By Julie Storing
UCA sportswriting
With a wild 54-50 victory over Little Rock Christian on Friday, the Greenbrier Panthers advanced to the semifinals of the Class 5A state playoffs.
Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said that it was an exciting game for both the players and the fans.
“There was a lot of scoring," Tribble said. "Both teams played well offensively. It was great high school football game. I'm just proud of our players for playing hard and believing we could win it. It's a great win for the playoffs and the school.”
The game proved to be a nail-biter until the end with Greenbrier scoring the final touchdown with 54 seconds left in the game.
Tribble said that even though the Panthers had captured the lead, he didn't feel any sense of security until junior Hunter Winston intercepted the ball right afterward.
"It was real satisfying to see the team perform that well,” Tribble said. “We knew Little Rock Christian was going to have a chance to run. We didn't feel like celebrating until we intercepted their pass. It was satisfying to see us perform in the clutch.”
Despite pulling out the win, the Panthers had a difficult time containing Little Rock Christian's prized running back, Michael Dyer.
“We allowed a lot of points to the other team,” Tribble said. “They had Michael Dyer, and he lived up to his billing. They played very well. We didn't play well on pass defense. Hopefully, we can fix that some by the next game.”
According to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Greenbrier sophomore quarterback Neal Burcham completed 21 of 30 passes for 367 yards and five touchdowns. Winston ran 19 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns and caught five passes for 136 yards and three touchdowns. Senior runningback Justin Head had seven receptions for 128 yards and one touchdown.
The Panthers will travel to Camden Fairview for a semifinal playoff game on Friday.
“Now there are only four teams left,” Tribble said. “We are in the semifinals. I don't think anyone in the state would have thought we would get here. We appreciate our fans and the school, and we need to take some of that atmosphere with us to Camden.”
Monday, November 23, 2009
Wampus Cats end season with loss at Cabot
By Dustin Guffey
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Wampus Cats were outmanned, outmuscled and outplayed Friday night as they fell to the Cabot Panthers in the quarterfinals of the Class 7A state playoffs, 38-7.
The Wampus Cats, who finished the season 5-7, had already lost once to the Panthers during the regular season, 38-21.
Conway never could get it going against the Panthers as it punted the ball away on its first five possessions. Cabot, on the other hand, scored on its first four possessions to jump out to a 24-0 lead.
Wampus Cat junior receiver Jalen Jones said his team just couldn't kick it in gear early in the game to establish any momentum.
“We just came out a little sluggish and when we got down, we just couldn't get back in it,” Jones said. “They (Cabot) did a good job of keeping the lead and not letting us get back in it.”
Michael James and Jeremy Berry carried the load for Cabot, combining for 188 yards on 37 carries with James adding two touchdowns. The Panthers defense also swarmed the Wampus Cats offense all night, holding them to only 146 yards of total offense while gaining 318.
It may take a while for new Conway coach Clint Ashcraft to get this team to the “big game,” but Jones said he was optimistic about the new coach for several reasons.
“I thought Coach did a great job in teaching us everything and figuring out everyone's strengths and weaknesses,” Jones said. “We will be even tougher next season.”
When asked just how far this young but talented team could go next season, Jones didn't hesitate.
“I have high expectations next year; we are going to get a ring,” he said.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Wampus Cats were outmanned, outmuscled and outplayed Friday night as they fell to the Cabot Panthers in the quarterfinals of the Class 7A state playoffs, 38-7.
The Wampus Cats, who finished the season 5-7, had already lost once to the Panthers during the regular season, 38-21.
Conway never could get it going against the Panthers as it punted the ball away on its first five possessions. Cabot, on the other hand, scored on its first four possessions to jump out to a 24-0 lead.
Wampus Cat junior receiver Jalen Jones said his team just couldn't kick it in gear early in the game to establish any momentum.
“We just came out a little sluggish and when we got down, we just couldn't get back in it,” Jones said. “They (Cabot) did a good job of keeping the lead and not letting us get back in it.”
Michael James and Jeremy Berry carried the load for Cabot, combining for 188 yards on 37 carries with James adding two touchdowns. The Panthers defense also swarmed the Wampus Cats offense all night, holding them to only 146 yards of total offense while gaining 318.
It may take a while for new Conway coach Clint Ashcraft to get this team to the “big game,” but Jones said he was optimistic about the new coach for several reasons.
“I thought Coach did a great job in teaching us everything and figuring out everyone's strengths and weaknesses,” Jones said. “We will be even tougher next season.”
When asked just how far this young but talented team could go next season, Jones didn't hesitate.
“I have high expectations next year; we are going to get a ring,” he said.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Panthers ready for LR Christian
By Demetrice Elmore, Amanda Smallwood and Julie Storing
UCA sportswriting
After a come-from-behind-win in last week’s Class 5A state playoffs opener, the Greenbrier Panthers are looking to continue their winning streak at home against the Little Rock Christian Warriors tonight.
The Warriors are led by Michael Dyer, Arkansas's all-time leading rusher, a three-year starter who recently committed to Auburn. According to Little Rock Christian coach Justin Kramer, Dyer is ESPN's #1 running back in the nation.
“Dyer is a big part of our success this season,” Kramer said. “He has been outstanding and he is an asset to our team.”
Two other senior standouts for the Warriors are quarterback Jesse Stone and cornerback Keaton Curtis.
The Panthers will have their hands full to stop Dyer from continuing his awesome season, but coach Randy Tribble said they were ready.
Greenbrier defeated Little Rock Mills, 42-35, to move to the quarterfinals.
Tribble said that retaining home field advantage yet again helps the team.
“Being home in front of our fans and community is very special, and we've won four in a row at home, so it’s a great feeling to be at home,” Tribble said.
Little Rock Christian narrowly squeaked by Forrest City last week, 29-27, to continue in the playoffs.
Greenbrier and Little Rock Christian both have an 8-3 record for the season.
Tribble said the two teams are equally matched in both strengths and weaknesses.
“I think we match up very evenly,” Tribble said. “I believe we will have trouble stopping their running game, and they will have trouble stopping our passing game.”
Kramer said he was excited to be this far and felt this would be a good game.
“Greenbrier is different from any team we have played this year,” Kramer said. “They play a very sound game and they don’t make many mistakes. This will be a tough match.”
After last week's victory, Tribble said the Panthers were in high spirits but need to continue concentrating on the game that lies ahead.
“We're very excited about advancing in the playoffs,” Tribble said. “We're ready to get to work today and prepare for the challenge Little Rock Christian presents.”
Kramer said he was proud that his team had made it this far. This is his first year as head coach, but he has been on the coaching staff for eight years. It’s a big accomplishment for the Warriors, who lost in the first round of the playoffs last year.
“I am encouraging my team to stay focused,” Kramer said. “We don’t need to get focused on the highs and lows of the game. We have to stay steady and play our game.”
Tribble said the Panthers' preparations had included analyzing videotapes of Little Rock Christian.
“Then we went outside and starting practicing versus their offense and defense," he said. "We need to improve everywhere, but the fact that we do not fumble is huge. We need to tackle better and cover kickoffs better.”
Kramer added that once you are in this far in the season, it is just best to review team skills. The Warriors have retained a normal practice scheduling, making only making minor adjustments that they think the Panthers bring to the game.
In the Panthers' previous game, sophomore quarterback Neal Burcham completed 21 of 27 passes for 350 yards and five touchdowns. Junior Hunter Winston rushed 16 times for 88 yards and one touchdown. Senior Justin Head accomplished six catches for 85 yards. Senior Brady Day made six catches for 52 yards and one touchdown.
The game will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Don Jones Stadium.
UCA sportswriting
After a come-from-behind-win in last week’s Class 5A state playoffs opener, the Greenbrier Panthers are looking to continue their winning streak at home against the Little Rock Christian Warriors tonight.
The Warriors are led by Michael Dyer, Arkansas's all-time leading rusher, a three-year starter who recently committed to Auburn. According to Little Rock Christian coach Justin Kramer, Dyer is ESPN's #1 running back in the nation.
“Dyer is a big part of our success this season,” Kramer said. “He has been outstanding and he is an asset to our team.”
Two other senior standouts for the Warriors are quarterback Jesse Stone and cornerback Keaton Curtis.
The Panthers will have their hands full to stop Dyer from continuing his awesome season, but coach Randy Tribble said they were ready.
Greenbrier defeated Little Rock Mills, 42-35, to move to the quarterfinals.
Tribble said that retaining home field advantage yet again helps the team.
“Being home in front of our fans and community is very special, and we've won four in a row at home, so it’s a great feeling to be at home,” Tribble said.
Little Rock Christian narrowly squeaked by Forrest City last week, 29-27, to continue in the playoffs.
Greenbrier and Little Rock Christian both have an 8-3 record for the season.
Tribble said the two teams are equally matched in both strengths and weaknesses.
“I think we match up very evenly,” Tribble said. “I believe we will have trouble stopping their running game, and they will have trouble stopping our passing game.”
Kramer said he was excited to be this far and felt this would be a good game.
“Greenbrier is different from any team we have played this year,” Kramer said. “They play a very sound game and they don’t make many mistakes. This will be a tough match.”
After last week's victory, Tribble said the Panthers were in high spirits but need to continue concentrating on the game that lies ahead.
“We're very excited about advancing in the playoffs,” Tribble said. “We're ready to get to work today and prepare for the challenge Little Rock Christian presents.”
Kramer said he was proud that his team had made it this far. This is his first year as head coach, but he has been on the coaching staff for eight years. It’s a big accomplishment for the Warriors, who lost in the first round of the playoffs last year.
“I am encouraging my team to stay focused,” Kramer said. “We don’t need to get focused on the highs and lows of the game. We have to stay steady and play our game.”
Tribble said the Panthers' preparations had included analyzing videotapes of Little Rock Christian.
“Then we went outside and starting practicing versus their offense and defense," he said. "We need to improve everywhere, but the fact that we do not fumble is huge. We need to tackle better and cover kickoffs better.”
