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Charleston to Host Mansfield in Showdown of Conference Contenders

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4:08 pm

Charleston to Host Mansfield in Showdown of Conference Contenders

It is often said that October is for pretenders and November is for contenders. As the 3A-1 conference season moves to its third week, the teams begin to separate themselves after head-to-head games. This season, with the large number of talented teams in the conference, each week has become a battle of heavyweights. Week three will certainly be no different. The week will be highlighted by the clash of Tigers at Alumni Field with the Charleston Tigers hosting the Mansfield Tigers on Friday. Mansfield defeated Charleston a year ago, 22-10, in Mansfield.

Prior to last week’s games, the Mansfield Tigers were ranked 17th in Class 3A by Max Preps, and 87th in Arkansas over all classifications. Charleston was ranked 20th in Class 3A and 109th overall. Those rankings should change on Tuesday when Max Preps releases its new rankings for this week based on the Charleston win and the Mansfield loss last week.

Friday night’s battle will be critical for both teams’ aspirations of making the playoffs. Mansfield was upset at Greenland last week for its first loss and first conference loss of the season. At the midpoint of the season, this becomes a must win game for the Red Tigers. Charleston has won its first two conference games and is in a tie with Booneville for the conference lead. A Charleston win would seperate themselves from some very good teams in the conference and would go a long way to placing the Tigers in the playoffs.

And, of course, set all of this aside, and consider that this is an intense rivalry for both schools, regardless of the records or the playoff implications, and you have a recipe for a very good high school football game.

This may be the most highly-anticipated football season in the Mansfield football program’s history. The Red Tigers are a senior-heavy team composed of perhaps the most talented class of players in their history. They have played together for many years, and have played varsity football for Mansfield starting with the last few games of their freshman year. They are a very talented and experienced team. Mansfield finished third in the conference last season and very well could have been the second seed. Mansfield hosted and defeated Melbourne in the first round of the 2018 state playoffs. The Tigers lost to eventual state runner-up Osceola at Osceola.

Mansfield is coached by Tim Cothran. Cothran served as offensive coordinator for the Tigers under then head coach Craig Bentley who moved on to become the head coach at Mena. Cothran was promoted to head coach in July of this year. The move to promote Cothran has paid dividends for the Tigers as the experienced team was able to smoothly transition to the new head coach in the summer just prior to the start of the season.

On offense, Mansfield, through five games, has completed 76 passes on 102 attempts for 1,274 yards. The Red Tigers average 254.8 yards passing per game. Mansfield is led by senior quarterback Ethan Stovall who has a quarterback rating of 143.5 (158.3 is considered a perfect passer rating), has passed for 17 touchdowns, and has thrown just 3 interceptions. His longest completed pass this season was 99 yards. Stovall is a quarterback who possesses a big arm, is a threat to run, and, like a lot of the Mansfield players, knows how to win. After evaluating the film of last week’s win at Cedarville, coach Ricky May commented on his team’s performance and the challenge its defense will face against the Mansfield passing game. “They are pretty good offensively. Our secondary was an area that we were decimated by injury early in the year. We lost all four of them (secondary defenders) at Dardanelle. We’ve done better, but yet, the good thing is we should have maybe another member of the secondary back; if we have him back that will make us a little better, and our secondary a little deeper. We have some other guys ready to go too if that doesn’t work. But no doubt, we’ve got to keep them (Mansfield’s receivers) in front of us. Howard, man, he’s fast. I don’t know how fast he is, but he is quick when he gets the ball.”

Stovall is the beneficiary of perhaps the most talented group of receivers in the conference. Senior Layton Howard is a talented receiver that has good speed and can get separation deep on any secondary. He is also an excellent kickoff and punt return specialist. He has blazing speed as evidenced by a kick return for a touchdown in the second round of the 2018 state playoffs at Osceola. Howard has caught 30 passes for 526 yards. He averages 17.5 yards per catch. He is a force on offense, special teams, and in the secondary on defense.

