Category Archives: Sports

New football teams coming to NEA

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Two recently formed semi-pro football teams to represent NEA in the Triumph Football League

Delta Digital News Service

Monday, July 29, 2024

By Avery Jones | Editor

BLYTHEVILLE and PARAGOULD, Ark. — Joshua Hall, a store manager in Blytheville and semi-professional football player, is bringing a new semi-professional football team to Northeast Arkansas. Called the NEA Knights, the team will help represent the Northeast Arkansas region in the Triumph Football League.

The Triumph Football League is a group of semi-professional football teams that encompasses the tri-state area of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. It was established in 2018 by Pat Patterson. However, teams in the league often change as they drop out or switch to another league.

According to Hall, he played in other semi-pro football teams for five years before becoming inspired to start his own. He wanted to bring a team to his own area.

Joshua Hall, owner of NEA Knights.

“I know there’s a lot of talent that goes unnoticed, and there’s a lot of talent that can be brought from this area to do even greater things,” Hall stated.

More specifically, a semi-pro football team could be a stepping stone for players to join college teams, a bigger league, or even professional teams. Joining a semi-pro team could also just be for fun and bringing together the community.

“Why not just try to bring that locally and try to push the talent that’s out here to make them succeed in the long run and let them know there’s still people out here that care and maybe eventually help you get to that next level,” Hall said.

Hall started playing football in the Missco Junior Football League in high school and then moved on to semi-pro teams as an adult. He has also coached Little League.

Tryouts for the team begin on August 3 from 2 PM to 5 PM at the Missco League Field in Blytheville. There might also be a second tryout which is to be determined. Experience isn’t needed, and all who want to play are welcome, from those just out of high school to veteran players.

Tryouts will consist of various drills, including position drills to determine what position in the team would fit best. Preferred position and experience will be taken into account. Drills will include a 40-yard dash, a 100-yard dash, shuttle runs, etc.

The team also currently hiring for leadership positions like head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, position coaches, and more. Hall is currently working by himself, but has had help from others with experience, including the owner of the Arkansas Punishers who has reached out with encouragement and advice.

The league’s season starts in April 2025 and will most likely run until mid-summer. Both practices and home games are on Saturday nights and will be at the Missco League Field. Practices will be from 2 PM to 5 PM.

The team will largely be funded by donations and sponsorships. Players need to pay a $25 fee to join and need to pay for their jersey as well. They’re encouraged to bring their own shoulder pads and helmet. Opportunities for sponsorships will soon be available.

Another team known as the NEA Galaxy, which was established last year, will also be participating in the Triumph Football League for the upcoming season. The NEA Galaxy was started in Paragould by co-owners Kristopher Moss and Cody Boyd.

Moss and Boyd played football together in high school and had the opportunity to do college football but turned it down. Moss has been playing football since he was five. In 2015, he started playing on semi-professional teams but stopped in 2020.

Kristopher Moss, co-owner of NEA Galaxy.

Both Moss and Boyd later decided they wanted to play again, but at the time, there were no semi-pro teams near them. The idea of starting their own team began as a joke but as they discussed it more, they started taking it seriously.

“Semi-pro minor league…exists for the purpose of giving young adult athletes and sometimes even older adult athletes a second chance in playing the sport…” Moss said. “One of the goals that we want to use it for is to help…the younger adult athletes that want to pursue a career in football…”

Moss said that they not only want to have fun, they can also help adult athletes who may not have gotten enough notoriety in high school by reaching out to colleges on their behalf to get them on a roster. They can also help players out of college who want to go pro by working on their football resume and reaching out to scouts.

The size of the team each season can be unpredictable; in Moss’s experience, he’s seen teams that have as few as fifteen players to as many as fifty. According to the league rules, however, they can have no more than sixty players. Currently, the NEA Galaxy has forty-four players, but this is subject to change.

The team started tryouts in March and are considering doing another tryout closer to the fall. Prospective players have to be at least eighteen and graduated from high school. Tryouts consist of agility drills, position drills, a forty-yard dash and shuttle runs.

There is a fee to join, but currently Moss is working on ways to allow people to join for free. He wants to be able to provide equipment and uniforms at no cost. Right now, players have to provide their own equipment and a fee which pays for their uniform.

However, the rest of the cost of the team comes of Moss’s and Boyd’s pockets. They also are a registered nonprofit organization and just got their first team sponsorship. They’re currently looking for more sponsors. They also plan to sell their own merchandise at some point for more revenue.

The team usually practices on Saturdays starting at 6 PM at the old Harmon football field in Paragould. The location of home games is still up in the air, however. Moss is currently talking with both the Paragould and Jonesboro Parks and Recreation departments as well as local schools to find a new field.

Currently, the team staff consists of head coach Jordan Hightower and a defensive line coach. Moss is taking the position of offensive coordinator this season, and they’re looking to fill other leadership positions.

“We’re wanting to bring a new atmosphere to Northeast Arkansas,” Moss said. “There’s not a lot of adult activities around here…there’s not much stuff for young adults to participate in…We’re doing it because of our passion for the sport and to help these young adult athletes out.”

He wants to put their name out there in the community, arrange some community activities, and do some fundraising. Not only is he looking to invest in his team, he also wants to invest in the community and help bring people together.

