I must admit to being a tad confused Monday when Norphlet coach Justin Welch was so unhappy with his team's win over Prescott in the Camden Fairview Holiday Classic. The Lady Leopards won despite some questionable decisions in the fourth quarter.
After the game, Welch gave his team a tongue-lashing in the dressing room and was still upset when he spoke to me.
I actually said to him, "you know that was a good team you just beat, don't you?"
Prescott is a perennial state tournament team in Class 3A. Norphlet is an upstart Class 2A team, coming off its first state tournament appearance in well over 20 years.
That the coach's expectations for his team had grown so large, so quickly, caught me off guard. Then again, I should've known how he felt when he entered the Lady Leopards in the Holiday Classic, known as a big-school tournament with the likes of El Dorado, Camden Fairview, Magnolia, Texarkana and others. You don't put your name in the same hat as big schools like that unless you feel good about your team.
Norphlet will be one of just two names left in that hat in Thursday's championship game. The Lady Leopards knocked off the host Fairview team on Tuesday.
Apparently, Coach Welch was correct. His team looked a lot better, a lot more focused, a lot more aggressive and a lot more energetic in its win over the Class 5A Lady Cardinals.
I've probably not given Norphlet enough credit for being an elite team. Despite the success of last year, I'm still remembering all those years they had good records but came up short at the end.
This group didn't come up short last year, advancing to the state semifinals. All five starters are back from that team and, apparently, they're aiming even higher. Their coach certainly is. He's setting the bar high and daring his talented athletes to get over it.
More than likely, the Lady Leopards will face top-seeded El Dorado in the championship game. I thought they could beat Fairview but I don't think Norphlet has much of a shot against the Lady Wildcats, the heavy favorites to win the 6A state title.
Don't tell that to Coach Welch, who is not satisfied with anything less than their best effort.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Norphlet. PC go old school
I watched Norphlet's girls play at Parkers Chapel on Friday and it took me back a few years. I haven't seen two local girls teams play an intense, meaningful basketball game since the days of Union and Strong.
I liked it.
I really liked walking into the gym having no idea who was going to win.
I liked watching the really good players up their games.
PC's Savanna Langston was a beast with 25 points and 24 rebounds (by my count). She also blocked four shots.
Did I mention she did all this while in foul trouble for much of the game?
Of course, pretty much every girl was in foul trouble. Langston's teammate Jordan Carr had three fouls in the first half and four midway in the third. She finished with 22 points and was blur in the fourth quarter.
Norphlet's Kyia Williams played with a determination that I liked. She led her team before fouling out in the fourth. Twins Jalisha and Kalisha Willis are the real deal.
This is going to be a great series to watch this season. These two teams are head and shoulders above the rest in the conference.
I can't wait until they hook it up again.
I liked it.
I really liked walking into the gym having no idea who was going to win.
I liked watching the really good players up their games.
PC's Savanna Langston was a beast with 25 points and 24 rebounds (by my count). She also blocked four shots.
Did I mention she did all this while in foul trouble for much of the game?
Of course, pretty much every girl was in foul trouble. Langston's teammate Jordan Carr had three fouls in the first half and four midway in the third. She finished with 22 points and was blur in the fourth quarter.
Norphlet's Kyia Williams played with a determination that I liked. She led her team before fouling out in the fourth. Twins Jalisha and Kalisha Willis are the real deal.
This is going to be a great series to watch this season. These two teams are head and shoulders above the rest in the conference.
I can't wait until they hook it up again.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Congratulations Coach Harshaw
Congratulations to El Dorado coach Stephen Harshaw. I'm not congratulating the coach on losing 57-45 at Star City on Friday. But, I do want to shake his hand for not being afraid to lose.
Coach Harshaw knew exactly what he was walking into when he took his unbeaten, unchallenged Lady Wildcats to Star City. The Lady Bulldogs are a perennial power, capable of beating any team in any classification. They are especially tough at home with Coach Becky Brown, who has been there for 18 years.
When El Dorado's schedule was released, Coach Harshaw was criticized by some for scheduling the trip to Star City.
"You can't win there," said one critic. "He's going to get screwed." "Why would you take your team into a pit like that?"
Those were just a few of the comments I heard.
My responses were always the same - "so what."
So what if you can't win there. So what if the officials screw you over. That's exactly why you take your team into that type of environment early in the season.
At some point, the Lady Wildcats will have to win a game in a difficult environment. At some point, the team will have to overcome bad officiating. There will come a time when every call goes the other way.
That's life and basketball.
Why not get used to it?
One of my pet peeves is coaches who care too much about their won-loss record. They carefully schedule tournaments where they know they can win without too much of a challenge. That's fine. But the only problem is those teams don't win state championships.
To win a state championship, your team will have to overcome some adversity. It will have to fight through a hostile crowd or play through biased referees.
If a loss in Star City in early December will help El Dorado win at Mountain Home in March, then this was a great job by Coach Harshaw.
Might as well congratulate him, now.
Coach Harshaw knew exactly what he was walking into when he took his unbeaten, unchallenged Lady Wildcats to Star City. The Lady Bulldogs are a perennial power, capable of beating any team in any classification. They are especially tough at home with Coach Becky Brown, who has been there for 18 years.
When El Dorado's schedule was released, Coach Harshaw was criticized by some for scheduling the trip to Star City.
"You can't win there," said one critic. "He's going to get screwed." "Why would you take your team into a pit like that?"
Those were just a few of the comments I heard.
My responses were always the same - "so what."
So what if you can't win there. So what if the officials screw you over. That's exactly why you take your team into that type of environment early in the season.
At some point, the Lady Wildcats will have to win a game in a difficult environment. At some point, the team will have to overcome bad officiating. There will come a time when every call goes the other way.
That's life and basketball.
Why not get used to it?
One of my pet peeves is coaches who care too much about their won-loss record. They carefully schedule tournaments where they know they can win without too much of a challenge. That's fine. But the only problem is those teams don't win state championships.
To win a state championship, your team will have to overcome some adversity. It will have to fight through a hostile crowd or play through biased referees.
If a loss in Star City in early December will help El Dorado win at Mountain Home in March, then this was a great job by Coach Harshaw.
Might as well congratulate him, now.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tough times at Fairview
I watched with some despair El Dorado's lopsided win at Camden Fairview on Tuesday. No, I wasn't sad that the Lady Wildcats won. I couldn't help but feel bad for Fairview coach Ronald Rogers.
The Lady Cardinals went from championship contender to rebuilding mode in one game when two starters, including Marva Graves, went down with knee injuries. Both injuries occured during the SAU Tournament with Fairview taking on Springhill.
It's amazing how quickly one's season can take a 180 degree turn.
I thought someone said Fairview has had five girls go down with ACL injuries in the junior high and senior high programs already this year. As tragic as that sounds, unfortunately, it's the way it is in the world of girls and women's basketball. At some point, a team will get hit hard with the ACL virus. And, there doesn't appear to be anything anyone can do about it.
College programs with state of the art training equipment are bit with the same bug. Remember when Arkansas' women made it to the Final Four. That was because Stanford lost two All-Americans to ACL tears just before the tournament, including one who tore hers in the layup line just before the Cardinal became the only No. 1 seed in history to bow out in the first round against Harvard.