Complimenting Howard at wide receiver is Jaicy Griffin. Griffin, another speed burner who plays both offense and defense, has caught 18 passes for 212 yards. Griffin is very athletic and is a game breaker, both on offense, and in the secondary on defense.

Senior Tyler Holmes completes the talented Mansfield receiver unit. Holmes has caught 13 passes for 289 yards. Holmes has excellent hands and has proven his ability to make very difficult catches.

The Mansfield rushing attack is led by senior Will Meadows. Meadows has rushed for 178 yards on 24 carries. He averages 7.4 yards per carry. Isaac Cothran, son of head coach Tim Cothran, provides good shortage yards in the backfield, as well as being a stalwart on the defensive line. Cothran has ran for 52 yards on 15 attempts. He averages 3.5 yards per carry, usually in short yardage and goal line situations.

Altogether, the Mansfield offense has accounted for 1,274 yards passing, 17 touchdowns passing, and just 3 interceptions. Rushing, they have ran for 571 yards and have rushed for 12 touchdowns.

Mansfield has fumbled 8 times and lost 6 of them. The Red Tigers average 480 all purpose yards per game.

Defensively, Mansfield has 8 fumble recoveries and forced 4 fumbles. They also have 3 blocked punts. Junior Randall Claude has two fumble recoveries and a blocked punt on the year.

As it is well known at this point, Charleston began the season with a large number of injuries as well as facing a murderous non-conference schedule that was played entirely away from Alumni Stadium. Since that time, Charleston has become stronger as their injured players have returned and will continue to return with this week’s game. In assessing last week’s win at Cedarville, coach Ricky May said, “We had a player here or there out of position on most of their bigger runs, but other than that, they (Charleston) played pretty well.”

The Tigers offensive and defensive line play, along with running back Breckon Ketter and quarterback Brayden Ross have been the strengths of the Tigers resurgence over the past two weeks. The Tigers run defense has been a physical force all season. The secondary struggled during the first month due to injuries, but has become much improved with the return of such players as Garrett Rudd. The Charleston defensive secondary will be tested by the Mansfield passing game. The Tigers secondary will have to play the best game of their season so far on Friday night.

Going into week three of the conference season, the standings are:

Booneville 2-0

Charleston 2-0

Cedarville 1-1

Greenland 1-1

Lamar 1-1

Mansfield 1-1

Paris 0-2

West Fork 0-2

This weeks games are:

Mansfield at Charleston

Greenland at Booneville

Paris at Cedarville

West Fork at Lamar

Charleston has remaining games left with Mansfield, Paris, Booneville, West Fork, and Lamar. Mansfield has games left with Charleston, Booneville, Lamar, Cedarville, and Paris. At this point in the season, it appears that the road to a conference championship goes through Booneville. If Charleston can take care of business over the next two weeks, it would set up a huge game at home when Charleston hosts Booneville on October 25. But for now, the Tigers have to place all of their attention on the team that many predicted to win the conference, the Mansfield Tigers.

Charleston, by virtual of their head-to-head wins over Greenland and Cedarville, are not only a game ahead of the two Pirates teams, but have a tie breaker advantage by virtual of their wins over each school. A Charleston win over Mansfield would give them a two game lead over a very dangerous Mansfield team, as well as any increased lead they would have over the rest of the field, depending on the outcome of the other conference games. A Mansfield win over Charleston would vault the Red Tigers into a tie for at least second place in the conference, and perhaps into a tie for the lead in the loss column, depending on the outcome of the Booneville game. Mansfield would also have a tie breaker advantage over Charleston by virtual of a head-to-head win. It is easy to see that the stakes increase each week as the conference teams play each other.

It is impossible to say at this point in the season how many conference wins a team would need to get into the playoffs. Five teams will qualify. With two conference wins, Charleston possibly needs two to three more victories. Of course, the more games the Tigers win, the better the seed in the state playoffs. It could be possible for the Tigers to host a first round playoff game as a third or higher seed, as Mansfield did in 2018 as a three seed.

