Tag Archives: Friday Night Lights

Jonesboro Storm Past West Memphis in Senior Night Blowout

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Story, photos, and video by DDNS Reporter Allie Carson.

Senior running back TJ Brown breaks the tackle of a West Memphis defender to gain extra yards on his carry. While Brown got hurt during the game, he was back out on the next Jonesboro drive. Photo by Allie Carson.

The Jonesboro Golden Hurricane beat the West Memphis Blue Devils 56-25 in their final regular season game to secure a playoff spot.

The Blue Devils didn’t win a single game their entire season, on a 13-game losing streak stemming all the way back to the end of last season while the Golden Hurricane is 5-5 overall and 4-3 in conference, 4th overall in 6A, sending them to the playoffs. 

“We’ll see where we fall for the playoffs. Hopefully we’re at home. If not, we’ll be road warriors, and we’ll get ready to go play whoever we play,” Jonesboro coach Tyler George said.

Jonesboro started with the ball on their own 48 and within 30 seconds of the game, the Golden Hurricane scored their first of many touchdowns after senior running back TJ Brown ran it 37 yards to the end zone.

On the Blue Devils’ kickoff return, the special teams unit put the offense on the Jonesboro 41 after catching it on their own 35. A play later, West Memphis wide receiver Kevius Woods runs it in for a touchdown after a 41 yard pass play. 

While Jonesboro made their extra point on their touchdown, West Memphis did not, keeping the Golden Hurricane in the lead 7-6.

Jonesboro would end up in a 4th and 13 situation at the West Memphis 42 after a snap that quarterback Asa Myers would have to fall on. The Golden Hurricane, however, would fire a deep pass down field to wide receiver Kam Davis for another Jonesboro touchdown. 

Junior wide receiver, Kam Davis, takes the ball downfield past the West Memphis 20 to the end zone to score. Photo by Allie Carson.

West Memphis would end up in a 4th and 8 situation on their next drive and they assumed they could do the same thing that Jonesboro did: Get a first down. Instead, Blue Devils’ quarterback Andrew Clay’s throw is intercepted by senior defensive back Randy Eusebio. 

While Brown would get his Golden Hurricane team to their own 20 yard line after a 22 yard rush, he would get injured on the play and taken out of the game.

Jonesboro would have to punt but West Memphis bobbles the catch and it’s recovered by senior defensive back Jaylen Alexander on the Blue Devils’ 32 yard line. 

Brown was back in the game and picked up a first down for Jonesboro to get into the red zone and then some. Davis would score another touchdown on the night soon after to extend their lead in the first quarter. 

West Memphis would score a touchdown at the start of the second quarter but miss their two point conversion, Jonesboro staying in the lead 21-12. 

Jonesboro would score on a quarterback keeper on the next drive with a made kick. 

During West Memphis’ next drive, Clay would drop the football and it’d be scooped up by senior cornerback Jaques Jordan and taken 56 yards for a touchdown.

Two bad snaps in a row on the Blue Devils’ next drive would be the curse for this West Memphis team as a snap goes over the head of Clay. Jonesboro would scoop it up and score after a 43 yard bouncing football carry. 

42-12 would be the score with 5:16 until halftime. 

However, the Golden Hurricane isn’t done as on their own 33 yard line, Myers sends a short pass to Davis and he has the room to go. Davis, on 3rd and long, scores a 64-yard touchdown for Jonesboro’s senior night.

“He’s a player. We’re going to get him the ball as much as we can, because he’s going to win those one on one matchups. So that was really good for him to see again. Him getting back healthy,” George said. 

Myers was taken out of the game and quarterback Aiden Grimes was put in. With 1:18 remaining in the half, Grimes threw an interception. West Memphis cornerback Martavious Sanders intercepted the pass at their own 35 yard line and made it to the Jonesboro 5 yard line before being brought down. 

West Memphis quarterback Micha Ingle threw to wide open running back Demetrius Craft for a touchdown and to be sent to half 49-18 Jonesboro.

