Both Lonoke teams, Carlisle girls earn first-round wins in Goldfish Classic

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Lonoke's Justin Meadows [12] is fouled while making a shot against Des Arc in the first round of the Goldfish Classic. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

LONOKE — The Lonoke Jackrabbits, Lady Jackrabbits and the Carlisle Lady Bison were all victorious in the first round of the Goldfish Classic on Monday at the Gina Cox Center.

Lonoke boys 59, Des Arc 32

The Lonoke Jackrabbits shook off a slow start to pull away from the Des Arc Eagles in the second half. 

Lonoke led 11-8 after one quarter and 21-13 at halftime.

Jawaun Bryant led Lonoke with 12 points. Haven Hunter had nine points on three three-pointers. Justin Meadows added eight. Yancy Cooney scored seven.  Kylan Branscomb had six. Tyler Spencer added five. Scoring four was Michael Kelly. Bryson Jackson and Tyler Washington had three points each. Isaac Toney added two.  

The Jackrabbits will play Malvern in the semifinals Tuesday night at 8:20 p.m.

Lonoke's Keiunna Walker shoots for two against Des Arc.

Lonoke girls 61, Des Arc 9

It took a little bit to get going but the Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits advanced to the semifinals with a dominating win over the Des Arc Lady Eagles. 

Lonoke led 16-0 and 33-4 at halftime.

Keiunna Walker led Lonoke with 22 points. Kaley Woodruff had 12. Jarreyln McCall added 11. Mickenzie Williams scored eight. Ashlyn Allen had five. Mia Brown added two. 

Lonoke will play Malvern in the semifinals of the tournament Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

Carlisle's Kayla Golleher makes a pass during action earlier this season. Golleher scored four points in the Lady Bison's win over Stuttgart on Monday. 

Carlisle girls 53, Stuttgart 25

The Carlisle Lady Bison scored early and often in beating Stuttgart in the first round of the tournament. 

Carlisle led 16-7 after one quarter and 37-14 at halftime. 

Kylie Warren led Carlisle with 19 points. Nikita Harper had 13. Arius McClain scored eight. Nicquira Burnett had seven. Kayla Golleher scored four while Elex McClain had two. 

Carlisle will play England in the semifinals of the tournament Tuesday at 4:20 p.m.

Carlisle's Brynden Weems looks to score against Hazen two weeks ago. Weems scored 14 points in the Bison's loss to Stuttgart on Monday. 

Stuttgart 62, Carlisle boys 39

The Carlisle Bison played Stuttgart close for a quarter before the Ricebirds pulled away for the win.

Carlisle trailed 11-10 after one quarter but trailed 28-16 at halftime.

Brynden Weems led Carlisle with 14 points. Demarcus Houston had seven. Garnell Harris and Zach Caviness had five points each. Devon Kendrick scored four. Dominic Castleberry and Ty Golleher had two points each.

The Bison will play Hazen in the consolation round Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Carlisle sweeps Hazen in 2A-6 play

Bison coach Jayson Lowery talks to his team during their win over Hazen on Friday. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — It was a clean sweep for the Carlisle Bison and Lady Bison in their 2A-6 conference matchup with Hazen on Friday at Bison Arena.

Carlisle's Kylie Warren attempts a running jumper against Hazen.

Lady Bison score early, often in win

The Carlisle Lady Bison improved  to 6-5 overall and 6-0 in league play with a 67-33 win over the Hazen Lady Hornets.

Carlisle scored the game's first seven points. Elex McClain scored the first four while Kylie Warren scored three before Hazen's Elizabeth Foot hit a short jumper with 5:55 left. 

Carlisle used an 11-0 run to push its lead to 23-4 with 2:25 left in the first quarter. The big play of the run was a three-pointer by Nikita Harper with 2:34 left, making the score 21-4. The Lady Bison led 27-9 after one quarter and 41-20 at halftime.

The Lady Bison outscored Hazen 21-12 in the third quarter to lead 62-32 heading into the fourth quarter. 

Warren led Carlisle with 19 points. Elex McClain had 17. Harper added 10. NicQuira Burnett  and Arius McClain had six points each. Peyton Hitchings scored four. Blakely Ellis had three. Ashley Harbison added two. 

Lamondra Pinkney led Hazen with 14 points. 

Carlisle's Demarcus Houston eyes a three-pointer against Hazen.

Bison get third win

The Carlisle Bison got their third win of the season and first over Hazen in three seasons as they beat the Hornets 68-51.

The Bison trailed 14-12 after one quarter. Carlisle took a 16-14 lead early in the second quarter on baskets by Brynden Weems and Garnell Harris. Demarcus Houston had assists on both baskets. Carlisle led 28-22 at halftime.

The Hornets made a run in the third quarter, pulling to within one at 31-30 with 5:02 left. The Bison then scored six in a row and led 43-36 after three quarters.

