By Garrett Finnicum for Delta Digital News Service
Garrett: Hello everyone, my name is Garrett Finnicum. Today, we take you behind the scenes with Evan Ellenburg, a senior standout from Ridgefield Christian and a true “Warrior” on the basketball court. With his sights set on playing at the college level, Evan’s journey is about more than just stats. It’s a story of passion, resilience, and leadership.
Garrett: Evan’s commitment to the game goes beyond high school. He is driven by a dream to play college basketball, a goal he has worked towards since he first stepped on the court. This is the next chapter in his story, one he is ready to face with unshakeable dedication.
Garrett: On the court, Evan’s strengths shine through. His ability to sink tough shots and tenacity on defense make him a formidable opponent, but he is also a player who acknowledges where he can grow, always striving to sharpen his skills and refine his game.
Garrett’s question: So, what are some short-term goals that you would like to accomplish before the season begins, or going back to what you were working on during the offseason?
Evan’s answer: Getting stronger is something a lot of teams have pushed us to do, and it’s something I need to be as well.
Garrett’s question: Are there any specific skills you didn’t have last year that you want to improve this year, going into your senior season?
Evan’s answer: I think getting to the rim a lot more, just going in, creating contact, and finishing.
Garrett’s question: So those are kind of talking about your weaknesses. What strengths would you say you have on the court?
Evan’s answer: Shooting. I think I’m a pretty good shooter, and I can see the floor and make the right pass, which I think helps us out a lot.
Garrett: As a senior, Evan has taken on the role of a mentor, guiding younger teammates with a steady hand and a positive example.
Evan: Just telling them what’s expected and showing them, since they don’t have the most experience, and just showing them what to do.
Garrett: At the core of Evan’s drive is a deep sense of purpose. His motivation comes not just from his dreams of college basketball, but from the support of his family, teammates, and coaches. Every practice, every game, is a step towards proving to himself what he is capable of achieving.
Garrett: With his senior year in full swing, Evan Ellenburg is ready to leave his mark for Ridgefield Christian and improve on his individual stats from his junior season, as shown on the screen: averaging 15.3 PPG, 2.8 APG, and 5.3 RPG.
Garrett: He is more than just a player, he’s a leader, a motivator, and a Warrior. The future looks bright for Evan and any team lucky enough to have him will gain not only a talent player, but a true team leader.
This week’s story includes two different interviews discussing the loss of their one and only senior last year and how they expect the season to go after losing such a valuable player. We are joined by Head Coach Morgan Colburn and Assistant Coach Dustin Ellenburg.
Garrett Finnicum: Hello everyone, my name is Garrett Finnicum, today we are joined by head coach Morgan Colburn and assistant coach Dustin Ellenburg. We are getting some insights as to how the team has progressed since last season as they only lost 1 senior last year in Sam Ellenburg. Starting with Coach Colburn.
Coach Morgan Colburn: Yeah, so we lost a very valuable player last year, Sam Ellenburg, and the stats don’t always talk about how much of an impact he had with just his leadership. He consistently worked hard, never backed down from challenges, and was the model of what you would want in a captain. So, we lost a good player last year, but one thing he did for us is he set us up to do well this year because guys saw his leadership and how he was encouraging. He was quick to laugh, did all the right things, so it was a big loss losing Sam, but he set us up well with his character. Now, as for what we are bringing back, we bring back a lot of good players, and I just feel like we understand each other better this year. We’re also bringing in some really strong tenth graders, and I feel like there are six tenth graders that can play high school basketball this year at the 1A varsity level. So, I think we will be much deeper, and some of the seniors have really stepped up in their leadership. It really helps to only lose one, but having lost Sam is really tough.
Assistant Coach Dustin Ellenburg: That’s a great question. So, Sam Ellenburg was our only senior last year, and going into last year, the majority of our team had been together since 3rd or 4th grade. We’ve seen groups come through Ridgefield. We had one when you guys were coming through junior high, and sophomores, juniors, and seniors were successful. This was back a few years ago. We could kind of see that if we could keep everyone together, this would be the year to make that next little jump. We made a jump last year, made it to regionals—of course, we lost in the first round—but this year, having most, or the majority, of our players back, we have some sophomores this year that were on the junior high district runner-up team that are talented and can play. I think with that mixture, I feel like this season has a chance to be very successful. It’s going to be as successful as the kids want to make it. I think with Coach Colburn leading them, they have a shot to have a great year.
Garrett: Hello everyone, I’m Garrett Finnicum, and today we have an exciting story about a local high school basketball team that has captured the community’s attention. Joining us today is the team’s head coach, who will share some insights. Coach, please go ahead and introduce yourself.
Coach Colburn: Hi, I’m Morgan Colburn, and I am the coach here at Ridgefield Christian School. This is my second-year coaching, and I feel so blessed to be here.
Garrett: Well, first off, I just want to ask, what are your expectations coming into this upcoming season?
Coach Colburn: Our expectations have a lot to do with character, so we want to be a humble and hungry team. We talk about that nearly every day: being a team first. I mean, being humble is being team-first and not really caring about our own accomplishments so much and being hungry and wanting to come out and give our best every game. That’s my expectation of the boys, and that’s their expectation of themselves as well.
Garrett: How would you say the school community impacts the team?
Coach Colburn: Man, that’s a good question. I will say that our boys love playing together; they seem to really enjoy one another. We have done retreats; they have also played other sports together, and they just enjoy playing together. And then the school community—I have only been here one year, but I know that as we started to do well last year, more people started to show up to the games, and it was very enthusiastic. So, it was just a great atmosphere here at the school last year, and I would like to make it better. I would like us to have more support, and I would like our guys to be more supportive of other things and other events at the school, so that is a hope of mine. But I would say that we have great families, just great family support. And then when we do well, I think we get even more school and community support.
Garrett: How has past coaching experience helped you prepare for this job going into year two?
Coach Colburn: Yeah, so I have coached high school basketball at different levels and different places, mostly in Washington for probably 15 years. I have coached some good teams over the years. I coached in Honduras for a few years, and we got second in the nation—and you would not really think of Honduras as a basketball hotbed. We would have won in any six-foot-and- under league; we were tough, we were just small. Then I coached at a high school where we played in the state championship three years. Unfortunately, every year we got second. Really sharp kids, talented. I would say, honestly, the years that prepared me the most to do well—not just here at Ridgefield—were the years that I struggled. Not because it’s a struggle here, but the years where you have to find a way to put guys in the right situations make you a better coach than when you can just throw out eight studs and just be good. So, the years that were a struggle —you learn how to adapt your defenses, you learn how to attack people with only a couple players on offense—and those years make you more creative, make you sleep less, and make it hard. There is good in that struggle. I would say my worst years have prepared me the best.
Garrett: Well, that is all the time that we have today. Coach Colburn, thank you so much for doing this and giving us some inside information on this up-and-coming basketball team. I am just as excited as you are for the upcoming season to see them play.
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.
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
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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- 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.
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
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.
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.
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+.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Delta Digital News Service 