These types of injuries have become too common. Still, you can't help but feel bad when an entire team's fortures swing from so dramatically, so quickly.
I don't often root for Fairview but I hope brighter days are ahead for the Lady Cardinals.
The Lady Cardinals went from championship contender to rebuilding mode in one game when two starters, including Marva Graves, went down with knee injuries. Both injuries occured during the SAU Tournament with Fairview taking on Springhill.
It's amazing how quickly one's season can take a 180 degree turn.
I thought someone said Fairview has had five girls go down with ACL injuries in the junior high and senior high programs already this year. As tragic as that sounds, unfortunately, it's the way it is in the world of girls and women's basketball. At some point, a team will get hit hard with the ACL virus. And, there doesn't appear to be anything anyone can do about it.
College programs with state of the art training equipment are bit with the same bug. Remember when Arkansas' women made it to the Final Four. That was because Stanford lost two All-Americans to ACL tears just before the tournament, including one who tore hers in the layup line just before the Cardinal became the only No. 1 seed in history to bow out in the first round against Harvard.
These types of injuries have become too common. Still, you can't help but feel bad when an entire team's fortures swing from so dramatically, so quickly.
I don't often root for Fairview but I hope brighter days are ahead for the Lady Cardinals.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Scroggins back for senior year
Emilee Scroggins, daughter of former Parkers Chapel coach Lee Scroggins, is nearly all the way back from an illness that caused her to miss almost her entire sophomore season.
The 5-9 senior has led Class 3A Cutter Morning Star to a 6-0 record, including a league win at Arkansas Baptist. Scroggins scored 24 points in that game, despite being defended by two defenders in a triangle-and-two in the final period.
On the season, she is averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 3 assists per game.
"She is having a great time playing and really enjoying her senior year," said Lee Scroggins, who is elementary principal at Hot Springs Lakeside.
Cutter Morning Star's win total includes Danville, Caddo Hills, Centerpoint and Abundant Life.
The 5-9 senior has led Class 3A Cutter Morning Star to a 6-0 record, including a league win at Arkansas Baptist. Scroggins scored 24 points in that game, despite being defended by two defenders in a triangle-and-two in the final period.
On the season, she is averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 3 assists per game.
"She is having a great time playing and really enjoying her senior year," said Lee Scroggins, who is elementary principal at Hot Springs Lakeside.
Cutter Morning Star's win total includes Danville, Caddo Hills, Centerpoint and Abundant Life.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Area tournament feels dead
The SAU Basketball Tournament tipped off Monday in Magnolia. The girls field includes Parkers Chapel along with Camden Fairview and Magnolia. It's not too bad.
But, I just can't bring myself to make that 35-minute drive.
El Dorado's football team is gearing up for its state championship game on Saturday. Obviously, that's one reason I'm not really into basketball mode, yet. Another is simply, the SAU Tournament is dead.
Perhaps dead is too strong of a word, especially since it's actually alive with games being played and everything. But, the atmosphere is more electric in a funeral home. There's no crowd, no warmth, no hospitality.
In high school tournaments, you at least get the feeling the folks are happy to have you, after all, the more butts in the seats, the more dollars in the piggy bank. But, at the SAU Tournament, the hosts treat you as if you're a nuisance in their way.
At least, that was my last experience over there. I don't plan on having another experience over there again.
One tournament I would love to drive 35 minutes to get to will unfortunately be about five hours away.
El Dorado's girls are in the Greene County Tech Tournament over the holiday. The tournament begins Dec. 20 in Paragould. The top half of the bracket features Greene County Tech, DesArc, Hughes and West Memphis. But, it's the bottom half that intrigues me.
El Dorado plays Prairie Grove in the first round. With a win, the Lady Wildcats would meet the winner between Forrest City and Little Rock Christian.
That's quite a Lady Cat basketball connection there. Former El Dorado coach Brad Slatton left Union County to take the job at Prairie Grove. He's since moved on to Texas. Coach Bobby Harris, who replaced Slatton, took over the program at Forrest City. El Dorado's seniors were in junior high when Harris left.
It doesn't mean much but I found it interesting.
But, I just can't bring myself to make that 35-minute drive.
El Dorado's football team is gearing up for its state championship game on Saturday. Obviously, that's one reason I'm not really into basketball mode, yet. Another is simply, the SAU Tournament is dead.
Perhaps dead is too strong of a word, especially since it's actually alive with games being played and everything. But, the atmosphere is more electric in a funeral home. There's no crowd, no warmth, no hospitality.
In high school tournaments, you at least get the feeling the folks are happy to have you, after all, the more butts in the seats, the more dollars in the piggy bank. But, at the SAU Tournament, the hosts treat you as if you're a nuisance in their way.
At least, that was my last experience over there. I don't plan on having another experience over there again.
One tournament I would love to drive 35 minutes to get to will unfortunately be about five hours away.
El Dorado's girls are in the Greene County Tech Tournament over the holiday. The tournament begins Dec. 20 in Paragould. The top half of the bracket features Greene County Tech, DesArc, Hughes and West Memphis. But, it's the bottom half that intrigues me.
El Dorado plays Prairie Grove in the first round. With a win, the Lady Wildcats would meet the winner between Forrest City and Little Rock Christian.
That's quite a Lady Cat basketball connection there. Former El Dorado coach Brad Slatton left Union County to take the job at Prairie Grove. He's since moved on to Texas. Coach Bobby Harris, who replaced Slatton, took over the program at Forrest City. El Dorado's seniors were in junior high when Harris left.
It doesn't mean much but I found it interesting.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Lady Cats beat Fairview
El Dorado showed it can still flip the switch when it has to. The Lady Wildcats turned a close game into a blowout with a 19-2 run in the final five minutes Tuesday in a 58-44 win over a good Camden Fairview squad.
Trailing 42-39 with six minutes left to play, El Dorado outscored the Lady Cardinals 19-2 the rest of the way with 15 unanswered points to end the game.
As strong as the team finished, Coach Stephen Harshaw was more concerned with its start. The Lady Wildcats trailed 32-22 at the half and 36-24 midway in the third.
"We just have to come out as a group. It starts at the top with me and then it starts with our senior leaders to get them focused to come out with a mindset ready to absolutely take charge from the tip," said Harshaw.
"The thing is the team has to come out ready to play. We had a 27-point turnaround in 14 minutes. If we come out ready to play instead of winning by 14, we win by 40 and we really make a statement. That’s what we need to do. We don’t need to do what we did last year which is turn it on and win by 15. We need to make statements this year.”
Fairview managed just 12 points in the second half.
Seniors Whitney Frazier and Kanedria Andrews, El Dorado’s Lady Techster Twosome, combined for 34 points, 15 rebounds and eight steals. Frazier scored nine of her 19 points in the fourth quarter and added eight rebounds.
Andrews scored 15 points with seven rebounds and six steals. Sophomore Marchelle Lockhart scored 10 while Bria Snowden added eight.
Marva Graves led Fairview (1-1) with 18 points, but only four in the second half and none in the fourth quarter. Frazier took it upon herself to match up with Fairview's standout senior.