The Bison took control in the final quarter. Their largest lead was 17 points on several occasions, including the final score. 

Weems led the Bison with 19 points. Devon Kendrick had 17. Houston added 15. Zach Caviness had six. Harris scored five. Jamarious Harper and Dominic Castleberry had two points each. Ty Golleher and Caleb Jones each hit one free throw.

"I'm so proud of my kids tonight," Carlisle coach Jayson Lowery said, via his Facebook page. "My boys have worked so hard and never stopped believing and being a family through tough losses. It was great to see the fire in their eyes tonight and the pride on their faces when they felt the thrill of victory on rival night."

Jackrabbits get second in tourney

The Lonoke Jackrabbits are the runners-up in the Conway St. Joseph Tournament. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CONWAY — The Lonoke Jackrabbits went 2-1 in the Conway St. Joseph High School Tournament last week. The Jackrabbits beat Perryville and Wonderview but lost to Guy-Perkins in the finals.

In the championship game, the Jackrabbits fell to the Thunderbirds 67-41 on Saturday night.

Guy-Perkins scored the game's first six points before Lonoke's Kylan Branscomb hit a free throw with 6:09 left in the first quarter. Lonoke trailed 17-8 after one quarter. 

Lonoke's Tyler Spencer hit a basket early in the second quarter to make the score 17-10. From there, Guy-Perkins outscored Lonoke 21-8 the remainder of the quarter to lead 38-18 at halftime.

Branscomb led Lonoke with nine points. Haven Hunter had eight. Spencer scored six. Isaac Toney had five. Yancy Cooney finished with four. Jawaun Bryant had three. Scoring two each were Bryson Jackson, Michael Kelly and Jayden Johnson.

Lonoke beat Perryville 62-46 in the first game of the tournament. 

Jackson led Lonoke with 15 points. Branscomb had 12. Hunter had 11. Kelly finished with eight. Cooney scored seven. Bryant had five. Scoring two each were Toney and Spencer. 

Lonoke beat Wonderview 53-48 in the second game of the tournament.

Branscomb led Lonoke with 16 points. Bryant had 14. Jackson scored eight. Toney had six. Hunter had three. Scoring two each were Cooney and Kelly.

Lonoke's Kylan Branscomb shoots for 2 against Guy-Perkins. 

Lady Rabbits fall to England in finals of tourney; go 3-1 last week

The Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits finished as runners-up in the Conway St. Joseph Tournament. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CONWAY — The Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits had a good week despite falling to England in the finals of the St. Joseph High School Tournament championship game Saturday night. 

Lonoke went 3-1, including a conference win and two wins in the tournament, to move its record to 5-2 on the season. 

Against England, Lonoke jumped out to a 12-5 lead in the first quarter but fell to the Lady Lions 52-41. 

Lonoke led 8-0 with 1:59 left in the first quarter. England did not score until there was 1:52 left. Lonoke led 12-5 with 23 seconds left following a short jumper by Keiunna Walker. England's Julia Bryant hit two free throws with 16.5 seconds left to start a 12-0 run to give the Lady Lions a 17-12 lead.

Lonoke cut the deficit to 17-16 on four consecutive points by Ashlyn Allen. Lonoke tied it at 18-18 on another basket by Allen. England led 25-20 at halftime and 35-30 after three quarters.

England led 42-34 with 4:46 left in the game. Walker and Jarrelyn McCall hit consecutive baskets to make the score 42-38 with 3:50 left. 

Lonoke had a chance to get closer but missed a short jumper. From there, England scored five in a row to lead 47-38. 

Tatayana Penister led England with 17 points. Bryant had 12. Amber Martin had 10.

Walker led Lonoke with 19 points. Allen had 11. McCall finished with seven. Kennedy White had three. Kaley Woodruff had one.

Lonoke beat Perryville 52-41 in the second game of the tournament. 

Walker led Lonoke with 24 points. McCall had 13. Mickenzie Williams and Allen had four points each. Tashalla Gomillion had three. White had two. Woodruff added a free throw.

Lonoke opened the tournament with a 61-20 win over Shirley. 

Walker and McCall led Lonoke with 18 points each. Allen had 14. White had five. Woodruff had four. Jayla Van Buren had two. 

Lonoke also beat Southside Batesville in a 4A-2 conference game last week. The final score was 55-52 in overtime.

Walker led Lonoke with 22 points. McCall had 13. Williams had 10. Woodruff and Mia Brown had three points each. 

Lonoke's Keiunna Walker drives to the basket against England.

Bison, Lady Bison sweep Palestine-Wheatley

Carlisle's Arius McClain drives to the basket against Palestine-Wheatley on Tuesday night. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — The Carlisle Bison and Lady Bison swept their 2A-6 conference openers from Palestine-Wheatley on Tuesday night at Bison Arena. 