Myers is put back in the game and throws a touchdown to Jordan, his second of the game from a 5-yard pass play. 

West Memphis would score with 9:20 to go in the fourth quarter, third strings in for both teams, as the player who scored wasn’t even on the roster and the Blue Devils had their third quarterback, Keaton Troxler,  in to play.

With the mercy rule in effect, the clock would keep running and the third strings would keep playing until the clock hit zero on Jonesboro senior night, the Golden Hurricane winning 56-25. 

“We lost last year’s senior night, so to be able to win this one in the fashion that we did is big for those guys,” George said. “This is the first class that I’ve had as a head coach of 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. Told them they mean so much to me, personally, and to this program. We still have a lot of work to do, but they have definitely played a huge part in helping with it.”

Brookland spoils Paragould’s senior celebtration with 21-6 victory

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Story by DDNS reporter Benjamin McDowell

The Paragould Rams hosted the Brookland Bearcats on Friday night in their final home game of the regular season. It was an emotional evening for the Rams as the senior players took the field one last time in front of their home crowd.

Brookland entered the matchup determined to rebound from a narrow 24-21 loss to Batesville the week before. The Bearcats wasted no time setting the tone, leaning heavily on their running game led by tailback Elijah Hammon. Their early persistence paid off with a 1-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter, giving Brookland an early 7-0 lead.

The Bearcats’ defense quickly followed suit, forcing multiple three-and-outs and stalling Paragould’s offensive rhythm. Late in the first quarter, Brookland stopped the Rams on a key 4th-and-6 attempt, keeping momentum on their side. The Bearcats continued to pound the ball on the ground, finding consistent yardage through Hammon and fellow back Nathan Murray.

Murray capped off a steady second-quarter drive with an 8-yard rushing touchdown, extending Brookland’s advantage to 14-0 before halftime. The Rams struggled to find offensive consistency, as Brookland’s defense clogged running lanes and pressured quarterback Reid Phillips throughout the half.

Paragould opened the third quarter hoping to climb back into the game but was plagued by costly mistakes. A mishandled snap on 3rd-and-1 ended a promising drive, and penalties—including a sideline warning, holding call, and unsportsmanlike conduct flag—further set the Rams back. Brookland capitalized by controlling time of possession and wearing down the defense with long, clock-draining drives.

In the fourth quarter, Brookland delivered a backbreaking score as Murray broke free for a 10-yard touchdown run on 4th-and-12, pushing the lead to 21-0. Paragould showed fight late, as Phillips connected with Austin Burdin on a 41-yard completion and later punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to put the Rams on the board.

Despite the late push, the Bearcats held strong to secure a 21-6 victory.

After the game, Rams head coach Randy Phillips praised his team’s effort and perseverance.
“Our kids kept fighting,” Phillips said. “That’s what we talk about every week—never quitting, no matter the score. We just had some missed assignments and mistakes that cost us, but I’m proud of how they kept battling.”

Phillips also reflected on his senior class.

“This group means a lot to me,” he said. “They were sophomores when I first got here, and I’ve seen them grow into strong young men and leaders. They’ve made a real impact on this program.”

Brookland head coach Mark Hindsley credited his team’s focus and resilience for the win.

“Our message this week was about improvement,” Hindsley said. “We wanted to play hard and finish the season the right way. The record doesn’t show how much growth we’ve had, but tonight our kids earned it.”

Hindsley added that closing out the season with his senior class makes the win even more meaningful.

“This group has been with me since their freshman year,” he said. “To see their development and character over time—it means a lot. I’m proud of them.”

Jonesboro Rocks Little Rock Catholic Like A Hurricane

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Story, photos, and video by DDNS Reporter Allie Carson

Jonesboro High School running back T.J. Brown scores a touchdown during homecoming. Video by DDNS Reporter Allie Carson.

