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5 One Town. One Team. One Dream. BLYTHEVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Home of the Chickasaws
“We’re going to be better as a team and the locker room is going to be better too,” Fisher said. “Kids are buying in and doing what we want them to do. It’s looking more like a football team and less like just a bunch of good athletes out here playing ball.”
NEA TownBlytheville’sCourier last playoff win in 2018 ended a 24-year drought for the Chickasaws. Leading the squad then was head coach Ben Fisher, and after three years as an assistant, he’s back to lead the Chickasaws again. The team finished just 2-8 last season, but by redefining the culture, Fisher believes the team can re gain its previous success. “We’ve really worked hard on weeding out the negativity. It blew my mind [before] that one of our kids would get the mess knocked out of him, and we’d be on the sideline jumping up and down, hootin’ and hollerin’. That’s your teammate, you should be having his back,” Fisher said. “But we were at team camp and one of West Memphis’ linebackers caught one of our receivers coming across the middle and just knocked him out. And what I liked was, our kids rallied around it. There wasn’t a fight or anything, but instead of hootin’ and hollerin’ around the big hit, they rallied and were [ready to respond on the field]. Before, we didn’t have that. It was almost like we were too cool to do anything and were afraid someone would laugh at us. But it’s changed now, we want to win.”
Creating that culture and building consisten cy has been a focus for the coaching staff as a whole. Gathering and retaining Blytheville alumni has played a heavy role in reaching those goals.
“Ever yone of the assistants but one is a Bly theville graduate. They’ve gone to college, spent time elsewhere and come back. And I think that’s good for our kids because they’re from here and they’ll stick around for a little bit. I think turnover in coaches is kind of what put us in a bind the past three years. Now, they’ve got some consistency. And even though I wasn’t the head coach last year, they’ve gotten to see me everyday. It’s not like they have to learn somebody new, they know what they can and can’t do around all of our coaches,” Fisher said.
By Marcus McClain
Fisher returns to the helm for Chicks
#ChickasawPride
A part of that desired culture is commitment to practice which Fisher has been impressed with. He inherits a squad with a small number of upperclass
“Seniors Travis Luster and Wills Gulic are returning on the offensive line and they’re both college prospects. Wills is a D1 prospect and Travis has been getting a lot of attention from the D2 schools and SEMO really liked him as well,” Fisher said.
“They’re not real vocal, but they’re going to lead by example. You can look at them and see that they’re going to be the hardest workers. It’s good to have your older guys be leaders, but I like to have the younger guys step up too.”
To improve the team’s effectiveness, Fisher has also simplified their spread offense. “Last year we were so multiple, we never got great at anything. This year, we have a handful of formations. They got sick of it in the Spring because we’d take one whole Spring practice and only ran two plays. But I guarantee if we were in the fourth quarter during the last two minutes, I could call a play and it doesn’t matter how tired they are. They could run it with their eyes closed. That’s what we needed, some consistency in the offense that we can pick up quick so we can play quick.”
“I’ve enjoyed it, I feel rejuvenated and ready to go,” Fisher said.
On the defensive side of the ball, Fisher noted Jontavion Bruin’s shift to defensive end from lineback er and referred back to the sophomore class’ presence in the secondary. He also noted the team’s desire to make amends for last season, along with himself.
quarterback Jontavious Johnson will be leading the offense from the backfield, along with junior running backs Ingram Battles and Tim Brown Jr. Two of the teams returning seniors will be a driving force for the Chicks on the offensive line.
7 men, but the sophomore class will enter this season with more experience than most. Many of them played varsity as freshmen and will be relied on again to make big contributions.Sophomore
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9 Locations: 1031 E Main St. Blytheville, AR 72315 2720 W Keiser Ave. Osceola, AR 72370 Wishing all teams the best this season!
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“He’s one of the best backs in the confer ence,” Powell said. Junior Cooper Argo will be the wing this season after starting at wide receiver last year, junior Omar McCuiston will be the X receiver and junior Kavan Jennings and sophomore Tyrus Reel 35EPC returns experience on both sides
Senior Carter Smith returns to run the spread offense again for Powell. “He got better every week last year and we expect him to be a mature senior leader this year,” Powell said.
“We are low on numbers with 22 players but the experience we return will give us the potential to have a good season,” Powell said.
The Warriors started last season 0-6 but fin ished the season 5-7, after reeling off three straight conference wins. They went on to collect two state playoff wins, a 36-8 home victory over Mountain burg and a 28-20 road win at Quitman. EPC fell, 22, at Clarendon in the quarterfinals.
Junior Dennis Gaines, Jr. starts again at tailback after a good season last year.
By Cosmo Cossey Poinsett County Democrat Tribune East Poinsett County returns several starters on both sides of the ball and Coach Brandon Powell excited the possibilities for his team.
#TheWarriorsWay
Senior Ethan Tucker will be a three-year starter at guard as two-year starter Michael Collins will play the other guard spot. Emery Constant will start at tackle for a third year and be joined by senior Hayden Holman at the other tackle spot for a second straight year. Senior Omar Penaloza and sophomore Moises Penaloza will help out on the offensive line. “We have a ton of experience up front. They are big, smart and athletic. This may be the best group of lineman we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Powell said.
will play the slot. Junior Tyler Moore will start again at tight end for the Warriors.