Lady Bison rout Lady Patriots

The Carlisle Lady Bison finally got in the win column, beating Palestine-Wheatley 64-24. The Lady Bison are now 1-2 on the season. The two losses were to Lonoke and Poyen.

In Tuesday's game, Carlisle scored the first eight points of the game. Arius McClain started the scoring with a three-pointer. Kylie Warren then scored three in a row. Kayla Golleher and McClain then each hit 1 of 2 foul shots before the Lady Patriots got on the board with 4:06 left in the first quarter. 

Carlisle led 27-7 after one quarter and 51-12 at halftime. 

The Lady Bison outscored Palestine-Wheatley 11-7 in the third quarter. The Lady Patriots outscored Carlisle 5-2 in the fourth quarter. 

Carlisle coach Jonathan Buffalo was proud of his team's effort against the Lady Patriots.

"We played outstanding from the opening tip," Buffalo said. "We brought good energy on both ends of the court. We played much better defense."

Warren led the Lady Bison with 19 points. Arius McClain had 14. Nikita Harper had nine. Golleher and Ashley Harbison had five points each. Elex McClain and Ashby Terry had four points each. Mattie Staggs had two. Peyton Hitchings and Blakely Ellis had one point each.

Carlisle's Demarcus Houston shoots for 2 of his game-high 25 points against Palestine-Wheatley

Bison get second win

The Carlisle Bison got their second consecutive win, routing the Palestine-Wheatley Patriots 73-43.

The Bison are now 2-1 on the season.

Palestine-Wheatley led 3-0 before Carlisle's Brynden Weems hit a short jumper and Dominic Castleberry hit a three-pointer to make the score 5-3. 

After the Patriots tied the score at 7-7, the Bison went on a 9-0 run to lead 16-7. Weems started the run with a free throw. Devon Kendrick hit a short jumper. Demarcus Houston scored four in a row off steals and Kendrick scored on a drive to the basket.

Palestine rallied to tie it at 16-16 after one quarter.

After a Palestine-Wheatley free throw made the score 17-16, Houston hit the first of five three-pointers in the second quarter to give the Bison a 19-17 lead. Houston hit five three-pointers in the second quarter as the Bison led 43-24 at halftime.

Carlisle outscored Palestine-Wheatley 24-10 in the third quarter to lead 67-34 heading into the fourth quarter.

Houston led Carlisle with 25 points. Weems had 12. Kendrick had eight. Castleberry, Gray Amaden and Ty Golleher had six points each. Jamarious Harper gadded four. Zach Caviness had three. Tristan Seidenschwarz scored two. Garnell Harris added a free throw.

"They have worked so hard without complain to get to this point because they are true champions," Carlisle coach Jayson Lowery said via his Facebook. "Many kids, and I have coached some in the past, shut down when bad things continue to happen. Not these boys. With all the losses that piled up on them and the coaching changes, these boys could have decided that one more coach with some far-out ideas on basketball just wasn't worth following. These boys didn't. Instead, they listened and learned. They are a true family in the fact that they are constantly building up each other and pushing each other to be the best."

Jackrabbits remain perfect after OT win at Heber Springs

Lonoke's Kylan Branscomb shoots for 2 against Carlisle. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

HEBER SPRINGS — The Lonoke Jackrabbits improved to 3-0 on the season with a 74-68 overtime win over Heber Springs in the 4A-2 conference opener Tuesday. 

Lonoke's previous wins were over Carlisle and DeWitt in non-conference action.

In the win over Heber Springs, Lonoke trailed 15-13 after one quarter and 30-25 at halftime. 

The Jackrabbits outscored the Panthers 15-13 in the third quarter to trail 43-40 heading into the fourth quarter.

Lonoke was able to get the game into overtime as the score was tied 57-57 at the end of regulation. 

The Jackrabbits outscored the Panthers 17-11 in the extra time to get the win. 

Isaac Toney led Lonoke with 19 points. Bryson Jackson had 15. Kylan Branscomb added 14. Juwaun Bryant had 13 while Tyler  Spencer added 11. Haven Hunter hit a free throw to round out the scoring. 

Lonoke's James signs to play softball at Rust College

Lonoke softball player Candace James, surrounded by friends, family, teammates and coaches, signs her National Letter of Intent with Rust College during a recent ceremony. (Photo Courtesy of the James Family)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

LONOKE — Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits softball player Candace James is taking her game to the collegiate level.

James signed with Rust College from Holly Springs, Miss., during a ceremony recently inside the Gina Cox Center at Lonoke High School. 

Rust is an independent member of NCAA Division III.

"I selected Rust because of the longterm opportunities that they have to offer," James said. "It wasn't the only school I was interested in but it outshines both Arkansas State and the University of the Ozarks."

James is a three-year starter at catcher for the Lady Jackrabbits as she enters her senior season this springs.