“I did take that personally. I just made up my mind in the second half, she wasn’t gonna get the ball. I had to shut her down," said Frazier. "First half was hers. The second was mine. That’s how I feel.”
Harshaw felt his seniors led the way. Frazier, Andrews, Snowden and Emily Sinclair combined to score all of the team's final 15 points.
“Emily did a good job in the second half, taking care of the ball. Bria is becoming a basketball player, not just a shooter. She made some very good plays offensively, passing the ball, taking care of it," said Harshaw, who also got big minutes from Lockhart and junior Charlotte Bradley.
“Charlotte came in and played real well, had some big rebounds. I also thought Marchelle Lockhart had a very good game, got some good post play out of her. It’s really good to have that junior and that sophomore playing the way they did. I think all of them did some good things."
Trailing 42-39 with six minutes left to play, El Dorado outscored the Lady Cardinals 19-2 the rest of the way with 15 unanswered points to end the game.
As strong as the team finished, Coach Stephen Harshaw was more concerned with its start. The Lady Wildcats trailed 32-22 at the half and 36-24 midway in the third.
"We just have to come out as a group. It starts at the top with me and then it starts with our senior leaders to get them focused to come out with a mindset ready to absolutely take charge from the tip," said Harshaw.
"The thing is the team has to come out ready to play. We had a 27-point turnaround in 14 minutes. If we come out ready to play instead of winning by 14, we win by 40 and we really make a statement. That’s what we need to do. We don’t need to do what we did last year which is turn it on and win by 15. We need to make statements this year.”
Fairview managed just 12 points in the second half.
Seniors Whitney Frazier and Kanedria Andrews, El Dorado’s Lady Techster Twosome, combined for 34 points, 15 rebounds and eight steals. Frazier scored nine of her 19 points in the fourth quarter and added eight rebounds.
Andrews scored 15 points with seven rebounds and six steals. Sophomore Marchelle Lockhart scored 10 while Bria Snowden added eight.
Marva Graves led Fairview (1-1) with 18 points, but only four in the second half and none in the fourth quarter. Frazier took it upon herself to match up with Fairview's standout senior.
“I did take that personally. I just made up my mind in the second half, she wasn’t gonna get the ball. I had to shut her down," said Frazier. "First half was hers. The second was mine. That’s how I feel.”
Harshaw felt his seniors led the way. Frazier, Andrews, Snowden and Emily Sinclair combined to score all of the team's final 15 points.
“Emily did a good job in the second half, taking care of the ball. Bria is becoming a basketball player, not just a shooter. She made some very good plays offensively, passing the ball, taking care of it," said Harshaw, who also got big minutes from Lockhart and junior Charlotte Bradley.
“Charlotte came in and played real well, had some big rebounds. I also thought Marchelle Lockhart had a very good game, got some good post play out of her. It’s really good to have that junior and that sophomore playing the way they did. I think all of them did some good things."
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Better late than never
Parkers Chapel senior Savanna Langston let out a sigh of relief Wednesday. When she signed her basketball letter-of-intent with Louisiana Tech, it ended months of agonizing over the biggest decision of her life so far.
“The recruiting process was really overwhelming," she said. "I mean, it was fun but it was also stressful and overwhelming. It’s just nice to get that out of the way so I can get on with my season and school.”
Langston originally gave a verbal committment to Arkansas-Little Rock. She decided to go ahead and take other visits before she signed and fell in love with Louisiana Tech.
Going back on her word was difficult but Langston said UALR, though disappointed, made her feel better about visiting other schools.
"They told me they didn't want me there if I didn't want to be there," she said. "That made it easier for me."
In the end, the only person's happiness that counts in this situation is Langston's. It's the next four or five years of her life that's on the line. The most important thing is that she made the right decision - not the fast decision or the nice decision.
The smile on Langston's face Wednesday sure looked as though she made the choice that's best for her. As for Louisiana Tech coach Teresa Weatherspoon, it's better to be thought of late than not at all.
“Once she thought maybe she had made a quick decision and she still wanted to make her visits, we were thankful," said Weatherspoon. "We were thankful she was still giving us an opportunity to recruit her and show her what we were all about here at Louisiana Tech and what we could do to make her a better basketball player and, more importantly, a better person. She gave us that opportunity and we showed her what our family was like here at Louisiana Tech. We’re just thankful she chose us to be a Lady Techster for life.”
“The recruiting process was really overwhelming," she said. "I mean, it was fun but it was also stressful and overwhelming. It’s just nice to get that out of the way so I can get on with my season and school.”
Langston originally gave a verbal committment to Arkansas-Little Rock. She decided to go ahead and take other visits before she signed and fell in love with Louisiana Tech.
Going back on her word was difficult but Langston said UALR, though disappointed, made her feel better about visiting other schools.
"They told me they didn't want me there if I didn't want to be there," she said. "That made it easier for me."
In the end, the only person's happiness that counts in this situation is Langston's. It's the next four or five years of her life that's on the line. The most important thing is that she made the right decision - not the fast decision or the nice decision.
The smile on Langston's face Wednesday sure looked as though she made the choice that's best for her. As for Louisiana Tech coach Teresa Weatherspoon, it's better to be thought of late than not at all.
“Once she thought maybe she had made a quick decision and she still wanted to make her visits, we were thankful," said Weatherspoon. "We were thankful she was still giving us an opportunity to recruit her and show her what we were all about here at Louisiana Tech and what we could do to make her a better basketball player and, more importantly, a better person. She gave us that opportunity and we showed her what our family was like here at Louisiana Tech. We’re just thankful she chose us to be a Lady Techster for life.”
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Who can't kick a ball?
El Dorado's 34-26 win over Pine Bluff on Thursday was one of the best games I've seen in a long time. Defensive coordinator John Panter described it as a two heavyweight fighters.
It's actually a good thing it wasn't a boxing match because after those 12 rounds, the Zebras might've won on the judges' scorecards.
Pine Bluff had more yards than the Wildcats because the Zebras were on the field for a whopping 71 offensive snaps. Thank God Pine Bluff tried to throw the ball seven times or the game would've likely had a different outcome.
El Dorado caught three of the Zebras' seven passes.
Perhaps an even bigger factor was Pine Bluff's lack of a kicking game. In addition to muffing a punt, which the Wildcats recovered, the Zebras had no kicker, so they went for two after each touchdown.
That was the difference in the game.
It's funny because we were talking in the sports staff a couple of weeks ago about how unacceptable it is for any school in this day and age to not have a kicker. We were talking specifically about Strong but it's even more unacceptable for a big school.
If I'm not mistaken, Pine Bluff even has a fledgling soccer program. How can you have soccer and not have a kicker?
The thing is, even a school the size of Strong should be able to find somebody who can kick among the student body. I say that because the talent pool includes both genders. There are girls who can and have kicked 40-yard field goals. You mean to tell me you can't find somebody who can boot an extra point?
I don't understand why a coach can't have tryouts and open it up to boys and girls. Find one or two who have decent form and let them work on it during the off-season. Work on it during the summer and have someone teach them the technique.
That can be their job. That's it. No blocking. No tackling. No knowledge of the game.