PHOTO: Red Wolves Basketball Double Header – Women vs South Alabama, Men vs. Southern Miss

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Red Wolves women defeated the Jaguars, 73-61

Red Wolves men defeated the Monarchs, 78-71

Delta Digital News Service

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Caleb Gullahorn | Contributor

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Arkansas State Red Wolves women basketball team played against South Alabama as the men went up against Southern Miss. during a mid-week home double header at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro on Wednesday, January 31. The women beat the Jaguars 73-61 along with the men winning against the Golden Eagles, 78-71. The women will place Old Dominion Monarchs on Saturday, while the men will play against the ULM Warhawks during another weekend double header.

A-State’s Caleb Fields (0) looks for an opening to pass the ball during the game against Southern Miss. on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. The Red Wolves beat the Monarchs, 78-71. Photo by Caleb Gullahorn

Photo Gallery

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NOTE: Caleb Gullahorn is senior in the Creative Media program in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University.

Jonesboro vs. Little Rock Central Basketball Double Header

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Hurricane Boys and Girls fall to LR Tigers

Friday, Jan. 26, 2024

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Little Rock Central guards Daniel Culberson and Luke Moore combined for 34 points to help beat the Jonesboro Hurricane 61-36 on Friday night at Don Riggs Hurricane Gymnasium.

Culberson scored 19 points and Moore scored 15 in the win. Moore also led the team with three, three-pointers, which all came in the second quarter on back-to-back-to-back three-point attempts.

Little Rock Central head coach Brian Ross shared his thoughts on Culberson’s and Moore’s performances.

Jonesboro’s Carlos Larry Jr. (10) tries to get past Little Rock Central’s C.J. Washington (2) during the game in Jonesboro, on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. Ibuki Hinohara/Delta Digital News Service

“It was definitely their night. Luke has been known for being a great shooter all season. He made all three of his three-pointers in the first half tonight. Daniel took over the game. With his defense, there were about three possessions in a row in the first two to three minutes of the game where he got deflections and steals. He created energy for us with his drives. When his outside shots fall, there’s not really anything you can do because of his speed,” Ross said. 

The three-point game and overall shooting was the difference maker as the Tigers had six three-pointers, while the Hurricane had none. Free-throw percentages were about the same with Little Rock Central shooting 55% and Jonesboro 54.5%.

Both teams kept a close game after the first quarter with an 11-7 Little Rock Central lead. The Tigers separated themselves from the Hurricane in the second quarter, making seven shots and four free-throws. 

Jonesboro only made four shots in the second quarter and two free-throws, resulting in a 34-17 Tiger lead at halftime. 

The second half did not get any better for the Hurricane, while scoring nine times and only drawing one foul with one free-throw made. Little Rock Central continued their dominance in the second half with 10 shots made and six free-throws made. 

Jonesboro also had no player score double-digit points, as guard Myreion Taylor led the team with seven points. 

The Hurricane’s head coach Wes Swift explains what went wrong for his team throughout the game.

“I thought it was shooting percentage. I also thought when we really started missing a lot of shots and they (Little Rock Central) made three or four there and went on an eight to ten run. The last part of that run was we let our heads down and got a little soft on the backboards. When they would miss they would get second shots,” Swift said. 

Jonesboro travels to play against Cabot in another conference game, hoping for a bounce back victory. 

Jonesboro’s Alexia Gomez (13) looks to pass the ball against Little Rock Central during the game in Jonesboro, on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. Ibuki Hinohara/Delta Digital News Service

Coach Swift shared his thoughts on the mentality going into the upcoming game. 

“We need to respond. Life is going to try and knock you down all the time and that’s just part of it. It’s time to get back up. Our guys will respond. I’m not worried about it. These guys will be here and they will be ready. We’ve got a heck of a tough game coming up. Cabot is a good basketball team, and going on the road makes it even tougher,” Swift said. 

In the girl’s game, the Tigers defeated the Hurricane 62-31.

Little Rock Central guard Kiaya Davis led the team with 20 points while small forward Jordan Marshall scored 14 points. 

Jonesboro guard Allannah Orsby led the team with 13 points and the team’s only three-pointer. 

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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature photo shows Jonesboro’s Carlos Larry Jr. (10) trying to get past Little Rock Central’s C.J. Washington (2) during the game in Jonesboro, on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. Ibuki Hinohara/Delta Digital News Service

Nettleton vs. Valley View | Boys & Girls Basketball

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Lady Raiders win 53-40 | Raiders win 53-44. 

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO- The Nettleton Raiders girls’ and boys’ basketball teams defeated the Valley View Blazers, with both teams scoring 53 points at Raider Gym on Tuesday night. 

In the first game, the Lady Raiders (17-4) won 53-40 with the help of great shooting and defensive stops. 

The offense scored five three-pointers in key situations throughout the game, with three of them coming from guard Carmen McShan in the second half. 

McShan scored a team-leading 20 points, while center Donna Douglas scored 12 with a couple steals.

Nettleton girls head coach Kevin Frisbee expressed his thoughts on the team’s aggressive defense that helped lead them to victory, along with his feelings of beating a local school. 