For Jonesboro’s “Hurricane Hits” Homecoming Week, the Golden Hurricane played Little Rock Catholic after a week of events.

With dress up days throughout the week, a parade on Wednesday followed by the seniors vs juniors and sophomores Powderpuff matchup, a pep rally on Friday afternoon and then a dance following the football matchup against Catholic, the Hurricane schedule was packed. 

Hurricane Homecoming  celebrated all things music: From hip hop to country to rock to headliners. Just in time for gameday, the Golden Hurricane ended the week off with a black and gold theme.

The parade, which took place on Wednesday instead of the usual Friday, blocked off Main Street in Jonesboro for the entirety of Jonesboro Public Schools.

The Jonesboro band led the parade with Cane the mascot not far behind. 

Photo by DDNS Reporter Allie Carson.

The Kindergarten Center brought their Taylor Swift “Showgirl” themed float, Visual and Performing Arts had a country themed float. The cheer and dance teams walked the route and the Jonesboro High theatre troupe entered the parade and promoted their upcoming play, “Peter and the Starcatcher.” 

Photo by DDNS Reporter Allie Carson.

The Homecoming Court wrapped up the parade, riding in style at the end of the route. 

Later that day, the senior class took home the victory against the underclassmen in the annual Powderpuff match.

The pep rally would headline the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen after presenting the Homecoming Court for the second time that week and performances from the Jonesboro band and spirit squads. 

Homecoming Day came on Friday with a parking lot full and Hurricane alumni packing the stands, hoping to see a win from their alma mater.

And a win is what the Jonesboro fans got.

Getting their first back-to-back win since October of 2023, the Golden Hurricane played like they had something to prove.

“It’s Homecoming Week. There’s a lot going on. But I thought our kids did a good job of staying focused for the most part. It was a good week of practice and I thought they were ready to come out and perform,” Jonesboro head coach Tyler George said. “We really challenged them. You have people coming back from almost every decade. You have to perform and put a show on for them and they did that tonight.”

After a defensive first quarter where a field goal by Jonesboro kicker Alex Glomski, offense showed more in the second, Catholic scoring a touchdown on their first drive of the quarter off a quarterback keeper.

Jonesboro would score with three minutes to go in the half after running back K’Den Hawkins ran fifteen yards and proceeded to run it in for a touchdown on the next play, giving Jonesboro the lead back going into half.

The Golden Hurricane decided to go for it on fourth and seven on Catholic’s 36 yard line, too far to kick a field goal and too close to feel the need to punt.

It worked out for the Golden Hurricane, however, after wide receiver Jaylen Heard gave them a first down and running back TJ Brown would break free at the five yard line to give Jonesboro another touchdown. 

Jonesboro running back T.J. Brown. Photo by DDNS Reporter Allie Carson.

Catholic would have a turnover on downs on their next drive, trying and failing to repeat what Jonesboro had just done. 

Jonesboro was given the ball at their 44 yard line but wouldn’t be there for long as on the first play of the drive, Brown would complete a 56 yard run, breaking multiple tackles from defenders, to give Jonesboro his second touchdown of the quarter. 

It would go back to defense for both teams for the last four minutes of the quarter. A hard hitting block by Catholic cornerback Walt Menefee against Jonesboro wide receiver Kamari Fisher would give them the ball back. 

Jonesboro wide receiver Jamarius Jackson evades Little Rock Catholic defenders during a drive. Photo by DDNS Reporter Allie Carson.

However, an interception by Jonesboro defensive back Clarence Mucherson, his third interception of the year, at the Golden Hurricane 8 yard line would bring in the final quarter of Homecoming Night. 

Catholic would score their second touchdown of the night after multiple quarterback keepers by Phillips Blair on their first drive of the fourth would get them to the goal line before Blair would throw to middle linebacker Brock Hatchett for the score. 

“We didn’t want the quarterback to beat us,” George said. “He’s a phenomenal player. Can really beat you with his legs and his arm. We lost contain on him but for the most part of the night, I thought we did a really good job at keeping him contained and not letting him beat us with his legs.”