The games in October will tell which teams will play games they will remember in November. With only five teams eligible for the playoffs from a conference who, at this point has six contenders, a good team is going to miss the playoffs.Mansfield is a big game for us Friday night. That’s another one that if you are head-to-head with would be a really good situation for you (winning head-to-head against Mansfield and owning the tie breaker).” For the players and coaches, the pressure will increase with each week. For the fans, enjoy the great football! Coach May wants everyone, players, fans, patrons, to keep believing in this team. “Keep believing and keep playing and good things will happen!”

The Mansfield vs. Charleston game should be a classic. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket; fall will be in the air Friday night!

Mansfield Chamber Hosts Inaugural Car Show and Cruise Night

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Tammy Teague

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2:59 pm

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Mansfield Chamber Hosts Inaugural Car Show and Cruise Night

On Saturday evening, October 5 classic and muscle cars, trucks and even motorcycles packed out the main street of Mansfield.

The inaugural car show and cruise night was sponsored by the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce. The event, which kicked off at 3 p.m., provided fun for all ages. Activities included a bounce around and dunking booth. Also available, vendors selling a variety of food and handmade items.

Emcee Travis Pettus kept the energy up with great music and lively announcements, leading the event with the National Anthem and prayer.

Mansfield’s Chamber of Commerce President Mike Gipson expressed his gratitude to all who helped make the event such a success. Those included the Mansfield junior and senior high volleyball teams and Coaches McKay and Pyles for serving as the event’s judges and manning the dunking booth. Also, Lisa Buckley for the use of the bounce around, the Hayslip family, Karen Gipson, MHS Homecoming Queen Delilah McKusker, Michael and Jennifer Pitts, Police Chief Wayne Robb, Fire Chief Mike Smith and Angela Byers. Merchants who contributed included 71 Express, Ducks Body Shop, Heartland Pharmacy, Amy and Shawn Silvey, Cherokee Tire, Rice Furniture, Furr Babies Grooming, Jamie Johnson and Chambers Bank.

While attendees couldn’t believe this was the town’s “first,” it certainly looks to be an event that will continue to grow, year after year. Mansfield resident Carla Silvey said “how neat to see a car cruise in Mansfield! Mansfield is a great little town and I appreciate everyone who worked so hard putting this car show and cruise together for our town. With this kind of turnout we may have to make more room for the next one!”

After the awards were handed out, and night fell, the cruise was on. From the old to the young, the smiles were proof that memories were made!

Coming soon, a complete list of winners in each category!

Sr Bulldogs Get Snatched Up By Sand Lizards

Sports

Megan Hecox

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10:52 am

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Sr Bulldogs Get Snatched Up By Sand Lizards

Photos courtesy of Sandy Tull

Friday nights match-up against the Dardanelle Sand Lizards wasn’t exactly what the Waldron Bulldogs were hoping for on homecoming night. But for this group of ferocious and skilled players, it was just a bump in the road. The Bulldogs walked away from their second conference game of the season with a 52-16 loss placing them with an 0-2 conference record. This is not the end for the Sr High Bulldogs though. In fact, it is just the beginning.

Senior, Garron Deramus, was first to put points on the board for the Bulldogs. After an exciting scoop and score for a touchdown made by Deramus along with the extra two-point conversion, the score sat at 8-6 Waldron. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs wouldn’t be able to catch up to the Sand Lizards. But with a huge play for a touchdown made by junior, Bryson Bailey, and the added two points, Waldron earned their 16 points of the night.

The Waldron Bulldogs still have plenty of bite left in them that’s for sure. They are now gearing up for their next conference game on October 11 at 7 p.m. in Pottsville against the 1-1 Apaches who also sit 2-3 on the season.