Nettleton’s Keiarra Brown (25) tries to shoot through Valley View’s Madison Fischer (21) during the game on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Ibuki Hinohara/Delta Digital News Service

“Defense is where it starts with us. On-ball pressure is our top priority on the defensive side. I thought all of our guards did a good job pressuring the ball. Anytime you play a local team, it feels different. Anytime we play them we know it’s going to be a rock fight. Anytime you beat someone in town, it’s a little extra special,” Frisbee said. 

On the other side, Valley View (10-8) was missing a few starters that got the team out of sync. Blazer girl head coach Angie Ellis shared what went wrong for the team.

“We’re still trying to find our identity. We have some injuries on the team and we’re short on some guards. I’m having to rotate off-guards into the guard position because we are injured. We’re trying to find five kids to gel together. I thought we struggled to score and we needed other kids to step up and score for us,” Ellis said.

Coach Ellis also shared what the game plan was moving forward to get back on track. 

“We play in probably the best conference in the state of Class-5A with five teams ranked. We’ve got some key injuries. I thought that game got too physical and it’s hard to prepare them for that physicality of a game,” said Ellis. “We need to get our bodies back healthy and reset for Marion on Friday night.”

Despite the lack of guards for the Blazers, two players scored double-digit points. Bonnie Fagen scored 14 points and Annika Wilbanks scored 12 points. 

In the second game, the Raiders (12-8) defeated the Blazers (12-8) 53-44. 

Nettleton’s Taylor Smith (0) tries go past Valley View’s Laird Cullen (4) during the game on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Ibuki Hinohara/Delta Digital News Service

The defense and shooting were big factors for Nettleton, while shooting 8-12 from the free-throw line, three, three-pointers from guard Kam Bobo and only allowing five different players to score throughout the game.

Nettleton head coach Luke Tate shared his thoughts on the team’s success on defense that allowed the offense to open.

“If we shoot the ball the way we guard, we are going to be really hard to stop. Because we kept working against the zone and getting in the middle and attacking, it freed up some shooters. If we guard, we can rebound and get out and run,” Tate said.

“If we shoot the ball the way we guard, we are going to be really hard to stop. Because we kept working against the zone and getting in the middle and attacking, it freed up some shooters. If we guard, we can rebound and get out and run,”

Nettleton head coach Luke Tate

Guard Taylor Smith led the Raiders with 20 points, while guard Bobo and forward Ja’Kobe Jamison combined for 30 points in the win. 

Coach Tate expressed his thoughts on those three players and the impact they made for the team.

“Kam Bobo came off the bench and had 14 points, with some big three’s and guarded really well. Taylor Smith is always going to be the one everyone knows about and he attacked well. Ja’Kobe Jamison is a tough left-handed kid and he just finds ways to get in there and hit really tough shots,” Tate said.

Valley View was only down by three at halftime, but Nettleton ran away with the score in the second half.

Blazer head coach Lane Campbell explained his team’s struggles and what the team needs to get better at.

“We went into halftime down by three, I was very pleased with how we played. We couldn’t get shots to fall in the second half like we did in the first half and gave up too many second chance rebounds. You can’t do that against a team that is athletic like that,” Campbell said.

The Raiders and Blazers will both play at home on Friday, as Nettleton plays Searcy and Valley View plays Marion. 

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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature Photo shows Nettleton’s Carmen McShan (1) shooting against Nettleton’s Brianna Huff (22) during the game on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Photo by Ibuki Hinohara

Day 3 – The 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic

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Arkansas State signee R’Chauan King wins MVP

Delta Digital News Service

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Arkansas State signee and Bartlett Bulldog center, R’Chaun King, won the Most Valuable Player Award of the 38th Annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic, as Bartlett defeated the Rossview Hawks 74-56 in the championship game on Saturday night at Don Riggs Hurricane Gymnasium.

King expressed his thoughts on winning the tournament and MVP in his future college town.

“It feels great. It feels like home already. I’m ready to get down here and get going,” King said.

King scored 15 points in the championship game. 

Bartlett’s R’Chaun King (25) plays against Rossview during the playoffs of the 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.

As for the third and fourth place finishers, the Fayetteville Bulldogs beat the Jonesboro Golden Hurricane 59-56.

Jonesboro fought hard once again but came up short in the end. With less than two minutes left in the game, Golden Hurricane guard Chris Stacy shot a three-pointer and-one to minimize Fayetteville’s lead by two, but it was not enough to come back and win.

Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift shared his thoughts on Stacy’s shot late in the game.

“It was huge. I love the fact that he wants to shoot that shot. He’s not scared of that moment and that’s what I talked to him about,” Swift said.

“It was huge. I love the fact that he wants to shoot that shot. He’s not scared of that moment and that’s what I talked to him about,”

Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift

Stacy finished with 14 points while guard CJ Larry led the team with 18 points.

Coach Swift also expressed his thoughts on the weak areas of the team that need to be fixed moving forward, after being down 36-28 at halftime.

“Starting a game. I thought the first half was not a very good half for us. It snowballed off yesterday. I didn’t think we were good defensively yesterday. We weren’t communicating, we were getting lost on screens, getting lost in defensive transitions and the first half of this game looked just like it,” Swift said.

