Rattler Pride!!

Tsim Neej– Neej was instrumental in our team’s success. He was All-Conference and State bronze medalist. He was part of three District titles and a State Runner-Up. And he was a sprinter and part of our sprint relay and mile relay teams. Tsim Neej- Rattler Pride!! Bryce McDowell is our final senior Rattler to be recognized. He is a thrower and was part of our State Championship team and State Runner-Up team along with four District titles, and was also named to the State football All-Star team this year! Bryce McDowell- Rattler Pride!!

Senior Lady Rattlers:

Hannah Green is the first of our ladies to be honored. Hannah brought to the team a one-track mind of I am going to be our best vaulter, I am going to do what it takes to be good at vault, I am going to win State at vault, and I am going to break our school record in vault! And guess what? She accomplished all of it. By the way, she scored at State in two relays as well as competing in the 400m. She has also been All-Conference, All-State (2X), a District Champion, a State Champion, has been parts of teams that won three District titles and finished third at State. Hannah Green- Rattler Pride!!

Next is Sarai Parrish. Sarai is a six-year starter as a thrower and also a four-year cross country runner for our teams. Her teams finished either as District Champions or Runner-Up every year. She scored at Indoor State in the shot put. And she is part of a State third-place finish as well. Sarai Parrish- Rattler Pride!! We finish up this incredible list with Taryn Leslie. Taryn is a State Champion and two-time All-State athlete. She has been All-Conference, All-State twice, a District Champion, State Runner-Up in the mile relay (Hannah, Becky, Lauren), has been a part of teams that won three District titles and finished third at State. Taryn Leslie- Rattler Pride!! The Magazine Rattlers will still return an incredible group of underclassmen who are looking for a championship track season in 2021!

2020 County Farm Families of the Year Named

News

Tammy Teague

-

6:19 pm

0

2020 County Farm Families of the Year Named

County winners for the 73rd annual Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program have been selected.

The county winners will be visited by a set of judges to determine eight district winners, who will be announced June 16. The state winner will be announced Dec. 6 at the Farm Family of the Year luncheon in North Little Rock.

Since 1947, the Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program has served as a vehicle to recognized outstanding farm families throughout the state. The objectives of the Farm Family of the Year program are: To give recognition and encouragement to farm families who are doing an outstanding job on their farm and in their community; To recognize the importance of agriculture in the community and state; and To disseminate information on improved farm practices and management.

The county winners are:
East Central District
Lee – Drew Wooten, Marianna
Lonoke – Thaxton Brothers Partnership, Carlisle
Monroe – Adam Chastain and family, Holly Grove
Prairie – Ryan Bell family and Greg Bell family, Des Arc
Pulaski – Bo Brook Farms, Roland
St. Francis – West Higgins family, Forrest City
White – Brad Peacock family, Bald Knob
Woodruff – Bryan Robertson, Augusta
North Central District
Baxter – Rob and Sally Hall, Gassville
Cleburne – Shane and Ashley Mason, Prim
Fulton – Brach and Alesha Hill, Viola
Independence – Bobby and Amanda Dunehew, Newark
Izard – Brandon Johnson family, Evening Shade
Marion – J.L. and Angie Wagoner, Flippin
Searcy – The Hagemann family, Marshall
Sharp – Davis FarmsStone – Jerry and Russanne Shannon, Mountain View
Van Buren – James Reed family, Choctaw
Northeast District
Clay – Mitch and Pam Brown of B & B Farms, Corning
Craighead – Chris and Breanne Damron, Jonesboro
Crittenden – Sam and Andrea Pirani, Marion
Cross – Jarred and Joey Taylor, Wynne
Greene – Allen and Karen Davis family, Paragould
Lawrence – Josh and Jack Brand, Imboden
Mississippi – Senter Farms, Osceola
Poinsett – Berger Farms, Weiner
Randolph – Anthony Wells Family, Imboden
Northwest District
Benton – Jim Singleton family, Gravette
Boone – Will and Rachel Norton family, Harrison
Carroll – The Stone family, Berryville
Crawford – Kevin and Jennifer Hightower, Rudy
Franklin – Johny Crocker, Ozark
Johnson – Ricky Brown, Clarksville
Madison – Anthony Giffin family, Rogers
Newton – David Farmer family, Hasty
Sebastian – Clint Gann, Hackett
Washington – Nathan Ogden, Prairie Grove
Southeast District
Arkansas, North – Trey and Ashley Daniel, Stuttgart
Arkansas, South – Turner Farms IV, Almyra
Chicot – Armstrong Bros, LLC, Eudora
Drew – Edward and Angela Schenk, Monticello
Jefferson – Chad Render, Pine Bluff
Phillips – Joe Brown Farm, Marvell
Southwest District
Bradley – Josh and Krystle Hays, Warren
Calhoun – Rick and Shelley Hargett, Hampton
Hempstead – Chris and Denise Sweat, McCaskill
Lafayette – Shane and Mandy McClelland, Lewisville
Nevada – Richard and Cathy Jones, Prescott
Western District
Conway – 3 Brothers Farms, Morrilton
Faulkner – Tom and Jamie Henry, Greenbrier
Logan – Gerald and Rachel Strobel, Paris
Montgomery – Mark Cogburn, Norman
Perry – Quinten and Dena Johnson, Dardanelle
Pope – Stevie and Tamara Duvall, Atkins
Yell – James and Tiffany Miller, Dardanelle
West Central District
Clark – Mike, Luke and Natalie Leamons Farm, Arkadalphia
Dallas – Hank and Lisa Sullivent, Sparkman
Grant – Hunter and Jennifer Phelps, Prattsville
Hot Spring – Kay and Kaylee Casey, Malvern
Howard – Leo Hughes Family, Nashville
Sevier – Ismael and Maria Ramirez, De Queen

