Mineral Springs will capitalize on last year’s experience

MINERAL SPRINGS, Ark.—Mineral Springs (1-0) is peaking in the right direction.

“So far, we’ve played pretty good,” Mineral Springs coach David Bennett said. “We have our hands full this week playing a Fouke team that is very improved. They’re coming off a big win last week against Parkers Chapel. We need to continue to play well.”

Last season, the Panthers defeated Mineral Springs at Hornet Stadium, 40-34, in Week 1. Both squads have a game under their belt heading into this season’s contest.

The Hornets will lean on Tahji Beal, Cameren Lee and LaDarrius Hicks in their backfield against Fouke.

Beal rushed for 121 yards on 12 totes and two touchdowns against Parkers Chapel. Peyton Haddan rushed for 90 yards and two scores. Haddan also threw for 153 yards and a touchdown for the Hornets.

“Offensively, we’ve mixed up the pass and

the run,” Bennett said. “The kids played decent the other night. We had too many penalties in the first half but we came away with a victory over Mount Pine.”

Ray Hawkins and Antonio Alexander will lead the Hornets on the defensive side of the ball against the Panthers. Jadyn Williams collected a interception in the season opener, while Hicks recovered a fumble for a touchdown in the rout.

“Defensively, we didn’t play bad,” Bennett said. “We’ll have to play real well this week. Fouke is a multidimensional team offensively. Jadyn’s interception and LaDarrius’ fumble recovery were big possessions for us because they translated into touchdowns for us. The run a lot of different sets and formations. They run the ball and throw the ball really well.

“They have a really good offensive and defensive line,” Bennett said. “We’ll just have to play fundamentally sound this Friday.”

Fouke defeated Parkers Chapel in Week 1 at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, 26-21.

“We’re still on the strides of improving,” Bennett said. “It took us half a season to get things turned around last year. This year, we started out with a victory and last year, it took us to game six to get our first victory.

“You can tell from film from last season and this season there’s a difference. You can see the quickness in guys and also playing a lot more aggressive this year. We’re also utilizing our speed the best way we can.”

Mineral Springs owns the series over the Panthers, 6-1.