Senior Jamarkius Garrett took over at center midway through last season and will start again at that position this year.
EPC will be in a new conference this year as they will play in the 2A-2 with Des Arc and Lee along with McCrory, Marked Tree, Earle, Cross County and Clarendon.“The new conference will be brutal. A few teams used to still be playing on Thanksgiving week end,” Powell said. “McCrory is the defending state champion and Des Arc is always vying for a title and is always around the top of the conference race. Marked Tree, Earle and Clarendon can all go and get after you on defense. Cross County is switching to a veer runheavy type offense and not much is known about Lee,” Powell added. “If you are not healthy on Friday nights, you may be in trouble this season,” Powell added.
The defensive line in EPC’s 3-4 base defense will be another strong area for the Warriors. Garrett will again start at nose guard with Tucker and Con stant starting at the defensive end spots. “This line is big and physical and can make plays. Tucker and Con stant might be the two best ends in the conference,” Powell said.The Penalozas, along with senior Zander Weav er, could provide relief for the line. Collins and Moore will be the inside linebackers with Gaines and Argo lining up at the outside linebacker positions. Senior Jamarious Williams will also see playing time at line backer. Jennings will start again at one cornerback while junior Hunter Kimbrell and sophomore La dainian Hillis and Tristan Lard battle for the other cornerback position. McCuiston and Reel both return to start at the safety positions. Constant will handle regular kickoffs, Holiman will do onside kicks and Smith will handle the punting duties.
15 EPC WARRIORS 1 - Trevor Smith 2 Kavan Jennings 3 Ladainian Hillis 4 - Anthony Parrish 5 Cooper Argo 15 - Tristan Lard 24 Dennis Gaines, Jr 28 Hunter Kimbrell 32 Tyler Moore 50 - Ethan Tucker 6 -Carter Smith 7 Francisco Hernandez 10 Tyrus Reel 11- Omar McCuiston 12 - Jamarious Williams 52 Michael Collins 53 Jamarkius Garrett 54 - Moises Penaloza 55 Omar Penaloza 56 Hayden Holiman 57 - Zane Spencer 65 Emery Constant 69 Keith Bishop 72 - Zander Weaver “We are low on numbers, but the experience we return will give us the potential to have a good season,” - Coach Brandon Powell
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As last season came to a close, the Gosnell Pirates held only 18 active players due to a number of different reasons. With a roster of nearly 40 this sea son, the Pirates are expecting both the sidelines and scorebooks to look drastically different. The team finished with a 1-8 record last sea son, riddled with injury as the season progressed. The Pirates attacked defenses with the flex bone offense last year, but the team will return to their previous spread offense for the upcoming“Weyear.have a suffi cient line this year, last year we were re ally small up front. We got two starters coming back and two Thosecomingsophomoresupfromthejr.highteam.[sophomores]
have really grown and developed. They’ve almost dou bled their bench and squat max from last year,” head coach Lewis Earnest said. However, changing the offense is only part of the transition for the Pirates. After spending a year at quarterback, senior Floyd Williams will make the shift to running back, and senior Reid Shelton will take the helm at QB. Fellow senior Bryce White and junior Cam Williams will share time on the outside. “[Floyd] is definitely a dynamic athlete. I told him I think the best fit, for him and the team, is to play run ning back because he is so dynamic and explosive. He’s a one play, touchdown kind of guy. He’s a threat at any time in the Williamsgame.”will also play a big role on the defen sive side of the ball at cornerback. “He’s gotten a lot of D1 attention and a lot of schools love him,” Earnest said. “His brother, [Cam], will be the same way next year. Him and Floyd are around the same speed, Cam’s a little bigger, but they have the same attitude and work ethic. So I expect that Cam will be in the same boat next year.”“We’re staying in the 3-4 and bringing back 10 of the 11 starters on defense. Our defense wasn’t bad last year, they just had to stay on the field too long be
By Marcus McClain NEA Town Courier
Pirates seek return to the top of 3A
#GosnellPirateNation
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Coltin
TheApel.Pirates
The Pirates will have more opportunities to perform in front of the Gosnell crowd at J.W. Rea Field this season as well, with six home games as opposed to four last year.
“We had some really good showings in camps and 7 on 7 this year. We went to A-State and beat West Memphis and Jonesboro. At Hoxie, we beat a lot of really good teams, too. Seven on seven is not real football, but it did show us that we can compete with anyone athletically. We have 13 seniors which is huge for us and 12 of them have been in the program since I’ve been here. They’ve developed each year and you can really tell how much bigger and faster we are compared to last year. We feel really good about this season,” Earnest said. “[The senior group] are all really high charac ter leaders. All of them are here everyday, they never miss. They hold the younger ones accountable. Mason Moore is our defensive captain, Shelton and Williams are our offensive captains and they do a good job hold ing everyone accountable.”
Another adjustment will include Earnest taking over the play calling duties after assistant coach Rich ard Griffith’s departure from the team. It’ll be the first time Earnest has stepped into the offensive coordinator role. The sidelines will also feature Gosnell alum Humble and recent Arkansas Tech University graduate Spencer used a number of team camps to further prepare for the season. Development there, coupled with senior leadership, is expected to play a key factor throughout the season.