After having the lead be cut to only 14, Jonesboro would run down the clock while getting enough first downs to get downfield and score after a five minute drive. Brown would get his third touchdown of the night on a fourth and three at the goal line.

“I wanted to kick the field. The kids wanted to go for it. Really challenged them. I put my trust in them and they got it. And then they let me know about it after,” George said. “Sometimes you gotta let the kids play, and that’s what we did right there. And it paid off for us big.”

A kickoff return that hit Catholic receivers in the helmet would be recovered by Jonesboro at Catholic’s 21 yard line. However, Jonesboro quarterback Asa Myers would take a knee to end the game, securing a 31-14 victory for the Golden Hurricane.

The Golden Hurricane would improve to 3-3 and 2-1 in conference on Homecoming Night. 

Jonesboro moves on to play at Marion on Oct 17 while 2-4 Catholic plays Sheridan at home. 

Benton Panthers Storm Through Jonesboro Hurricane

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DDNS Story and Photos courtesy of Allie Carson

One of the touchdowns Benton scored against Jonesboro. Video courtesy of Allie Carson, DDNS Reporter.

After their first win of the season, the Jonesboro Golden Hurricane stayed at home to face off against Benton, a team they have always fallen short against. This meeting was no different, losing 55-24.

Jonesboro decided to defer to the second half so Benton started with the ball. And a touchdown.

Within the first 12 seconds of the game, Benton quarterback Drew Davis hit wide receiver Karson Collatt for a 55 yard gain to set the Panthers up at the Jonesboro 2. Free safety Gunner Deaton would sneak into the endzone on the very next play for a touchdown. 

While running back TJ Brown would bring the Golden Hurricane to the Panthers’ 11 yard line off the kick return, Jonesboro would be forced to kick a field goal.

The Panthers wouldn’t give the Golden Hurricane time to breathe as the next drive ends in another quick touchdown and Jonesboro doesn’t get in good enough field position to score on their drive.

A fumble on Benton’s next drive would push them away from the Jonesboro 37 yard line all the way back to their own 26 yard line. While Jonesboro had all the opportunity to jump or scoop up the ball, they were unable to get under it, causing QB Davis to jump on the ball.

However, Benton wouldn’t be able to do anything on their drive, giving the ball back to Jonesboro.

A perfect slant pass to wide receiver Kameron Davis from Jonesboro quarterback Asa Myers gives the Golden Hurricane team their first touchdown of the night after Davis was given the opening for a 25 yard run. 

After a made extra point, the deficit would be cut 14-10 Benton until the Panthers would break multiple tackles on their next drive, scoring their third touchdown of the quarter, the second touchdown run by QB Davis. 

The second quarter was off to a slow start until Benton’s ball at the eight minute mark. QB Davis throws the ball up the middle, intended for wide receiver Easton Snellings, but is intercepted by defensive back Jaylen Alexander, his fourth interception of the season.

It’s Jonesboro’s ball at the 41 yard line of Benton. An overthrown pass intended for Jaylen Heard is awarded with a defensive pass interference call, giving the Golden Hurricane 15 yards and getting to the Panthers’ 30 yard line.

Brown would soon have back to back 15 yard runs, giving Jonesboro their second touchdown of the night. A made extra point would bring the Golden Hurricane their edge back, closing the Panthers’ lead to 21-17.

After penalties and breaking tackles, the Panthers scored another touchdown, Jon Curtis Barger breaking through multiple Jonesboro defenders to make it to the end zone. 

The Golden Hurricane go into halftime down 28-17 but come out quickly like a second half team.

After a penalty on Benton, Jonesboro started at their own 16. QB Myers launched a deep ball down field into the hands of WR Davis who would catch it just past the Jonesboro 45 and reached the Benton 20, with a horsecaller penalty moving the Golden Hurricane into the Panthers’ 14.