What position do you play? I kick the ball.
I don't mean to be insulting to kickers. I know it takes a lot of skill to kick a football accurately from 35 to 40 yards out. It takes a lot of work.
It would take a lot of work to find a boy or girl who could make extra points, too. But, I don't know why it couldn't be done. As Pine Bluff found out last week, that work could pay off big-time down the line.
It's actually a good thing it wasn't a boxing match because after those 12 rounds, the Zebras might've won on the judges' scorecards.
Pine Bluff had more yards than the Wildcats because the Zebras were on the field for a whopping 71 offensive snaps. Thank God Pine Bluff tried to throw the ball seven times or the game would've likely had a different outcome.
El Dorado caught three of the Zebras' seven passes.
Perhaps an even bigger factor was Pine Bluff's lack of a kicking game. In addition to muffing a punt, which the Wildcats recovered, the Zebras had no kicker, so they went for two after each touchdown.
That was the difference in the game.
It's funny because we were talking in the sports staff a couple of weeks ago about how unacceptable it is for any school in this day and age to not have a kicker. We were talking specifically about Strong but it's even more unacceptable for a big school.
If I'm not mistaken, Pine Bluff even has a fledgling soccer program. How can you have soccer and not have a kicker?
The thing is, even a school the size of Strong should be able to find somebody who can kick among the student body. I say that because the talent pool includes both genders. There are girls who can and have kicked 40-yard field goals. You mean to tell me you can't find somebody who can boot an extra point?
I don't understand why a coach can't have tryouts and open it up to boys and girls. Find one or two who have decent form and let them work on it during the off-season. Work on it during the summer and have someone teach them the technique.
That can be their job. That's it. No blocking. No tackling. No knowledge of the game.
What position do you play? I kick the ball.
I don't mean to be insulting to kickers. I know it takes a lot of skill to kick a football accurately from 35 to 40 yards out. It takes a lot of work.
It would take a lot of work to find a boy or girl who could make extra points, too. But, I don't know why it couldn't be done. As Pine Bluff found out last week, that work could pay off big-time down the line.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Mickey D knows talent
Congratulations are in order to a pair of Union County's top athletes.
El Dorado's Whitney Frazier and Parkers Chapel's Savanna Langston were both, reportedly, named to the preliminary list of contenders for McDonald's Girls Basketball All-American.
Langston, a 6-2 post, was named second team All-Arkansas by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette while Frazier, a 5-10 forward, was named third team All-Arkansas.
Both players have verbally committed to play basketball at Louisiana Tech.
El Dorado's Whitney Frazier and Parkers Chapel's Savanna Langston were both, reportedly, named to the preliminary list of contenders for McDonald's Girls Basketball All-American.
Langston, a 6-2 post, was named second team All-Arkansas by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette while Frazier, a 5-10 forward, was named third team All-Arkansas.
Both players have verbally committed to play basketball at Louisiana Tech.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Butler Didits
So, about 20 or so years ago, a young sports writer named Rick Butler gave me an ultimatum.
"If you send me to cover girls basketball, I will not go to the game. I'll just stay in the office and take call-ins."
That's what he told me when we were discussing assignments that season.
Rather than force Rick to cover girls sports, I split the assignments with me taking girls and letting him handle all the boys sports. It's been that way ever since at the News-Times.
Fast forward to Monday and here's the same Rick Butler - a little heavier and perhaps a lot wiser. I say wiser because he has become a tennis dad ... to his daughter.
Rick and April's 10th grade daughter Arielle won two matches Monday and is now in the semifinals of the 6A State Tennis Tournament.
Rick Butler, who at one time wouldn't go to a girls game if you paid him, suddenly is heavily involved in girls sports. He travels across the state and region watching girls tennis. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.
He still refuses to watch the WNBA, though. But, I haven't lost faith in him. He has an even younger daughter named Addison. If she falls in love with basketball, I'm might personally take his picture when he takes her to a WNBA event.
That is, if I can keep the camera from shaking from me laughing so hard.
"If you send me to cover girls basketball, I will not go to the game. I'll just stay in the office and take call-ins."
That's what he told me when we were discussing assignments that season.
Rather than force Rick to cover girls sports, I split the assignments with me taking girls and letting him handle all the boys sports. It's been that way ever since at the News-Times.
Fast forward to Monday and here's the same Rick Butler - a little heavier and perhaps a lot wiser. I say wiser because he has become a tennis dad ... to his daughter.
Rick and April's 10th grade daughter Arielle won two matches Monday and is now in the semifinals of the 6A State Tennis Tournament.
Rick Butler, who at one time wouldn't go to a girls game if you paid him, suddenly is heavily involved in girls sports. He travels across the state and region watching girls tennis. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.
He still refuses to watch the WNBA, though. But, I haven't lost faith in him. He has an even younger daughter named Addison. If she falls in love with basketball, I'm might personally take his picture when he takes her to a WNBA event.
That is, if I can keep the camera from shaking from me laughing so hard.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Run for it
I called Parkers Chapel athletic director Clancie Laymon last week to inquire about the school's cross country program. PC introduced cross country as a sport two years ago when Lexie Howell and her family moved to Arkansas from Utah.
Howell and volunteer coach Mark Hardenbrook got the program started and headed in a positive direction. She finished in the top 10 last year, earning All-State honors. Kyle Coke did the same thing on the boys team.
Even more impressive was the slew of young runners who were developing at the school. Hardenbrook said at least two and maybe three eighth grade girls had the potential to be as good or better than Lexie.
It was exciting to hear.
But, Lexie and her family moved to the New Orleans area at the end of the school year. Hardenbrook also moved to another job.
That's why I wanted to see how the program was doing this year.
My heart sank when Coach Laymon basically said the program has died. None of the kids are interested anymore. The eighth grade girls who had so much promise are playing tennis.
"But, they can play tennis and run cross country?" I said to Coach Laymon, who replied they just weren't interested in running.
Like I said, it's heart breaking.
Tennis is a great sport but there are so many opportunities in running. El Dorado's Irene Jadic was a great tennis player, 6A State champion last year and one of the top three or four girls in the state, period.
But, she's running cross country and track at the University of Pennsylvania. She ended up having a lot more college opportunities as a runner than as a tennis player.
Why? It's just a matter of competition. There are more girls playing tennis and soccer and softball than are running cross country. Cross country is a difficult sport. I've said it over and over. It takes a lot of heart and guts to be a distance runner. It's not a lot of fun. It's a lot of work.
One of my all-time favorite athletes - El Dorado's Kayla Waldrup - was faced with the dilemma of choosing soccer or cross country in high school. She loved soccer. Cross country? Not so much.
But, she made a business decision and never looked back, moving on to Arkansas Tech and now to a career.
"Soccer is my first love while cross country is my second," she said. "Looking back onto why I chose cross country over soccer, I realize that it was not because I was bad at soccer or did not want to be in that environment or did not have friends into soccer. I chose cross country over soccer mainly because cross country opened SO MANY doors of opportunity compared to soccer. I received a cross country scholarship for college, learned that I had a bigger family in cross country and on top of that, the more I learned about running and progressed in the sport, both in high school and college, the more I started liking it! I still pick up a soccer ball today whenever I get the chance but cross country has become my life."