21 GOSNELL PIRATES 1 - Floyd Williams 2 Tedarian Partee 3 Cam Williams 4 - Carson Tally 5 Reid Shelton 7 Mehki King 8 Xavier Lewis 9 - Brandon Razr 10 - Daniel Smith 11 Trent Middleton 12 Pearcy Wright 13 Chad Stewart 15 - Calolv Richmond 16 Stephen McDay 17 Bryce White 19 Mannuel Ajanel 20 Sebastian Lara 21 - Sid Lara 25 - Bryston Garner 27 Jason Shepard 28 - Devan Spicer 39 Mason Moore 41 Charles Kennemore 45 - Kaden Read 40 - Christian Jackson 50 - Sloan Harrison 56 Javonte Williams 57 Ahamad Turner 58 - Jamarion Swanigan 65 - Peyton Stegall
GOSNELL PIRATES 71 - Alijah Brown 72 - Connor Wilson 73 - Riley Grisham 74 Tre Guy 75 Eli Willing 77 Don Willing “We have 13 seniors which is huge for us and 12 of them have been in the program since I’ve been here. They’ve developed each year and you can really tell how much bigger and faster we are compared to last year. We feel really good about this season,” - Head Coach Lewis Earnest Sr. High Pirates Cheerleaders 318 W Main St., Blytheville, AR 73215 Cosmetologist: Samaria Hodges Barbers: Dewayne Hill Rober t Jeffer son Call 870-225-8701 For An Appointment We Take Walk-Ins Depending on Availability The Red Ball
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Hornets under new leadership
Coach Darrick Ware takes over for the de parted Aaron Thornton and the Hornets move into the tough 4A-3 conference after spending the last two years in the 3A-3. The Hornets went 5-5 last year to finish fourth in the conference. Harrisburg lost, 3529, to Harmony Grove in the first round of the state playoffs. Ware will have 27 kids dressed out on Friday nights. Ware, who will enter his 16th year in coaching, comes to Harrisburg after coaching the last three years at McKinney Christian Academy in Texas. Ware also spent six years as a coach at McKinney High School.
By Cosmo Cossey
“I experienced the smaller school atmosphere with McKinney Christian and also got to experience Friday Night Lights with 6A McKinney High,” Ware said. The transition has been good for him and his family. “We have been wel comed by the community, the kids have been great, everyone has come out to help from parents, fellow teachers, administra tion and the community,” Ware added.
Poinsett County Democrat Tribune
Sophomore Eastin Gray will start at quarterback as sophomore Max Tracy will be the backup quarterback. Sophomores Marcus Barlow and Braden Brock along with junior Gavin Kimble will see time at running back. Seniors Trey Davis and Noah Brooks return as wide receivers along with junior Grant Henry. Juniors Untarious Tate, Ethan Chambers and sophomore Evan Henley will provide help at wide receiver.Junior Aidan Mullins will line up at center with seniors Khalil Todd and Jimmy Johnson returning to play the guard positions. Juniors Jordan Turner and Trey Blackwood will man the tackle spots. Juniors An thony Miranti, Coltan Harris, Fernando Montes, Caleb Farmer and sophomores Cody and Zach Webb will help out on the offensive line.
Harrisburg goes into the 2022 football season under new leadership and a new conference.
Harrisburg’s base defense will be a 3-4 with Mullins lining up at nose guard. Todd, Johnson, Harris, Davis and Turner will all see time at the defensive end spots. Barlow and Kimble will be outside linebackers with Davis seeing playing time, too. Brock and sophomore Conner Henderson will be the inside line backers. Brooks, Tate and Henley will all see playing at cornerback as Henry, Chambers and sophomore Andrew England will see time at the safety positions. “England has done a good job at safety for us,” Ware said. Ware said the kids are hard working, respectful and kind to each other. “We are watching the culture grow here. We are giving
“We’ll go no huddle but want to be able to go fast or slow. We also want to be able to beat you run ning or throwing the ball,” Ware said of his offense.
StingEm
The Hornets new conference will have Trumann, Westside, Rivercrest, Pocahontas, Highland, Gosnell and Blytheville. Ware said he doesn’t know much about the conference but has been told that Pocahontas will be one of the top teams, along with Rivercrest. “It’s a tough conference, we’ll need to be ready to play each Friday night,” Ware said.
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the kids a lot of ownership of the team telling them this is your team, make it what you want it to be. Several of the kids have stepped up as leaders,” Ware said.