Kramer added that once you are in this far in the season, it is just best to review team skills. The Warriors have retained a normal practice scheduling, making only making minor adjustments that they think the Panthers bring to the game.
In the Panthers' previous game, sophomore quarterback Neal Burcham completed 21 of 27 passes for 350 yards and five touchdowns. Junior Hunter Winston rushed 16 times for 88 yards and one touchdown. Senior Justin Head accomplished six catches for 85 yards. Senior Brady Day made six catches for 52 yards and one touchdown.
The game will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Don Jones Stadium.
Wampus Cats face rematch with Cabot
Wampus Cats advance to second round against Cabot
By Shawn Lee
UCA sportswriting
After their first post-season victory since 2003, the Conway Wampus Cats will travel to Cabot tonight for a quarterfinal game in the Class 7A state football playoffs.
The Wampus Cats (5-6) have won their last two games, both of which were on the road. Conway trailed by 42-38 in the final quarter against Fayetteville last week in the first round of the playoffs, but with just seconds remaining, quarterback Xavier Acklin threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to the Cat’s leading receiver, Tristan Eddings. The Wampus Cats ended the game as well as Fayetteville’s season, 45-42.
Acklin has thrown for 464 yards in the two previous games and rushed for 318 yards, totaling eight touchdowns.
“When we have success, that’s when he does best," Conway coach Clint Ashcraft said. “The offense feeds off him and hopefully we can continue that on Friday.”
Conway fell to Cabot in Week 4.
“We’re still working every day,” Ashcraft said. "We learned a lot about Cabot when we played against them, but we’re still trying to polish up some mistakes that we’ve been making in practice.”
Cabot, which won the Central, had a first-round bye and is undefeated this year. The Wampus Cats will head into Panther Stadium on their biggest winning streak of the season and with the odds against them. The winner will advance to the semi-finals to play the winner of the game between Springdale Har-Ber and Russellville.
Kickoff is set at 7:30 p.m.
By Shawn Lee
UCA sportswriting
After their first post-season victory since 2003, the Conway Wampus Cats will travel to Cabot tonight for a quarterfinal game in the Class 7A state football playoffs.
The Wampus Cats (5-6) have won their last two games, both of which were on the road. Conway trailed by 42-38 in the final quarter against Fayetteville last week in the first round of the playoffs, but with just seconds remaining, quarterback Xavier Acklin threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to the Cat’s leading receiver, Tristan Eddings. The Wampus Cats ended the game as well as Fayetteville’s season, 45-42.
Acklin has thrown for 464 yards in the two previous games and rushed for 318 yards, totaling eight touchdowns.
“When we have success, that’s when he does best," Conway coach Clint Ashcraft said. “The offense feeds off him and hopefully we can continue that on Friday.”
Conway fell to Cabot in Week 4.
“We’re still working every day,” Ashcraft said. "We learned a lot about Cabot when we played against them, but we’re still trying to polish up some mistakes that we’ve been making in practice.”
Cabot, which won the Central, had a first-round bye and is undefeated this year. The Wampus Cats will head into Panther Stadium on their biggest winning streak of the season and with the odds against them. The winner will advance to the semi-finals to play the winner of the game between Springdale Har-Ber and Russellville.
Kickoff is set at 7:30 p.m.
Eagles set to begin Class 3A playoffs
By Kevin Black
UCA sportswriting
Mayflower will open the Class 3A state playoffs tonight after a one-week postponement over a dispute regarding the eligibility of a Lamar player.
The Eagles (5-5), third seed from 3A-2, will travel to Lavaca tonight, but coach Jed Davis said the postponement hardly affected their preparation.
“[The postponement] put a wrinkle in our plans. We would have practiced differently last week had we known we weren’t going to play,” Davis said. “But, really it isn’t a huge issue for us.”
The Eagles were lucky to have their third seed, he said, unlike the No. 1 seeds that have first-round byes.
"They are going three weeks without a game,” Davis said. “It wasn’t too bad for us.”
Often teams will charter buses for away playoff games, but Mayflower luckily had not already chartered a bus last week when officials got the news, according to Davis.
“We didn’t lose any money," he said. "Now I know a few schools that lost $3,000 or $4,000 on the deal, so that’s tough on them,” he said.
The Lamar player was declared ineligible by the Arkansas Activities Association because he transferred from Russellville this fall. Lamar officials chose to take the matter to court, and Circuit Judge Gordon McCain ruled in their favor the night before the playoffs were to begin.
“I think they [Lamar] knew they were walking a fine line, and they got called out on it,” Davis said. “I think they’re going to change the rules after this year.”
The AAA's basic eligibility rule on transfers says, “A student whose parents make a bone fide move completely out of one school zone into another school zone may transfer all his/her rights and privileges to the member school that serves the area where the parents reside.”
The Lamar player in question reportedly moved into his grandparent’s house in the Lamar district, which may not be considered a bone fide move by “the parents”, as stated in the eligibility rules. Lamar has contended that the player moved into his parent’s house.
Lamar was originally going to be forced to forfeit the six games that the player in question played in, bumping it from the playoffs and Atkins into the vacancy, but McCain concluded that the Lamar player should have been granted a hardship exception in his move from the Russellville district to Lamar’s.
The Eagles and Golden Arrows kick off at 7:30 p.m. Lamar will play Parkers Chapel.
UCA sportswriting
Mayflower will open the Class 3A state playoffs tonight after a one-week postponement over a dispute regarding the eligibility of a Lamar player.
The Eagles (5-5), third seed from 3A-2, will travel to Lavaca tonight, but coach Jed Davis said the postponement hardly affected their preparation.
“[The postponement] put a wrinkle in our plans. We would have practiced differently last week had we known we weren’t going to play,” Davis said. “But, really it isn’t a huge issue for us.”
The Eagles were lucky to have their third seed, he said, unlike the No. 1 seeds that have first-round byes.
"They are going three weeks without a game,” Davis said. “It wasn’t too bad for us.”
Often teams will charter buses for away playoff games, but Mayflower luckily had not already chartered a bus last week when officials got the news, according to Davis.
“We didn’t lose any money," he said. "Now I know a few schools that lost $3,000 or $4,000 on the deal, so that’s tough on them,” he said.
The Lamar player was declared ineligible by the Arkansas Activities Association because he transferred from Russellville this fall. Lamar officials chose to take the matter to court, and Circuit Judge Gordon McCain ruled in their favor the night before the playoffs were to begin.
“I think they [Lamar] knew they were walking a fine line, and they got called out on it,” Davis said. “I think they’re going to change the rules after this year.”
The AAA's basic eligibility rule on transfers says, “A student whose parents make a bone fide move completely out of one school zone into another school zone may transfer all his/her rights and privileges to the member school that serves the area where the parents reside.”
The Lamar player in question reportedly moved into his grandparent’s house in the Lamar district, which may not be considered a bone fide move by “the parents”, as stated in the eligibility rules. Lamar has contended that the player moved into his parent’s house.
Lamar was originally going to be forced to forfeit the six games that the player in question played in, bumping it from the playoffs and Atkins into the vacancy, but McCain concluded that the Lamar player should have been granted a hardship exception in his move from the Russellville district to Lamar’s.
The Eagles and Golden Arrows kick off at 7:30 p.m. Lamar will play Parkers Chapel.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wampus Cats shock Fayetteville, move to quarters
By Dustin Guffey
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Wampus Cats were down by four points with just seconds left on the clock. They were 52 yards away from the end zone and would need a miracle to upset the Fayetteville Bulldogs.
Conway quarterback Xavier Acklin delivered that miracle as he threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to Tristan Eddings to give the Wampus Cats an improbable win in the first round of the Class 7A state playoffs.
It looked as if Fayetteville was primed to run away with the game after the first quarter as the Bulldogs led 21-7 going into the second. After that, it looked like whoever had the ball last would probably win, which is exactly what happened Friday night at
Harmon Field.
Bulldog quarterback Brandon Allen threw for 470 yards in the loss while Acklin had 215 yards passing and 123 yards rushing, accounting for 338 yards of the Wampus Cats' total offense.
Conway held the lead for much of the second half before Fayetteville rallied from 17 points down to take a 42-38 lead with 1:34 remaining before Conway made its improbable last-second play to steal the victory.
Fayetteville is now done for the season, finishing with a 5-5-1 record while Conway is now 5-6 and looking to make noise in the playoffs. The Wampus will face the Cabot Panthers in the quarterfinals next Friday.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Wampus Cats were down by four points with just seconds left on the clock. They were 52 yards away from the end zone and would need a miracle to upset the Fayetteville Bulldogs.
Conway quarterback Xavier Acklin delivered that miracle as he threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to Tristan Eddings to give the Wampus Cats an improbable win in the first round of the Class 7A state playoffs.
It looked as if Fayetteville was primed to run away with the game after the first quarter as the Bulldogs led 21-7 going into the second. After that, it looked like whoever had the ball last would probably win, which is exactly what happened Friday night at
Harmon Field.
Bulldog quarterback Brandon Allen threw for 470 yards in the loss while Acklin had 215 yards passing and 123 yards rushing, accounting for 338 yards of the Wampus Cats' total offense.
Conway held the lead for much of the second half before Fayetteville rallied from 17 points down to take a 42-38 lead with 1:34 remaining before Conway made its improbable last-second play to steal the victory.
Fayetteville is now done for the season, finishing with a 5-5-1 record while Conway is now 5-6 and looking to make noise in the playoffs. The Wampus will face the Cabot Panthers in the quarterfinals next Friday.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Panthers rally, advance to state quarterfinals
By Amanda Smallwood
UCA sportswriting
After playing catch-up in the second half, the Greenbrier Panthers (8-3) defeated Little Rock Mills, 42-35, in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs last week after a 14-year playoff drought.
“It was very satisfying to see the players and the fans excited after a comeback in the second half,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said.