"They did recruit me as a catcher and it is something that I still want to play but I would play anywhere they saw me fitting for the team."

James has played softball for 14 years, including two years of T-ball. 

"I have dreamed of playing college softball since I began playing the sport," she said. "It is one of the most rewarding things in my life to be able to live out my dream and still get to go to school to further my education."

James, who is the daughter of Brian and Kathy James, will pursue a double major in biology and chemistry.

"Then, I'll move on to get my education in physical therapy in a sister school of Rust," Candace James said.

Lonoke catcher Candace James fires a ball to second base during 2014 action. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

Bison even record at 1-1; Lady Bison drop close game to Poyen

Bison coach Jayson Lowery talks to his team during its win over Poyen on Monday at Bison Arena (Photos courtesy of Kym Warren)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — The Carlisle Bison and Lady Bison split two non-conference games with Poyen on Monday at Bison Arena.

Brynden Weems shoots for 2 of his team-high 30 points against Poyen

Bison even record

The Carlisle Bison routed the Poyen Indians 74-58 to even their record at 1-1. This is the first time since the 2012-13 season that the Bison have had at least a .500 record.

The Bison led 21-10 after on equator. DeMarcus Houston scored nine of the Bison's 21 points. Brynden Weems had six. Devon Kendrick, Jamarious Harper and Ty Golleher had two points each.

Poyen outscored Carlisle 20-17 in the second quarter but the Bison still led 38-30 at halftime. Weems scored 12 points in the second quarter. Harper had four and Zach Caviness added a free throw.

The Bison put the game away in the third quarter, outscoring the Indians 20-8 to lead 58-38 heading into the fourth quarter. Kendrick, Weems and Houston had six points each in the third quarter. 

Weems led the Bison with 30 points. Houston had 15. Kendrick added 12. Harper scored nine. Garnell Harris and Caviness had three points each. Golleher added two. 

"Tonight, our program took a huge step forward with a  big win over Poyen," said first-year coach Jayson Lowery said via his Facebook page. "I can't tell you how great it was to see the emotion and energy these young men have for this game."

Kylie Warren shoots for 2 against Poyen. She scored 35 points against the Lady Indians.

Lady Bison drop close one

The Carlisle Lady Bison had one of their highest-scoring games in several seasons but could not get over the hump in an 80-76 loss to Poyen. With the loss, Carlisle falls to 0-2 on the season. 

Carlisle led 26-15 after one quarter. Kylie Warren scored 14 points in the first quarter. Peyton Hitchings and Elex McClain had three points each. Nikita Harper and Arius McClain had two each. 

The Lady Bison led 46-41 at halftime but trailed 64-55 heading into the fourth quarter. 

Carlisle got to within three late in the game, outscoring the Lady Indians 21-16 in the fourth quarter. Warren scored 11 points in the final eight minutes. 

Warren led Carlisle with 35 points. Elex McClain had 14. Arius McClain had 11. Hitchings and Harper had seven points each. Nicquira Burnett had two. 

Carlisle will host Palestine-Wheatley in the 2A-6 opener Tuesday at Bison Arena. 

Lady Rabbits rally past Lady Bison

Lonoke's Keiunna Walker shoots a layup while being defended by Carlisle's Nikita Harper. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — In a game of runs, the Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits had the last one in beating Carlisle 65-55 on Tuesday at Bison Arena. 

Carlisle led 50-43 following a free throw by Nikita Harper with 3:58 left in the game. 

Lonoke went on an 8-0 run, including five points by Keiunna Walker, to take a 51-50 lead with 2:20 left.

Carlisle tied it at 51-51 on a free throw by Kylie Warren with 2:07 left.

Lonoke's Jarrelyn McCall then scored four in a row to give the Lady Jackrabbits a 55-53 lead with 1:51 left. Carlisle's Blakely Ellis hit a layup with 1:40 left to make the score 55-53. However, Lonoke ended the game with a 10-2 run to account for the final score. The Lady Jackrabbits hit 5 of 6 free throws in the final 38.1 seconds. 

Walker led Lonoke with 35 points. McCall had 14. Kaley Woodruff, Mickenzie Williams and Ashlyn Allen had 4 points each. Kennedy White and Mia Brown had 2 points each.

Warren led Carlisle with 29 points. Harper had 8. Arius McClain, NicQuira Burnett and Elex McClain had 4 points each. Kayla Golleher and Ellis had 2 points each.

Lonoke scored the first six points of the game. Carlisle rallied to lead 18-8 after the first quarter. 

The Lady Jackrabbits led 29-28 at halftime and 37-31 with 3:10 left in the third quarter. Carlisle then went on a 12-0 run to lead 43-37 with 7:56 left in the game.

Jackrabbits pull away from Bison in season opener

Lonoke's Isaac Toney, right, defends against Carlisle's Brynden Weems during the season-opener for both teams Tuesday night. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — The Lonoke Jackrabbits pulled away from the Carlisle Bison for a 76-51 win Tuesday night at Bison Arena.