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HARRISBURG HORNETS 2 - Untarious Tate 3 - Ethan Chambers 4 Noah Brooks 5 Marcus Barlow 6 - Evan Henley 8 Braden Brock 10 - Max Tracy 11 - Jordan Condra 14 Andrew Venable 18 Cade Roark 24 Andrew England 47 Gavin Kimble 50 - Cody Webb 53 - Zach Webb 54 Trey Blackwood 59 Jordan Turner 73 Fernando Montes de Oca 74 - Anthony Miranti 76 Caleb Farmer 80 Trey Davis “We have been welcomed by community, the kids have been great, everyone has come out to help from parents, fellow teachers, administration and the community,” - Coach Darrick Ware
29 Our very best wishes to all our Area Football Teams. Blytheville Locations Gosnell 100 Terrace Dr. 870-532-5028 Osceola 1480 W. Keiser Ave. 870-563-3189 711 N. 6th St. 870-763-9304 1010 E. Main 870-763-2601 Vineyard VPlus ineyard Plus Hwy. 18 • Leachville, AR 870-539-2293 Go Lions
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“You’ll see a lot of moving parts in getting our best 11 on the field on defense. I take pride in being able to stop people and these kids do too. As long as we’re flying around on that side of the ball, we’ll be in good shape.”Offensively, junior Felipe Lozano will take on the quarterback responsibilities. He took only a few snaps last season under center, but many came in a critical matchup on the road against Harrisburg. That contest was one of Manila’s hardest fought, and White believes that moment will help propel Lozano in a more consistent role in the backfield. coachable kid. He’s a leader by example kind of guy, but his vocal “He’s a really athletic kid and a really “Mullen Lions look to build on historic season
ThisCourierseasonwill serve as the sequel to a groundbreaking year in ‘21 for the Manila Lions. After reaching a program-record nine wins and its first play off victory, the Lions are prepared for the challenge of a follow-up.“We still want to have that chip on our shoul der,” second-year head coach Cain White said. “Peo ple may think [last season] was a fluke, or a one-hit wonder, but I don’t think that’s going to be the case with this group. This class has taken that identity we built and started to transfer it over. They’re bleeding it throughout the program, that’s the beautiful part about it. We’re building that identity for Manila football.”
The Lions’ lost 13 players to graduation last year, but are returning the same amount with this year’s senior class. “Around eight or nine of them were really intricate parts of what we did last year. They really got to see first hand how everything went and how last year’s seniors led. Now, this group is kind of picking up where they left off,” White said. Defensively, that group includes a linebacking corps White believes can be one of the best in 3A. The group of Mason Mullen, Brian Neal and Eli Lackey will spearhead the Lion charge.“Mullen will be our mike lineback er. Neal had 76 tackles in just nine full games last year and 16 against Booneville in the state playoffs. That was special, we’re excited about him. Lackey is coming off an ACL injury and has slowly worked his way back to full speed. These guys are going to compete and be lead ers. This is the most excited I’ve been about a position group since I’ve been here,” White said.
#RoarLionsRoar
With this defensive core, the Lions will line up more in the 4-3 this season. White noted there’s several in the sophomore and junior class that will see time on the defensive line as well. The staff’s goal is to replicate much of last season’s production, holding 6 of the 12 opponents to under two touchdowns.
By Marcus McClain NEA Town
“I think now, when people come to Manila, they expect a tough and hard hitting game. That’s a testament to our kids, what they’ve done in the weight room and how they prepare themselves. It’s a fun time to be a Manila Lion,” White said. Sr. High Lions Cheerleaders
33 leadership has really stepped up as well. He’s starting to learn our offense inside and out, and his confidence has risen a lot over the past few months,” White said.
That was a big moment in learning that we’re all one and I don’t have to do this all by myself,” White said.
“Those guys are the backbone. It’s not me and my assistants, it’s us as a coaching staff.” That type of culture helped carry the Lions last season, and further developing it on and off the field, is how Manila plans to continue success this year also.
Despite having a large roster turnover, one con stant for the Lions is the coaching staff. Each member is returning from last year’s group to continue leading the program. White noted that this not only provides a huge help for the students athletes, but to him as well. Recalling last season’s opening game, White detailed a significant moment the staff’s contributions were put into perspective.“We’reprepping for the game and you know in football there’s a ton of stuff to do. There’s tons that goes into a gameday. I’m running around trying to do everything and Coach [Jarrod] Bailey just grabbed me and said, ‘Stop, tell us what to do. You can’t do it alone.’
“I think him getting those snaps last year, espe cially in that Harrisburg game, was huge. His eyes were huge and his hands were shaking when we put him in there, but he stepped up and succeeded. I feel like he’ll probably be one of our go to guys this year.”
MANILA LIONS 1 Felipe Lozano 2 Hayden Watson 3 Jacob Baugher 4 Dalton Bishop 7 Kolton Kisner 8 Luke Roberts 9 - Mason Mullen 10 - Taylor Holts 12 - Gavin Ladd 13 - Brayden Glass 15 Donavon Brooks 16 Eli Lackey 19 Brent Williams 20 Brian Neal, Jr 21 Drake Morris 22 - Gabe Bennett 24 - Connor Wroten 25 Tray Platz 26 Chris Storey 28 Landon Massey 30 - Andrew Williams 33 - Kayden Horton 34 - Matthew Walker 35 - Collin Crook 41 - Morgan Griffin 44 Jaydon Goff 50 Leo Michuda 56 Nathan Parrish 64 - Bryon Kisner 68 - Landon Harris
35 MANILA LIONS 71 Wade Evans 72 Heath Pearson 74 - Dalton Short 75 - Chase Spencer 76 Beau Miller 77 Hunter Miles “I think now, when people come to Manila, they expect a tough and hard hitting game. That’s a testament to our kids, what they’ve done in the weight room and how they prepare themselves. It’s a fun time to be a Manila Lion.” - Head Coach Cain White Suppor ting Manila Lions Football Team! Manila Road Mar t 423 W. S. Hwy 18 Bypass • 870-561-4660 Manila Mar t 330 N. Baltimore • 870-561-4522 Leachville Mar t 410 Main St • 870-539-6711 Suppor ting Manila Lions Football Team!