The Panthers rallied for 28 points in the fourth quarter for the win after taking a beating in the first half.
“I had to explain to them that we don’t want to be finished tonight,” Tribble said. “We can win if we play hard and believe in each other.”
The defense had trouble stopping Mills quarterback Christian Hampton, who went down with a knee injury in the third quarter.
After the injury, Greenbrier was able to come back and take the lead for good.
Greenbrier made many memories throughout the game, including a long touchdown by Hunter Winston and a blocked punt by Justin Head.
“It wasn’t until the last couple of minutes in the game that I felt relief,” Tribble said. "We were lucky to win with the amount of turnovers and bad plays that we had.”
Greenbrier finished with 456 yards of offense while Mills had 256.
Panther quarterback Neal Burcham completed 21 of 27 passes for 350 yards and five touchdowns. Winston rushed 16 times for 88 yards and one touchdown. Winston also caught two passes for 64 yards. Justin Head accomplished six catches for 85 yards. Brady Day had six catches for 52 yards and one touchdown. Tanner Howland delivered one touchdown and four catches for 59 yards.
On the defensive side, Zac Perry made 15 tackles; both Matt Cain and Colt Talley had 10.
Greenbrier, the second seed from 5A-West, will play host to Little Rock Christian, No. 4 from the Southwest, on Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m., in the quarterfinals.
UCA sportswriting
After playing catch-up in the second half, the Greenbrier Panthers (8-3) defeated Little Rock Mills, 42-35, in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs last week after a 14-year playoff drought.
“It was very satisfying to see the players and the fans excited after a comeback in the second half,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said.
The Panthers rallied for 28 points in the fourth quarter for the win after taking a beating in the first half.
“I had to explain to them that we don’t want to be finished tonight,” Tribble said. “We can win if we play hard and believe in each other.”
The defense had trouble stopping Mills quarterback Christian Hampton, who went down with a knee injury in the third quarter.
After the injury, Greenbrier was able to come back and take the lead for good.
Greenbrier made many memories throughout the game, including a long touchdown by Hunter Winston and a blocked punt by Justin Head.
“It wasn’t until the last couple of minutes in the game that I felt relief,” Tribble said. "We were lucky to win with the amount of turnovers and bad plays that we had.”
Greenbrier finished with 456 yards of offense while Mills had 256.
Panther quarterback Neal Burcham completed 21 of 27 passes for 350 yards and five touchdowns. Winston rushed 16 times for 88 yards and one touchdown. Winston also caught two passes for 64 yards. Justin Head accomplished six catches for 85 yards. Brady Day had six catches for 52 yards and one touchdown. Tanner Howland delivered one touchdown and four catches for 59 yards.
On the defensive side, Zac Perry made 15 tackles; both Matt Cain and Colt Talley had 10.
Greenbrier, the second seed from 5A-West, will play host to Little Rock Christian, No. 4 from the Southwest, on Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m., in the quarterfinals.
Cross County prevails over Conway Christian
By Charlie Livingston
UCA sportswriting
Conway Christian had one goal all season long, to win a playoff game and advance in the state playoffs for the first time ever.
But the Eagles will have to put that goal on hold for at least one more season. CCHS finished 6-5 after losing to Cross County Friday night in Conway, 57-36.
“It's disappointing. The goal is to win the state title, at least a game or two, and we couldn't get it done” Conway Christian running back Bates Isom said.
The Eagles might be disappointed, but that is only after Cross County running back Blake Veasley rushed for 355 yards and five touchdowns to almost singlehandedly eliminate them.
Cross County jumped out to a 30-17 lead, but a touchdown pass to Jeremy Jacobs pulled Conway Christian to within six at halftime, 30-24.
But the night belonged to Veasley as he scored the very first time he touched the ball, taking it 79 yards to the end zone to tie the game 8-8 in the first quarter.
“We knew he was a great back and that he makes a lot of plays for them. Our hat's off to them, but we didn't play our kind of ball," Stephen Hay said about CCHS' defensive performance.
Looking forward to 2010, Conway Christian will lose seven important seniors, but the Eagles hope to have more numbers than they have had in the past.
UCA sportswriting
Conway Christian had one goal all season long, to win a playoff game and advance in the state playoffs for the first time ever.
But the Eagles will have to put that goal on hold for at least one more season. CCHS finished 6-5 after losing to Cross County Friday night in Conway, 57-36.
“It's disappointing. The goal is to win the state title, at least a game or two, and we couldn't get it done” Conway Christian running back Bates Isom said.
The Eagles might be disappointed, but that is only after Cross County running back Blake Veasley rushed for 355 yards and five touchdowns to almost singlehandedly eliminate them.
Cross County jumped out to a 30-17 lead, but a touchdown pass to Jeremy Jacobs pulled Conway Christian to within six at halftime, 30-24.
But the night belonged to Veasley as he scored the very first time he touched the ball, taking it 79 yards to the end zone to tie the game 8-8 in the first quarter.
“We knew he was a great back and that he makes a lot of plays for them. Our hat's off to them, but we didn't play our kind of ball," Stephen Hay said about CCHS' defensive performance.
Looking forward to 2010, Conway Christian will lose seven important seniors, but the Eagles hope to have more numbers than they have had in the past.
Friday, November 13, 2009
After 14 years, Greenbrier returns to playoffs
By Julie Storing, Demetrice Elmore and Amanda Smallwood
UCA sportswriting
After a 14-year drought, the Greenbrier Panthers are finally returning to the state playoffs tonight, when they'll face the Little Rock Comets at Don Jones Stadium on Friday.
Greenbrier finished the regular season 7-3 overall, nabbing the No. 2 seed from the 5A-West conference. Mills finished 6-4 overall and is the third seed from the 5A-Southeast.
Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble, in his second year at the school, said the Panthers were excited to accomplish things no Greenbrier team has in 14 years, but they won't rest on that.
“I am very proud of the dedication, commitment, and desire these guys have displayed, which has allowed them to accomplish what they have,” Tribble said. “We want to keep winning and keep playing.”
Mills, too, failed to make the state playoffs last season.
According to maxpreps.com, Greenbrier is ranked 47th in the state while Mills is ranked 67th.
The Panthers are averaging 31.8 points a game while keeping the opponents to 26.2. The rushing average this season is 149.5 yards per game, but their advantage on the field is their passing yardage, where they average 237.3 a game.
The team has struggled to stay away from getting penalties throughout the season, but the Panthers are playing smart and only averaging 52.4 lost yards. Standout sophomore quarterback Neil Burcham's accuracy in passing has been a major advantage for the Panthers. He only threw three interceptions all season.
Burcham threw 274 passes this season while completing 177 for 2,353 yards with 23 touchdowns. Burcham is averaging 235.3 completed passing yards this season. As he controls the tempo of the game, anyone can be sure he is going to find junior Hunter Winston.
Winston has had an explosive season and is destined to do more. He tied the school’s record for most touchdowns in a single game and has continued to lead his team in rushing yards all season. After attempting 166 rushes and gaining 1,378 yards for 19 touchdowns, it’s easy to say the Panthers are hard to control. Winston is averaging 8.2 rushing yards a play and 135.5 a game.
Another notable mention is receiver Tyler Hardee with 640 receiving yards (average of 22.1 per game). Tally Colt is the Panthers' leading defensive lineman with 82 tackles for the season.
Tribble said he knew the Comets had some big wins over good teams this year and that their quarterback was very quick and loved to run the ball.
“Mills has a lot of speed on offense, and they are strong on their defensive line,” he said. “We have to be disciplined to stop them. We will have to work hard to be successful.”
Even though Mills has shown weaknesses during its home games, the Comets have dominated 5-1 in away games.
Greenbrier’s only loss at home this season was to Heber Springs in a non-conference game early in the season.
Tribble says playing on their home field is an advantage the Panthers are proud to have.
“It was a big goal of the team and when it became a realistic goal, we wanted to reward our fans and community with a home game in the playoffs,” he said. “Our players love playing at home.”
According to maxpreps.com, the top players for Mills include senior fullback Rico Perkins, senior offensive lineman Anthony Bizzell and senior wide receiver Patrick Johnny.
The Panthers are preparing for the game by trying to stay close to the same routine and practice schedule. They start the week by watching film and showing the team the opponent’s defensive and offensive systems and formations. The team then begins to work on the fundamentals coaches think are the most important and then works against the opposing schemes and plays to be familiar with them before the game.
The team that wins this game will play either Forrest City, the No. 1 seed from 5A-East, or Little Rock Christian, the No. 4 seed from 5A-Southwest.
UCA sportswriting
After a 14-year drought, the Greenbrier Panthers are finally returning to the state playoffs tonight, when they'll face the Little Rock Comets at Don Jones Stadium on Friday.
Greenbrier finished the regular season 7-3 overall, nabbing the No. 2 seed from the 5A-West conference. Mills finished 6-4 overall and is the third seed from the 5A-Southeast.
Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble, in his second year at the school, said the Panthers were excited to accomplish things no Greenbrier team has in 14 years, but they won't rest on that.
“I am very proud of the dedication, commitment, and desire these guys have displayed, which has allowed them to accomplish what they have,” Tribble said. “We want to keep winning and keep playing.”
Mills, too, failed to make the state playoffs last season.
According to maxpreps.com, Greenbrier is ranked 47th in the state while Mills is ranked 67th.
The Panthers are averaging 31.8 points a game while keeping the opponents to 26.2. The rushing average this season is 149.5 yards per game, but their advantage on the field is their passing yardage, where they average 237.3 a game.
The team has struggled to stay away from getting penalties throughout the season, but the Panthers are playing smart and only averaging 52.4 lost yards. Standout sophomore quarterback Neil Burcham's accuracy in passing has been a major advantage for the Panthers. He only threw three interceptions all season.
Burcham threw 274 passes this season while completing 177 for 2,353 yards with 23 touchdowns. Burcham is averaging 235.3 completed passing yards this season. As he controls the tempo of the game, anyone can be sure he is going to find junior Hunter Winston.