While that early second half touchdown seemed promising for the Golden Hurricane, it’s where they stalled out, not scoring anything else the entire game. Instead, Jonesboro QB Myers would get hurt and taken out of the game early in the fourth quarter for a hamstring injury.

“He’s fine. I was proud of him for battling as long as he did tonight. We’ve got to get him back to 100 percent,” Jonesboro coach Tyler George said. “He’s kind of tweaked it throughout the week.”

Jonesboro would watch as Benton scored two field goals and three more touchdowns, making the 55 points the most the Panthers have ever scored all season.

This would include a 64 yard rushing touchdown by Panthers’ QB Davis, a 57 yard pass to Collatt and even a 49 yard field goal during the last minute of the game. 

“Came out of half playing good on defense and it got away from us in the fourth,” George said. “I say it every week. Our kids are gonna continue to fight,”

With the final score being 55-24, this marks Jonesboro’s sixth straight loss to Benton and puts their season record at 1-3 with a game at Sheridan next on the schedule.

Benton would improve to eight straight away game wins and become 3-1 on the season before heading home to play rival Sylvan Hills. 

Fast Start for Valley View Sparks Victory Over West Memphis

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Story and video by DDNS Reporter Benjamin McDowell

The Valley View Blazers left no doubt on Friday night, racing out to an early lead and never looking back in a 45-6 rout of West Memphis. The victory marked the Blazers’ second win at home this season and highlighted their ability to dominate in all three phases of the game — offense, defense, and special teams.

From the opening kickoff, Valley View seized control. West Memphis mishandled the return just 90 seconds into the contest, and the Blazers pounced on the loose ball with 10:51 left in the first quarter. A few plays later, running back Levi Manning powered in from 2 yards out to put Valley View on the board and give the home crowd an early reason to cheer.

The defense followed suit, applying heavy pressure on the Blue Devils’ offense. A strip sack on the next possession gave Valley View the ball back in favorable territory. Quarterback Taylor Hyneman quickly capitalized, delivering a 53-yard touchdown strike with just 1:37 remaining in the first quarter. In the span of a few minutes, the Blazers had built a double-digit lead and shifted all momentum in their favor.

The second quarter brought even more fireworks. Valley View’s offense continued to click, producing a 7-yard touchdown pass and later a 7-yard scoring run with 4:04 left before halftime. The Blazers’ special teams also made their presence felt, blocking two punts that set up short scoring drives. Each phase contributed to what would become a commanding 28-0 lead at the break.

“We had a fast start tonight,” Valley View head coach Sean Cockrell said. “We got up 28-0 and were playing well on both sides of the ball.”

That fast start carried over into the second half. The defense stayed aggressive, forcing hurried throws and disrupting West Memphis in the pocket. Midway through the third quarter, Valley View intercepted a pass with 7:54 left, once again flipping momentum back in their favor. Manning capped the ensuing drive with an 8-yard touchdown reception on fourth-and-7, extending the lead to 35-0 with 4:09 left in the period.

Before the quarter was over, the Blazers struck again. Another touchdown stretched the margin to 45-0, sealing the outcome and sending much of the Valley View crowd into celebration mode. With the game well in hand, Cockrell turned to his reserves in the fourth quarter, giving younger players valuable varsity reps while resting his starters.

West Memphis finally avoided the shutout late, punching in an 8-yard touchdown run with 4:21 to play. The score gave the Blue Devils a brief highlight, but it did little to change the overall storyline of the night: Valley View’s overwhelming dominance.

For Cockrell, the game was about more than just the lopsided margin. After describing his team’s previous effort as slower, he was pleased with the sharpness, energy, and balance his team displayed from start to finish.

The 45-6 win not only gave the Blazers another mark in the win column but also served as a reminder that when they start fast, they can be a tough team for anyone to slow down.

Jonesboro’s Second-Half Run Leads to Victory

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Story and video by DDNS Reporter Allie Carson

The Jonesboro Hurricane celebrate after the come back from behind victory. Video by DDNS Reporter Allie Carson.