The game was the season opener for both squads. 

The first quarter was close throughout with Carlisle leading 15-14 after the first eight minutes. Lonoke's Kylan Branscomb scored sixth of his team's 14 points. Carlisle's Devon Kendrick scored five of his team's 15 points. 

Lonoke outscored Carlisle 16-11 in the second quarter to lead 30-26 at halftime. Lonoke's Michael Kelly, playing his first basketball game, scored six of the Jackrabbits' 16 points. Carlisle's Demarcus Houston scored four Bison points in the second quarter.

Lonoke started to pull away in the third quarter, outscoring the Bison 25-14 to lead 55-40 heading into the fourth quarter. Lonoke's Bryson Jackson scored 10 of his team's points. Houston scored five points for the Bison in the third quarter 

Jackson led Lonoke with 15 points. Branscom had 14. Isaac Toney had 13. Kelly had 12. Haven Hunter and Tyler Spencer had 7 points each. Jawaun Bryant  had 5. Yancy Cooney had 2. Jayden Johnson added a free throw. 

Kendrick led the Bison with 14 points. Houston had 11. Jamarious Harper and Brynden Weems had 6 points each. Ty Golleher had 4. Drake Adams and Zach Caviness had 3 points each.  Garnell Harris, Jalen Kirk, Gray Amaden and Shawn Wakefield had 1 point each.

Lady Jackrabbits open season with win over DeWitt

Lonoke's Jarrelyn McCall makes a move up the floor against e-Stem last season. McCall had 14 points in her team's season-opening win over DeWitt last week. 

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

DEWITT — The Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits basketball team opened the 2015-16 season with a 46-32 win over the DeWitt Dragonettes last week.

Lonoke led 12-11 after one quarter. The score was tied 20-20 at halftime.

The Lady Jackrabbits outscored DeWitt 13-5 in the third quarter to get control of the game. Kaley Woodruff and Keiunna Walker each scored four points in the period. Ashlyn Allen added three. Jarrelyn McCall had two. 

McCall and Walker led Lonoke with 14 points each. Allen had five. Woodruff and Mickenzie Williams had four points each. Kennedy White and Arian Phillips had two points each.

Jackrabbits earn spot in Class 4A state playoffs

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Lonoke's Gabe Rooney [30] heads off the field toward defensive coordinator Taggart Moore during the Jackrabbits' win over Stuttgart in Week 9. Also pictured for Lonoke are Jawaun Bryant [2] and Hunter Ellis [58]. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

SEARCY — The Lonoke Jackrabbits are headed to the Class 4A state playoffs by virtue of a 38-21 win over the Riverview Raiders on Thursday.

Lonoke is now 5-5 overall and 3-4 in 4A-2 play. The Jackrabbits will be the fifth seed from the conference in the playoffs and will travel to Gosnell to take on the Pirates on Friday.

Lonoke took a 6-0 lead on a 39-yard fumble return by Jawaun Bryant with 6:35 left in the first quarter to make the score 6-0.

Lonoke trailed 7-6 after the first quarter. The Jackrabbits reclaimed the lead on a 2-yard run by Xavier Hodge on the first play of the second quarter. Riverview took a 14-12 lead with 19 seconds left in the first half.

However, Lonoke's Justin Meadows scored on a 57-yard run on the next play from scrimmage to give the Jackrabbits a 20-14 halftime lead.

Meadows struck again on the second half kickoff, returning the ball 90 yards for a touchdown, giving Lonoke a 26-14 lead. Lonoke led 26-21 after three quarters.

Lonoke scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Will Miller thew a 63-yard touchdown pass to Meadows with 8:55 left. Josh Coleman scored on a 2-yard run with 1:33 left to account for the final score.

Hodge led the Jackrabbits with 94 yards rushing on 18 carries. Meadows had 69 yards on 5 carries. Coleman had 63 yards on 15 carries. 

Gabe Rooney led Lonoke with 14 tackles. Bryant had eight. Dylan Smith had seven. Meadows and Ethan Holland had six tackles each. 

Friday's game at Gosnell is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Pirates are 9-1 on the season. The winner will play the winner of Central Arkansas Christian and Malvern in the second round Nov. 20. 

Lonoke High School assistant principal David Landers contributed to this story via his Twitter feed.

Lady Bison split two games in preseason scrimmages

Carlisle's Kylie Warren attempts a running jumper during her team's game with Sylvan Hills. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

LITTLE ROCK — The Carlisle Lady Bison basketball team opened the 2015-16 season with scrimmages against Jacksonville and Sylvan Hills on Saturday at J.A. Fair High School. 

Carlisle beat Jacksonville 28-26 on a short jumper by Kayla Golleher with 8 seconds left in the second and final quarter.