Jr High Hornets Are A Spike Above The Rest

Sports

Megan Hecox

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9:56 am

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Jr High Hornets Are A Spike Above The Rest

Still reeling from their success of Thursday nights 2-0 win over the Decatur Lady Bulldogs, the Hackett Jr High Lady Hornets were feeling good going into their tournament on Saturday. The Lady Hornets competed against some major competition at the Greenwood Jr High Tournament but none of that came close to fazing them. Hackett flew away with a first-place win in the silver division after ending the day with a 4-1 victory. The Lady Hornets conquered in their games against Siloam Springs, Darby, Van Buren, and Alma, but ended falling short to Chaffin.

“I’m so proud of our Jr High girls,” exclaimed Coach Bridget Freeman. “Although we did not have our best showing against Chaffin, the girls stayed positive, cheering for each other all day. The Lady Hornets did great!” Ending the day with more kills than the Black Plague was Prairie Vaughn with 15, followed by Alona Rothwell with 14, Tori Blanton and Mackenzie Mendenhall tying with 10, and with four apiece were Lilly Slavens, Makenzie Freeman, and Aubree Ruggles.

With more ace than Ace of Base was Rothwell with seven, Blanton, Vaughn, and Mendenhall with four each, and combining for four was Freeman and Kyleigh Hill. Bringing in a team total of 10 blocks was Blanton, Rothwell, Vaughn, and Mendenhall. And achieving more digs than a graveyard was Freeman leading with 22, Mendenhall and Hill earning 15 each, Rothwell with 11, Slavens netting nine, and Vaughn rounded out the tally with six.

The Hackett Jr High Hornets will get back to work on Monday, October 7 when they stay home and face the Mansfield Lady Tigers starting at 4:30 p.m.

Paris Band Travels to Booneville

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Resident News Network

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8:44 am

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On September 27th, Arkansas River Valley Bands traveled down to Booneville for their Week 5 Friday Night Feature of the Booneville Bearcat Band and the Paris Eagle Band. Both bands were excited about the game and their halftime performance.

The night was also homecoming for Booneville. The Bearcat band had an important role. Instead of a prerecording of music, the band played as the maids were being escorted. It was very special to see the band being a part of the homecoming court festivities.

The Booneville band is under the direction of Brian and Angela Rhodes. The band is made up of 75 members from ninth through twelfth grade. The Rhodes have been at Booneville for eight years. The band program that they have developed has been very successful.

The Paris Band is under the direction of Matt Shewmaker and Jeremy Drymon. For Matt and Jeremy, this is their first year at Paris High School. So far, they have had a great start to the season. The Paris Band is made up of students from the ninth through twelfth grade.

For halftime, the Paris Band performed first. Their show theme this year is Rock and Roll. They will make you want to put on your leather jackets and start shaking your poofy hair. Paris had their full show out on the field and it was a delight to hear. Next came the Booneville Band. Their 2019 show is titled “Flight.” The band leaves you feeling like they have taken you high up in the sky on a plane ride journey. Booneville also had its full show performing out on the field.

Both the Paris and Booneville Bands did an outstanding job performing in the stands and on the field. With marching season entering the competition half, the Booneville and Paris Band went on to compete at the Dale Bumpers Marching Invitational on October 5th in Charleston.

Lavaca’s Centennial Successful!

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Resident News Network

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8:35 pm

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It was a perfect day for a celebration! The skies were clear and the mood was rejoiceful as Lavaca celebrated its 100th Birthday on Saturday, October 5! It appeared that the entire town had turned out for the occasion.

At 11:00 am, a small herd of cattle was driven down the Main Street of town, celebrating our town having been named for the Spanish word for cow, back in the 1880-90s. The cows and horses were followed by floats, four-wheelers, football players, cheerleaders, former graduating classes, antique cars, fire trucks, police cars and much more!

The people along the street were encouraged to follow the parade to the festivities at City Hall. There, the city was providing food and drinks to the citizens as a great band played for everyone. Close to 12 noon, Mayor Hugh Hardgrave spoke and presented a plaque to Hattie Smithson for being Lavaca’s Oldest Citizen, just short of her own centennial. Cliff Barnett was presented an award for being Lavaca’s Oldest Veteran, having served in World War II. Councilwoman Lorie Robertson presented a greeting from our governor, Asa Hutchinson.