In their first home game of the season, the Jonesboro Hurricanes defeated the DeSoto Jaguars after being down 21-34 at the half.

“Like I say every week, this group does not quit. They fight and fight and fight no matter what,” Jonesboro Head Coach Tyler George said.

DeSoto’s heavy rush offense was on full display on its opening drive. On a quarterback keeper, Eric Perry made it to the Jonesboro 25-yard line after a gain of 27 yards, soon followed by an 18-yard rush by running back Cade Rogers on 3rd and 4, pushing the Jaguars to the Jonesboro 2.

The Jaguars score and the Golden Hurricane received the ball. On 3 and 15, Hurricane QB Asa Myers throws one downfield and finds running back TJ Brown. A throw to wide receiver Kam Davis puts Jonesboro on the DeSoto 12, a 44-yard gain. Brown scored on the next play for the Golden Hurricane.

DeSoto wasted no time, however, scoring on their next drive, after some Jonesboro flags helped them move the chains and get out of trouble.

A pass-heavy Jonesboro soon tied the game once again after an endzone throw to Brown.

Rogers got into the end zone untouched by the Golden Hurricane defense to put the Jaguars ahead. The punt that followed ended up being recovered by Desoto after the football hit defensive back J’Karious Lattimore.

DeSoto gets the first big lead of the game, going up 14-28 against Jonesboro.

After Meyers gets tripped up after he’s forced to keep the ball, Jonesboro is forced to punt, handing the ball back to DeSoto at their 23.

Thankfully for the Golden Hurricane, their defense is able to hold the Jaguars and get the ball back after a three-and-out.

Clarence Mucherson returns the Desoto punt for 13 yards, putting the Jonesboro offense on the Jaguars’ 33-yard line.

Brown ran up the middle for his third score of the night, closing in on the Jaguars 21-28, but Desoto returned the favor for Perry’s fourth rushing touchdown of the night, making it a 13-point deficit going into the half after a blocked extra point.

The Golden Hurricane came out of the halftime break looking like a new team, scoring back to back touchdowns.

“Came in at halftime, made some simple adjustments, but really nothing major,” George said. “Just executing and doing our job. They came out in the second half on defense and did that. Got a big play on kickoff right there, offense scored back to back to back.”

Running back K’Den Hawkins scored a 67-yard rush 20 seconds into the half.

“We all know Hawkins is super explosive; those are things we can do. We’re trying to find different ways to get him a ball. We’ve been working that last week,” George said.

Hawkins’ touchdown was followed by a punt recovered by tight end Patrick Dutton on Jonesboro, which gave the Golden Hurricane the ball back immediately.

The very next play, Myers threw downfield to Davis, resulting in a 42-yard touchdown. For the first time all night, Jonesboro was in charge of the scoreboard 35-34.

On fourth and 5, Desoto was going for it, but a defender on Jonesboro knocked it away and it was recovered by the Golden Hurricane defense on their own 49-yard line. Soon, Davis scored a 45-yard touchdown, the third touchdown of the quarter, and there was still 8:45 to go.

Three punts later, and Jonesboro had the ball again with two minutes left in the quarter. Brown immediately finds a hole in the DeSoto defense and runs 52 yards to score his fourth touchdown of the night.

Stretching the lead 49-34, neither team scored in the fourth quarter, handing Jonesboro their first win of the season and DeSoto their second loss.

Myers had 299 passing yards throughout the night, while Perry of DeSoto had 90 yards. However, Perry recorded 141 rushing yards against Myers’ 24.

The rushing leaders on both teams, in comparison, were Rogers with 220 on DeSoto and Brown with 126 on Jonesboro.

Jonesboro defensive back Jaques Jordan had a total of 14 tackles on the night, 11 solo and three assists, and made the DeSoto offense lose 4 yards.