For the fifth and sixth place finishers, the Nettleton Raiders defeated the West Memphis Blue Devils 57-53.

With a minute and a half left in the game, Nettleton drew a foul and made both free-throws to tie the game 53-53. 

West Memphis ended up shooting their own free-throws but missed both, while the Raiders scored four more points in the final seconds to win.

Nettleton head coach Bubba Deaton shared the importance of drawing fouls late in the game to tie the game and eventually win. 

“It was huge. We made free-throws late which we haven’t done in the past. We’ll take this one and to be 2-1 in this tournament is huge. We’re happy about it,” Deaton said. 

Raider guard Taylor Smith led the team with 18 points in the win. 

For the seventh and eighth place finishers, the Cedar Ridge Timberwolves beat the Osceola Seminoles 63-56.

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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

NOTE: Feature Photo shows Bartlett’s R’Chaun King (25) playing against Rossview during the playoffs of the 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.

Day 2 – The 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic

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Rossview Hawks defeat the Golden Hurricane, 54-52

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, Dec. 1, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Rossview Hawks (Rossview, TN) defeated the Jonesboro Golden Hurricane 54-52 on Friday night at Don Riggs Hurricane Gymnasium, moving on to the championship game against the Bartlett Bulldogs (Bartlett, TN) in the 38th Annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic.

The championship game will be on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Bartlett defeated the Fayetteville Bulldogs 59-44, resulting in Jonesboro playing Fayetteville on Saturday at 4 p.m for third place in the tournament.

Bartlett center and Arkansas State signee R’Chaun King scored 13 points in the win.

Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift explained where his team is at and things they need to improve on after the result of their loss to Rossview.

“This is a team that has to get a lot better. We had a lot of self-inflicted wounds tonight. We had a double-team on the ball on the sideline that was split. That’s unacceptable. In a trap you don’t foul and you don’t split and they got an and-one. If you don’t clean that stuff up, you’re going to lose a lot of close games,” Swift said.

“This is a team that has to get a lot better. We had a lot of self-inflicted wounds tonight. We had a double-team on the ball on the sideline that was split. That’s unacceptable. In a trap you don’t foul and you don’t split and they got an and-one. If you don’t clean that stuff up, you’re going to lose a lot of close games,”

Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift

It was a back-and-forth game, while Jonesboro led 28-23 at halftime. Coach Swift feels like his defense was the main concern in the loss. 

“We’re more concerned on the defensive end. When you’re up by nine points during the game and the crowd is going crazy, from that point on, I thought we played some really badbasketball,” Swift said. 

Despite the loss, Jonesboro had two players with double-digit points. Luke Baltz led the team with 13 points and three, three-pointers.

Baltz also made all four of his free-throws. CJ Larry was right behind Baltz in scoring with 11 points.

Coach Swift also discussed the mentality heading into day three of the tournament.

“We knew whether we were playing at 4 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. (On Saturday), we were going to be a decisive underdog. I think these (Bartlett and Rossview) are arguably the two best teams in the tournament. We better pick ourselves up off the mat or we could get beat badly tomorrow,” Swift said. 

The Nettleton Raiders defeated the Marked Tree Indians 71-45. The West Memphis Blue Devils beat the Osceola Seminoles 56-48.

Nettleton will face West Memphis on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. for fifth place in the tournament, while Osceola plays Cedar Ridge on Saturday at 1 p.m. for seventh place. 

Marked Tree filled in for Cedar Ridge against Nettleton, but Cedar Ridge will be back for the last day of the tournament. 

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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature photo shows Arkansas State signee signee R’Chaun King of Bartlett.

In-state game results in University of Arkansas win over A-State

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Razorbacks beat Red Wolves, 82-67

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, Nov. 17, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – First-year guard Taliah Scott’s 34 points helped the Arkansas Razorbacks women’s basketball team beat the Arkansas State Red Wolves 82-67 on Friday night at First National Bank Arena. 

Scott played all 40 minutes in the game, shooting 12-21 from field-goal range and 9-9 on free-throws. 

Arkansas State head coach Destinee Rogers expressed her thoughts on Scott’s performance. 

“She’s definitely one of the best freshman players in the nation,” Rogers said.

Izzy Higginbottom (23)

On the other hand, A-State junior guard Izzy Higginbottom scored 27 points and was one of only two Red Wolves to score double-digit points.

Coach Rogers also expressed her thoughts on Higginbottom’s performance.

“Izzy showed up. She did her thing. Izzy put the team on her back,” Rogers said.

After the first quarter, the Red Wolves were only down 16-15. The Razorbacks’ three, three-pointers in the second quarter, gave them a 42-33 lead at halftime.

Razorbacks head coach Mike Neighbors gave his thoughts on the way his team played.

“Our group talks to each other. I was really proud of the talk they had in the locker room. Their tone was good, their energy was good. There were multiple voices talking. I have not had a team at Arkansas that can talk to each other like they do and the manner they do,” Neighbors said. 

“Our group talks to each other. I was really proud of the talk they had in the locker room. Their tone was good, their energy was good. There were multiple voices talking. I have not had a team at Arkansas that can talk to each other like they do and the manner they do,”

Razorbacks head coach Mike Neighbors

An attendance of 3,208 people showed up for the game to support A-State, but Rogers feels like the team let the fans down.