The festivities turned back uptown to the historic displays provided by the Military Road Museum. Tables of cotton candy, popcorn and other goodies were sold in a booth near the site of a Silent Auction. The auction benefited the proposed creation of an outdoor classroom for the Middle School. A huge table, 10×10 square was the scene of 100 cakes, each sponsored by local families, businesses or in memory of passed loved ones. Some were even in memory of businesses in the past history of the town. Lavaca’s own General Tammy Hutchins-Frye gave a short speech and then cut the cake where everyone ate to their fill and beyond.

The final event of this day was the “Woman-Less Beauty Pageant.” Three brave (?) men, Dallas Robertson, Gene Clearwater, and Jerry Atkins, dressed as ladies and competed for the coveted prize of Miss Centennial! Each of them was asked questions and had a brief talent. It was extremely funny and the crowd was sure enjoying them make a spectacle of themselves.

Lavaca is a wonderful town with wonderful people. General Frye remarked about how our little town closely resembles the fictional town of Mayberry RFD. People here sit on their porches, rarely meet a stranger, help those in need and come to each others rescue when asked.

It was a fantastic birthday party! People are already anticipating the next gathering, even asking if we were celebrating birthday 101! I believe they may just wait a while, or at least until they recover from this one.

Sr Tigers Edged By The Pirates Sword

Sports

Megan Hecox

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12:48 pm

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Pictured #61 Zach Lowe

The Mansfield Sr Tigers knew that nothing would come easy this season. With a schedule full of daunting opponents, the Tigers started their “Death Row” slate of games Friday night at Greenland against the Pirates. The Tigers went back and forth all game with Greenland but eventually fell 21-18.

Greenland started off the game with an onside kick in an attempt to keep the ball away from the high powered Tigers offense, but it was to no avail as the Tigers recovered the ball. Mansfield drove the ball with a couple of quick plays but the Pirate defense was ready. As Greenland took over, Mansfield gave the pirates a taste of their own medicine laying the boom down on everyone in a green uniform. Greenland was forced to punt…..big mistake. Layton Howard took the Pirates punt and turned on the jets to scream downfield for the first points of the game.

The Tigers took a 6-0 lead but didn’t make the extra point after the score. After the Mansfield defense shut down another attempt by the Pirates offense, the Tigers took over again. Ethan Stovall threw an interception giving Greenland the ball right back, but only eleven seconds later, Tyler Holmes showed he had the Tiger QBs back as he picked off a Pirates pass giving Mansfield the ball right back. At the end of the first quarter, the Tigers led 6-0.

Mansfield came out in the second quarter slinging the ball all over the field. Stovall threw a strike to Tyler Holmes for a huge 27-yard boost before connecting with Howard for another Tiger touchdown giving the Tigers a 12-0 lead. The defenses held nothing back as they created a slugfest by pounding each other’s offenses for most of the second quarter. Greenland found a gap just before the close of the half with a speedy run for a score closing the gap to 12-7 before going into halftime.

Greenland started the second half with the ball, but again it was the Tiger D shutting them down from the start. Mansfield played the run game for the next series who forced the Pirates defense to tighten up, but that was all according to the master plan. The Tigers used a run play action to open up a huge Stovall to Howard 70 yard pass for a touchdown giving the Tigers an 18-7 lead with 9 minutes left in the third quarter. Greenland fired right back with a touchdown of their own setting up the scoreboard at 18-14.

The two juggernauts continued the battle deep into the fourth quarter. Standing toe to toe neither team seemed to have an answer for the other. Greenland was able to put together a drive late in the game with outside speed runs bringing them down to the 5-yard line. The Tigers held off the Pirates push for the first two downs, but the Pirates found a kink in the Mansfield defenses armor and stepped across the goal line to take their first lead of the game 21-18 with only 2:45 left.

