Runs galone

When Jonesboro Coach Mark Dobson says things are going good for the Golden Hurricane, the past five games suggest otherwise.

Jonesboro has been nothing short of dominant.

The Golden Hurricane (17-3, 7-1 5A-East) have outscored their opposition by nearly 11 runs per game during a five game-winning streak, which has them sitting atop the league standings alongside Marion.

“We’re playing well and hitting really well right now,” Dobson said. “I think after what went down last year with covid, our kids have a new-found respect for the game. It makes you grateful for what you’ve got.”

What Dobson has is a team that’s been piling up the runs behind a host of hard hitters, led by University of Tennessee commit Cross Jumper. Jonesboro has scored at least nine runs in 16 of its 17 victories, with its seasonhigh coming in a 19-0 thrashing over West Memphis on March 16. Both Jumper and Jake Henry Williams, a Connors State signee, had home runs Tuesday to aid the Golden Hurricane’s two-game sweep of cross-town foe Nettleton.

“We knew coming in that we’d have times where we’d be able to really hit it,” Dobson said. “In saying that, we also felt that our strikeout numbers could go up because we’ve got a little bit of power, too. But obviously, they have really done a good job. Everyone in the lineup is a tough out.”

The Golden Hurricane have also been getting it done on the mound from several who’ll play at the next level, from Arkansas State commit Sawyer Bentley to another Connors State commit in Payne Brennan. Several other future collegians dot Dobson’s roster as Jonesboro looks to capture its first state championship since 2016.

“We’ve got a lot of pitching to where we have a hard time getting them all in games, especially all the ones that deserve and need to get in,” Dobson said. “But they’ve all done a good job. We like where we’re at right now.”