“As a whole, I feel like we folded. We finally got people to show up and we had a nice crowd and great support. I feel like the fans deserve more. It’s disheartening and disappointing for our team to play the game that way,” Rogers said.

Neighbors gave his thoughts on the meaning of playing in-state teams and how Arkansas State’s crowd impacted the game.

“I knew the crowd was going to be honest from the last time we came over here. I thought it was a phenomenal atmosphere. I’m proud of the way the team embraced (playing an in-state team) it. It’s good for our state. 3,208 in attendance but it felt like more than that to me. I’m glad that our non-Arkansas kids embraced that,” Neighbors said. 

Arkansas State stayed in close range of Arkansas in the first half. Only being down 11 at halftime to a Power-5 SEC school brings promise to the Red Wolves’ future. 

A-State Red Wolves’s guard Wynter Rogers (2) shoots against the Razorbacks’s Saylor Poffenbarger (4) during the first half of an NCAA basketball game at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. Atsuki Ohbuchi/Delta Digital News Service

“On a positive note, this is probably great for us to learn. These first three games were so tough. Getting an opportunity to learn early, I’m okay with that. If we’re going to learn this lesson, I’m good with learning this now,” Rogers said. 

“On a positive note, this is probably great for us to learn. These first three games were so tough. Getting an opportunity to learn early, I’m okay with that. If we’re going to learn this lesson, I’m good with learning this now,”

A-State women’s basketball head coach Destinee Rogers

Arkansas scored 10 points from fast breaks, 28 from the paint and 13 from turnovers. The Razorbacks led the Red Wolves in all of these categories. 

Arkansas’ best scoring run was 10 in the second quarter to increase their lead before halftime.

Higginbottom talked about the way Arkansas succeeded on their runs to beat A-State.

“Basketball is a game of runs. When they won on their runs, I don’t think we responded well to that. We laid down without responding back. We have to do better at throwing the first punch or punching back,” Higginbottom said. 

The Razorbacks move to 4-0 on the season, playing their third-straight in-state game against University of Central Arkansas on Monday at 7 p.m. on SEC+.

The Red Wolves are now 1-2 on the season, playing another in-state game of their own against Hendrix on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.

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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

FEATURE PHOTO: Red Wolves’s guard Crislyn Rose (3) is dribbles the ball past Razorbacks’s Samara Spencer (2) during the first half of an NCAA Basketball game at First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. Photo by Atsuki Ohbuchi

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Valley View vs. Maumelle

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Blazers net Hornets, 38-14

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, November 10, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Blazers quarterback Carson Turley’s five touchdown performance helped Valley View defeat the Maumelle Hornets 38-14 on Friday night at Central Dealerships Stadium, advancing to the second round of playoffs next week.

Turley threw two passing touchdowns and ran for three in the victory.

Maumelle’s Alan Timmons (0) fails to stop Valley View running back Anthony Feliz (29) during first half action in Jonesboro, Friday, November 10, 2023. Photo by Atsuki Ohbuchi

Valley View head coach Sean Cockrell expressed his thoughts on the play of his quarterback.

“We have been leaning on him all year and he just took over the game again,” Cockrell said.

On Maumelle’s first drive of the game, a screen pass led to a 34-yard touchdown along with a successful two-point conversion.

Valley View was then held to a three and out when they faked the fourth down attempt with a punt by their quarterback.

Running back Anthony Feliz had a 65-yard run for Valley View, then the very next play Turley scored a 5-yard rushing touchdown. The Blazers settled for a PAT to only be down 8-7.

Valley View linebacker Jude Rapert sacked Maumelle’s quarterback on their fourth down attempt, and the Blazers offense got the ball back with less than a minute left in the first quarter.

A 59-yard touchdown for Valley View was taken away for a personal foul penalty, resulting in the same field position. 

Maumelle’s defense stopped the Blazer offense, but on the punt there was a controversial call for roughing the kicker. The Hornets got the ball back at the end of the first quarter.

Maumelle’s next drive ended in an interception by Valley View safety Laird Cullen, returning passed midfield. A quarterback keeper from Turley resulted in a 33-yard touchdown to give the Blazers a 14-8 lead early in the second quarter.

The Hornets ran a reverse sweep on fourth down to convert in Blazer territory. Maumelle converted on another fourth down on the same drive around the 10 yard-line for excellent field position. 

The Hornets tried to go three in a row on fourth down conversions in the same drive, but stalled to an incomplete pass. Valley View got the ball back around the 15 yard-line. 

Turley threw a 55-yard pass to wide receiver TJ Starks to give the Blazers an opportunity to increase their lead.

The very next play Turley threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Andrew Jones, taking a 21-8 lead with a little more than three minutes left in the second quarter.

Maumelle went on to score a late touchdown to minimize Valley View’s lead, 21-14.

When the Blazers got the ball back, Turley rolled out of the pocket and threw a 30-yard pass to Starks with five seconds left for a field-goal try. Their kick was successful heading to halftime with a 24-14 lead. 

Valley View’s momentum carried over in the second half. Cockrell gave his comments on the way the team played in the second half.