Winston has had an explosive season and is destined to do more. He tied the school’s record for most touchdowns in a single game and has continued to lead his team in rushing yards all season. After attempting 166 rushes and gaining 1,378 yards for 19 touchdowns, it’s easy to say the Panthers are hard to control. Winston is averaging 8.2 rushing yards a play and 135.5 a game.
Another notable mention is receiver Tyler Hardee with 640 receiving yards (average of 22.1 per game). Tally Colt is the Panthers' leading defensive lineman with 82 tackles for the season.
Tribble said he knew the Comets had some big wins over good teams this year and that their quarterback was very quick and loved to run the ball.
“Mills has a lot of speed on offense, and they are strong on their defensive line,” he said. “We have to be disciplined to stop them. We will have to work hard to be successful.”
Even though Mills has shown weaknesses during its home games, the Comets have dominated 5-1 in away games.
Greenbrier’s only loss at home this season was to Heber Springs in a non-conference game early in the season.
Tribble says playing on their home field is an advantage the Panthers are proud to have.
“It was a big goal of the team and when it became a realistic goal, we wanted to reward our fans and community with a home game in the playoffs,” he said. “Our players love playing at home.”
According to maxpreps.com, the top players for Mills include senior fullback Rico Perkins, senior offensive lineman Anthony Bizzell and senior wide receiver Patrick Johnny.
The Panthers are preparing for the game by trying to stay close to the same routine and practice schedule. They start the week by watching film and showing the team the opponent’s defensive and offensive systems and formations. The team then begins to work on the fundamentals coaches think are the most important and then works against the opposing schemes and plays to be familiar with them before the game.
The team that wins this game will play either Forrest City, the No. 1 seed from 5A-East, or Little Rock Christian, the No. 4 seed from 5A-Southwest.
Wampus Cats head into playoffs as fifth seed
By Shawn Lee
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Wampus Cats begin their shot at a state championship tonight as they head to Fayetteville to start the Class 7A playoffs.
The Wampus Cats finished the regular season 4-6 and took the fifth seed from the 7A-Central after defeating Little Rock Catholic at War Memorial Stadium last week, 35-28. Fayetteville Bulldogs is the fourth seed from the West after losing 49-20 to Rogers Heritage last week.
The Wampus Cats had an impressive total of 439 offensive yards against Catholic. Quarterback Xavier Acklin threw for a season-high of 246 yards, completing 13 of 23 for three touchdowns. Acklin was also responsible for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
Junior wide receiver Jalen Jones ended the game with seven receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown.
The winner of this matchup will move on to the second round against the Cabot Panthers, who have a first-round bye as the first seed from 7A-Central.
Kickoff is set at 7:30 p.m.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Wampus Cats begin their shot at a state championship tonight as they head to Fayetteville to start the Class 7A playoffs.
The Wampus Cats finished the regular season 4-6 and took the fifth seed from the 7A-Central after defeating Little Rock Catholic at War Memorial Stadium last week, 35-28. Fayetteville Bulldogs is the fourth seed from the West after losing 49-20 to Rogers Heritage last week.
The Wampus Cats had an impressive total of 439 offensive yards against Catholic. Quarterback Xavier Acklin threw for a season-high of 246 yards, completing 13 of 23 for three touchdowns. Acklin was also responsible for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
Junior wide receiver Jalen Jones ended the game with seven receptions for 155 yards and a touchdown.
The winner of this matchup will move on to the second round against the Cabot Panthers, who have a first-round bye as the first seed from 7A-Central.
Kickoff is set at 7:30 p.m.
MHS ready but must wait to open playoffs
By Kevin Black
UCA sportswriting
The Mayflower Eagles were set to begin the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs tonight, but they will have to wait a few days.
The Class 3A playoffs have been suspended indefinitely after a judge in Russellville agreed late Thursday to overturn the Arkansas Activities Association's ruling that Lamar had played an ineligible player and therefore had to forfeit five 3A-4 conference games, keeping them out of the playoffs. AAA officials are investigating further.
Whenever the playoffs begin, Mayflower will play at Lavaca at 7:30 p.m.
The Eagles (5-5, 5-2) secured the third seed in the 3A-2 Conference with a win a Little Rock Episcopal last week and now face the third seed from 3A-1, the 6-4 Golden Arrows.
Mayflower coach Jed Davis said Lavaca might not be as athletic as other opponents, but the Arrows play hard and blitz often on defense.
“They come at us from all different directions, so we have to be ready for that,” Davis said. “There is going to be a ton of pressure on [the offensive line to play well].”
The Eagles’ offense averages 34 points per game and is led by seniors Demetris Lasker (running back) and Jordan Dycus (quarterback).
“[Lavaca] has real good middle linebackers that we’ve got to account for,” Davis said.
The Golden Arrows run the option play that helps them to score at any time, according to Davis.
“We’re going to try to score every time we get the ball, because with the option that they run, you never know when they are going to break for a big play and go for a touchdown,” Davis said. “So we’ve got to be ready for that.”
Dycus, who has completed 55 percent of his passes this season and thrown for 18 touchdowns, said he expected a disciplined opponent tonight.
“They may not be the best athletes, but they do what they are coached, they do what they are told,” Dycus said. “We expect a good disciplined football team, but we think we can beat them pretty good.”
Prescott (8-2) awaits the winner of this game after a first-round bye.
UCA sportswriting
The Mayflower Eagles were set to begin the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs tonight, but they will have to wait a few days.
The Class 3A playoffs have been suspended indefinitely after a judge in Russellville agreed late Thursday to overturn the Arkansas Activities Association's ruling that Lamar had played an ineligible player and therefore had to forfeit five 3A-4 conference games, keeping them out of the playoffs. AAA officials are investigating further.
Whenever the playoffs begin, Mayflower will play at Lavaca at 7:30 p.m.
The Eagles (5-5, 5-2) secured the third seed in the 3A-2 Conference with a win a Little Rock Episcopal last week and now face the third seed from 3A-1, the 6-4 Golden Arrows.
Mayflower coach Jed Davis said Lavaca might not be as athletic as other opponents, but the Arrows play hard and blitz often on defense.
“They come at us from all different directions, so we have to be ready for that,” Davis said. “There is going to be a ton of pressure on [the offensive line to play well].”
The Eagles’ offense averages 34 points per game and is led by seniors Demetris Lasker (running back) and Jordan Dycus (quarterback).
“[Lavaca] has real good middle linebackers that we’ve got to account for,” Davis said.
The Golden Arrows run the option play that helps them to score at any time, according to Davis.
“We’re going to try to score every time we get the ball, because with the option that they run, you never know when they are going to break for a big play and go for a touchdown,” Davis said. “So we’ve got to be ready for that.”
Dycus, who has completed 55 percent of his passes this season and thrown for 18 touchdowns, said he expected a disciplined opponent tonight.
“They may not be the best athletes, but they do what they are coached, they do what they are told,” Dycus said. “We expect a good disciplined football team, but we think we can beat them pretty good.”
Prescott (8-2) awaits the winner of this game after a first-round bye.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Conway Christian ready to open playoffs
By Charlie Livingston
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Eagles begin their run at a state championship Friday night as they start the Class 2A state playoffs at home.
CCHS (7-3, 6-2 in the 2A-5 conference) gained the league's third seed after winning its last four games, three of which came against conference opponents, including a big win against Ola.
Waiting for CCHS in the first round will be Cross County (6-4, 5-3 in the 2A-3 conference). Cross County finished fourth in its conference, but that is not indicative of the team it has.
“They won something like five straight to end the year, so they're playing well right now, but so are we,” Conway Christian junior Bates Isom said.
The Eagles have worked all season long to get back to the playoffs, and they are playing host to their first playoff game ever, a year after making their playoff debut.
“The coaches wanted us to set goals and this year they wanted us to win at least one playoff game," Tyler Ratliff said. "Hosting a playoff game is gravy.”
Cross County was picked third in the preseason conference rankings but was slow getting out of the gates, losing four of its first five games, albeit to good competition.
Cross County's season turned around after a big win on the road against conference power East Poinsett County in Lepanto. The 33-28 win was the first of the season and from that point on, Cross County won six out of its last seven.
Cross County will be led by senior defensive linemen Dillion Euriga and Blake Strickin. Strickin also plays the offensive line.
Kickoff is set for 7:30.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Eagles begin their run at a state championship Friday night as they start the Class 2A state playoffs at home.
CCHS (7-3, 6-2 in the 2A-5 conference) gained the league's third seed after winning its last four games, three of which came against conference opponents, including a big win against Ola.
Waiting for CCHS in the first round will be Cross County (6-4, 5-3 in the 2A-3 conference). Cross County finished fourth in its conference, but that is not indicative of the team it has.
“They won something like five straight to end the year, so they're playing well right now, but so are we,” Conway Christian junior Bates Isom said.
The Eagles have worked all season long to get back to the playoffs, and they are playing host to their first playoff game ever, a year after making their playoff debut.
“The coaches wanted us to set goals and this year they wanted us to win at least one playoff game," Tyler Ratliff said. "Hosting a playoff game is gravy.”
Cross County was picked third in the preseason conference rankings but was slow getting out of the gates, losing four of its first five games, albeit to good competition.
Cross County's season turned around after a big win on the road against conference power East Poinsett County in Lepanto. The 33-28 win was the first of the season and from that point on, Cross County won six out of its last seven.
Cross County will be led by senior defensive linemen Dillion Euriga and Blake Strickin. Strickin also plays the offensive line.
Kickoff is set for 7:30.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Greenbrier takes Judge's Cup, second seed
By Demetrice Elmore
UCA sportswriting
The Greenbrier Panthers defeated the Vilonia Eagles for the Judge’s Cup in one of the biggest rivalry games of the season last week, 35-20, at Phillip D. Weaver Stadium in Vilonia.