Kayla Waldrup is a success story. She gave running a try and never looked back.
I hope the administrators at Parkers Chapel and other schools will emphasize cross country as a major sport. There are so many opportunities in that sport, especially for girls, but boys as well. It's not an easy sport. It takes heart and guts and hard work. But, the rewards are there.
Again, I'm not trying to sway anyone away from tennis or soccer or any other sport. The most important thing is - play something. But, if you have a child who has a talent for running, it would be in their best interest to at least give cross country a try.
Howell and volunteer coach Mark Hardenbrook got the program started and headed in a positive direction. She finished in the top 10 last year, earning All-State honors. Kyle Coke did the same thing on the boys team.
Even more impressive was the slew of young runners who were developing at the school. Hardenbrook said at least two and maybe three eighth grade girls had the potential to be as good or better than Lexie.
It was exciting to hear.
But, Lexie and her family moved to the New Orleans area at the end of the school year. Hardenbrook also moved to another job.
That's why I wanted to see how the program was doing this year.
My heart sank when Coach Laymon basically said the program has died. None of the kids are interested anymore. The eighth grade girls who had so much promise are playing tennis.
"But, they can play tennis and run cross country?" I said to Coach Laymon, who replied they just weren't interested in running.
Like I said, it's heart breaking.
Tennis is a great sport but there are so many opportunities in running. El Dorado's Irene Jadic was a great tennis player, 6A State champion last year and one of the top three or four girls in the state, period.
But, she's running cross country and track at the University of Pennsylvania. She ended up having a lot more college opportunities as a runner than as a tennis player.
Why? It's just a matter of competition. There are more girls playing tennis and soccer and softball than are running cross country. Cross country is a difficult sport. I've said it over and over. It takes a lot of heart and guts to be a distance runner. It's not a lot of fun. It's a lot of work.
One of my all-time favorite athletes - El Dorado's Kayla Waldrup - was faced with the dilemma of choosing soccer or cross country in high school. She loved soccer. Cross country? Not so much.
But, she made a business decision and never looked back, moving on to Arkansas Tech and now to a career.
"Soccer is my first love while cross country is my second," she said. "Looking back onto why I chose cross country over soccer, I realize that it was not because I was bad at soccer or did not want to be in that environment or did not have friends into soccer. I chose cross country over soccer mainly because cross country opened SO MANY doors of opportunity compared to soccer. I received a cross country scholarship for college, learned that I had a bigger family in cross country and on top of that, the more I learned about running and progressed in the sport, both in high school and college, the more I started liking it! I still pick up a soccer ball today whenever I get the chance but cross country has become my life."
Kayla Waldrup is a success story. She gave running a try and never looked back.
I hope the administrators at Parkers Chapel and other schools will emphasize cross country as a major sport. There are so many opportunities in that sport, especially for girls, but boys as well. It's not an easy sport. It takes heart and guts and hard work. But, the rewards are there.
Again, I'm not trying to sway anyone away from tennis or soccer or any other sport. The most important thing is - play something. But, if you have a child who has a talent for running, it would be in their best interest to at least give cross country a try.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
A win is a win
El Dorado's 37-0 win at Little Rock J.A. Fair on Friday was a little bit lackluster. Sure, the Wildcats scored on their first three plays and scored four touchdowns in their first seven snaps from the line of scrimmage.
But, that's what made the victory so bittersweet.
J.A. Fair might be the weakest football team from a big school that I've ever seen.
I'm not saying this to be mean. The War Eagles tried hard. They played about as hard as a team can play. One back, Benjamin Clark, showed an incredible amount of heart and toughness. Every single time that kid toted the football, it looked like he was in an alley fight.
Despite the War Eagles' efforts, the game was as big of a mismatch as I've seen on the 6A level. The Wildcats almost seemed to be embarrassed to be out there.
On one play, Fair lined up to punt. At least four El Dorado players closed in on the punter. It could've been any one of the four who blocked it. Hell, maybe all four got a piece of it.
But, after that, the Wildcats didn't rush the punter again. They just stood and let them kick the ball, even though most of the deep snaps bounced on the ground like weak grounders to second base.
On El Dorado's first touchdown pass, quarterback Taylor Reed stood and waited patiently for Wendall Thompson to get open. He was so open, in fact, Thompson came back and waited for Reed's underthrow, caught it and still pranced into the end zone.
The score was so easy, one of the guys on the radio had to remove his headset he was laughing so hard.
I didn't laugh only because I couldn't believe it. It was the easiest touchdown I've ever seen.
I was under more pressure playing football in my uncle's backyard with my cousins when I was about nine. I'm less comfortable sitting in my recliner playing Xbox.
El Dorado scored 37 points in the first half and, mercifully, the clock kept ticking the rest of the game. The Wildcats were very, very nice.
As for Fair, like I said, they didn't quit. They tried hard. I don't know if they'll win a game this season. I hear McClellan is pretty weak, also.
But, I doubt that any team will celebrate a victory over the War Eagles this season.
But, that's what made the victory so bittersweet.
J.A. Fair might be the weakest football team from a big school that I've ever seen.
I'm not saying this to be mean. The War Eagles tried hard. They played about as hard as a team can play. One back, Benjamin Clark, showed an incredible amount of heart and toughness. Every single time that kid toted the football, it looked like he was in an alley fight.
Despite the War Eagles' efforts, the game was as big of a mismatch as I've seen on the 6A level. The Wildcats almost seemed to be embarrassed to be out there.
On one play, Fair lined up to punt. At least four El Dorado players closed in on the punter. It could've been any one of the four who blocked it. Hell, maybe all four got a piece of it.
But, after that, the Wildcats didn't rush the punter again. They just stood and let them kick the ball, even though most of the deep snaps bounced on the ground like weak grounders to second base.
On El Dorado's first touchdown pass, quarterback Taylor Reed stood and waited patiently for Wendall Thompson to get open. He was so open, in fact, Thompson came back and waited for Reed's underthrow, caught it and still pranced into the end zone.
The score was so easy, one of the guys on the radio had to remove his headset he was laughing so hard.
I didn't laugh only because I couldn't believe it. It was the easiest touchdown I've ever seen.
I was under more pressure playing football in my uncle's backyard with my cousins when I was about nine. I'm less comfortable sitting in my recliner playing Xbox.
El Dorado scored 37 points in the first half and, mercifully, the clock kept ticking the rest of the game. The Wildcats were very, very nice.
As for Fair, like I said, they didn't quit. They tried hard. I don't know if they'll win a game this season. I hear McClellan is pretty weak, also.
But, I doubt that any team will celebrate a victory over the War Eagles this season.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Jadic loves Quaker life
El Dorado's Irene Jadic began her collegiate cross country career by competing in the Fordham Fiasco in Bronx, New York. The University of Pennsylvania won the meet with Jadic placing 29th in the event in a time of 20:11 for the 5K on what she described as a "hilly" course.
"My first college meet was pretty nerve wracking," she said via email. "But, I ended up running a good race. Not as good as I wanted. It kind of showed me how much work I have to do. But, for a first meet it was good."