“At halftime we challenged them and told them they had to come out and play hard. They did and I am super proud of the way we played,” Cockrell said.

“At halftime we challenged them and told them they had to come out and play hard. They did and I am super proud of the way we played,”

Valley View head coach Sean Cockrell

Maumelle’s first drive of the second half resulted in the offenses’ second interception, this time to Valley View cornerback Kenneth Robinson.

The Blazers settled for a field goal after the interception but missed to remain 24-24 midway through the third quarter. 

Valley View eventually got the ball back when Turley scored his fourth touchdown of the game on a quarterback keeper, increasing their lead 31-14 at the end of the third quarter.

Turley threw a touchdown pass to Starks for his second passing touchdown, and fifth total touchdown of the game early in the fourth quarter.

The Blazers will play another home game next Friday against the Shiloh Christian Saints, to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Cockrell had some thoughts on their upcoming game.

“We just have to take care of the ball and force some turnovers defensively,” Cockrell said.

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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

Feature Photo: Maumelle’s Bubba Johnson (31) gets stopped by Valley View defense during first half action in Jonesboro, Friday, November 10, 2023. Photo by Atsuki Ohbuchi

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Jonesboro vs. Little Rock Central

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Golden Hurricane defeats LR Central Tigers, 45-6

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, Nov. 3, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Jonesboro Golden Hurricane earned a home playoff game and a fifth seed in the playoffs under first-year head coach Tyler George, as a duo rushing attack helped the Golden Hurricanes defeat the Little Rock Central Tigers 45-6 at Cooksey-Johns Stadium on Friday night.

Central’s Kamden Buckingham (22) and Kaheem Morris (15) try to stop Jonesboro’s Markeice Stafford (25) during first half action, Friday, November 3, 2023. Photo by Atsuki Ohbuchi

Coach George gave his thoughts on making the playoffs in his first year as head coach.

“I think it’s huge. It’s huge for our program after the year we had last year. Those kids continue to fight. They got battle tested last year moving up to 7A. They came in this year ready for it. Super proud of our kids and our staff to be able to get to where we are right now,” George said. 

Running back Markevious Pickett and running back Jordan Daniels combined for five rushing touchdowns in the win. 

Coach George expressed his thoughts on the successful running game.

“We talk about warrior mentality. They came out the second half and were rocking and rolling,” George said. 

Although the running game was strong throughout the game, the offense struggled to put points on the board early in the game. 

Jonesboro would not get their first points until a little over four minutes left in the first quarter, settling for a field goal as back-to-back penalties occurred on offense. 

Coach George expressed his frustration with the amount of penalties throughout the game. 

“We’ve got to clean some things up. I’m never going to blame the referees at all. We do have some things to clean up and we’ll work on that this week,” George said. 

“We’ve got to clean some things up. I’m never going to blame the referees at all. We do have some things to clean up and we’ll work on that this week,”

Jonesboro head coach Tyler George

The Golden Hurricanes also rotated quarterbacks Terrance Brown and Asa Myers throughout the game, which is rare for most teams. 

Brown threw an interception early in the first quarter, but Jonesboro eventually got the ball back. 

Myers would go on to start their first touchdown-scoring drive as Pickett scored from 12 yards with a 10-0 early in the second quarter. 

When the Tigers got the ball back, defensive end Jonathan Milton sacked the quarterback resulting in a fourth down and long, giving the Golden Hurricanes possession. 

Myers threw a short screen pass to tight end Myreion Taylor for a 45-yard touchdown late in the second quarter. 

Little Rock Central’s next drive ended in an interception by Jonesboro defensive back Taz Clark right before halftime. 

Coming out of the half, the Golden Hurricanes drove down the field in five plays as Pickett scored his second rushing touchdown in a goal-line situation, leading 24-0 early in the third quarter. 

Daniels dominated the second half, scoring a 20-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter and two in the fourth quarter. 

Jonesboro is waiting to see who their opponent is for next week’s game, as Little Rock Central lost their 31st straight regular season game and ended the season with an 0-10 record.

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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature photo shows Central’s Kamden Buckingham (22) and Kaheem Morris (15) trying to stop Jonesboro’s Markeice Stafford (25) during first half action, Friday, November 3, 2023. Photo by Atsuki Ohbuchi

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Walnut Ridge vs. Osceola

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Bobcats leap over Seminoles, 32-22

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, Oct. 20, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – An offensive backfield duo helped the Walnut Ridge Bobcats to a 32-22 victory over the Osceola Seminoles on Friday night at Sexton Field. 

Running back Enrique Perez and running back Robbie Tate each had two rushing touchdowns, combining for all four of the Bobcats’ touchdowns. 

Walnut Ridge head coach Jeffery Blake gave his thoughts on Perez’s performance. 

“We have to have a lot of production out of him. We have to have him keep our offense moving,” Blake said. 

Another Bobcat player who stood out was quarterback Jersie Cunningham. Not only did he manage the offense, but he also had two interceptions on defense to give his team excellent field position. 

“Jersie has grown throughout the year. He is a heck of a player and has been this whole time here. He is just a sophomore, so we have got two more years left with him. We expect big plays out of him, and that is what he does each and every week,” Blake said. 

