Tag Archives: high school football

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

Posted on by

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.”

Benton Panthers Storm Through Jonesboro Hurricane

Posted on by

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. 

Westside Defense Shows Grit Depsite Loss to Hoxie

Posted on by

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: Westside Warriors vs. Heber Springs Panthers

Posted on by

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. 

-30-

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

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Jonesboro vs. DeSoto Central

Posted on by

Jaguars pounce out the Golden Hurricane 29-13

Delta Digital News Service

Sept. 8, 2023

By Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – DeSoto Central capitalized on Jonesboro’s turnovers and penalties with multiple scores to give the Jaguars a 29-13 victory over the Golden Hurricane Friday night at Cooksey-Johns Field.

Jonesboro quarterback Terrance Brown threw two costly interceptions to give DeSoto Central the ball in excellent field position throughout the game. 

Jonesboro’s Chris Stacy (3) makes a touchdown after catching a pass during first-half action against DeSoto Central on Friday, September 8, 2023. Atsuki Ohbuchi

Brown’s first interception and a team fumble resulted in the Jaguars scoring twice as well as a two-point conversion to give them a 15-0 lead before halftime. 

With 11 seconds remaining in the first half, Brown rolled out of the pocket and redeemed himself with a 42-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Chris Stacy for a 15-7 score.

DeSoto Central’s starting quarterback Eric Perry Jr. was injured in the first half and replaced by Jaden Norwood. Perry Jr. then returned for the second half of play. 

Running back/kick returner Lenden Fairley returned a kick for 80 yards to put the Jaguars in the red zone. Running back Jordan Cannon capped off the drive with a goal-line rushing touchdown, DeSoto up 22-7.

The Hurricanes responded with their own long kick return by Avion Jones right at the 50-yard line, but the next play was a fumble recovered by the Jaguars.

DeSoto’s next drive ended quickly with a botched snap, giving them a fourth and long situation and a punt back to Jonesboro. 

The very next play that the Hurricanes got the ball back, Brown threw his second interception of the night. 

Perry Jr. then led his team down the field with Cannon scoring another goal-line rushing touchdown, DeSoto up 29-7 in the third quarter. 

Stacy caught his second receiving touchdown but this time it was from backup quarterback Asa Myers to minimize the Jaguars’ lead 29-13 late in the fourth quarter, but not enough time left to come back for a miracle win.

The Hurricane will play its fourth straight home game against Cabot for the team’s first conference matchup of the season while DeSoto Central travels to Malvern in a non-district matchup.

-30-

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: Valley View vs. Forrest City

Posted on by

Blazers tame Mustangs for homecoming win, 54 – 20

Delta Digital News Service

Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Defense and special teams dominance helped the Valley View Blazers to victory over the Forrest City Mustangs on homecoming at Central Dealerships Stadium on Friday night. 

Valley View had three defensive touchdowns in the first quarter and two special teams touchdowns in the first half.

Blazers Head Coach Sean Cockrell addressed his thoughts on the defense and special teams in the first half in the 54-20 win.

“It was awesome. I thought we played well on all sides of the ball, but to get three defensive touchdowns in the first quarter is crazy. Kickoff return was great, the overhead punt getting out of the endzone. We scouted really well and had a great gameplan. The kids executed it,” he said.

Forrest City fumbled on their first drive of the game with Valley View linebacker Brian Huff recovering for a 25-yard touchdown with eight minutes left in the first quarter, taking a 14-0 lead. 

Valley View’s Zane Guthrie (9) tries to shake Forrest City’s Lee Smith (28) during first half action in Jonesboro, Friday, September 29, 2023.

The Mustangs responded back with a 73-yard touchdown pass, for their first of three touchdowns of the game.

The very next kickoff, Blazer kick returner/wide receiver TJ Starks scored on an 81-yard return. Forrest City got the ball back and fumbled again, while Valley View free safety Laird Cullen recovered. The Blazers once again had great field position.

Valley View capitalized with a 17-yard rushing touchdown from running back Zane Guthrie, leading 28-6 midway through the first quarter. 