Jadic said she will compete in cross country in the fall, indoor track in the winter and outdoor track in the spring for the Quakers.
"Practice is pretty intense," she said. "The ladies are all amazing. The team is like a big family. We have 23 ladies running cross country and a few are out with injuries but they are still expected to come to practice and cross-train or help with practice. We all push each other and help each other get better. It is such an awesome experience. Penn also does so much to make sure the students' experience is phenomenal."
"My first college meet was pretty nerve wracking," she said via email. "But, I ended up running a good race. Not as good as I wanted. It kind of showed me how much work I have to do. But, for a first meet it was good."
Jadic said she will compete in cross country in the fall, indoor track in the winter and outdoor track in the spring for the Quakers.
"Practice is pretty intense," she said. "The ladies are all amazing. The team is like a big family. We have 23 ladies running cross country and a few are out with injuries but they are still expected to come to practice and cross-train or help with practice. We all push each other and help each other get better. It is such an awesome experience. Penn also does so much to make sure the students' experience is phenomenal."
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Har-Ber handles El Dorado
El Dorado certainly had its opportunities. Although just looking at the 42-13 final margin, people who weren't at Friday's game might find that hard to believe.
But, El Dorado led 7-0 after one quarter and could've easily been up 14-0 or at least 10-0. The Wildcats dominated nationally ranked Springdale Har-Ber so much in the first quarter, the local media called into their office to keep them on alert for the upset.
But, the squandered opportunities came back to haunt the Wildcats after Har-Ber found a soft spot in the middle of the defense. Har-Ber began running power counters up the gut and El Dorado never found a way to stop it.
The final score is unfortunate because the game was much more competitive than that.
El Dorado fans who want to blame the officiating? Well, you can if you'd like. There were certainly a few calls for the home team from the Fort Smith officiating crew.
Then again, did you really expect to drive five hours and play the 7A state champion on its home field and get favorable calls, too. There's a reason it's called homefield advantage. Hopefully, El Dorado will enjoy that same advantage next season.
Yeah, I saw the obvious holding on Har-Ber's first touchdown. An El Dorado defender was held so clearly, his jersey was stretched like a beach blanket.
No, no flag was thrown. There was also no flag thrown on a late hit on the quarterback. No flag was thrown on an interception when the El Dorado receiver was being bumped. And, I swear, from my angle it looked like both El Dorado field goals were good, although the officials ruled otherwise.
Again, El Dorado fans can blame the officials if they'd like.
The referees didn't drop three passes. The referees didn't let a punt bounce for 65 yards. The referees didn't sail a snap over the punter's head. Finally, the refs weren't opening up cavernous holes in the middle of El Dorado's defense.
You're not going to get the benefit of the whistles every Friday night. El Dorado had to overcome the refs at times last year. The Wildcats will have to do it this year, too. That's just part of the game.
Thankfully, El Dorado's players and coaches know that. That's why they're studying the film and looking at their own mistakes and not the officials'.
Another thing Wildcat fans, learn when to make noise during a game. You don't start screaming, "Let's go, Cats!" when the offense is at the line of scrimmage. In case you didn't know, El Dorado uses a no-huddle offense. This means they call the plays at the line. This means when you make noise when they're at the line of scrimmage, it's hard for them to hear the play that's being called.
By the way, the Wildcats should get back on stride this week against Magnolia. El Dorado won't play a better team than Har-Ber the rest of the year. And, although you can't tell it by the final score, the Wildcats showed they do belong on the field with the 13th ranked team in USA Today.
But, El Dorado led 7-0 after one quarter and could've easily been up 14-0 or at least 10-0. The Wildcats dominated nationally ranked Springdale Har-Ber so much in the first quarter, the local media called into their office to keep them on alert for the upset.
But, the squandered opportunities came back to haunt the Wildcats after Har-Ber found a soft spot in the middle of the defense. Har-Ber began running power counters up the gut and El Dorado never found a way to stop it.
The final score is unfortunate because the game was much more competitive than that.
El Dorado fans who want to blame the officiating? Well, you can if you'd like. There were certainly a few calls for the home team from the Fort Smith officiating crew.
Then again, did you really expect to drive five hours and play the 7A state champion on its home field and get favorable calls, too. There's a reason it's called homefield advantage. Hopefully, El Dorado will enjoy that same advantage next season.
Yeah, I saw the obvious holding on Har-Ber's first touchdown. An El Dorado defender was held so clearly, his jersey was stretched like a beach blanket.
No, no flag was thrown. There was also no flag thrown on a late hit on the quarterback. No flag was thrown on an interception when the El Dorado receiver was being bumped. And, I swear, from my angle it looked like both El Dorado field goals were good, although the officials ruled otherwise.
Again, El Dorado fans can blame the officials if they'd like.
The referees didn't drop three passes. The referees didn't let a punt bounce for 65 yards. The referees didn't sail a snap over the punter's head. Finally, the refs weren't opening up cavernous holes in the middle of El Dorado's defense.
You're not going to get the benefit of the whistles every Friday night. El Dorado had to overcome the refs at times last year. The Wildcats will have to do it this year, too. That's just part of the game.
Thankfully, El Dorado's players and coaches know that. That's why they're studying the film and looking at their own mistakes and not the officials'.
Another thing Wildcat fans, learn when to make noise during a game. You don't start screaming, "Let's go, Cats!" when the offense is at the line of scrimmage. In case you didn't know, El Dorado uses a no-huddle offense. This means they call the plays at the line. This means when you make noise when they're at the line of scrimmage, it's hard for them to hear the play that's being called.
By the way, the Wildcats should get back on stride this week against Magnolia. El Dorado won't play a better team than Har-Ber the rest of the year. And, although you can't tell it by the final score, the Wildcats showed they do belong on the field with the 13th ranked team in USA Today.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Texas football 80, Arkansas football 26?
In its football history in Arkansas, Shiloh Christian has dished out more than its fair share of beatings. The Saints got to see what the other side of that woodshed looked like Monday when they ventured into Texas to take on the number one ranked team in the country, according to USAToday.
Euless Trinity (Texas) thumped Shiloh Christian 80-26 in the Kirk Herbstreit National Kickoff Classic. The Trojans, who are the defending Class 5A state champions in Texas, had 706 yards of total offense, including 565 yards rushing.
The game was televised on Fox SportsNet.
It wasn't a case of a team running up a score. Euless Trinity went deep, deep into its stable of running backs and they all broke off big runs.
So, if Shiloh Christian, ranked 23rd nationally by USAToday and regarded by most as one of the top football programs in Arkansas, goes to Texas and has a hard time keeping the opponent out of triple digits, what does that say about the high school football in the Natural State?
Springdale Har Ber is the top-ranked team in Arkansas. Har Ber coach Chris Wood admitted he was surprised at what happened to Shiloh Christian.
"It's all about matchups," he said Tuesday. "Whenever you play another school, it's about the matchup. I figured the matchup would be a tough matchup for Shiloh just from the standpoint of the style that Euless Trinity is. I mean, they're a power, physical, right-at-you, smash mouth team. I knew Shiloh was going to score points on them. I never imagined Shiloh was going to give up 80 points. I didn't see that happening. But, I did feel like Shiloh does a great job offensively and they were going to get some points and they did.
