Jackrabbits make big plays in scrimmages

Lonoke's Casey Martin battles a Maumelle defender for a pass before securing the ball and racing for a touchdown against the Hornets. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

LONOKE — The Lonoke Jackrabbits split two scrimmages Monday night at James B. Abraham Stadium.

Lonoke played both Maumelle and Carlisle for a half game each. Maumelle outscored Lonoke 22-21 then Lonoke outscored Carlisle 15-7 in the final game of the evening. 

In the game with Maumelle, Lonoke jumped out to a 13-0 lead. Justin Meadows returned an interception 40 yards for touchdown with 10:19 left in the first quarter. Casey Martin kicked the extra point.

Meadows then scored on a 69-yard run with 5:35 left. The PAT was no good. 

Maumelle rallied to lead 14-13. Lonoke reclaimed the at 21-14 when Savonte Rountree threw a pass to Martin, who caught it between three defenders then raced for a 63-yard touchdown with 4:09 left in the scrimmage. Rountree scored the two-point conversion. 

Maumelle scored with 2:51 left to take the lead for good.

In the scrimmage with Carlisle, Lonoke's second-team offense, led by quarterback Will Miller, took an 8-0 lead. Miller scored on a quarterback sneak. Xavier Hodge scored the two-point conversion.

Lonoke's other score came on a 12-yard pass from Rountree to Martin. Martin also kicked the extra point.

"I thought this was very good competition," Lonoke coach Doug Bost said of the scrimmage games. "That is what we needed heading into Star City week."

The Jackrabbits open the season Sept. 4 at Star City.

"Offensive-wise, we put the ball on the ground five times," Bost said. "We had some penalties and it put is behind the chains. It's some things we've got to clean up."

Lonoke had two long touchdown passes called back by penalties against the Bison. 

Bost said he feels like he has six or seven players that can make big plays. 

"We've got one football and we'll spread it around the best we can," he said. "Be a team player and when you're number is called, make a play.

"I'm very proud of those guys. They did have some big plays."

Lonoke's Justin Meadows is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown against Maumelle.