Greenbrier ended the regular season 7-3 overall, 5-2 in the 5A-West. With the win, the Panthers grabbed the league's second seed for the playoffs, following unbeaten Greenwood. Vilonia moved down to the fourth seed; Alma is No. 3.
The Panthers haven’t seen the playoffs in 14 years, and they are proud to be back. Greenbrier will get to play at home starting Friday.
“Our team was very fired up about beating our rivals and getting in the playoffs,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said. “They deserve to be very happy, but now it's time to get to work to win again.”
Vilonia was dealt a bad hand Thursday as they battled to stay in the game. The Eagles had two touchdowns called back and suffered a key injury to one of their standout players.
The Eagles had one of their touchdowns called back in the opening quarter after an official blew a whistle after he thought he saw one of the players stop.
Tribble said he understood how Vilonia felt because he had four or five touchdowns called back this year and it's part of the game. It’s one of those things you have to learn to deal with.
“One was on an inadvertent whistle, which was very unfortunate for Vilonia,” Tribble said. “Our players let up when they heard the whistle, so we don’t know what would have happened. Those things are just part of the game sometimes. It can either be in your favor and sometimes not.”
Greenbrier junior quarterback Neal Burcham completed 20 of 26 attempted passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Junior running back Hunter Winston rushed for 165 yards on 24 carries with three touchdowns. The Panthers' Justin Head also had 10 catches for 101 yards and one touchdown.
“We had a lot of players play well,” Tribble said. “It was one of the biggest games, and that win was great for our program.”
The Panthers will open the playoffs at home Friday against the Little Rock Mills Comets.
UCA sportswriting
The Greenbrier Panthers defeated the Vilonia Eagles for the Judge’s Cup in one of the biggest rivalry games of the season last week, 35-20, at Phillip D. Weaver Stadium in Vilonia.
Greenbrier ended the regular season 7-3 overall, 5-2 in the 5A-West. With the win, the Panthers grabbed the league's second seed for the playoffs, following unbeaten Greenwood. Vilonia moved down to the fourth seed; Alma is No. 3.
The Panthers haven’t seen the playoffs in 14 years, and they are proud to be back. Greenbrier will get to play at home starting Friday.
“Our team was very fired up about beating our rivals and getting in the playoffs,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said. “They deserve to be very happy, but now it's time to get to work to win again.”
Vilonia was dealt a bad hand Thursday as they battled to stay in the game. The Eagles had two touchdowns called back and suffered a key injury to one of their standout players.
The Eagles had one of their touchdowns called back in the opening quarter after an official blew a whistle after he thought he saw one of the players stop.
Tribble said he understood how Vilonia felt because he had four or five touchdowns called back this year and it's part of the game. It’s one of those things you have to learn to deal with.
“One was on an inadvertent whistle, which was very unfortunate for Vilonia,” Tribble said. “Our players let up when they heard the whistle, so we don’t know what would have happened. Those things are just part of the game sometimes. It can either be in your favor and sometimes not.”
Greenbrier junior quarterback Neal Burcham completed 20 of 26 attempted passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Junior running back Hunter Winston rushed for 165 yards on 24 carries with three touchdowns. The Panthers' Justin Head also had 10 catches for 101 yards and one touchdown.
“We had a lot of players play well,” Tribble said. “It was one of the biggest games, and that win was great for our program.”
The Panthers will open the playoffs at home Friday against the Little Rock Mills Comets.
Eagles take third seed into 3A playoffs
Kevin Black
UCA sportswriting
Mayflower beat Little Rock Episcopal Friday, 34-28, to secure the third seed from the 3A-2 Conference for the Class 3A state playoffs, which begin this week.
Seniors Demetris Lasker and Jordan Dycus combined for five touchdowns against the Wildcats.
Eagles coach Jed Davis said he was very pleased with the way the offense performed.
“Demetris was able to break some long runs for us, and Dycus made some key passes when we needed to have them, especially at the end of the game,” Davis said.
The third seed is important, according to Dycus, whose Eagles shared a 4-2 conference record with the Wildcats going into the game.
“[Beating Episcopal] was very big because instead of playing a team like Glen Rose, which is harder, it will be nice playing a team that is a bit like us,” Dycus said.
Dycus threw for 265 yards with two touchdowns and an interception while Lasker rushed for three touchdowns and averaged 8.1 yards per carry.
“We kept fighting," Dycus said. "Our line did a good job of blocking against the blitzes they had, so I was really proud to see that."
The Eagles had 15 first downs on 60 plays and accumulated 518 yards of total offense.
The third seed means that the Eagles (5-5) will face Lavaca (6-4) in round one of the playoffs.
Davis said he liked his chances.
“We’ve seen a little bit of film on [Lavaca], and they are a scrappy bunch of guys,” Davis said. “They’re a lot like Glen Rose; they’re not the most athletic group of guys, but man, they just get after it every play.”
Kickoff at Lavaca on Friday is at 7:30 p.m.
UCA sportswriting
Mayflower beat Little Rock Episcopal Friday, 34-28, to secure the third seed from the 3A-2 Conference for the Class 3A state playoffs, which begin this week.
Seniors Demetris Lasker and Jordan Dycus combined for five touchdowns against the Wildcats.
Eagles coach Jed Davis said he was very pleased with the way the offense performed.
“Demetris was able to break some long runs for us, and Dycus made some key passes when we needed to have them, especially at the end of the game,” Davis said.
The third seed is important, according to Dycus, whose Eagles shared a 4-2 conference record with the Wildcats going into the game.
“[Beating Episcopal] was very big because instead of playing a team like Glen Rose, which is harder, it will be nice playing a team that is a bit like us,” Dycus said.
Dycus threw for 265 yards with two touchdowns and an interception while Lasker rushed for three touchdowns and averaged 8.1 yards per carry.
“We kept fighting," Dycus said. "Our line did a good job of blocking against the blitzes they had, so I was really proud to see that."
The Eagles had 15 first downs on 60 plays and accumulated 518 yards of total offense.
The third seed means that the Eagles (5-5) will face Lavaca (6-4) in round one of the playoffs.
Davis said he liked his chances.
“We’ve seen a little bit of film on [Lavaca], and they are a scrappy bunch of guys,” Davis said. “They’re a lot like Glen Rose; they’re not the most athletic group of guys, but man, they just get after it every play.”
Kickoff at Lavaca on Friday is at 7:30 p.m.
Lady Bulldogs look back on state runner-up season
By Amanda Smallwood
UCA sportswriting
After the most successful season in the program's history, St. Joseph's Lady Bulldogs will be resting the volleyball jerseys until next fall.
Luke Davis' Lady Bulldogs finished 23-1, losing only in the Class 3A state championship match to Mansfield — last year's state runner-up. They also won the first district championship in school history after winning another 3A-Central conference title.
“We knew as a team no matter the outcome we still had an amazing season,” senior Katie Reinhard said.
Added senior Veronica Bausom: “As a team we definitely improved. We learned to better our fundamentals and how the little things played a big role in how far we made it this year.”
Statistically, junior Amy Schichtl delivered 272 kills, averaging 11.3 per match. Junior Jessica Justice totaled 86 aces with an average of 3.6 and 570 assists with an average of 23.75. The leader in digs was junior Jordan Justice with 385, an average of 16.
Bausom, Reinhard, Schichtl and both Justice sister earned all-conference honors. Schichtl and Reinhard made the all-district tournament team; Jessica Justice was named MVP of the district tournament. The Justice sisters and Schichtl earned all-state honors, and Bausom, Courtney Briggler and Katie Halter made the all-state tournament team.
The Lady Bulldogs will lose seniors Bausom and Reinhard, who will be attending the University of Central Arkansas in the fall. With the end of the season, the seniors have special games that symbolize the team’s successful year.
“The playoff matches will always be a great memory for me, especially the match against Harrisburg,” Reinhard said. “The team was down by two games and then we came back to win the match which sent us to the semifinals.”
Bausom said the match against Lavaca would be a lasting memory for the Lady Bulldogs because they defeated the defending state champions and that win sent the team to the state final.
With the overall season, the Lady Bulldogs came together to make lasting memories and great achievements.
“I have never seen a team down by two games to nothing and overcome the odds and win,” Davis said. “The girls showed tremendous heart and character, and that’s how we want all of our students and athletes to carry themselves.”
St. Joseph will return lots of experience next season. Losing only two starters, the Lady Bulldogs plan to accomplish the same goals and win the state title. After a break, the team will start with spring training.
“I think they definitely gained a lot of experience and that is huge for the years to come," Davis said. "With having the majority of the girls coming back next year, there should be no excuses of youth or inexperience.”
Davis said he planned to work on individual skills in the spring, not just to improve that player's ability but also to strengthen the team and have the Lady Bulldogs play as one.
“I want the girls to know what the other one is doing before she does,” Davis said. “This will help with communication and dropped balls a lot.”
Davis said he had things he needed to improve on as well. With this being only his third year coaching volleyball, he still has a lot more to learn about the game.
“I think the more we learn about the game and each other, the more we should be able to have a successful season,” he said.
UCA sportswriting
After the most successful season in the program's history, St. Joseph's Lady Bulldogs will be resting the volleyball jerseys until next fall.
Luke Davis' Lady Bulldogs finished 23-1, losing only in the Class 3A state championship match to Mansfield — last year's state runner-up. They also won the first district championship in school history after winning another 3A-Central conference title.
“We knew as a team no matter the outcome we still had an amazing season,” senior Katie Reinhard said.
Added senior Veronica Bausom: “As a team we definitely improved. We learned to better our fundamentals and how the little things played a big role in how far we made it this year.”
Statistically, junior Amy Schichtl delivered 272 kills, averaging 11.3 per match. Junior Jessica Justice totaled 86 aces with an average of 3.6 and 570 assists with an average of 23.75. The leader in digs was junior Jordan Justice with 385, an average of 16.