"It's just that ... man, I just didn't see them giving up 80 points."
It certainly doesn't look good to outsiders when an Arkansas power gets taken apart in Texas on national television. But, Wood said it was just one game.
"No, it doesn't make a statement," he said. "It was about the matchup. There are some programs in this state that can handle themselves in Texas."
El Dorado travels to Har Ber Friday. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Jarrell Williams Stadium.
Euless Trinity (Texas) thumped Shiloh Christian 80-26 in the Kirk Herbstreit National Kickoff Classic. The Trojans, who are the defending Class 5A state champions in Texas, had 706 yards of total offense, including 565 yards rushing.
The game was televised on Fox SportsNet.
It wasn't a case of a team running up a score. Euless Trinity went deep, deep into its stable of running backs and they all broke off big runs.
So, if Shiloh Christian, ranked 23rd nationally by USAToday and regarded by most as one of the top football programs in Arkansas, goes to Texas and has a hard time keeping the opponent out of triple digits, what does that say about the high school football in the Natural State?
Springdale Har Ber is the top-ranked team in Arkansas. Har Ber coach Chris Wood admitted he was surprised at what happened to Shiloh Christian.
"It's all about matchups," he said Tuesday. "Whenever you play another school, it's about the matchup. I figured the matchup would be a tough matchup for Shiloh just from the standpoint of the style that Euless Trinity is. I mean, they're a power, physical, right-at-you, smash mouth team. I knew Shiloh was going to score points on them. I never imagined Shiloh was going to give up 80 points. I didn't see that happening. But, I did feel like Shiloh does a great job offensively and they were going to get some points and they did.
"It's just that ... man, I just didn't see them giving up 80 points."
It certainly doesn't look good to outsiders when an Arkansas power gets taken apart in Texas on national television. But, Wood said it was just one game.
"No, it doesn't make a statement," he said. "It was about the matchup. There are some programs in this state that can handle themselves in Texas."
El Dorado travels to Har Ber Friday. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Jarrell Williams Stadium.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Good job, bro
Probably one of my favorite moments in Friday's football season opener came late in the fourth quarter. Senior quarterback Taylor Reed looked to his left and began to trot toward the El Dorado sideline.
Halfway there, he slapped hands with sophomore Lucas Reed, who ran onto the field to take his place.
Some people noticed. Most probably didn't. But, I thought it was pretty nice to see big brother perhaps pass the torch to his younger sibling.
Who knows if that was really the case, actually as the youngsters' father - head coach Scott Reed - has other options from which to choose at quarterback next season. But, the brothers had discussed the situation before the season even started.
"We were talking earlier and my dad and my mom were asking him about this year," Taylor told me during the preseason. "Lucas - I heard him in the other room and he was yelling, 'throw some points on the board and run up the score so I can get in.' That's what he's going for. He's wanting us to run up the score so he can get some shots in. So, that's my job."
Taylor completed 12 of 20 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns in the Wildcats' 43-13 win over Camden Fairview.
I'm sure Lucas would be the first to tell his big bro, "job well done."
Halfway there, he slapped hands with sophomore Lucas Reed, who ran onto the field to take his place.
Some people noticed. Most probably didn't. But, I thought it was pretty nice to see big brother perhaps pass the torch to his younger sibling.
Who knows if that was really the case, actually as the youngsters' father - head coach Scott Reed - has other options from which to choose at quarterback next season. But, the brothers had discussed the situation before the season even started.
"We were talking earlier and my dad and my mom were asking him about this year," Taylor told me during the preseason. "Lucas - I heard him in the other room and he was yelling, 'throw some points on the board and run up the score so I can get in.' That's what he's going for. He's wanting us to run up the score so he can get some shots in. So, that's my job."
Taylor completed 12 of 20 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns in the Wildcats' 43-13 win over Camden Fairview.
I'm sure Lucas would be the first to tell his big bro, "job well done."
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Payne in pain but paid
Junction City's Kevin Payne will keep collecting an NFL paycheck but he won't be playing this season. Payne was put on St. Louis' injured reserve list on Saturday.
The injured reserve is a list of players who are injured and unable to play. NFL teams use the reserve so they can keep a player on the team but not take up a roster spot. A team is allowed 53 players on the roster.
Currently, the NFL's injured reserve rule restricts a player from returning to play during the season that he's placed on the list.
Payne was also on injured reserve as a member of the Chicago Bears. He was traded to the Rams during this past off-season.
While that news isn't great for Payne, he's still better off than former Razorback Matt Jones. The receiver was released on Saturday and Cincinnati terminated his contract.
Some other team might pick him up but that's a big "maybe." He caught just four passes in the preseason. It's difficult to shake that "lazy" tag once it's around your neck, especially when you also have a history of drugs.
The injured reserve is a list of players who are injured and unable to play. NFL teams use the reserve so they can keep a player on the team but not take up a roster spot. A team is allowed 53 players on the roster.
Currently, the NFL's injured reserve rule restricts a player from returning to play during the season that he's placed on the list.
Payne was also on injured reserve as a member of the Chicago Bears. He was traded to the Rams during this past off-season.
While that news isn't great for Payne, he's still better off than former Razorback Matt Jones. The receiver was released on Saturday and Cincinnati terminated his contract.
Some other team might pick him up but that's a big "maybe." He caught just four passes in the preseason. It's difficult to shake that "lazy" tag once it's around your neck, especially when you also have a history of drugs.
Friday, September 3, 2010
El Dawg too good
Either Camden Fairview isn't quite as good as people thought they'd be this season, or El Dorado is even better than it was last year. The Wildcats made quick work of last year's Class 5A state runner-ups, handing the Cardinals a 43-13 beatdown at Memorial Stadium.
It was the first game ever on El Dorado's artificial turf. However, the brand new scoreboard has not yet arrived so a make-shift scoreboard was used.
It didn't matter as the Wildcats rang up 427 yards in total offense while holding Fairview to just 256. Taylor Reed completed 12 of 20 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Wendall Thompson caught five passes for 146 yards and two scores. Three El Dorado backs ran for more than 65 yards in the game, including sophomore Marque Burris, who had a 59-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
In other Union County action on Friday, Strong rallied past England 36-29. The Bulldogs trailed 29-20 in the fourth before Kenneth Dixon scored on a 1-yard run. Justin Ford ran for the 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to 29-28.
Dixon would later score on a 12-yard run with 4:12 remaining to put the Bulldogs ahead for the first time.
Dixon had 12 carries for 152 yards and three touchdowns. Ford had 19 totes for 148 yards and a score. Mario Benson returned a kickoff 78 yards for a TD.
Defensively, Lamar Williams had 14 tackles and Dixon had 12 plus recovered two fumbles.
Parkers Chapel came from behind to beat DesArc 20-14. Trailing 14-12, PC's Zach Abbott connected with Ryan Fitzpatrick on an 8-yard scoring pass with 25 seconds left in the game.
Abbott also scored on a QB sneak and Randy Taylor had a 3-yard run for the Trojans.
Norphlet surprised Smackover 31-13 in the inaugural Roughneck Classic.