In the second game, Carlisle fell to Sylvan Hills 36-27. 

Against Jacksonville, Kylie Warren led the Lady Bison with 15 points. Golleher had 7. Arius McClain and Elex McClain had 3 points each.

Against Sylvan Hills, Warren had 12 points. Arius McClain had 6. Elex McClain had 4. Nikita Harper and Golleher had 2 points each. Peyton Hitchings had 1.

Carlisle coach Jonathan Buffalo said his team played in team camps during the summer to get ready for the season. 

"It's not quite the same as putting on your real uniform and playing somebody," Buffalo said. "We've been beating up on ourselves the last three months. It was good to shake some rust off and see how we would do, competing against someone other than our own teammates.

"I thought they played hard. We played some good solid defense at times during the day."

The Lady Bison open the regular season Nov. 17 against the Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits at Bison Arena.

Peyton Hitchings brings the ball up the floor against Sylvan Hills. 

Bison clinch playoff spot with rout of Lions

Bison coach Jack Keith talks to his team prior to their game with Brinkley. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

CLARENDON — For the 25th time in 27 seasons and 10th in a row, the Carlisle Bison football team is playoff bound.

Carlisle improved to 4-5 overall and 4-3 in 2A-6 conference with a 44-12 win over the Clarendon Lions. With the win, The Bison secured a playoff spot, which starts next week.

"This is huge," Carlisle coach Jack Keith said of his team making the playoffs. "We can play loose this week against McCrory and not have to press and worrying about winning to get in."

In the win over Clarendon, the Bison took an 8-0 lead with 2:43 left in the first quarter. Devon Kendrick scored on a 9-yard run. He added the two-point conversion.

The Bison pushed the lead to 22-0 on a 2-yard run by Ty Golleher and a 58-yard touchdown pass from Golleher to Brynden Weems. 

Clarendon got on the board with a two-yard run with 2:13 left in the first half. Carlisle got that score back when Golleher scored on a 5-yard run with 25 seconds left. Kendrick added the two-point conversion to give the Bison a  30-6 halftime lead.

The Bison's lead ballooned to 37-6 when JaSean Harper scored on a 7-yard run with 8:11 left in the third quarter. Nicolas Duhoux kicked the extra point.

Carlisle's final score came on a 11-yard run by Garnell Harris with 9:17 left in the game. Duhoux kicked the extra point to give the Bison a 44-6. 

Clarendon added another touchdown with 2:22 left.

"We showed up and played the game we're supposed to play," Keith said. "We took care of business."

Golleher led the Bison with 121 yards rising on 25 carries. He completed both of his passes for 82 yards. Catching passes were Weems and Tristan Seidenschwarz.

Kendrick added 67 yards rushing on 11 carries.

The Bison conclude the regular season on the road Thursday night against McCrory. The Jaguars are undefeated in conference play at 7-0.

Jackrabbits rout Ricebirds, one win away from making playoffs

The Jackrabbits all signal for a touchdown after Will Miller scored on a quarterback sneak in the third quarter against Stuttgart. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

LONOKE — With their backs against the wall, the Lonoke Jackrabbits came out swinging with their best performance of the season. 

Lonoke started quick in beating Stuttgart 34-7 on Friday night at James B. Abraham Stadium.

With the win, Lonoke improved to 4-5 overall and 2-4 in 4A-2 league play.

Stuttgart got the ball to start the game but was forced to punt with Lonoke getting the ball with a short field. That led to a 6-yard touchdown run by Casey Martin with 7:34 left in the first quarter. Josh Coleman added the two-point conversion. 

Lonoke used a squib kick on the ensuing kickoff. The Jackrabbits recovered the free ball. A few plays later, Lonoke quarterback Will Miller threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Justin Meadows with 5:34 left in the first quarter. Coleman added another two-point conversion to give the Jackrabbits a 16-0 lead.

The Jackrabbits scored 12 points in the second quarter to lead 28-0 at halftime. Miller threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Jawaun Bryant with 9:49 left. Meadows scored on a 10-yard run with 2:06 left. 

Stuttgart got its only points of the game on a  25-yard run by Je'rel Dabner with 7:57 left in the third quarter. Gavin Lawson kicked the extra point to make the score 28-7.

Lonoke's final score came on a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Miller with 3:07 left in the third quarter. 

"This kinda reminded me of Week 1 against Star City," Lonoke coach Doug Bost said of his team's win over the Bulldogs. "We came out and the ball went our way. The kids played hard and we out-physicalled them. It's been a while since we've done that."

Bost said there's an outside chance for his team to make the Class 4A state playoffs but the Stuttgart game was a must-win for them. 

Lonoke can make the playoffs if it beats Riverview in the regular-season finale Thursday night in Searcy. Both teams are tied for fifth in the league standings.  The top 5 teams advance to the playoffs, which begin Nov. 13.