Bausom, Reinhard, Schichtl and both Justice sister earned all-conference honors. Schichtl and Reinhard made the all-district tournament team; Jessica Justice was named MVP of the district tournament. The Justice sisters and Schichtl earned all-state honors, and Bausom, Courtney Briggler and Katie Halter made the all-state tournament team.
The Lady Bulldogs will lose seniors Bausom and Reinhard, who will be attending the University of Central Arkansas in the fall. With the end of the season, the seniors have special games that symbolize the team’s successful year.
“The playoff matches will always be a great memory for me, especially the match against Harrisburg,” Reinhard said. “The team was down by two games and then we came back to win the match which sent us to the semifinals.”
Bausom said the match against Lavaca would be a lasting memory for the Lady Bulldogs because they defeated the defending state champions and that win sent the team to the state final.
With the overall season, the Lady Bulldogs came together to make lasting memories and great achievements.
“I have never seen a team down by two games to nothing and overcome the odds and win,” Davis said. “The girls showed tremendous heart and character, and that’s how we want all of our students and athletes to carry themselves.”
St. Joseph will return lots of experience next season. Losing only two starters, the Lady Bulldogs plan to accomplish the same goals and win the state title. After a break, the team will start with spring training.
“I think they definitely gained a lot of experience and that is huge for the years to come," Davis said. "With having the majority of the girls coming back next year, there should be no excuses of youth or inexperience.”
Davis said he planned to work on individual skills in the spring, not just to improve that player's ability but also to strengthen the team and have the Lady Bulldogs play as one.
“I want the girls to know what the other one is doing before she does,” Davis said. “This will help with communication and dropped balls a lot.”
Davis said he had things he needed to improve on as well. With this being only his third year coaching volleyball, he still has a lot more to learn about the game.
“I think the more we learn about the game and each other, the more we should be able to have a successful season,” he said.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Mayflower-Episcopal to set playoff seeds
By Kevin Black
UCA sportswriting
Mayflower — The Mayflower Eagles will play at Episcopal Collegiate Friday night in a 3A-2 Conference match up to determine the third and fourth seeds for the Class 3A State Playoffs, which begin next week.
The two teams share a 4-2 conference record.
Mayflower coach Jed Davis said he plans to try an aggressive passing game.
“We’re going to try to air it out against them tonight,” Davis said. “They stack the box against the last few teams they played, and we feel like the passing game should be wide open for us.”
Last year Mayflower beat the Wildcats 49-7 to win the conference championship and a bye in the first round of the playoffs, but this year the Eagles will have to beat the Wildcats to secure a third seed.
“We’ve put [the win over the Wildcats last season] behind us, because this Episcopal team is different than last year, and so is ours,” Davis said.
An Eagle win would mean a third seed and a first round game against Lavaca, and a loss would leave the Eagles in the fourth seed to play Bauxite, according to Davis.
“I told our team, ‘Look, we’ve got a better chance of making a deep run in the playoffs as a third seed than as a fourth seed,” Davis said.
The Wildcat running backs will present a challenge for the Eagles’ defense, but the offense could decide the game, according to Davis.
“They’ve got some fast shift backs that we are going to have to contain,” Davis said. “But we think it might end up being a shooting match, and we think we’d score more than they can.”
The Eagles offense has averaged 34 points per game this season. Senior Demetris Lasker has accumulated 1,085 yards and scored 15 touchdowns this season to lead the Eagles rushing offense, while senior quarterback Jordan Dycus, who has 2,022 yards passing and 17 touchdowns, manages the passing game.
Lasker and Dycus combined for nine touchdowns against England last week; Dycus had six of those — four passing and two running.
Lasker has battled a groin injury all season.
“[Lasker] is not 100 percent, but he’s going to start for us,” Davis said.
Lasker said the defense would need to play better than it did last week against the winless England Lions, who scored 50 points against the Eagles.
“We’re going to fill up the holes (in the defensive line),” Lasker said. “We should get a win.”
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Conway Christian gets forfeit from Hector
By Charlie Livingston
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Eagles (6-3, 5-2 in the 2A-5 conference) have clinched a playoff spot with one game remaining on the schedule.
Teams often have their playoff positioning wrapped up before playing their final games, but Friday's game between CCHS and Hector is a special situation.
Hector has forfeited the season-ending game for both teams because of a lack of players for the Wildcats.
Conway Christian's next game will in the first round of the playoffs where the Eagles will look to advance after last year's first round exit.
“We're kind of glad that we don't have to play a game that didn't particularly need; our numbers aren't that great either,” Adam (Fuzzy) Ragland said about the Hector game.
It serves as a de facto bye week for the Eagles as they can rest and watch the scoreboard on Friday night to see who their first opponent will be.
“We'll be ready whoever we play," wide receiver Tyler Kalahiki said. "We're in a pretty good stretch of football right now, and we feel like we can play with anyone.”
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Eagles (6-3, 5-2 in the 2A-5 conference) have clinched a playoff spot with one game remaining on the schedule.
Teams often have their playoff positioning wrapped up before playing their final games, but Friday's game between CCHS and Hector is a special situation.
Hector has forfeited the season-ending game for both teams because of a lack of players for the Wildcats.
Conway Christian's next game will in the first round of the playoffs where the Eagles will look to advance after last year's first round exit.
“We're kind of glad that we don't have to play a game that didn't particularly need; our numbers aren't that great either,” Adam (Fuzzy) Ragland said about the Hector game.
It serves as a de facto bye week for the Eagles as they can rest and watch the scoreboard on Friday night to see who their first opponent will be.
“We'll be ready whoever we play," wide receiver Tyler Kalahiki said. "We're in a pretty good stretch of football right now, and we feel like we can play with anyone.”
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Panthers ready for Vilonia
By Demetrice Elmore, Amanda Smallwood and Julie Storing
UCA sportswriting
As the regular season winds down and the state playoffs begin, the Greenbrier Panthers and the Vilonia Eagles take different approaches to the annual Judge’s Cup tonight at Vilonia.
After a disappointing loss to Harrison last week, Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said this final game would be a big deciding factor in the Panthers’ placement in the playoffs.
“This is a huge game,” Tribble said. “Vilonia is our biggest rival. This game will make a big difference. If we win, we play at home. If we lose, we play on the road. It’s a big game for us, and we have to bounce back.”
Greenbrier’s record fell to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the 5A-West conference. Greenbrier and Vilonia are tied for third place in their conference. The top four teams will advance to the Class 5A State Playoffs, so even the loser of this game will continue on in the fourth seed.
Vilonia coach Jim Stanley said his team was taking a more relaxed approach to the game.
“We're treating this game as if it is any other normal game,” he said. “It’s less pressure on this game because we are already in the playoffs.”
Vilonia killed the Panthers in last season’s Judges Cup, 47-7.
“Greenbrier is a different group of kids than last year,” Stanley said. “They are a lot more talented, and their juniors and seniors have improved a lot. Our team this year has gotten a lot younger after losing a lot of our seniors.”
Despite taking this easy approach to the game, Stanley said he would still like the team to capture the third seed.
Tribble said that the short week has caused the Panthers to work hard in a short amount of time.
“We’ll try to correct the mistakes we made Friday night against Harrison,” Tribble said. “Once we finalize our plan, we will work really hard. We have a shorter week, and that means we have to work harder.”
Last week, Greenbrier junior Hunter Winston rushed for 140 yards, and sophomore quarterback Neal Burcham completed 14 of 24 passes for 173 yards.
Last season, both Vilonia and Greenbrier failed to make the state playoffs.
UCA sportswriting
As the regular season winds down and the state playoffs begin, the Greenbrier Panthers and the Vilonia Eagles take different approaches to the annual Judge’s Cup tonight at Vilonia.
After a disappointing loss to Harrison last week, Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said this final game would be a big deciding factor in the Panthers’ placement in the playoffs.
“This is a huge game,” Tribble said. “Vilonia is our biggest rival. This game will make a big difference. If we win, we play at home. If we lose, we play on the road. It’s a big game for us, and we have to bounce back.”
Greenbrier’s record fell to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the 5A-West conference. Greenbrier and Vilonia are tied for third place in their conference. The top four teams will advance to the Class 5A State Playoffs, so even the loser of this game will continue on in the fourth seed.
Vilonia coach Jim Stanley said his team was taking a more relaxed approach to the game.
“We're treating this game as if it is any other normal game,” he said. “It’s less pressure on this game because we are already in the playoffs.”
Vilonia killed the Panthers in last season’s Judges Cup, 47-7.
“Greenbrier is a different group of kids than last year,” Stanley said. “They are a lot more talented, and their juniors and seniors have improved a lot. Our team this year has gotten a lot younger after losing a lot of our seniors.”
Despite taking this easy approach to the game, Stanley said he would still like the team to capture the third seed.
Tribble said that the short week has caused the Panthers to work hard in a short amount of time.
“We’ll try to correct the mistakes we made Friday night against Harrison,” Tribble said. “Once we finalize our plan, we will work really hard. We have a shorter week, and that means we have to work harder.”
Last week, Greenbrier junior Hunter Winston rushed for 140 yards, and sophomore quarterback Neal Burcham completed 14 of 24 passes for 173 yards.
Last season, both Vilonia and Greenbrier failed to make the state playoffs.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Panthers fall at Harrison, drop to 6-3
By Julie Storing
UCA sportswriting
The Greenbrier Panthers lost to the Harrison Goblins, 35-20, in a 5A-West conference game on Friday at Sheridan Garrison Field at Harrison.
Greenbrier fell to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in 5A-West conference play. The Panthers are tied with Vilonia for third; they play each other to close the regular season Thursday. The top four teams will advance to the Class 5A State Playoffs.
“We just didn't execute very well on our offense,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said. “They just had a good plan against us defensively.”
Harrison struck first in the first quarter, but Greenbrier was quick to answer with a 67-yard rush by junior Hunter Winston. Senior TJ Tapley ended his 32-consecutive PAT streak after a failed conversion to put the score at 7-6.