“The Arkansas Farm Family of the Year program recognizes the outstanding farmers and ranchers across the state,” said Rich Hillman, president of Arkansas Farm Bureau. “These families are involved in essential work, not only providing food for our state, but the country and the world. “Congratulations to these farm families. We are proud to highlight their work and dedication to Arkansas agriculture.”

The Farm Family of the Year program begins each year with the selection of top farm families in each county and culminates in December with the selection of the state Farm Family of the Year, who then go on to represent Arkansas at the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year. Arkansas has had two overall winners, Brian and Nan Kirksey of Clark County in 2008 and Wildy Family Farms of Mississippi County in 2016. All winners are judged on their farm production, efficiency, management, family life and rural/community leadership.

Sponsors of the Farm Family of the Year program are Arkansas Farm Bureau, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, and the three Farm Credit agencies that serve Arkansas: AgHeritage Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas and Midsouth Farm Credit. Additionally, support for the program is provided by the Arkansas Agriculture Department, Arkansas Department of Career Education, Arkansas Press Association, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development. Arkansas Farm Bureau is a nonprofit, private advocacy organization of almost 190,000 families throughout the state working to improve farm and rural life.

Incredible Benefits of Keeping Backyard Chickens

Lifestyle

Resident News Network

-

2:15 pm

0

Incredible Benefits of Keeping Backyard Chickens

The life of a chicken keeper is interesting, entertaining, and rewarding. Having a coop full of curious, clucking creatures in your backyard can be an adventure—one that comes with endless perks. Whether you’re in it for the money, the homegrown eggs, or the satisfaction of raising and caring for another animal, there’s no end to the incredible benefits of keeping backyard chickens. Find out how a flock can improve your life with this list of reasons to keep your own chickens.

Farm Fresh Eggs

While eggs are one of the most obvious benefits of keeping backyard chickens, there’s no understating their value. When you collect eggs from your own chickens, you know exactly where they came from and how those birds have been treated. Plus, eggs that are fresh from the farm are nutritious and rich in both color and flavor—once you try them, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought eggs. You might even have enough to go around. Share your excess eggs with friends or neighbors. You might even be able to make some money on the side by selling your product to the community at your local farmers’ market.

Hours of Entertainment

Chickens are surprisingly funny little creatures. From the soft, chirping chicks to curious, squabbling hens, your flock can provide amusement as you watch them go about their business. You can even put up some entertainment in the form of a chicken swing or other toys and watch your birds have at it. Chickens are fascinating, and you can learn a lot just by sitting back and watching them. Learn more about how they communicate, establish a pecking order, and keep themselves occupied day in and day out just by hanging out in your backyard.