Korey Purifoy picked up a fumble forced by Daniel Ellen and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown for the Leopards.
Smackover's Deonta Baker had a 61-yard touchdown reception and intercepted two passes.
***
In NFL news, Junction City's Kevin Payne is reportedly on the bubble to make the opening day roster for the St. Louis Rams. Hopefully that bubble got a little bigger Friday as the Rams released three players, including safety Brett Johnson.
Payne plays safety so Johnson's release eliminates at least some of the competition for the roster spot.
It was the first game ever on El Dorado's artificial turf. However, the brand new scoreboard has not yet arrived so a make-shift scoreboard was used.
It didn't matter as the Wildcats rang up 427 yards in total offense while holding Fairview to just 256. Taylor Reed completed 12 of 20 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Wendall Thompson caught five passes for 146 yards and two scores. Three El Dorado backs ran for more than 65 yards in the game, including sophomore Marque Burris, who had a 59-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
In other Union County action on Friday, Strong rallied past England 36-29. The Bulldogs trailed 29-20 in the fourth before Kenneth Dixon scored on a 1-yard run. Justin Ford ran for the 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to 29-28.
Dixon would later score on a 12-yard run with 4:12 remaining to put the Bulldogs ahead for the first time.
Dixon had 12 carries for 152 yards and three touchdowns. Ford had 19 totes for 148 yards and a score. Mario Benson returned a kickoff 78 yards for a TD.
Defensively, Lamar Williams had 14 tackles and Dixon had 12 plus recovered two fumbles.
Parkers Chapel came from behind to beat DesArc 20-14. Trailing 14-12, PC's Zach Abbott connected with Ryan Fitzpatrick on an 8-yard scoring pass with 25 seconds left in the game.
Abbott also scored on a QB sneak and Randy Taylor had a 3-yard run for the Trojans.
Norphlet surprised Smackover 31-13 in the inaugural Roughneck Classic.
Korey Purifoy picked up a fumble forced by Daniel Ellen and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown for the Leopards.
Smackover's Deonta Baker had a 61-yard touchdown reception and intercepted two passes.
***
In NFL news, Junction City's Kevin Payne is reportedly on the bubble to make the opening day roster for the St. Louis Rams. Hopefully that bubble got a little bigger Friday as the Rams released three players, including safety Brett Johnson.
Payne plays safety so Johnson's release eliminates at least some of the competition for the roster spot.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Facebook means starting over
I have to admit, I was late to this Facebook thing but now that I'm on it, it's pretty neat. On my first night, I linked up with old classmates I hadn't heard from since I left Hermtage after my 10th grade year.
I'm enjoying catching up. But, I must say it's a big awkward as well.
You see, the last time I talked to these people, we were 15 years old. We're in our mid-forties, now, but my only memory of them is when they were sophomores.
I find myself picturing them as a kid and I want to talk to them the same way I would have in high school. These "kids" are now businessmen, teachers and ministers with wives, kids and in some cases, grandchildren.
Basically, they're not the people they used to be. None of us are. Hopefully, we've all changed a great deal since 10th grade.
So, in a way it's fun catching up with old friends. But, truthfully, it's not really about going back to the 10th grade. It's more like going back to first grade and re-introducing ourselves all over again.
I look forward to meeting my old classmates for the first time on Facebook.
I'm enjoying catching up. But, I must say it's a big awkward as well.
You see, the last time I talked to these people, we were 15 years old. We're in our mid-forties, now, but my only memory of them is when they were sophomores.
I find myself picturing them as a kid and I want to talk to them the same way I would have in high school. These "kids" are now businessmen, teachers and ministers with wives, kids and in some cases, grandchildren.
Basically, they're not the people they used to be. None of us are. Hopefully, we've all changed a great deal since 10th grade.
So, in a way it's fun catching up with old friends. But, truthfully, it's not really about going back to the 10th grade. It's more like going back to first grade and re-introducing ourselves all over again.
I look forward to meeting my old classmates for the first time on Facebook.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Area girls choose colleges
Two Union County girls committed verbally Wednesday to sign Division I basketball letters of intent. El Dorado's Kanedria Andrews agreed to accept a scholarship offer from Louisiana Tech. Parkers Chapel's Savanna Langston said yes to a scholarship from UA-Little Rock.
Andrews, a 5-9 guard, averaged 6.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.3 steals for El Dorado, which advanced to the Class 6A state semifinals.
Langston, a 6-2 post, averaged 16.7 points, 12 rebounds and 5.2 blocked shots, leading the Lady Trojans to the Class 3A state semifinals.
Langston also had offers from Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, South Alabama and Ouachita Baptist. She was also being recruited by Tulane and Rice.
Rice had Langston at number five on its list while Tulane had her as its third best player.
"They called me about a week ago and told me I really wasn't on the top of their list," she said. "I was really looking at Tulane, and Rice, too. I was really interested in them and they told me I wasn't on top of their list and they'd call me if anything changed."
Langston and Andrews both said they were happy with their decisions. Both plan to sign in November.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Golf in full swing
School hasn't started yet but the high school golf season is already in full swing. El Dorado hosted its annual Simmons First/Wildcat Invitational on Monday. The Wildcats and Lady Wildcats both finished third as Hot Springs Lakeside and Conway walked away with the boys and girls championships, respectively.
***
The Arkansas Activities Association issued a release on heat related timeouts for the upcoming football season. An official's timeout is authorized when heat or humidity creates a health risk for players. If called, this timeout should follow a team's change of possession so it will not interrupt the flow of the game. The timeout will be sixty seconds and will not be charged to either team.
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El Dorado's Chasity Hay was named to the spring academic honor roll at Louisiana-Monroe. Hay is a freshman high jumper-long jumper for the Lady Warhawks track and field team. She is a former AmerCable-News-Times Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Welcome to West Faulkner
Okay, here's the deal. I've decided one blog just isn't enough. Some of you have been keeping up with my thoughts and exploits on floorburns.blogspot.com and I certainly appreciate your interest.
However, my ramblings roam from topic to topic and I think I need to be a little more specific. So, I've decided to turn floorburns into a blog about national and international sports topics, only.
I still want to talk about sports in Union County. So, I present to you West Faulkner, which will deal solely on things that happen in South Arkansas or with athletes who are from this area.
I hope to provide some thoughts that people in the area can get that I didn't have the room or time to put in the El Dorado News-Times. I also hope people who have moved from South Arkansas an outlet to keep up with what's going on in their hometown.
Hopefully, West Faulkner will provide some information and maybe even some entertainment from time to time. If it sucks, I'm sure some of my friends will let me know.
However, my ramblings roam from topic to topic and I think I need to be a little more specific. So, I've decided to turn floorburns into a blog about national and international sports topics, only.
I still want to talk about sports in Union County. So, I present to you West Faulkner, which will deal solely on things that happen in South Arkansas or with athletes who are from this area.
I hope to provide some thoughts that people in the area can get that I didn't have the room or time to put in the El Dorado News-Times. I also hope people who have moved from South Arkansas an outlet to keep up with what's going on in their hometown.
Hopefully, West Faulkner will provide some information and maybe even some entertainment from time to time. If it sucks, I'm sure some of my friends will let me know.
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