Bye week unusual, welcome
When North Pulaski discontinued its football program in March, it left a hole in the 5A-Central Conference schedule for the league’s seven other teams.
Pulaski Academy filled its open date when it played Jennings, Mo., on Sept. 25, and Little Rock Fair hosted Class 2A Johnson County Westside on Oct. 9.
Sylvan Hills and four other 5A-Central schools didn’t schedule another opponent in place of North Pulaski, leaving them with a week off.
Sylvan Hills Coach Jim Withrow welcomed the week off last week for the Bears (6-0, 3-0 5A-Central), who last played Oct. 9 when they defeated Jacksonville 29-14 at Bill Blackwood Stadium in Sherwood.
“I liked it a lot,” Withrow said. “It was good for the kids. For our staff, it recharged the batteries a little bit. For our kids, it recharged them a little bit. I hope we have our feet under us.”
The Bears are 6-0 for the second consecutive season. They have been led by junior quarterback Jordan Washington, who has accounted for 18 touchdowns, including 10 passing.
Sylvan Hills hosts Little Rock McClellan (5-2, 3-1) Friday night. The Crimson Lions are coming off a 70-0 victory over Little Rock Fair.
“It’s as big of a game as there is around the area,” Withrow said. “It’s big for both programs for seeding purposes. You want to be the No. 1 or the No. 2 seed and have a home playoff game.”
The Bears will try to stop McClellan junior running back Pierre Strong, who has 1,198 yards and 13 touchdowns on 89 carries in 7 games.
“They are a team that’s really rose faster than anybody,” Withrow said. “They’ve gotten better and better each week. It’s not a surprise to me. You’re not going to overlook this one.
“This team is going to beat some teams in the playoffs.”
BATESVILLE
Coming together
Batesville Coach Dave King knew the Pioneers were going to have some growing pains early.
The Pioneers (5-2, 4-0 5A-East) started 1-2 in
nonconference play, beating Watson Chapel before losing to Searcy and Jonesboro. But they have rebounded to win four consecutive games and are in first place in the 5A-East after beating Wynne 34-14 last Friday night.
Junior quarterback Zach Griffin, one of seven new starters on offense, has passed for 1,072 yards with 8 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
“He’s throwing the ball well,” King said. “He’s ahead of where I thought he would be.”
“We’ve got a lot of kids who are playing who are young. It took some time for them to mature in their roles. Each week we’re getting better.”
Under King, Batesville has been one of the most consistent programs in Class 5A since 2010, winning at least 10 games each of the past five seasons. The Pioneers won the 5A-East last season, and King credits the program’s winning tradition with the success of his seniors and leadership.
“That’s how we run the program,” King said. “They’re going to lead and you’re going to follow. It’s a good formula so far.”
Batesville travels to Blytheville (5-2, 3-1) on Friday.
HS LAKESIDE
Defense rising up
Hot Springs Lakeside’s defense has turned things around since it started 5A-South Conference play.
The Rams (6-1, 4-0) allowed an average of 46.3 points per game in their first three games, including 62 points in a 62-54 loss at Sylvan Hills on Sept. 11.
But over its past four games, Lakeside has held teams to 20.7 points per game and allowed fewer than 14 points in two of the four games, giving up 13 points at Magnolia on Oct. 2 and 14 points at White Hall on Oct. 9.
Senior linebacker Kennedy King leads the team in tackles with 50. Free safety Caden Vaughn, another senior, had the game-clinching interception to preserve Lakeside’s 2826 victory over Hope last Friday at Austin Field in Hot Springs.
“They have confidence,” Coach Jared McBride said. “They are making the plays. Our coaches are putting them in good situations.”
The Rams have missed the playoffs the past two seasons but can clinch a playoff berth with a victory Friday at De Queen (2-5, 1-3).
“It’s been a good mix of hard work and fortunate bounces go our way,” McBride said. “They’re playing hard. They’re playing well.”