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39 GO BIG!WWW.BIGRIVERSTEEL.COMTOALLTHETEAMS GOOD LUCK AND
Coach Waylon Dunn believes in the team he has this year and thinks they can make a run at the 2A-2 conference title.
Dunn will have 28 players this year thanks to a big sophomore class moving up from an undefeated season last year in junior high. “The kids have been showing up and working hard getting ready for the season,” Dunn said of his team. The Indians went 5-6 overall finishing fourth in the 2A-3. Marked Tree beat Murfreesboro 36-6 in the opening round of the 2A Playoffs, before falling to Magnet Cove, 34-16, in the quarterfinals. The Indians move to the 2A-2 Confer ence for this Sophomoreseason.Kenyon
Carter will direct Marked Tree’s single-back offense with seniors LaRay Brown and Jaylin Bradley battling for the starting spot. Brown is back and stronger after missing last season with a knee injury. Ju nior Jayvion Tribble will see action in the backfield, too.
#WeAreMarkedTree
Sophomore Tate Swink will be the wingback as junior Cam eron Marshall and senior Willie Marshall will be the wide receiv ers. Sophomores J.J. Risper and Wesley Pitts will provide help at the receiver positions. Sophomore Jonah Walker will be the tight end. “Walker is a good kid on and off the field. He will help us on both sides of the ball,” Dunn said.
By Cosmo Cossey Poinsett County Democrat Tribune
Senior Caden Kimery will take over at center with senior Cainan Hawkins at right guard and soph omore Ryan Wages at left guard. Junior Jakyron Reel Indians look to claim conference crown Proudly suPPorting all area teams
Supporting All Area Football Teams! www.nucor.com
41 will play right tackle with senior Bryce Dunn returning to play left tackle. Junior Jayce Ruthven and sopho more Matt Guerra will help on the line. “None of the line will play on defense early in the year but I’m sure we’ll use them on defense at some point,” Dunn said.
“McCrory is the defending champs, Des Arc is the coaches’ pick to win the conference and EPC has most of their team returning. “I think we got a chance to win the conference. The competition will be tough and we will have to be ready to play each game.”
offs for the DunnIndians.saidthe conference will be very tough this year. “You may be a pretty good team and not make the playoffs,” Dunn said. With only four confer ences in the 2A this year, only four teams from each will make the state playoffs.
“We want to run the ball first. I have confidence our new linemen can do the job needed. We have receivers we can get the ball to and have kids we can move around for different looks,” Dunn said. “Carter played quite a bit after moving up and should be more comfortable. We hope being able to run and throw the ball will take pressure off him,” Dunn added.
Cameron Marshall returns to play one corner position as sophomore JaKaymion Williams will play the other corner. Senior Eli Crockett will be the safety. Swink will be the punter and Walker will handle kick
Sr. High Indians Cheerleaders
The Indians will run a 4-4 defense with senior Braylon Kennedy at one end and Ruthven at the other end. Seniors Brady Hicks and Jaden Hollingsworth will man the tackle positions. Sophomore Timothy Risper and Walker will be the inside linebackers with Brown and Willie Marshall playing the outside linebacker spots. “I think the linebackers will be our strength on defense. Swink, Tribble and J.J. Risper will all see time at the position, too,” Dunn said.
MARKED TREE INDIAINS 1 - Eli Crockett 2 JaKaymion Williams 56 Jaylen Bradley 5 - Kenyon Carter 6 - J.J. Risper 7 Jaden Hollingsworth 8 - Cameron Marshall 9 - Tate Swink 10 Luke Benesch 12 LaRay Brown 20 Braylon Kennedy 22 Jayvion tribble 23 - Ladarrius Brown 25 - Timothy Risper 52 Bryce Dunn 54 Jayce Ruthven 56 - Cayden Kimery 58 - Ryan Wages 60 Wesey Pitts 61 - Gavin Teague 62 - Deshawn Hopkins 64 - Evan Wood 66 Brady Hicks 70 - Matt Guerra 75 Cainan Hawkins 77 - Jakyron Reel 87 Jonah Walker “The kids have been showing up and working hard getting ready for the season,” - Head Coach Waylon Dunn
43 Marked Tree Mar ked Tree School District “Caring , Challenging , Lear ning . Today for Tomor row” 406 St. Francis Street • Mar ked Tree • 870-358-2913 Wishing our indians a great Football season! Ind I ans
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45 SEMINOLE NATION are you ready for some FOOTBALL? May the ball be ever in your favor... LET’S GO SEMINOLES!!! The Osceola School Distr ict #1 Superintendent – Dr. Toriano Green Assistant Superintendent – Dr. Renata Bryant High School Principal – Toshiba Pugh Athletics Director – Russell Leggett Head Football Coach – Jamie Car ter Osceola School District Osceola School District
go awry as Osceola lost Dontaven Littleton to a season ending injury in a narrow loss at Hoxie. The next week they dropped a 13-0 decision at home against Manila. A once promising season would end the following week in the first round of the playoffs against Centerpoint.
The Seminoles offensive line will be inexpe rienced with several young players including sophomores Keviss Love (5-10, 220) and Don ovan Littleton (6-3, 210). Senior Taylun Hooks (6-0, 210) will also be back for his third high school season. Senior Terrance Marshall (6-2, 230) will also play on the line at guard and tackle.
