Mustangs working up a sweat, goal is a return to state playoffs

For the past few weeks, the Forrest City Mustangs haven't had any trouble working up a sweat as summer football practices continue four days each week.

And that suits first year head coach Ronald Lewis and his staff just fine.

"Our overall numbers are holding, and the kids are working hard, learning our plays and getting into playing shape," Lewis offered during a recent interview. "Compared to last season's members this year so has been great."

Coming back from the recent two-week "dead period" mandated by the Arkansas Activities Association, Lewis said his Mustangs have not missed a beat.

With the preseason benefit jamboree game scheduled for Aug. 16 at Sylvan Hills, Lewis outlined the team priorities.

"It is coming along," Lewis said. "I have some familiarity with Sylvan Hills and former Wynne coach Chris Hill," Lewis noted. "I coached at Pine Bluff from the same conference, so I have a good idea what we will be seeing from Coach Hills' Bears. That's why I think Sylvan Hills will be the perfect preseason test for us. It will make us be disciplined on defense and make us read our keys on offense. That being said, I like where our kids are right now. They are enjoying the early morning practices."

Lewis and his staff are making certain that the players have ample water breaks with the excessive temps and heat indexes currently covering the state.

"We stay outside until about 8:30 when the sun really comes out and starts heating things up and then we head inside the field house," Lewis offered. "The enthusiasm from the kids who especially enjoy being around the coaching staff and they are working hard. They are hungry to have a good season and get back into the playoff picture, a place this football team has not been since the 2019 season. We are pushing them to be successful and they are working toward that goal."

Lewis added this group of Mustangs have good speed and good talent among the ranks.

"All we have to do as a staff is put it all together," Lewis added.

Junior Mustang Elijah Harding, a 6-7, 350-pound lineman has already drawn interest from Hooten's Arkansas Football magazine as one of the state's top 50 college recruits.