The Mansfield offense shot downfield quickly getting into scoring range in less than a minute. Isaac Cothran got the call and pushed right to the razor’s edge of the goal line but when the dust settled, there was no touchdown. Greenland picked off the Tigers next pass with 0:46 seconds in the game and ran the clock out defeating Mansfield 21-18. The Tigers will hit the road again and head to Charleston to face the Tigers on October 11 at 7 p.m.

Charleston Stuns the Pirates at Cedarville, 27-18

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Resident News Network

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10:08 am

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Charleston Stuns the Pirates at Cedarville, 27-18

After a thrilling victory in their first home game of the season last week over Greenland, the Charleston Tigers traveled to Cedarville (4-1, 1-1) to play a critical conference game with the Pirates. Charleston (2-3, 2-0), behind a potent rushing attack led by Breckon Ketter, defeated the Cedarville Pirates 27-18. The Tigers, ranked 20th in 3A by Max Preps, pulled the mild road upset over the 12th ranked Pirates. The conference win moves Charleston into a share of the conference lead with Booneville.

The Tigers are continuing to get stronger with the return of players who were injured earlier in the year. Last night, one of those players, Garrett Rudd, returned to play against the Pirates. Rudd had two interceptions on the night, including a critical late second quarter interception. Charleston escaped another week without injury or loss of personnel for the next week. Coach May also indicated that he hopes to have yet another player available next week for the game against Mansfield.

The Cedarville offense was as good as advertised. Charleston coach Ricky May commented, “We struggled early on stopping their rushing attack. Both of their running backs did well, more so in the first half. We made some adjustments in the second half on defense and had a little more success against their rushers.”

Coach May mentioned several players and coaches who contributed big in the Tigers win. “Slade Skeets played big. He told me before the game to put me in wherever I needed him, so, we did. We played him around in several positions. Devin Donberger played lights out, getting good penetration in their backfield. Coach May credited assistant coach Tyler Reese with the call for an onside kick that, although Charleston was unable to capitalize with a score, was able to maintain possession of the football and run critical time off the clock. Offense coordinator Matt Stewart was praised by May for his play calling throughout the game.

Charleston-Tigers-Cedarville-Pirates-Football-Resident Press-Sports-Maxpreps — Charleston Tiger head coach, Ricky May looks over and encourages the defense.

Tigers quarterback Brayden Ross completed 12 of 20 pass attempts for 160 yards. Charleston receiver Kaleb Hamby led the Tigers in receptions with 4 receptions for 84 yards.

Charleston’s rushing attack was led by Breckon Ketter. Ketter rushed for 97 yards on 18 carries, including a 42 yard touchdown run. Quarterback Brayden Ross rushed for an additional 42 yards on 9 carries.

On defense, junior Slade Skeets had two sacks for the Charleston defense. Geoff Scott led the defense with 4 solo tackles and 2 assists. The defense produced 3 interceptions by Garrett Rudd who had two and Dalton Curtis who had one.

The Charleston win sets up a showdown match with the Mansfield Tigers this Friday in Charleston. Mansfield was upset at Greenland last night and gave the Red Tigers their first loss on the season, as well as their first loss in conference play. Both Charleston and Mansfield will have a lot at stake in conference play when they take the field. We will preview this critical 3A-1 conference match-up tomorrow in Resident Press.

A lot of things have changed since that first brutal month of the Charleston football schedule. The Tigers now find themselves in a tie for first place in the conference with the opportunity to play some critical remaining conference games at home. The weather is changing, and so are the fortunes of the Charleston football team. Friday night should be another great conference match-up in Charleston. You will want to get there early for this one. The Mansfield fan base travels well and should fill the visitors side of Alumni Field. It should be a classic; a battle of two great teams. Fall is in the air, and so will be a lot of footballs as Charleston will face the potent Mansfield passing attack.

Look to Resident Press tomorrow for our preview of this great match-up.

Jr Tigers Run Into Rough Seas vs Pirates

Sports

Megan Hecox

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4:01 pm

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Jr Tigers Run Into Rough Seas vs Pirates

On Thursday, October 3 the Mansfield Jr High Tigers hosted the Greenland Pirates in a showdown of heavyweights. The Tigers were riding high into the game after holding a 2-0 conference record. Unfortunately, Greenland was firing with all cannons Thursday as Mansfield fell 38-8 to the Pirates.