“Offensively, we can score the ball better than we have the last two years. So that’s really good. Defensively, it’s a scrappy group. They stay together no matter what, good, bad, or ugly,” George said.

Westside Defense Shows Grit Depsite Loss to Hoxie

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Story and Video by DDNS Reporter Benjamin McDowell

A touchdown scored by Hoxie over Westside. Video by Benjamin McDowell.

Hoxie’s home opener Friday night ended with the Mustangs celebrating a 20-0 victory, but the story wasn’t only about what the scoreboard showed. For Westside, it was a reminder of how far its defense has come and how much its offense still needs to grow.

The Warriors were outgained on the ground and shut out for the first time this season, but their defensive unit kept them in the game longer than many expected. Despite giving up two early touchdowns, Westside forced Hoxie to work for its yards and came up with stops that prevented the margin from growing even wider.

“Our defense has been killing it from day one, and I think they’re continuing to get better every day, every week,” Westside head coach Tyler Gahr said. “We had some mistakes, but honestly, they fought through the mistakes on defense. Now we’ve got to pick it up on offense so we can match them.”

The Mustangs set the tone early, striking on their opening drive with a 35-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dylan Barnhill to wide receiver Tristian Foust. The quick score was followed by a momentum-swinging special teams play when Hoxie’s squib kick slipped through Westside’s coverage team and was recovered by the Mustangs. That miscue gave Hoxie an extra possession and allowed them to dictate tempo in the first quarter.

Still, the Warriors did not fold. After Barnhill punched in a 2-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter to extend Hoxie’s lead to 14-0, Westside answered with one of its best drives of the night. Quarterback Aiden Turner led the Warriors downfield, using short passes and timely scrambles to move the chains. With less than seven minutes before halftime, Westside reached the Hoxie 15-yard line and seemed poised to cut into the deficit.

But the drive stalled. On fourth down, Turner dropped back and looked to the end zone, only to be met by a heavy rush. His throw fell incomplete, and Hoxie took over on downs.

“That was a tough one,” Gahr said. “You get that touchdown, and the game feels completely different going into halftime. But we came up short.”

Westside had another opportunity before the break after its defense forced a punt, but again the offense couldn’t find rhythm. Hoxie entered halftime with a 14-0 lead and full control of momentum.

The third quarter, however, belonged to the Warriors’ defense. Adjustments at the break helped Westside tighten up against the run, and the front seven delivered a series of stops that kept Hoxie off the scoreboard. Defensive linemen consistently shed blocks, and linebackers filled gaps to limit Barnhill and running back Robert Martinez, who still managed to pile up 137 yards on 17 carries by game’s end.

Turner, meanwhile, continued to face relentless pressure. Several times he spun away from would-be sacks and tried to create plays with his legs, but the Mustangs’ secondary closed quickly on receivers.

“We really need to work on blocking up front, giving our quarterback time to get the ball out,” Gahr said. “Even blocking on the edge with receivers and just basic throwing and catching. We’ve got to fix those small things to get going.”

The Warriors’ defense continued to fight in the second half, but the offense’s inability to sustain drives eventually wore them down. In the fourth quarter, Barnhill delivered the final blow, breaking through the middle for a 30-yard touchdown run to make it 20-0.

Though Hoxie never trailed and controlled much of the game, Westside’s defensive effort stood out. Holding the Mustangs scoreless for an entire quarter and forcing multiple punts highlighted a unit that is steadily improving.

“Our kids never quit, and that’s the biggest thing,” Gahr said. “They played hard to the last snap. We’ve got to take that energy and now build the other side of the ball.”

With the shutout loss in the books, the Warriors turn their focus toward fixing the details that stalled their offense. That means improving blocking schemes, refining timing between quarterback and receivers, and finding ways to finish drives when opportunities arise.

The defense may already be close to playoff caliber, but until the offense finds consistency, Westside knows it will face uphill battles against teams like Hoxie. Still, the Warriors left Friday night with positives to build on.