The Seminole offense will have a new leader with Carter moving from defense to offense. The spread offense will be tweaked some and could look slightly different with some newPersonnelwrinkles.will be solid, especial ly at the skill positions. The Seminoles quarterback will be senior TJ Bell (6-1, 180). Bell filled in gallantly after Littleton’s injury late last season. This season, Bell will be the guy. Bell will have talented receivers to throw the ball to such as junior Keenan Jackson (6-2, 165). Jackson established himself as a deep threat last season and has the potential to go all the way in space. Senior Jerry Long (6-0, 160) is also a player who has good hands and speed. Long is solid going across the middle and is another deep ballSeniorthreat.Dreyln Haymon is another experienced receiver with good hands. Sophomore Aiden Haymon (5-8, 155) also has good hands and possesses excellent speed. Senior athlete Tony McNeal (6-2, 200) will play tight end for the Seminoles when they employ one. A player, new to the program, Lewis Higgins will also get reps at various receiver spots. The running backs will include senior Skyler Young (5-10, 220) and Jeremiah Jacobs (5-10, 165). Jacobs will also work at quarterback.
“We will have five guys who will be our key linemen. They know they are going to be out there and they will get better as a group as time goes on,” said Carter. On defense, new coordinator Chris topher Gregory now has total charge of the
The Osceola Times Osceola hopes to improve on last seasons 6-4 record
son.intwo6-1SeminolesCenterpoint.at3AincludedwhichaClassplayofflosshomeagainstThestoodoverallwithgamestoplaytheregularseaThingswould
#SeminolePride
By Steve Knox
Seminoles look to reclaim prowess
What is the goal for the Seminoles this season?
be Gregory’s first as the full time coordinator. The Seminoles will stay in a base 3-4 defense most of the time this season.
“The only game TJ might play defense would be Hoxie,” said Gregory. The cornerbacks will be athletic senior Jerry Long and whoever wins a battle between Michael Cassidy and Lewis Higgins. “We might change it up some, depending on the situation as the season goes on,” said Gregory.
The linebackers return experience with Jacobs and Young penciled in at the starting inside linebacker spots.
“We will play more four man fronts at times. We will walk down our linebackers. We will bring pres sure sometimes. We will play some nickel and bear. We want to keep the other team guessing,” said Gregory. Gregory calls his secondary the strength of the Seminole defense. Haymon will be one safety while fellow senior TJ Bell will start the early games. Bell’s younger brother Tyler and Demarius Hackett will man that position otherwise.
“Skyler is probably going to be our prima ry running back so he will get plays off on defense,” said Gregory. Seniors Logan Slayton and McNeal are the projected starters at the outside linebacker spots. McNeal is currently sidelined with an injury, so Taylun Hooks and Zaden Buchanan will rotate at McNeal’s position until he returns.
Johnny Worsham, Agency Manager Phil Beall, Jackson,
Seminole special teams should be solid this season. Slayton will handle place kicking kickoff and punting duties. Slayton is a fairly accurate kicker and has decent range for field goals. Punting will be in good hands with him doing the honors.
The defensive line is going to be Harris Man ning (6-0, 255) at the nose and Hooks and Marshall at the tackles. “Marshall and Manning both can command a double team so someone is going to leave an opening, where we can make a play,” said Gregory. Desmond Lambert will rotate in on the line as well.
Agent Steve
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“Our goal is always to win it all,” said Carter.
“We obviously want to win the conference championship and have home-field advantage in the playoffs. We know that you only can win one game at a time. So we take each game one at a time. This is a process and we are going to play the game.”
47 Willis CliniC wishes all area teams a safe, healthy, and injur y-free season. Hours: M-TH 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., FRI By appointment 616 W. Lee Ave., Osceola, Ar 870-563-2545 www.willisclinic.com 2022defense.will
OSCEOLA SEMINOLES 2 Jerry Long 3 - Logan Slayton 4 Keenan Jackson 5 Tyler Bell 6 - Torian Bell, Jr. 7 Dreylan Haymon 8 Lewis Higgins 9 - Skyler Young 10 Aiden Haymon 12 Zaden Buchanan 13 - Will Freeman 14 Jaleel Tribblet 15 Jeremiah Jacobs 16 - Julius Meritt 17 Michael Cassidy 18 - Desmond Lambert 19 Demarius Hackett 21 Josiah Rhodes 22 - Tony McNeal 23 Chris Jones 24 - Moses Black 32 Zion Simpson 33 Terrence Marshall 50 - Donavan Littleton 51 Harris Manning 52 Peyunta Scott 54 Taylun Hooks 55 - Jaquaveon Dixon 56 - Issac Kimble 58 Keviss Love
49 Sr. High Seminole CheerleadersOSCEOL A SEM INOLES 74 - Josiah Rose 77 - Kedarius Wright 88 - John Myles “Our goal is always to win it all.” - Head Coach Jaime Carter
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51 PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT JOE HARRIS, JR. MAYOR Barrett and Wesley Brothers 1860 S US Hw y. 61, Osceola, AR 72370 (870) 655-8585 visit us at our website w w w.brotherstruck andtrailer.com Wishing the best season to all area football teams!