Harrison scored once again in the first quarter, and Greenbrier followed up with a 53-yard pass by sophomore quarterback Neal Burcham to Winston for another touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Goblins racked up two more touchdowns to put Greenbrier behind 28-13. Winston rushed a yard for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but the Panthers never saw another chance to catch the Goblins.
“We had trouble containing Harrison's quarterback,” Tribble said. “He was really fast, and that ended up being the big difference in the game.”
Winston rushed for 140 yards with two touchdowns. Burcham completed 14 of 24 passes for 173 yards.
The Panthers travel to Vilonia on Thursday.
UCA sportswriting
The Greenbrier Panthers lost to the Harrison Goblins, 35-20, in a 5A-West conference game on Friday at Sheridan Garrison Field at Harrison.
Greenbrier fell to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in 5A-West conference play. The Panthers are tied with Vilonia for third; they play each other to close the regular season Thursday. The top four teams will advance to the Class 5A State Playoffs.
“We just didn't execute very well on our offense,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said. “They just had a good plan against us defensively.”
Harrison struck first in the first quarter, but Greenbrier was quick to answer with a 67-yard rush by junior Hunter Winston. Senior TJ Tapley ended his 32-consecutive PAT streak after a failed conversion to put the score at 7-6.
Harrison scored once again in the first quarter, and Greenbrier followed up with a 53-yard pass by sophomore quarterback Neal Burcham to Winston for another touchdown.
In the third quarter, the Goblins racked up two more touchdowns to put Greenbrier behind 28-13. Winston rushed a yard for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but the Panthers never saw another chance to catch the Goblins.
“We had trouble containing Harrison's quarterback,” Tribble said. “He was really fast, and that ended up being the big difference in the game.”
Winston rushed for 140 yards with two touchdowns. Burcham completed 14 of 24 passes for 173 yards.
The Panthers travel to Vilonia on Thursday.
MHS wins football game, 67-50
By Kevin Black
UCA sportswriting
It was a scoring shootout for most of the first half Friday night at Patrick Stadium when Mayflower hosted England, but the Eagles showed more firepower, winning 67-50.
Seniors Jordan Dycus and Demetris Lasker took over on a muddy Senior Night in Mayflower, combining for nine touchdowns to put the Eagles (4-5, 4-2) one win away from clinching the No. 3 Seed from the 3A-2 Conference for the Class 3A State Playoffs, which begin next week.
This win was big for the Eagles, Dycus said, especially on Senior Night.
“We really wanted to come out with a win in our last game at Patrick Stadium," Dycus said.
He threw for four touchdowns and ran for two more against the winless Lions.
This was Dycus’ second six-touchdown performance this season with the other coming against Riverview.
“They were just playing man defense, and our receivers were catching the ball really well, so anytime they can get separation and catch the ball we’re going to have a good night,” Dycus said.
The Eagles converted on fourth down in Lion territory then Lasker fumbled on the next play which the Lions recovered and returned to the Mayflower 25 yard line before scoring in four plays to get 6-0 lead with 4:17 left in the first quarter.
The Eagles scored less than a minute after that when Dycus found senior Wesley Varnell in the end zone to tie the game at 6-6 with 3:25 left in the first quarter.
After an Eagle interception by sophomore Dalton Campell, Dycus found Lasker cutting across the middle for a 45-yard touchdown pass to make it 12-6 with 10:33 remaining in the second quarter.
The Lions would respond in 13 seconds with a 40-yard touchdown return on a Mayflower onside kick to put England up 12-14 with 10:20 left in the second quarter.
The Eagles drove 49 yards on a combination of runs and passes by Dycus who found sophomore Chris Croson for a touchdown with 8:51 remaining in the first half. Lasker punched in the two-point conversion to make it 20-14 Eagles.
In just 14 seconds the Lions struck back with a 61-yard touchdown pass followed by a successful two-point conversions to take back the lead 22-20.
The Lions picked off Dycus then fumbled on their third play, which senior Preston Hurt recovered for the Eagles on the Lion 4.
Lasker scored in the Eagles first attempt from four yards out and Dycus was successful on the two-point conversion run making it 28-22 Eagles with 6:20 in the first half.
After the Lions tied it up at 28 with a 2-yard touchdown run, Dycus scampered 16 yards for a touchdown then hooked up with Lasker for a successful two-point conversion to put Mayflower up 36-28 with the first half winding down.
The Lions turned the ball over on downs, then after three straight incomplete passes Dycus found senior Lane Mabry for an eight-yard touchdown. The Eagles two-point conversion attempt failed as they took a 48-28 lead into halftime.
The Eagles never looked back in the second half as Lasker broke for a 20-yard touchdown run, a 42-yard touchdown run and a 43-yard gain that set up a two-yard touchdown run by Dycus.
Lasker has been battling a groin injury this season.
[The groin injury] is still not 100 percent, but my team needs me so I’ll play through it,” Lasker said.
The offense was clicking, according to Lasker.
“Our passing game was working for us, our linemen were blocking real good and I was just reading off of them and running hard up-field,” he said.
Dycus said the defense played a big role in ending the scoring shootout that took place in the first half.
“Our defense made some big stops, so we just took it down and scored on them,” Dycus said. “That really changed the momentum of the game.”
Mayflower and Episcopal Collegiate now share 4-2 conference records and will play to establish the third and fourth seeds Friday night in Little Rock at 7 p.m.
UCA sportswriting
It was a scoring shootout for most of the first half Friday night at Patrick Stadium when Mayflower hosted England, but the Eagles showed more firepower, winning 67-50.
Seniors Jordan Dycus and Demetris Lasker took over on a muddy Senior Night in Mayflower, combining for nine touchdowns to put the Eagles (4-5, 4-2) one win away from clinching the No. 3 Seed from the 3A-2 Conference for the Class 3A State Playoffs, which begin next week.
This win was big for the Eagles, Dycus said, especially on Senior Night.
“We really wanted to come out with a win in our last game at Patrick Stadium," Dycus said.
He threw for four touchdowns and ran for two more against the winless Lions.
This was Dycus’ second six-touchdown performance this season with the other coming against Riverview.
“They were just playing man defense, and our receivers were catching the ball really well, so anytime they can get separation and catch the ball we’re going to have a good night,” Dycus said.
The Eagles converted on fourth down in Lion territory then Lasker fumbled on the next play which the Lions recovered and returned to the Mayflower 25 yard line before scoring in four plays to get 6-0 lead with 4:17 left in the first quarter.
The Eagles scored less than a minute after that when Dycus found senior Wesley Varnell in the end zone to tie the game at 6-6 with 3:25 left in the first quarter.
After an Eagle interception by sophomore Dalton Campell, Dycus found Lasker cutting across the middle for a 45-yard touchdown pass to make it 12-6 with 10:33 remaining in the second quarter.
The Lions would respond in 13 seconds with a 40-yard touchdown return on a Mayflower onside kick to put England up 12-14 with 10:20 left in the second quarter.
The Eagles drove 49 yards on a combination of runs and passes by Dycus who found sophomore Chris Croson for a touchdown with 8:51 remaining in the first half. Lasker punched in the two-point conversion to make it 20-14 Eagles.
In just 14 seconds the Lions struck back with a 61-yard touchdown pass followed by a successful two-point conversions to take back the lead 22-20.
The Lions picked off Dycus then fumbled on their third play, which senior Preston Hurt recovered for the Eagles on the Lion 4.
Lasker scored in the Eagles first attempt from four yards out and Dycus was successful on the two-point conversion run making it 28-22 Eagles with 6:20 in the first half.
After the Lions tied it up at 28 with a 2-yard touchdown run, Dycus scampered 16 yards for a touchdown then hooked up with Lasker for a successful two-point conversion to put Mayflower up 36-28 with the first half winding down.
The Lions turned the ball over on downs, then after three straight incomplete passes Dycus found senior Lane Mabry for an eight-yard touchdown. The Eagles two-point conversion attempt failed as they took a 48-28 lead into halftime.
The Eagles never looked back in the second half as Lasker broke for a 20-yard touchdown run, a 42-yard touchdown run and a 43-yard gain that set up a two-yard touchdown run by Dycus.
Lasker has been battling a groin injury this season.
[The groin injury] is still not 100 percent, but my team needs me so I’ll play through it,” Lasker said.
The offense was clicking, according to Lasker.
“Our passing game was working for us, our linemen were blocking real good and I was just reading off of them and running hard up-field,” he said.
Dycus said the defense played a big role in ending the scoring shootout that took place in the first half.
“Our defense made some big stops, so we just took it down and scored on them,” Dycus said. “That really changed the momentum of the game.”
Mayflower and Episcopal Collegiate now share 4-2 conference records and will play to establish the third and fourth seeds Friday night in Little Rock at 7 p.m.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Lady Bulldogs fall to Mansfield in title match
By Amanda Smallwood
UCA sportswriting
After a great season, the St. Joseph Lady Bulldogs lost to Mansfield, 25-17, 25-11, 21-25, 25-21, in the Class 3A state championship match at the Arkansas State University’s Convocation Center.
“The girls were very disappointed,” St. Joseph coach Luke Davis said. “We had a great year but now we have the experience of finals so we have some things to work on for next season.”
This match marked the first defeat of the season for the Lady Bulldogs, who finished 23-1, and also the first time for the Lady Bulldogs to reach the state finals.
“At times we would look really hard to beat,” Davis said, "while other times we would make some mistakes we usually don't make.”
After losing the first two games, the Lady Bulldogs came back to win the third game. This was similar to the Harrisburg match in the quarterfinals, which St. Joe won in five games.
“The team was nervous and did not play,” Davis said. “Mansfield is a real good team but I felt like we gave them the first two games before deciding to play.”
Junior Jessica Justice delivered 31 assisst while junior Amy Schichtl finished with 20 kills. Junior Jordan Justice had 20 digs and sophomore Tori Carter had seven digs. Both senior Veronica Bausom and sophomore Courtney Brigger achieved five kills. Bausom also accomplished two aces.