"We have to win the last two and have help from two other teams," Bost said immediately after the win over the Ricebirds. "It was also senior night and we wanted to send them out with a victory."

Xavier Hodge led Lonoke with 118 yards rushing on 26 carries. Coleman had 68 yards on 11 carries. 

Miller completed 4 of 6 passes for 53 yards and two touchdowns. Bryant caught two passes for 31 yards. Meadows caught two passes for 22 yards.

Lonoke's defense held Stuttgart to only 154 yards in total offense.

Ethan Holland led Lonoke with nine tackles. Michael Hodes and Dylan Smith had seven tackles each. Gabe Rooney had six.

Thursday night's game at Riverview will start at 7 p.m.

Xavier Hodge carries the ball in the second half. 

Lonoke falls to CAC; playoff hopes are slim

Lonoke's Jawaun Bryant carries the ball after catching a pass against CAC. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

LONOKE — The Lonoke Jackrabbits are holding on to slim postseason chances after falling to first place Central Arkansas Christian 35-8 on Friday night at James B. Abraham Stadium.

Lonoke is tied for sixth place with Newport and Southside Batesville at 1-4. Riverview is in fifth place at 2-3. The top five teams advance to the Class 4A state playoffs.

The Jackrabbits host Stuttgart this Friday then play at Riverview in Searcy on Nov. 5. 

In the game with CAC, Lonoke fell behind 7-0 before taking an 8-7 lead with 4:56 left in the first quarter. Justin Meadows scored on a 69-yard run. Josh Coleman added the two-point conversion.

CAC scored two second-quarter touchdowns to lead 21-8 halftime lead. The Mustangs then scored two second-half touchdowns to account for the final score. 

Xavier Hodge led the Jackrabbits with 104 yards rushing on 21 carries. Meadows had 59 yards on 7 carries.

Lucas McKenzie led Lonoke with 10 tackles. Dylan Smith had nine. Michael Hodges had eight. Gabe Rooney had seven.

Bison fall to Tigers; inadvertent whistle kills momentum

Carlisle's Tyler Sanders [30] appears to take a handoff from quarterback Ty Golleher but Golleher kept it and appeared to score a touchdown but a whistle ended the play. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

CARLISLE — Down 14-0, the Carlisle Bison appeared to have seized some momentum from the Brinkley Tigers but that momentum was taken away by a single whistle.

Brinkley went on to win 34-8 Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field. The Bison are now 3-5 overall and 3-3 in 2A-6 play.

Carlisle's Ty Golleher had intercepted a pass in the end zone and returned to the Bison 25 midway through the second quarter. On the next play, Golleher appeared to hand the ball to fullback Tyler Sanders, who started the game at center but changed numbers. Golleher pulled the ball back and ran down the right sideline for what appeared to be a 75-yard touchdown run and a one possession game. 

However, an official blew his whistle, thinking that Sanders had the ball and his momentum was stopped. 

The officials had the teams replay first down. However, the Bison were forced to punt on a three-and-out. They were never able to regain any type of momentum. 

The Tigers scored another touchdown late in the first half on a 34-yard run by Accoreia Couch. Brinkley led 22-0 at halftime.

The Bison got on the board when Golleher scored on a 44-yard run with 11:02 left in the third quarter. Sanders scored the two-point conversion.

Brinkley scored two more touchdowns to account for the final score. 

Golleher led the Bison with 49 yards rushing on 6 carries. Sanders had 43 yards on 14 carries. Devon Kendrick had 21 yards on 7 carries.

The Bison can clinch a spot in the Class 2A state playoffs with a win at Clarendon on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The Lions are 1-5 in league play. 

Carlisle freshman Jasean Harper rattles a Brinkley player with a jarring hit. 

Bison rally for 27-26 win over Patriots

The Bison head to the line of scrimmage after breaking the huddle against Hazen. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

PALESTINE — The Carlisle Bison made the plays when it needed to in a 27-26 win over the Palestine-Wheatley Patriots on Friday night.

With the win, Carlisle is now 3-4 overall but 3-2 in 2A-6 conference play. The Bison are currently fourth in the conference. McCrory is undefeated at 6-0. Des Arc and Hazen are both 4-1, followed by the Bison. Augusta is 3-3. Brinkley is 2-3. Palestine-Wheatley is 2-4. Marvell and Clarendon are both winless at 0-5. The top five teams in the conference advance to the Class 2A state playoffs, which start in three weeks.

In Friday's game, the Patriots led 26-20 with 6:16 left in the game following a 5-yard run by Antwan Dawson.

Carlisle got the ball back to a the Palestine 49. The Bison drove 49 yards in 12 plays with Devon Kendrick scoring on a 2-yard run with 59 seconds left. Nicolas Duhoux broke the tie by kicking the extra point, making the score 27-26.