Pest Control

Tired of mosquitoes, ticks, or other pests hanging out around your house in the summer? Chickens are experts in the pest control business. All those pesky critters that get into your home or garden make perfect protein-rich snacks for your birds. This is particularly useful if you keep a garden near your chickens. They’ll take care of the grasshoppers, snails, and other pests that would try to harm your plants. Chickens also like to eat a lot of the weeds that might grow in your garden. They’ll do an excellent job protecting your plants, and they even get free food out of it—everybody wins!

Sebastian County National Day of Prayer Program Goes Live

Tammy Teague

-

11:38 am

0

Sebastian County National Day of Prayer Program Goes Live

The National Day of Prayer will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2020, and millions around our country will engage in prayer.

The office of Sebastian County Judge David Hudson released a statement on Monday noting that due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the limitation of social gatherings of no more than 10, this year’s program would be held live.

The Sebastian County National Day of Prayer program will be viewable
–HERE–

Governor Declares Teacher Appreciation Week

News

Tammy Teague

-

11:13 am

0

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has declared May 4-8 as Teacher Appreciation Week.

In his proclamation, Hutchinson declared:
“WHEREAS: Many roles are filled by teachers, including those of educator, listener, explorer, role model, motivator and mentor. Teachers work to open students’ minds to ideas, knowledge and dreams, and to make our public schools successful; and WHEREAS: Excellent teaching is a labor of love, and our dedicated professionals often use their own resources to enhance and enrich the daily learning experiences of students with innovative and individualized lessons; and WHEREAS: Teachers often make many sacrifices as they fulfill their responsibilities both in and out of the classroom; and WHEREAS: The relationships forged between teachers and students can change the lives of our children and unlock a brighter future for them; and WHEREAS: Teachers use their skills to help ensure that our children have resources necessary to become productive citizens and future leaders; and WHEREAS: Teacher Appreciation Week affords us an opportunity to recognize the great contributions and sacrifices given by education to our children, schools and communities; NOW, THEREFORE, I, ASA HUTCHINSON, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim May 4th through May 8th, 2020, as TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK IN ARKANSAS.

For all the teachers who have made a difference in the lives of students, we say thank you!

Brown Awarded Alumni Scholarship

News

Tammy Teague

-

10:01 am

0

On Monday, May 4, senior Jacob Brown was awarded the Mansfield Alumni Scholarship.

Randall Sanderson, President of the Mansfield Alumni Scholarship Association, presented the award. The scholarship totals $4,000 or $500 per semester for up to four years. Recipients can choose either a four year college or technical school.

Brown, 18, plans to attend the University of Arkansas Fort Smith and pursue his bachelor’s degree in Biology before transferring to the University of Central Arkansas. There, Brown plans to enroll in UCA’s physical therapy program. While at Mansfield, Brown was involved in the Beta Club, Student Council, FCA, Quiz Bowl and International Club. He also played football from third grade until his senior year, and track from grades seven through 12. Brown will graduate from MHS with honors.

Jacob Brown is the son of Lonnie and Elizabeth Brown of Mansfield. He has two brothers, Andrew and Shawn, and one sister, Meghan Johnson. Other family includes sister-in-law, Jamie Brown and brother-in-law, Kolt Johnson. Proud grandparents are Karen Brown of Mansfield, Jim Costello and Becky Correa of Roseville, CA. He is also the grandson of the late Delbert and Rosemary Brown.

Lady Rattlers Softball Struck By “Wild Pitch”

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

9:31 am

0

Lady Rattlers Softball Struck By “Wild Pitch”

The Magazine Lady Rattlers softball team had no idea when they stepped onto the field in Danville on March 12 to take on the Lady Little Johns, that it would be their last. The 2020 season barely had time to get off the ground before it was canceled due to Covid-19. The Lady Rattlers had two players hit the hardest with the loss of the season and that was seniors Taryn Leslie and Hope Canada. The girls along with their teammates did manage to get four games in before news broke of the cancelation. Magazine finished with a 1-3 record in the 2A-4 conference. Their win came from a 15-0 blowout against County Line.

“I felt like we had a good chance to make the top four this year along with making Regionals and a chance to go on to State,” expressed coach, Buck Chappell. “There are a few eighth-graders moving up that may make an impact on our 2021 softball season. With this athletic dead period, I am hoping that the girls continue to work at home just throwing with parents or siblings. If they have the means to do some hitting that makes all the difference.”