Greenland showed their concern about the capabilities of Mansfield by starting off the game with an onside kick in an attempt to swing momentum their way right off the bat. The Tigers recovered the onside and went right to work with Tyler Woolbright, Caleb Collier, and Tyler Turnipseed taking turns on big runs downfield to get Mansfield inside the 5-yard line. Mansfield wasn’t quite able to punch it in and turned the ball over to the Pirates. On Greenlands first possession, Mansfields defense flooded the Pirates offensive ship pummeling the Pirates ball carrier for a safety to put the Tigers up 2-0.

The Tigers played a game of hot potato with Greenland for most of the first quarter as neither team was willing to back down. The Pirates loaded up their cannons with 0:53 seconds left in the first quarter to score and take an 8-2 lead. Mansfield Quarterback, Fisher Willsey, darted with the ball 27 yards midway through the second quarter to get the Tigers on their feet, but Greenland answered with two big runs for touchdowns closing the half with a 24-2 lead.

Mansfield came out of the half defensively on fire as Tyler Turnipseed intercepted a Pirates pass and took it for a 19-yard return setting up the Tigers in Greenland territory. Unfortunately, Mansfield was picked off the very next play as the Pirates took the ball back for a pick 6 putting them up 30-2.

Mansfield wasn’t about to lay down though. Fisher Willsey delivered a 30-yard sniper shot pass to Drew Elmore who pounded his way into the endzone. Greenland then took the ensuing kickoff back for a touchdown to answer the Tigers score setting up the final score of 38-8. The Mansfield Jr High Tigers may have lost, but it wasn’t without a fight. Mansfield’s determination and potential is unmatched win or lose. The tough loss put the Tigers at a 2-1 conference record as they prepare to take on the perennial powerhouse, the Charleston Tigers, on Thursday, October 10th at home.

Sr Lady Hornets Make Ruling The Court Look Easy

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Megan Hecox

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9:22 am

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Sr Lady Hornets Make Ruling The Court Look Easy

With the volleyball season nearing the finish line, the Hackett Sr High Lady Hornets are sitting in a spot that they are all too familiar with. At the top. In the 2A West standing, the Lady Hornets secure the number one chair with their undefeated 10-0 conference record. In total season play, Hacket holds a record of 19-2-1. These numbers were recently upgraded due to this past week’s wins against West Fork and Decatur.

In their 3-0 victory against the Lady Tigers, Hackett ended their sets with scores of 25-20, 25-14, and 25-21. West Fork definitely made Hackett work for this win that’s for sure. After the Lady Tigers nearly matched the Lady Hornets’ point for point, Hackett was able to pull ahead narrowly escaping a defeat.

Rain Vaughn led her team in kills with 11 followed by Kenadi Wright with nine. Jamye Durham and Kandace Byrd trailed with six and five respectively. Delivering an ace to the face of the Lady Tigers was Byrd with six, Shayla Foster and Madeline Freeman with three each, and Brooke Holt with two. Wright executed the most blocks with eight followed by Vaughn with five and Durham with three. And with more digs than the movie “Holes” was Byrd with 12, Kayla Richardson with 10, and Madi Taylor with six.

The Lady Hornets achieved another great win against the Decatur Lady Bulldogs on Thursday night. Leaving the court with final scores of 25-10, 25-11, and 25-13, Decatur didn’t even come close to touching Hackett during this 3-0 triumph. With a total of 35 kills, Vaughn was the top slayer with 11 while Freeman brought in five and Wright earned four. Richardson made top ace rank with five. And delivering digs for days was Richardson with six, Foster with four, Vaughn with two, and with one each were Wright, Freeman, Sophia Neal, Alana Wooten, and Sarah Moss.

The Lady Hornets will host the Mansfield Lady Tigers at home during their “Pink Out” match on October 7.

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