Bearcats on the move, stretch win streak

Booneville is back in a familiar spot after opening the season with consecutive losses to Clarksville and Ozark.

The Bearcats defeated Mansfield 48-27 to stretch their winning streak to five consecutive. Booneville leads the 3A-1 Conference with a 4-0 record heading into Friday’s matchup with Charleston (3-4, 3-1).

“We had seven starters out for our first game and then got beat by an Ozark team that is really good,” Booneville coach Scott Hyatt said. “We had a lot of guys out, but we’re getting them back and building some identity.”

Booneville used a power running game to turn away Mansfield and its all-state quarterback, Ethan Stovall. Andrew Robertson led the way with 157 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Fullback Cam Brasher followed with 127 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries while sophomore Randon Ray added 98 yards and a score.

Booneville took control after Mansfield scored before the half on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Stovall to Tyler Holmes.

“Mansfield has some speed and they hurt our secondary with two big pass plays there,” Hyatt said.

Booneville faces a tough challenge at Charleston, which defeated Paris last week. Charleston appears healthy again after getting most of the players back from the 11 who missed the Tigers’ game with Dardanelle.

The Bearcats then close the regular season with home games against Lamar and Cedarville, who are tied for second place with Charleston in the 3A-1 Conference.

“That’s three good teams,” Hyatt said. “Charleston is tough, and they’re getting some of those guys back from injuries.”