“Jersie has grown throughout the year. He is a heck of a player and has been this whole time here. He is just a sophomore, so we have got two more years left with him. We expect big plays out of him, and that is what he does each and every week,”

Walnut Ridge head coach Jeffery Blake

Osceola’s first drive of the game ended with a touchdown thanks to utilizing the NFL Philadelphia Eagles’ trending play, the ‘tush push’ to convert on a third and fourth down. 

That drive helped the Seminoles knock off five minutes on the clock.

The Bobcats responded with Perez scoring his first touchdown from 20 yards, as well as converting on the two-point conversion to take an 8-6 lead late in the first quarter. 

Walnut Ridge would eventually get the ball back from a Cunningham interception, but then Cunningham threw an interception with Osceola recovering. 

The Seminoles’ next drive was stalled to a punt, when the punt was blocked and recovered by the Bobcats in excellent field position. 

Tate would go on to score his first rushing touchdown to increase the lead, 16-6 before halftime.

After multiple flags on Osceola’s first drive of the second half, they would go on to score a red zone touchdown and convert a two-point conversion to minimize Walnut Ridge’s lead. 

Walnut Ridge found a way to drive down the field with Tate scoring his second rushing touchdown in a goal-line situation, leading 24-14 midway through the third quarter. 

The Seminoles were not going down without a fight, when having a methodical drive to score a touchdown with one second left in the third quarter. 

Osceola’s hopes of a victory were closed when Perez scored a 69-yard rushing touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter.

The Seminoles drove down the field in a red zone opportunity but could not complete a comeback when Cunningham snagged his second interception of the night.

Walnut Ridge was able to run out the clock and seal a victory, giving them a 6-2 record on the season. 

Coach Blake gave his overall takeaways from the game. 

“Just a great football game, great atmosphere. Osceola is a heck of a team, and they were very athletic and fast. I was proud of our guys for sticking together down the stretch and kept it going,” Blake said. 

The Bobcats will travel to play Manila in a conference matchup next Friday. 

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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature photo by Dave Adamson on Unsplash

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Nettleton vs. Southside

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Southerners capture Raiders, 42-17

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, Oct. 13, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Southside Southerners remain undefeated with a strong second half to beat the Nettleton Raiders 42-17 on Friday night at Raider Stadium.

Southerners quarterback Savion Hall scored four total touchdowns, one passing and the other three rushing, but Nettleton had the momentum early and fought, keeping the score 21-17 at halftime.

Southside went for an onside kick to start the game with Nettleton recovering in Southerners’ territory. 

Running back TJ Brown led the Raiders to their first score on their first drive, with three straight rushing plays to reach the endzone. Nettleton then decided to do their own onside kick and recovered at the 34-yard line. 

Nettleton’s TJ Brown (10) runs the ball against Southside during first half action in Jonesboro on Friday, October 13, 2023.

The Raiders’ drive was stalled to a successful field goal attempt by Mason Waln, giving them a 10-0 lead. 

Southside would eventually respond with Hall running straight up the middle for a 30-yard touchdown. 

The Southerners gained quick momentum when Raider quarterback Maddox Hampton threw an interception around midfield in a triple coverage scenario. 

Southside took advantage of the excellent field position with a 32-yard rushing touchdown by Hall, leading 14-10. 

The back and forth game continued, as Brown scored his second rushing touchdown on a 40-yard play to get the lead back early in the second quarter at 17-14. 

Hall’s final rushing touchdown occurred in a goal-line situation to regain the lead before halftime. 

On Southside’s opening drive of the second half, Hall threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to running back Isaac Wallis, leading 28-14. 

Nettleton drove down the field on their next drive but failed to execute on fourth down, resulting in a turnover on downs. 

After that, the Southerners would go on to score two more touchdowns and run the clock out.

The Raiders are now 6-2, looking to bounce back next week as they travel to play Forrest City in a conference matchup. 

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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Feature photo shows Nettleton’s Maddox Hampton preparing to throw the ball against Southside during first half action on Friday, October 13, 2023. Photo by Ibuki Hinohara

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Brookland vs. Southside

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Southerners skin Bearcats, 38-0

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – The Southside Southerners spoiled the Brookland Bearcats’ homecoming in shutout fashion with an impressive rushing attack on Friday night at Jordan’s Stadium.

Southside’s Savion Hall (11) tries to get through Brookland’s Barrett Cunningham (18) during first half action on Friday, October 6, 2023.

The long runs were established from the get-go, as Southside wide receiver Seth Case ran for 41 yards on a motion play to put the Southerners in a redzone opportunity on their first drive of the game. 

Running back Gabriel Witt finished the drive with a goal-line touchdown midway through the first quarter. 

Brookland head coach Mark Hindsley addressed Southside’s ability to run the ball on their offensive line. 

“It’s hard to stop them. When their offensive line blocks until the whistle and they do the things they do up front, that is why they had success,” Hindsley said. 

As Brookland geared up for kickoff, Southside recovered the ball in Bearcat territory. Case scored a 31-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Southerners a 14-0 lead early in the first half.

The Bearcats’ defense held the Southerners’ offense on back-to-back drives but could not capitalize on the opportunities. 

