Pioneers play strong to top Tigers

Gentry outscores West Fork to claim victory during scrimmage play at Pioneer Stadium

GENTRY — Friday night’s scrimmage between the Gentry Pioneers and the West Fork Tigers in Pioneer Stadium was a good sign that sports will go on in the 2020-2021 school year in Gentry and that the Pioneers will do well.

Though coaches, staff and spectators were required to wear face masks and practice social distancing at the football event, the two teams went head-tohead, with Gentry getting off to a strong start and taking the three-quarter scrimmage, 22-14.

The Pioneers scored first but failed to pick up extra points. The Tigers responded with a touchdown of their own and an extra point but, by the time the

halftime buzzer sounded, the Pioneers had scored two more times and picked up twopoint conversions on both touchdowns to make it 22-7.

The Tigers scored once again in the third and final quarter of the practice scrimmage.

Overall, the Pioneers looked strong and showed promise for a good season. The team, led by junior quarterback Zach Jarnangan, avoided the frequent turnovers normal for preseason scrimmages and early games.

Spectators kept their masks on and school staff members did their part in disinfecting railings and other surfaces in the stadium during the game with a goal of slowing the spread of the coronavirus so that the Pioneers can continue to play in the upcoming season.

According to the schedule, the Pioneers will next travel to Waldron for a 7 p.m. game on Friday. The remaining schedule shared with the “Eagle Observer” follows:

Aug. 28 — Waldron, Away at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 — Lamar, Home at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 — Stillwell (Okla.), Away at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 — Huntsville, Home at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 — Berryville, Away at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 — Green Forest, Home * at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 — Shiloh Christian, Away at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 — Prairie Grove, Home at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 — Elkins, Home ** at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 — Gravette, Away at 7 p.m. * Homecoming

** Sr. Night

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry quarterback Zach Jarnagan gets past a West Fork defender and looks for an open receiver in the end zone during scrimmage play at Pioneer Stadium on Friday.

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL Gentry’s Paden Landrum hits the West Fork quarterback to break up a play.

Gentry linebacker Bryson Walker grabs the West Fork ball carrier.

Gentry running back Brennan Crosby attempts to power his way for some extra yards.

Gentry wide receiver Seiren Reding is grabbed by a West Fork defender during scrimmage play.

Gentry junior Zach Jarnagan, quarterback for the Pioneers, looks for an open receiver.

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL In order to have football games in Pioneer Stadium, spectators were required to wear masks and practice social distancing. School employees also were kept busy disinfecting surfaces in the stadium during Friday’s scrimmage game.