Superintendent - Mike Cox Assistant Superintendent - Shantele Raper Principal - Bill Burfield Head Coach and Athletics Director - Johnny Fleming
#WeAreRivercrest
The OsceolaSpeed,Timesathleticism, and strength are just some of the superlatives Rivercrest head coach Johnny Flem ing heaps on his 2022 football team. However, the Colt head coach bridles his en thusiasm before setting too many lofty expectations for the 2022“WeCampaign.judgeour success around here by playing beyond Thanksgiving,” described the fifth-year head coach of the program’s goals. “We have a lot of things to be excited about but we’ll need some breaks to go our way,Fleming,too.” who doubles as athletic director, didn’t do his team much favor by scheduling two “re ally good” 5A teams as non-conference opponents as well as the surging 3A Manila Lions. After Brookland and Paragould dropped the Colts from their schedules, Fleming scrambled to add the Lions and a solid Mills University team to join Valley View in their first three tilts.
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“You’re right. That’s a lot of kids,” said Fleming of an offensive line that could stack up as the team’s strength. “Overall, we carried about 30-plus players through offseason and Colts return with deep, talented roster
By David Pierce
Fleming and assistant coach Murphy Smith describe a team loaded with po tential and the first player they both agree as one to watch is senior lineman Trenton Kim (6-1,brough265).“A beast,” says Smith. “Yep,” agrees Fleming, “[Trenton] is the strongest kid on our team and can do just about anything if he sets his mind to it. We expect big, big things from him.”
Kimbrough anchors an offensive line that will include junior center Jered Robertson (6-0, 220), who the head coach describes “as the smartest kid on the team. [Jered]knows where everyone is supposed to be at all times.”Alongside Robertson are tackle Triston Turner (6-1, 340), “a very aggressive” guard Quinshunne Perry and athletic Jeb Brigance. Expected to be in the mix are Ian McClain, Josh Johnson, Amarion Lofton, Andrew Lomack, Jeffrey Hill, Wesley Gray, Tyshawn Love, Noah Adams and the returning Colton Ball.
“We always want to go 3-0 but we can as easily go 0-3,” said Fleming who has guided each of his teams to the playoffs. “The point is the kids need to play and when [Brookland and Paragould] dropped us, we had to get some games. It’s important for these kids to be on the field and develop some cohesive ness.”
The Colts head coach calls many familiar names on that side of the ball as well with Kimbourgh alternating between tackle and nose, while Turner slides into the nose position when Kimbrough lines up as tackle.Perry and Brigance have a combination of “size and strength” and Johnson is gifted with good upper body strength although Fleming has encouraged the junior to “be more aggressive.” Robertson, Ball and Love are expected to contribute as well. There could be as many as eight players press ing for playing time along with Slayton at linebacker.
Smith rattles off Lomack, Williams, Adams, Brigance, Lancaster, Monterious Smith and Jackson Ephlin. Scott
When asked who would start Fleming an swered, “I have mine and Coach (Brett) Hardin has his,” stopping short of stating which coach favored whom. Rainer moves to signal caller from receiver but Fleming says he will not hesitate to have both Rainer and Washington on the field at the same time. “Cavonta’s young but he can throw the ball, runs well and (Michael) makes the right reads. It’s a tossup.”While Rainer is known for his speed, Jaden Stovall gets the nod in the slot and “he’s the fastest kid on our team. If he gets in the open, nobody’s catching him.” Stovall was sidelined most of last season with an injury but returned late in the year for the playoff run.
That group of linemen will be carving a path for a talented unit of skill players. Right now, sopho more Cavonta Washington and junior Michael Rainer are both seeing time at quarterback.
Joining Stovall are Austin Elrod and Kevin Morris, “our leader in the weight room,” says Flem
have 42 right now. Nevertheless, line play is key and we have a combination of size, smarts but we need some of these guys to be a bit more aggressive. Yes, it’s okay to be nice before and after the play. But when the ball’s snapped you can’t be nice and expect to be successful.”
ing. In the mix at wide receiver are Jakavian Williams, Michael Facon, Jay Robertson, Keiran Morris, Braden Champion and Joe Lewis, who will also be the team’s third string QB. T.J. Scott and Marcus Slayton line up in what Fleming calls “a solid backfield.” Slayton also serves as the team’s defensive captain at linebacker. “He’s solid as a rock,” Fleming said, “and he doesn’t shy away from contact at all.” Slayton had offseason knee surgery but “hasn’t missed a beat since coming back,” adds Smith. “(Marcus) is as good as anyone at linebacker.”
High Colt Cheerleaders Wishing all teams a great season! We Wish all area schools the best this season! Be safe! Wilson funeral Homes lafonce latham, owner 3 locations to ser ve You Osceola 870-563-2877 Tyronza 870-487-2428 Blytheville 870-763-2547 Henard Farms Dyess, Ar. We wish the Rivercrest Colts the ver y best this season! Go, Colts Go!!
55 has locked up one of the cornerback positions where Fleming recalls him as “not having a pass completed on his side in the final four games last season.” Kev in Morris mans the other corner with Williams and Facon vying for time too. Safeties include Robinson who “won’t let anyone get behind him and has such good instincts,” Fleming said. Of those “early” games, four of six are on the road, including the first two at Manila and Little Rock Mills. Valley View serves at the first home game with 4A-3 Conference favorite Pocahontas on the slate next. It, too, is an away game. “Yeah,” says the head coach, “ideally you don’t want that first conference game to be against the top team, but I don’t think there is really a pushover in our league. Gosnell will be better and Trumann, Westside and Blytheville will be as good, if not better, than last year.” He continued, “I think we match up athletically with any team in our conference, but we have to do the little things right. We’re not quite there yet but we’re aiming for the playoffs and to be playing after Thanks giving.”Sr.