“Confidence is the biggest thing,” Gahr said. “We’ve got to get our kids believing in what we’re doing. If we can put both sides together, I think we can be a very good football team.”

For now, the Warriors will look to regroup, using Friday’s loss not as a setback but as a benchmark for what they can become. With a defense that continues to fight and an offense hungry to improve, Westside’s season still has room to turn in the right direction.

One of the touchdowns the Mustangs scored against the Warriors. Video courtesy of Benjamin McDowell.

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: Nettleton vs. Batesville

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Nettleton offensive trio help edges out Batesville, 34-20

Delta Digital News Service

Sept. 22, 2023

By Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Nettleton’s offensive trio helped edge Batesville as the Raiders beat the Pioneers 34-20 Saturday night at Raider Stadium.

Quarterback Maddox Hampton, running back TJ Brown and wide receiver Curtez Smith combined for four of the five Raider touchdowns. 

Nettleton Head Coach Steven Hampton discussed his offensive trio and their performance. 

“They ran hard, they ran great tonight and Maddox throwing the ball as well. We feel like we have some weapons and we just have to figure out ways to utilize them,” Hampton said. 

“They ran hard, they ran great tonight and Maddox throwing the ball as well. We feel like we have some weapons and we just have to figure out ways to utilize them,” Hampton said. 

Nettleton Head Coach Steven Hampton

After Nettleton failed to execute on their second drive of the game, they were forced to punt but recovered a fumble by the returner to put the Raiders at Batesville’s 20-yard line. 

Brown converted on third down to put Nettleton in a goal-line situation. Smith then punched in a rushing touchdown to tie the game at seven early in the second quarter. 

On Batesville’s next drive, they took advantage of the Raiders’ penalties allowing them to drive down the field . Running back Owen McLaughlin scored his second rushing touchdown for 15 yards as the Pioneers led 14-7 midway through the second quarter. 

Batesville’s Owen McLaughlin (7) runs the ball against Nettleton during first-half action in Jonesboro, Friday, September 22, 2023.

Hampton connected with Smith for a 10-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 14 late in the second quarter. 

Right before halftime, Batesville found a way to kick a field goal to put them up 17-14.

The Raiders came out with a bang in the second half, with Hampton throwing a 40-yard pass to wide receiver Quordarius Thompson. Hampton ended the drive with a goal-line touchdown to put Nettleton up 20-17. 

After the Raider defense stopped the Pioneer offense, a string of short plays for Nettleton resulted in another goal-line situation where Brown scored a rushing touchdown on a wildcat formation to increase Nettleton’s lead 27-17. 

Back-to-back-to-back turnovers occurred on three straight drives between the two offenses, as Batesville eventually got the ball midway through the fourth quarter.

After a fourth down conversion by the Pioneers, their offense could not get anything else going as they had to settle for a field goal. Batesville minimized Nettleton’s lead 27-20. 

The Pioneers were forced to kick an onside kick late in the fourth quarter, as the Raiders recovered at Batesville’s 45-yard line. 

Running back Xavier Harrell sealed the win with a 22-yard rushing touchdown, putting Nettleton up 34-20 with about a minute left in the game. 

Coach Hampton shared his positive takeaways from the win.

“The first half was about as ugly as it could be. There were not any pointing fingers, it was a lot of pulling together. There were a lot of guys saying hey we got this and we just need to clean it up. That is the biggest takeaway, it is just the mindset. If our guys can grasp a hold of that and come together as a team, I think the sky is the limit for this group,” Hampton said. 

Nettlelton looks to get their second-straight conference win next game, as they travel to play Brookland.

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Brayden Morse

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

NOTE: Photos courtesy of Terrance Armstard

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Westside Warriors vs. Heber Springs Panthers

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Panthers ravage Warriors, 42-8

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

By Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

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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Brayden Morse

Brayden Morse is a junior in the multimedia journalism program in the School of Media & Journalism at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

NOTE: Photos courtesy of Terrance Armstard

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