The Blazers added two special teams touchdowns back-to-back punts. Linebacker Jayde Taylor recovered and scored the first, while cornerback Kenneth Robinson scored the second. 

The score was 48-6 at halftime, so it was time to take the starters out. 

“We wanted to take them out and did in the second quarter. They scored a couple late in the second half and we got kind of nervous. We had a lot of guys play tonight, probably about 70 guys so we are excited about that,” Cockrell said. 

“We wanted to take them out and did in the second quarter. They scored a couple late in the second half and we got kind of nervous. We had a lot of guys play tonight, probably about 70 guys so we are excited about that.”

– Sean Cockerel, Blazers Head Coach

Valley View went on to score only one touchdown in the second half but ran the ball majority of the time to drain the clock while leading big. Forrest City fought hard for their two touchdowns in the second half but did not have enough time on the clock to complete a comeback. 

The Blazers will travel to play Wynne next Friday at 7 p.m. Coach Cockrell gave his thoughts on how to relay this win to next week’s conference game. 

“We said we wanted to be 2-0 (in conference) and we are. We know Wynne has so much tradition and they are a really good football team. It is going to be tough so we know we are going to have to focus next week to go down there and try to get a win,” he said.

-30-

Brayden Morse

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

NOTE: Photos courtesy of Terrance Armstard

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Jonesboro vs. Lake Hamilton

Posted on by

Wolves topple Golden Hurricane 27-20

Delta Digital News Service

Sept. 1, 2023

By Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – Lake Hamilton Wolves’ air-raid offense attack helped defeat the Jonesboro Hurricanes 27-20.

Lake Hamilton’s Derryn Owens (3) shakes Jonesboro defender Christian Taylor (21) during first half action on Friday, September 1, 2023. Photo by Terrance Armstard

The Wolves’ quarterback Easton Hurley had two first-half touchdown passes of 49 yards or more. His first touchdown pass was a connection to Derryn Owens for 55 yards, giving Lake Hamilton a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.

Before Hurley’s second touchdown pass, Hurricane wide receiver Chris Stacy recovered a muffed punt by the returner to put Jonesboro at the 28-yard line at the beginning of the second quarter. Running back Markevious Pickett capped off the drive with a goal-line touchdown to tie the game at seven.

Hurley then responded with a 49-yard touchdown to running back Coy Autrey on a play-action wheel route to put the Wolves up 13-7 with less than three minutes until halftime.

Jonesboro Head Coach Tyler George praised Lake Hamilton’s quarterback and discussed Autrey’s touchdown reception from lost coverage.

“We got lost in coverage right there. We knew their quarterback could throw it. I talked to their head coach before the game about how their style of offense with the type of quarterback they have, is hard to prepare for,” George said.

“We got lost in coverage right there. We knew their quarterback could throw it. I talked to their head coach before the game about how their style of offense with the type of quarterback they have, is hard to prepare for,” George said.

–Jonesboro Head Coach Tyler George

To start the second half, Jonesboro quarterback Terrance Brown connected with wide receiver Kelen Smith for 46 yards, but fumbled the ball with Lake Hamilton recovering.

The Wolves capitalized on the fumble recovery with a 65-yard rushing touchdown by Hayden Barton to give Lake Hamilton a 21-7 lead with a little less than five minutes left in the third quarter.

Jonesboro responded with a 40-yard pass from Brown to Stacy to put them in Wolves’ territory. Even with the long connection, the Hurricanes were unable to score and turned the ball over.

“We have to be able to score the ball more and we will. We will continue to get better. We got stuck in the joy of last week. Again, it starts with me,” George said.

Jonesboro eventually got the ball back and took advantage with a long reception to tight end Myreion Taylor at the one-yard line. Pickett finished the drive with his second rushing touchdown, minimizing Lake Hamilton’s lead 21-13 early in the fourth quarter.

Hurricane defensive end K.J. Anderson came up with a clutch third down sack, to put the Wolves in a fourth and 23 situation.

After the sack, Brown threw an interception to lose all of Jonesboro’s hope.

On Lake Hamilton’s next drive, Autrey punched in a goal-line touchdown to put the nail in the coffin 27-13 late in the fourth quarter.