RIVERCREST COLTS 1 - Mike Rainer 2 - Koby Turner 3 - Marcus Slayton 4 Jakavian Williams 5 Wyatt Lancaster 6 - Dalston Smith 7 Joe Louis Ralph 9 TJ Scott 10 Jackson Ephlin 11 - Cavonta Washington 12 - Kevin Morris 14 - Joey Towery 15 - Austin Elrod 17 Leland Newson 18 Sterling Winston 19 - Jaden Stovall 20 - Monterious Smith 21 - Jay Robertson 22 - Keiran Morris 23 - Mike Facson 24 Brayden Champion 25 - Billy Joe Scrivner 26 - Gil Palmer 27 - Tyran Henry 34 - Kemauri Brown 44 Nolan Williams 50 Amarion Lofton 51 Jeb Brigance 52 - Tyshawn Love 53 - Jeffrey Hill
RIVERCREST COLTS 54 Ian McClain 55 Jered Robertson 56 - Andrew Lomack 57 Jaxon Kilburn 58 - Josh Johnson IT’S GAME TIME GOOD LUCK! AND OSCEOLA FIRST CARE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL SURROUNDING TEAMS Dr. Reggie Cullom Jo Booker, APRN 700 W Keiser Avenue Osceola, AR 72370 870-563-0757 Osceola First Care
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Senior Ayden McCaa and freshman Gavin Cubit are battling for the inside tackle spot with junior Evan Shrout playing the outside tackle spot. Se nior Blake McLaughlin and sophomore Keenan Swan will provide help on the offensive line. Phillips’ offense
#TrumannTough
By Cosmo Cossey
Trumann to rely heavy on skill players Eli
Senior Murphy Williams returns to play tail back after rushing for 1,095 yards and throwing for 1,106 yards, while accounting for 12 touchdowns last season in the Wildcats single-wing offense. Senior Evett will start at fullback after splitting time there last year with departed Rian King. Senior Cade Hatton will start at the wingback and senior Peyton Callahan will start at H-back. Soph omore Efrain Garcia will be the tight end and senior Parks McNair will be the wide receiver. The offensive line is a little bit of a concern for Phillips as they are all new. Senior Brody McDaniel and soph omore Zane Price are batting for the center position as senior Thomas Chavarria will be the quick guard and junior Justin Price will be the strong guard.
Poinsett County Democrat Tribune
Trumann head coach Randy Phillips said the Wildcats will rely on the strength of his skill players this season.“This may be the best group of skill players on both sides of the ball that Trumann has had in the last few years,” Phillips said.
The Wildcats compiled an 8-4 record last year finishing third in the 4A-3 conference. Trumann beat Mena, 27-14, at home in a first round state playoff game before losing, 35-7, at Warren in round two. The Wildcats will have 38 players on the team this season.
Sr. High Wildcat Cheerleaders
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The head coach thinks Gosnell, Highland and Bly theville will all be competitive as Harrisburg moves up to 4A this year and has a new coach. “I think we can compete for a top four, maybe a top three. It will be a battle every week,” Phillips added.
“We want to run the ball first but we can throw the ball. Williams and Evett both will throw the ball for us,” Phillips said. “I think this offense gives us an an swer to most alignments a defense wants to run against us,” Phillips added.
The Wildcats will line up in a 4-2-5 defense with Callahan and senior Gavin Morgan playing the defensive end spots. Shrout, Cubit and Justin Price will see time at the interior line spots. Sophomores Omarion William and Andrew Short could provide help on the line. Evett and senior Jami son Barnhill will be the linebackers as junior Jake Osment and Hatton return to play the cornerback positions.Newcomer
Garcia will handle all the kicking duties for the Wildcats.Phillips thinks the conference is going to be tough. “Pocahontas and Westside both bring back a lot of players and Rivercrest is always tough,” Phillips said.
uses a lot of misdirection to keep defenses off balance.
sophomore Rico Hunt will be the Sam linebacker. “Rico is a hard worker and makes sure his teammates do right,” Phillips said. McNair will be the strong safety and junior Gavin Greenwell will be the free“Thesafety.defensive line will be a key issue as I know teams will try to run at us. If we can stop the run, I think we have a shot at being pretty good,” Phillips said.
61 TRUMANN WILDCATS 1 Xavier Whitman 2 Murphy Williams 3 - Cade Hatton 4 - Coda Cameron 5 Eli Evett 6 - Rico Hunt 8 Tony Postell 9 Matthew Swan 10 - Braden Hisaw 11 - Carson Smith 12 Gavin Greenwell 20 Jay Pippinger 21 - Preston Wood 22 Gavin Morgan 27 Jamison Barnhill 30 Payton Callahan 33 David Hodges 52 - Evan Shrout 55 - Evan Bishop 58 Justin Price 64 - Blake McLaughlin 66 Andrew Short 69 Victor Guttierrz 72 Thomas Chavvaria 73 - Brody McDaniel 74 Zane Price 77- Ayden McCaa 80 Aiden Hammons 88 Efrain Garcia
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