After a failed fake punt by Southside resulting in a turnover on downs, Brookland quarterback Hayden Elder threw an interception on the second drive of the game.

Southside would get excellent field position but were stopped to a field-goal try, making the score 17-0 midway through the second quarter. 

The Bearcats were once stopped again on offense, while Southerners quarterback Savion Hall rolled out of the pocket for a 51-yard rushing touchdown right before halftime. 

Unfortunately for Brookland, Southside would get the ball to start the second half. After a failed onside kick by the Bearcats, Witt ran for 37 yards to put the Southerners in another goal-line situation. 

Running back Louis Calhoun punched in for a score, Southside leading 31-0 early in the third quarter. 

The Southerners eventually got the ball back as the Bearcat offense could not connect down the field with passes. 

Back-to-back long runs from the Witt and Case duo, led to their second straight drive with a goal-line situation. Case capped off the drive with his second rushing touchdown of the game. 

Entering the fourth quarter, Brookland was still looking for their first score. Their next drive was stalled as Elder threw his second interception of the game. 

Southside ran the clock out to win 38-0. 

Coach Hindsley expressed his thoughts on the outcome of the game and what the team needs to do moving forward. 

“There were no positives (takeaways). Negatives, there were a bunch of them. We have just got to get better. We have got to get better as a team. We have to get better offensively and defensively. We have to get more focused and have the right mindset going into every week,” Hindsley said. 

Brookland is now 1-4 on the season and looking to get back in the win column as they travel to play Valley View in a conference matchup next Friday. 

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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

NOTE: Featured photo shows Brookland’s Tyler Hammett (12) pushing through Southside’s defense during first half action on Friday. Courtesy of Terrance Armstard

Day 1 – The 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic

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Golden Hurricane defeats Cedar Ridge Timberwolves, 61-27

Delta Digital News Service

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Day one of the 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic is complete, with wins from Jonesboro, Rossview, Bartlett and Fayetteville on Thursday night at Don Riggs Hurricane Gymnasium to move on to the winner’s bracket.

Cedar Ridge’s Kyle Provence (3) tries to stop Jonesboro guard Caleb Chew (15) during the first round of the 38th annual Barry Pruitt Hurricane Classic basketball tournament in Jonesboro, Thursday, November 30, 2023. Photo by Atsuki Ohbuchi

The Jonesboro Golden Hurricane defeated the Cedar Ridge Timberwolves 61-27. 

Jonesboro guard Chris Stacy led the team in scoring with 14 points, and led the team with three, three-pointers in the third quarter. Two of the three-pointers were on back-to-back possessions to increase the Golden Hurricanes’ lead.

Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift shared his thoughts on Stacy’s performance.

“He’s a knock down shooter. We need him to stretch the floor. He played a nice role in that third quarter,” Swift said.

The score was 23-14 at halftime, with the Golden Hurricane leading. Coach Swift felt like the score was too close of a margin and needed to play better on both sides of the ball.

“With the score at halftime, we can work on the offense against the one-three-one. We didn’t have a lot of points at halftime and they (Cedar Ridge) do a really good job on their one-three-one. We wanted to play inside out and they did a good job of allowing us to get the ball in the paint,” Swift said. 

“With the score at halftime, we can work on the offense against the one-three-one. We didn’t have a lot of points at halftime and they (Cedar Ridge) do a really good job on their one-three-one. We wanted to play inside out and they did a good job of allowing us to get the ball in the paint,”

Jonesboro head coach Wes Swift

Swift also had some comments about his defense in the first half.

“We didn’t press and we thought we could press them. We felt like we needed to, to get some easy buckets and try to stretch that lead out a little bit. I thought we had a really good third quarter once we turned the heat up a little bit,” Swift said. 

The Golden Hurricane play the Rossview Hawks (Rossview, TN) on Friday night at 7 p.m. while Cedar Ridge plays the Nettleton Raiders on Friday at 4 p.m.

The Hawks defeated the Nettleton Raiders 54-53, as the Raiders shot a buzzer-beater three-pointer and hoped for a foul for an and-one.

Nettleton fought hard all game, while being down by eight points with two minutes left in the game and coming back. The Raiders would of course minimize that lead with a couple three-pointers and fouls, but failed to make all of their free-throws. 

Nettleton head coach Bubba Deaton expressed his thoughts on the loss and some positive and negative takeaways.

“We did some good things. We’ve got a lot of things to improve on. We didn’t play very well in the first half offensively. Didn’t get stops in the second half. To be down eight with two minutes left and give ourselves a chance, shows some grit. Probably should’ve gone to the press a little earlier. We shared the ball and we missed some shots that we normally take,” Deaton said. 

The Bartlett Bulldogs (Bartlett, TN) defeated the Osceola Seminoles 78-34. Bartlett guard and Arkansas State signee R’Chaun King scored nine points in the win.

The Fayetteville Bulldogs beat the West Memphis Blue Devils 71-43. The Bulldogs will play Bartlett on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. Osceola will play West Memphis on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a multimedia journalism major in the School of Media and Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at brayden.morse@smail.astate.edu.

Note: Photos by DDNS Staff Photographer Atsuki Ohbuchi

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