Davis said the Justice sisters and Schichtl gave the team a chance with the win in the third game.
Junior Katie Halter, Bausom and Briggler were named to the all-state tournament team.
Davis said, after playing Mansfield, he hoped the girls learned that they have to be able to move quicker on defense and be stronger blockers.
After lasting this far in the state tournament, the Lady Bulldogs not only accomplished team goals but also matured as a team.
“I'm proud of the girls overall," Davis said. "Until the finals we found ways to fight through the mistakes and found ways to win. The match against Harrisburg in the quarterfinals made the girls grow up the most as a team. They realized no matter how far you are down, playing together could bring you back. We made school history; so I am very proud.”
After being in the state title match, the Lady Bulldogs have a lot of work for next season.
“My seniors next year will have been to the state tournament all three years and have now been to the finals,” Davis said. “There should be no excuses for nerves if we can make it back next year. So consistency is the biggest thing we will work on for next year.”
The Lady Bulldogs will be losing two seniors, captain Veronica Bausom and co-captain Katie Reinhard.
St. Joseph also won the 3A-Central conference title and district tournament.
UCA sportswriting
After a great season, the St. Joseph Lady Bulldogs lost to Mansfield, 25-17, 25-11, 21-25, 25-21, in the Class 3A state championship match at the Arkansas State University’s Convocation Center.
“The girls were very disappointed,” St. Joseph coach Luke Davis said. “We had a great year but now we have the experience of finals so we have some things to work on for next season.”
This match marked the first defeat of the season for the Lady Bulldogs, who finished 23-1, and also the first time for the Lady Bulldogs to reach the state finals.
“At times we would look really hard to beat,” Davis said, "while other times we would make some mistakes we usually don't make.”
After losing the first two games, the Lady Bulldogs came back to win the third game. This was similar to the Harrisburg match in the quarterfinals, which St. Joe won in five games.
“The team was nervous and did not play,” Davis said. “Mansfield is a real good team but I felt like we gave them the first two games before deciding to play.”
Junior Jessica Justice delivered 31 assisst while junior Amy Schichtl finished with 20 kills. Junior Jordan Justice had 20 digs and sophomore Tori Carter had seven digs. Both senior Veronica Bausom and sophomore Courtney Brigger achieved five kills. Bausom also accomplished two aces.
Davis said the Justice sisters and Schichtl gave the team a chance with the win in the third game.
Junior Katie Halter, Bausom and Briggler were named to the all-state tournament team.
Davis said, after playing Mansfield, he hoped the girls learned that they have to be able to move quicker on defense and be stronger blockers.
After lasting this far in the state tournament, the Lady Bulldogs not only accomplished team goals but also matured as a team.
“I'm proud of the girls overall," Davis said. "Until the finals we found ways to fight through the mistakes and found ways to win. The match against Harrisburg in the quarterfinals made the girls grow up the most as a team. They realized no matter how far you are down, playing together could bring you back. We made school history; so I am very proud.”
After being in the state title match, the Lady Bulldogs have a lot of work for next season.
“My seniors next year will have been to the state tournament all three years and have now been to the finals,” Davis said. “There should be no excuses for nerves if we can make it back next year. So consistency is the biggest thing we will work on for next year.”
The Lady Bulldogs will be losing two seniors, captain Veronica Bausom and co-captain Katie Reinhard.
St. Joseph also won the 3A-Central conference title and district tournament.
Lady Bulldogs move to state title match
By Demetrice Elmore
UCA sportswriting
St. Joseph’s Lady Bulldogs defeated Lavaca, the defending state champion, in the semifinals Thursday of the Class 3A State Volleyball Tournament at the Harrison Youth Center.
St. Joe won, 25-11, 25-19, 25-21, to improve to 23-0 and advance to the championship match Saturday at the Convocation Center at Arkansas State University.
“This was a huge win for us,” St. Joseph coach Luke Davis said. “This tournament has given us a lot of experience, and it’s great for our future as a team.”
The Lady Bulldogs came out hungry as they squared off with Lavaca for the first time in tournament play and ended the first game strongly, winning by 14. The Lady Bulldogs remained consistent with their regular season play, ending most matches by three games.
“We got a little excited after the first win,” Davis said. “ The girls began to encourage each other to stay focused on the game. They knew that they had to have three games to win the match.”
Junior Amy Schichtl led the Lady Bulldogs with 15 kills while sophomore Courtney Briggler contributed seven. Junior Jessica Justice served seven aces and had 26 assists. Junior Jessica Justice recorded 14 digs. Senior Katie Reinhard also assisted with three blocks.
The Lady Bulldogs had no missed serves the entire match.
Davis said he told his team not to get satisfied with just making to the state championship match.
“We don’t need to get satisfied until we see the last point scored in the championship match,” he said. “We have to keep going and stay prepared for Saturday.”
Davis said this season has started new traditions at St. Joe. The Lady Bulldogs hope to influence more students to play volleyball after the huge success from the tournament and season play.
The Lady Bulldogs will face last year’s runner-up, Mansfield, for the state championship title. The Lady Tigers are the No. 1 seed from the Northwest. The Lady Tigers defeated Conway Christian and Crowley’s Ridge Academy alongside Union Christian to advance to the championship match.
“We know they have only lost one girl from last year,” Davis said. “They play eight girls, and six of them are seniors, so they are experienced. They hit the ball well and it’s going to be a tough chore. We have to bring our 'A' game, and have a little luck to win Saturday.”
UCA sportswriting
St. Joseph’s Lady Bulldogs defeated Lavaca, the defending state champion, in the semifinals Thursday of the Class 3A State Volleyball Tournament at the Harrison Youth Center.
St. Joe won, 25-11, 25-19, 25-21, to improve to 23-0 and advance to the championship match Saturday at the Convocation Center at Arkansas State University.
“This was a huge win for us,” St. Joseph coach Luke Davis said. “This tournament has given us a lot of experience, and it’s great for our future as a team.”
The Lady Bulldogs came out hungry as they squared off with Lavaca for the first time in tournament play and ended the first game strongly, winning by 14. The Lady Bulldogs remained consistent with their regular season play, ending most matches by three games.
“We got a little excited after the first win,” Davis said. “ The girls began to encourage each other to stay focused on the game. They knew that they had to have three games to win the match.”
Junior Amy Schichtl led the Lady Bulldogs with 15 kills while sophomore Courtney Briggler contributed seven. Junior Jessica Justice served seven aces and had 26 assists. Junior Jessica Justice recorded 14 digs. Senior Katie Reinhard also assisted with three blocks.
The Lady Bulldogs had no missed serves the entire match.
Davis said he told his team not to get satisfied with just making to the state championship match.
“We don’t need to get satisfied until we see the last point scored in the championship match,” he said. “We have to keep going and stay prepared for Saturday.”
Davis said this season has started new traditions at St. Joe. The Lady Bulldogs hope to influence more students to play volleyball after the huge success from the tournament and season play.
The Lady Bulldogs will face last year’s runner-up, Mansfield, for the state championship title. The Lady Tigers are the No. 1 seed from the Northwest. The Lady Tigers defeated Conway Christian and Crowley’s Ridge Academy alongside Union Christian to advance to the championship match.
“We know they have only lost one girl from last year,” Davis said. “They play eight girls, and six of them are seniors, so they are experienced. They hit the ball well and it’s going to be a tough chore. We have to bring our 'A' game, and have a little luck to win Saturday.”
Conway Christian ready for Ola
By Charles Livingston
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Eagles won their last non-conference game of the season last Friday but now must focus on finishing strongly in the 2A-5 conference race.
CCHS (5-3, 4-2) plays host to Ola (6-2, 4-2 in 2A-5) Friday in a game that could very well decide a playoff spot for the winner.
Both teams have lost to Danville so far, but Ola was able to beat Mountain Pine at home in Week 3. Mountain Pine beat CCHS in Week 6, 41-14.
In Class 2A, the top five teams from each conference make the state playoffs, and at 4-2 in conference, both teams have a leg up on teams that they have already been beaten, but any slipup could cost them in the long run.
“We just have to come out and be ready to play," said Tyler Kalahiki, a senior receiver and linebacker. "(Ola is) a good team, beat Mountain Pine who's a good team, and so long as we play our best game we'll be in it."
Ola and Conway Christian were in the same boat entering this year. Both teams made the playoffs last season and both saw their seasons ended early with first-round losses.
“Last year was disappointing, but we have a chance to be better,” Conway Christian's Landon Legree said.
The Gators had a five-game winning streak to start the season before losing two of their last three.
Ola has a new head coach in 2009 as the Josh Harrison era gets underway. The Gators' offense is led by senior running back Clay Damon and senior offensive lineman Brock Wald.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Eagles won their last non-conference game of the season last Friday but now must focus on finishing strongly in the 2A-5 conference race.
CCHS (5-3, 4-2) plays host to Ola (6-2, 4-2 in 2A-5) Friday in a game that could very well decide a playoff spot for the winner.
Both teams have lost to Danville so far, but Ola was able to beat Mountain Pine at home in Week 3. Mountain Pine beat CCHS in Week 6, 41-14.
In Class 2A, the top five teams from each conference make the state playoffs, and at 4-2 in conference, both teams have a leg up on teams that they have already been beaten, but any slipup could cost them in the long run.
“We just have to come out and be ready to play," said Tyler Kalahiki, a senior receiver and linebacker. "(Ola is) a good team, beat Mountain Pine who's a good team, and so long as we play our best game we'll be in it."
Ola and Conway Christian were in the same boat entering this year. Both teams made the playoffs last season and both saw their seasons ended early with first-round losses.
“Last year was disappointing, but we have a chance to be better,” Conway Christian's Landon Legree said.
The Gators had a five-game winning streak to start the season before losing two of their last three.
Ola has a new head coach in 2009 as the Josh Harrison era gets underway. The Gators' offense is led by senior running back Clay Damon and senior offensive lineman Brock Wald.
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