Injuries hurt Jackrabbits in loss to Panthers

Lonoke quarterback Will Miller looks to the sideline for a play during his team's game with Little Rock McClellan on Sept. 18. Miller threw a touchdown pass in relief against Heber Springs. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

HEBER SPRINGS — Injuries hampered the Lonoke Jackrabbits in a 20-19 loss to Heber Springs in the 4A-2 conference opener Friday night.

Lonoke (2-2, 0-1 4A-2) played without big play specialist Justin Meadows, who injured a shoulder in the Jackrabbits' loss to Little Rock McClellan on Sept. 18. In Friday's game against Heber Springs, Lonoke lost starting quarterback Savonte Rountree and starting running back and backup quarterback Logan Dozier to injuries.  Despite that, the Jackrabbits still had a chance to beat the Panthers.

Heber Springs (2-2, 1-0) took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a 7-yard. Dozier, before getting hurt, threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jawaun Bryant early in the second quarter. Casey Martin kicked the tying extra point. 

The score was tied 7-7 at halftime. The Panthers got the ball to start the second half and drove inside the red zone but turned the ball over on downs. However, Lonoke fumbled the ball back to Heber Springs. 

Heber Springs' Edgar Torres scored on a 15-yard run. The extra point gave the Panthers a 14-7 lead.

Lonoke pulled to within one at 14-13 on a 3-yard run by Josh Coleman late in the third quarter. The Jackrabbits attempted the two-point conversion but were stopped on the play.

Lonoke got the ball back deep in its own territory. Martin ran 53 yards to get the Jackrabbits in striking distance. Lonoke's third quarterback of the game, Will Miller, threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Bryant early in the fourth quarter. The two-point conversion failed, leaving Lonoke ahead at 19-14. 

Heber Springs drove 71 yards for the go-ahead score. Torres scored on a 4-yard run. The two-point conversion was no good, leaving the score at 20-19.

Lonoke had a chance to rally but the Jackrabbits turned the ball over with an interception. From there, Heber Springs ran out the clock to get the win. 

Miller completed 2 of 3 passes for 29 yards.

Martin rushed for 100 yards on 11 carries. Coleman had 69 yards on 20 carries. 

Ethan Holland led Lonoke with 9 tackles. Michael Hodges had six.

Lonoke will host Newport for homecoming this week. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at James. B. Abraham Stadium.