The Patriots returned the ensuing kickoff to the Bison 48. A few plays later, Palestine fumbled and Carlisle's Cody Edge returned the ball for a touchdown. However, the scoring play was called back because of a block in the back penalty. The Bison took possession of the ball and kneeled out the clock for the victory.

Carlisle led 6-0 in the first quarter on a 39-yard run by quarterback Ty Golleher. Palestine tied it at 6-6 on an 18-yard run by Dawson. 

The Bison reclaimed the lead at 12-6 on 7-yard run by Kendrick with 5:56 left in the first half. 

The Patriots tied it at 12-12 on a  3-yard run by Davonte Jordan with 3:44 left in the first half. They took a 20-12 lead when Dawson returned a Bison fumble 86 yards for a touchdown. They scored the two-point conversion. 

The score remained the same until Kendrick scored on a 14-yard run with 1:20 left in the third quarter. He also scored the two-point conversion to tie the game at 20-20. 

Kendrick led the Bison with 160 yard rushing on 15 carries. Golleher had 129 yards on 7 carries. Tyler Teel had 114 yards on 23 carries. 

Carlisle will host Brinkley for homecoming Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Jackrabbits break streak, beat Cougars 26-16

Lonoke coach Doug Bost talks to his team during it's preseason scrimmage with Carlisle. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

WEST HELENA — The Lonoke Jackrabbits were in dire need of a victory. On Friday night, they got just what the doctor ordered. 

Lonoke broke a four-game losing streak by beating the Helena-West Helena Central Cougars 26-16. The win was also the Jackrabbits' first in 4A-2 league play. The Jackrabbits are now 3-4 overall; West Helena is is 3-4 overall and 2-2 in conference action.

West Helena took an 8-0 lead on the first possession of the game. Kay Harvey scored on a 1-yard run. 

Lonoke cut the deficit to 8-6 in the second quarter when Savonte Rountree threw an 86-yard touchdown pass to Justin Meadows. The two-point conversion was no good. 

The Jackrabbits took a 14-8 lead by halftime. Xavier Hodge scored on a  3-yard run late in the half. Meadows added the two-point conversion. 

The score remained the same until the fourth quarter when Hodge scored on a 3-yard run with 10:31 left to make the score 20-8. 

Lonoke's final score came on the defensive side of the ball as Steven Barrett returned a fumble 54 yards for a touchdown to give the Jackrabbits a 26-8 lead.

West Helena scored a touchdown and two-point conversion late to set the final score at 26-16.

Hodge led Lonoke in rushing with 117 yards on 18 carries. Rountree completed 3 of 7 passes for 100 yards. Meadows had one catch for 86 yards. Also catching passes were Josh Coleman and Casey Martin. 

Joe Carter and Michael Hodges led Lonoke with 11 tackles each. Dylan Smith had eight. Jawaun Bryant and Ethan Holland had seven tackles each.

Lonoke will host the Central Arkansas Christian Mustangs this Friday at James B. Abraham Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

The Mustangs are 6-1 overall and 4-0 in 4A-2 league standings. 

Hornets fly past Bison

Carlisle's Carson Cunningham knocks the ball out of the hands of Hazen quarterback Drake Ingle. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

CARLISLE — It wasn't a good night for the Carlisle Bison football team.

The Bison fell behind 20-0 in a 51-20 loss to the Hazen Hornets on Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field. 

Carlisle is now 2-4 overall and 2-2 in 2A-6 Conference play. Despite the loss, the Bison are still in the thick of the playoff race. 

The Bison got on the board early in the second quarter when quarterback Ty Golleher rumbled 59 yards for a touchdown. The two-point conversion was no good, leaving the score at 22-6. 

Hazen pushed its lead to 30-6 when Drake Ingle scored on a 56-yard run. Logan Penn added the two-point conversion. 

The Hornets scored three third-quarter touchdowns to lead 51-6 with 2:17 left in the quarter.

The Bison added two fourth-quarter scores to account for the final score. Devon Kendrick scored on an 11-yard run with 3:15 left to make the score 51-12. 

Carlisle kicker Nicolas Duhoux attempted a perfect onside kick, with Tristan Seidenschwarz recovering the ball at the Hazen 45.

Six plays later, Golleher scored his second touchdown of the game on a 19-yard run. Kendrick added the two-point conversion. 

Duhoux attempted another onside kick, which was recovered by Carlisle's Clay Parker at the Hazen 34. However, the game ended on a Hazen interception.

Golleher led the Bison with 96 yards rushing on 8 carries. Tyler Teel had 90 yards on 18 carries. 

Penn led Hazen with 172 yards rushing on 12 carries. Ingle had 112 yards on 10 carries. 

Carlisle will play the Palestine-Wheatley Patriots on Friday night in Palestine. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Bison quarterback Ty Golleher takes a snap against Hazen.