FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Westside Warriors vs. Heber Springs Panthers

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Brayden Morse

Panthers ravage Warriors, 42-8

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

JONESBORO, Ark. – The rushing attack helped Heber Springs dominate in Westside’s senior night massacre as the Panthers defeated the Warriors 42-8.

All seven of the Panthers’ touchdowns were rushing by four different players.

On the Panthers’ first drive of the game, they scored on three plays consisting of runs by running back Weston Warden, fullback Eli Buffalo and running back Parker Brown capping off the drive with a red zone touchdown.

The Warriors’ second drive was also a string of run plays that ended on a turnover on downs around the goal line to give the Panthers the ball back.

Heber Springs took advantage of Westside’s turnover on downs with an 82-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Liam Buffalo, to put the Panthers up 14-0 early in the second quarter.

Westside’s Colton Carter (19) looks for an opportunity to pass the ball against Heber Springs during first half action in Jonesboro, Friday, September 15, 2023.

Westside Head Coach Bobby Engle discussed his thoughts on the defensive side during the first half.

“On defense, we have got to tackle better. We put ourselves in the right position, we just did not make the tackles,” Engle said.

“On defense, we have got to tackle better. We put ourselves in the right position, we just did not make the tackles,”
Coach Bobby Engle, Warriors Head Coach

Turnovers were also another issue for Westside with a fumble and interception on back-to-back drives.

Running back Dakota Neely fumbled at the 20-yard line with the Panthers recovering in excellent field position. Heber Springs would go on to score another rushing touchdown from running back Eli Buffalo.

Warriors quarterback Colton Carter rolled out of the pocket throwing an interception, while the Panthers once again took advantage of the Warrior turnovers with Liam Buffalo scoring his second rushing touchdown and a 28-0 lead late in the second quarter.

Heber Springs would eventually get the ball back before halftime, as Eli Buffalo scored a 62-yard rushing touchdown.

“We have got to play a complete game. We have not done that in three weeks in three games and we have lost. It shows. When we put it together and we do things right then we will win football games,” Engle said.

Not much scoring happened in the second half, but Warden found his way into the endzone to join the four-player touchdown club as the Panther’s domination continued with a 42-0 lead.

The Warriors scored their one and only touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Carter connected with tight end Jordan Hall to get Westside in scoring position, then running back Gavin Nets finished the drive off with a rushing touchdown.

Both teams will be on the road for their first conference matchups, as Westside will play Trumann and Heber Springs will play Cave City.

Coach Engle had some words for their upcoming game against Trumann.

“The game plan is to do what we are coached to do. That is something we have to do,” Engle said.

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