Trojans, Panthers set to collide
Since starting their annual series back in 2010, the rivalry between Parkers Chapel and Magnet Cove has evolved into one of the more unheralded in Arkansas.
On Friday night, the schools will renew acquaintances again with the Trojans holding a 4-3 edge in the series, as well as a two-game winning streak.
Game time is set for 7 p.m. from Magnet Cove.
But Friday's game will also add a unique chapter to the series.
Jacob Midyett, who starred on the gridiron for the Trojans, makes his coaching debut at his alma mater.
Also making his debut with Magnet Cove is Caleb Carmikle, who became the school's head coach and athletic director earlier this year.
Both are exceptionally young and have coaching roots in Louisiana.
Midyett is only seven years removed from graduating from Parkers Chapel, and he got his start in coaching at South Lafourche High School, which is located about an hour from the Gulf of Mexico.
Carmikle was only 22 when he was hired as the football coach at Glenbrook School in Minden two years ago before joining the Panthers.
The rivalry also has a personal touch thanks to Parkers Chapel defensive coordinator Hunter Vincent.
"Coach Vincent is from Magnet Cove, so even if it wasn't really a rivalry for us, it would be a big game for us as a staff, so I think that blows it up even more," Midyett said. "I almost guarantee that him being here for the last three years has played a part in it and keeping it going."
Although the rivalry predates him by a year, Midyett has an idea of what to expect after speaking with former Parkers Chapel coach Mark King, who was the Trojans' head coach when the series began.
"I talked to coach King at the junior high game, and he talked about how close the games were, and they were always physical," Midyett said. "They’re always going to be big, country-strong boys. They’re going to hit you in the mouth, and that’s tough to play against sometimes. It’s a good taste for us with our conference. Obviously, we have a lot of speed in this conference, but a lot of teams run that same offense. It’s a good opener for us.”
Last year, the Trojans topped the Panthers 39-18 thanks to big nights by quarterback Lane Harbour and running back Amonta Harris.
Harbour went 5-of-7 passing for 182 yards and a pair of scores, while Harris netted 72 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in the win.
If the Trojans are to make it three straight wins, handling