With Hackett, Danville, and Hector leaving the conference, the 2A-4 will be adding Mansfield, Acorn, and New School to the mix. “It will be a tough conference next year but I feel like we will have enough experience to do something great. We knew Hackett was going to be the team to beat this season and we should have won the Danville conference game but a few too many errors cost us the victory.”

From here, the Lady Rattlers will continue making the best of this situation while also staying focused on next season’s goals. “I told the girls when this happened that it is what it is and now is the time to be safe and spend time with family. Go outside, do things together, and enjoy the time you have with your loved ones.” As for how Coach Chappell is handling the downtime, “With the nice weather, I’ve had time to work on my honey-do list. My place hasn’t looked this good in years! We are continuing to pray for those that are sick and hope this goes away soon.”

Pirates Eye Perfect Storm For 2020 Football Season

Sports

Megan Hecox

-

7:43 am

0

Pirates Eye Perfect Storm For 2020 Football Season

The Cedarville Pirates football program has been that “dangerous” team opponents have talked about for the past couple of years. The Pirates have always been in the hunt for a breakout year, but they never really got the chance to break free. If you look at their past couple of seasons though, you’d notice something that stands out. Growth. The Pirates went four consecutive seasons with only two victories. Then in 2017, they won three games. In 2018 they jumped to four wins. And last season, the Pirates hoisted their colors to a 6-4 season. That’s right, the tide is turning on Cedarville’s stormy seas of the past.

Going 6-4 in a conference that consisted of perineal powerhouses such as Booneville, Charleston, and Lamar isn’t anything to shake a stick at for any program. But with the 2019 Pirates beating Lamar and pulling Charleston into a nail biter, it should tell their upcoming 2020 opponents that they are no longer merely dangerous. They’re an absolute threat. Cedarville head coach, Max Washausen, stated “We started the 2019 football season out well with a 6-1 start and a win over Lamar which was also my favorite game of the season. That night we had a great game plan offensively and defensively and the boys executed perfectly. The Warriors are a very talented team that finished second in the conference and are bumping up to 4A this upcoming 2020 season. So to pull out a big victory over them let us know our boys could hold their own against anyone. And they did just that. We finished with the sixth winning season in the school’s history. Week 8 against Greenland we had five starters injured and we struggled to recover from that. We ended the season with a 6-4 record and just shy of the playoffs.“

#57 Alex Ascenio holding the Treasure Chest Trophy

Cedarville will be losing senior key talents in Kevan Jones, Alex Ascencio, Kolbye Beals, and Brayden Russell. Losing true team leaders as such could demolish a team for the next season, but the Pirates are transitioning from merely just a team, into a program. Playing with a young team last season gives them experience and places an important feather in their hat. The Pirates will still return seven starters on both sides of the ball including all of their running backs on offense. Now take all of that previous information and tack it on to a conference shake-up where the 3A-1 conference is losing three big-time teams in Booneville, Paris, and Lamar and gaining Hackett, Lavaca, and Lincoln. That ladies and gentlemen is a recipe for the makings of a conference championship run.

#52 Brayden Russell and #7 Kelin Mitchell

“I’m very optimistic about being able to get back with the guys and practice but I won’t speculate when that will happen,” said Washausen. “All we can do is our best today. This group of players are winners. I think we will really surprise the Conference this year!” The only iceberg in the Pirates path right now is the notorious COVID-19 pandemic. With such a serious issue in the wake of the 2020 season, Ceadrvilles coaching staff has had to count on players to put the wind into their own sails. “We have been putting daily workouts on social media and I have been keeping in contact daily with parents and players. It has been tough but the silver lining is that I have seen a lot of players doing things on their own who are intrinsically motivated and that makes a coach really proud.”

The players have shown through their home work ethic, that they know what this 2020 season could mean. The coaching staff knows what their players are capable of. All the Pirates need now is for this horrible virus to disappear so that they can prove what they already know. The Cedarville Pirates football program has plugged up holes in their boat, mended the sails, loaded the cannons, and is ready to take aim at a 2020 Championship.

Photos courtesy of Malinda Mizell

R

Farm Fresh Eggs

Hours of Entertainment

Pest Control

RESIDENT NEWS NETWORK