Brown bounced back with a 60-yard touchdown pass to Stacy to put the game within reach at 27–20.

Lake Hamilton was able to run the clock out on their next drive to defeat the Hurricanes for the second-straight year.

Despite the loss, Stacy won player of the game with well over the century mark for receiving yards along with a touchdown reception.

Stacy’s coach had positive words for his performance.

“I don’t know what his stat line was tonight but he proved that he has arrived. His performance was really well and it can’t just be him. It has to be everybody and we have talent to get it done. We just fell short tonight,” George said.

Jonesboro looks to bounce back in week three while staying at home in a non-conference matchup against DeSoto Central. Lake Hamilton will attempt to continue their winning ways while traveling to play Little Rock Christian Academy in a conference matchup.

-30-

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 courtesy of Terrance Armstard

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: Westside vs Brookland

Posted on by
Brookland’s Sinquan Spratt (6) runs the ball against Westside during Friday night’s game. Spratt scored two touchdowns in the Bearcats’ 39-0 victory over the Warriors.

Big plays send Bearcats to 39-0 rout of Warriors

Delta Digital News Service

Friday, August 25, 2023

By Brayden Morse | Sports Editor

JONESBORO, Ark. – As the Brookland Bearcats dominated the Westside Warriors right from the get-go, with the help of explosive plays, they were able to shutout the Warriors 39-0.

On the Bearcats’ first drive of the game, sophomore quarterback #11 Hayden Elder scored a 70-yard rushing touchdown. The Warriors were then held to a three-and-out, resulting in Elder connecting with sophomore wide receiver #16 Garrett Mays on a 68-yard pass to put Brookland in the red zone.

Junior running back #28 Malachi Stinett rushed for an eight-yard touchdown to give the Bearcats a 12-0 lead along with their first two drives resulting in scores.

Westside’s head coach Bobby Engle had positive remarks despite the loss, along with wanting better awareness from his players.

“The stuff we saw tonight that went wrong, we can fix. We came out flat and stayed flat. Got our butts handed to us,” Engle said.

“The stuff we saw tonight that went wrong, we can fix. We came out flat and stayed flat. Got our butts handed to us.”

– Westside HS Head Coach Bobby Engle

With ticks remaining in the first quarter, junior wide receiver/running back #6 Sinquan Spratt improvised finding an open lane halfway across the field scoring a 68-yard rushing touchdown increasing Brookland’s lead to 18-0.

The Warriors offense unfolded in the first half, with multiple false start penalties and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that set them in poor field position.

“You cannot be undisciplined and get unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. I do not even know how many penalties we had, but we had way too many. We have to get that stuff fixed,” Engle said.

The Bearcat defense opened the second quarter by recovering a fumble straight at the 50-yard line to set the offense up with another opportunity to score. On the next drive, Elder scored his second touchdown of the game with a 10-yard rush on a read-option play to give Brookland a 24-0 lead.

Westside’s offensive struggles continued with back-to-back three-and-outs. While the Warriors struggled for points, the Bearcats scored two more touchdowns before halftime.

Spratt scored a 40-yard rushing touchdown, as well as contributing to the next drive with a 29-yard rush to put Brookland at Westside’s four-yard line. Elder then threw a four-yard passing touchdown to junior wide receiver #18 Barrett Cunningham, increasing the lead to 39-0 at halftime.

Brookland head coach Mark Hindsley has previously stated that a lot of the offense starts in the backfield, and that was evident in their performance.

There were a total of five touchdowns scored in the first half alone by the duo of Spratt and Elder, along with a touchdown run by Stinnett.

The second half was quiet with nobody scoring and lots of rushing plays to drain the clock out.

Hindsley’s offensive plan of run and play-action worked the entirety of the first half.

Engle plans to stick with the same offensive scheme despite the shutout.

“We do not change our system because it is what we run. We just have to do a better job executing,” he said.

In week two, Brookland will travel to Gosnell in a non-conference game, while Westside will travel to Hoxie in a non-conference game as they seek to avenge themselves in non-conference play.

-30-

Brayden Morse

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

Note: Featured image courtesy of Terrance Armstard.