Lady Jackrabbits beat Carlisle to win Goldfish Classic

The Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits and Carlisle Lady Bison gather at center court of the Gina Cox Center to say a prayer following the finals of the Goldfish Classic on Thursday night. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

LONOKE — The Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits got off to a quick start and never trailed in beating Carlisle 54-45 in the finals of the Goldfish Classic on Thursday at the Gina Cox Center.

Lonoke improves to 10-5 overall while the Lady Bison fall to 11-3. 

Lonoke scored the game’s first six points on two three-pointers by Mia Brown. The Lady Bison cut the deficit to 6-5 on five consecutive points by Kylie Warren. Lonoke then outscored Carlisle 12-5 the remainder of the quarter to lead 18-10 after one.

Carlisle cut the deficit to seven points on three different occasions in the second quarter but trailed 30-21 at halftime. 

Lonoke’s Keiunna Walker scored the first four points of the second half to push the lead to 34-21 and the Lady Jackrabbits led 42-28 after three quarters. 

Lonoke pushed the lead to 20 points at 48-28 with 5:01 left in the game. Walker, Kennedy White and Kaley Woodruff each scored two points during the quick 6-0 run.

Carlisle then went on a 12-1 run to pull to within nine at 49-40 with 2:30 left. That was as close as Carlisle got the remainder of the game.

Walker led Lonoke with 26 points. Brown had nine. Woodruff scored seven. White and Gracie Hyde had five points each. Hannah Moseley had two.

Warren led Carlisle with 19. DeShaye Ricks and Kayla Golleher had seven points each. Ashley Harbison and Ashby Terry had three points each. Heather Bowlan, Blakely Ellis and Kiara Miller scored two points each.

Lonoke advanced to the finals with a 49-21 win over Stuttgart in the semifinals. 

Walker led Lonoke with 26 points. Brown had seven. Maddie Pool scored six. Woodruff had five. White scored four. Mickenzie Williams had one. 

Lonoke beat Hazen 53-21 in the first round. 

Walker led Lonoke with 29 points. Williams and White had eight points each. Moseley had five. Woodruff had three.

Carlisle advanced to the finals with a 51-22 win over Malvern. 

Warren led Carlisle with 27 points. Terry scored six. Miller had five. Ricks, Golleher, Bowlan, Ellis and Taylor Cullum had two points each. Morgan Brazeal had one. 

Carlisle beat Des Arc 51-38 in the first round. 

Warren led Carlisle with 20 points. Miller had nine. Golleher scored eight. Bowlan and Harbison had four points each. Ricks and Ellis had three points each. 

Carlisle's Ashby Terry guards Lonoke's Keiunna Walker during first-half action. 

Jackrabbits rout Bison

Lonoke's Isaac Toney is fouled by Carlisle's Garnell Harris during the first half of Saturday's game at the Gina Cox Center (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

LONOKE — The Lonoke Jackrabbits bounced back from a loss to Little Rock Episcopal to beat Carlisle 72-43 on Saturday night at the Gina Cox Center.

Lonoke is now 4-7 overall while the Bison fall to 2-7 on the season. 

Lonoke took a 3-0 lead on a three-point basket by Kylan Branscomb. The Bison cut the deficit to 3-2 on a short jumper by Zach Caviness. From there, Lonoke went on an 8-0 run to lead 11-2. Tyriqe Jackson and Haven Hunter both hit three pointers while Tony Bryant scored off a steal.

The Bison tried to keep it close in the first quarter and trailed 15-9 following two free throws by Garnell Harris with 1:14 left. 

Lonoke outscored Carlisle 19-8 in the second quarter to lead 36-17 at halftime. The Jackrabbits led 52-30 after three quarters.

Jackson and Hunter led Lonoke with 16 points each. Tony Bryant and Jackson had 11 points each. Will Armstrong scored six. Braidon Bryant had five. Isaac Toney finished with four. Tyler Spencer had two while Jayden Johnson had one.

Harris led the Bison with 11 points. Devon Kendrick and Caviness had eight points each. Darrien Brown had four. Jamarious Harper and Tayvion Metcalf had three points each. Gray Amaden, Baylor Craig and Jalen Kirk had two points each.

Lady Bison rally past Lonoke for 37-31 win

Lonoke's Maddie Pool [30] and Carlisle's Heather Bowlan [3] battle for a rebound during the Lady Bison's win over the Lady Jackrabbits on Saturday night at the Gina Cox Center. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

LONOKE — The Carlisle Lady Bison overcame a slow start to beat Lonoke 37-31 on Saturday night at the Gina Cox Center.

Carlisle is now 9-2 on the season for the first time in 10 years. The Lady Jackrabbits are now 7-4.

Lonoke, playing without two starters, Keinna Walker and Kennedy White, got off to a great start, leading 11-0 with 1:47 left in the first quarter. Mia Brown hit two three-pointers during the run.

Carlisle finally got on the board with 1:16 left when Ashley Harbison drained a three-pointer. 

The Lady Bison pulled to within four at 13-9 following a steal and layup by Kayla Golleher but Lonoke scored the final five points of the second quarter to lead 18-9. Kaley Woodruff hit a short jumper and Mickenzie Williams hit three free throws.

Carlisle opened the second half with a 14-2 run to lead 23-20 with 1:24 left in the third quarter. Kylie Warren hit a three-pointer while Kiara Miller scored six in a row during the run. Golleher also hit a three-pointer to give the Lady Bison their first lead of the game at 23-20 with 1:24 left.

Lonoke tied it at 23-23 on a three-pointer by Gracie Hyde with 23 seconds left. 

Lonoke reclaimed the lead briefly on a basket by Williams early in the fourth quarter. Carlisle then went on a 10-0 run to lead 33-25 with 3:57 left in the game. Heather Bowlan scored four points during the run. Golleher, Blakely Ellis and Miller scored two points each during the run.

The Lady Jackrabbits cut the deficit to 35-31 with 1:41 left in the game on a basket by Brown. Miller scored the game’s final basket on a short jumper off an assist by Golleher with 1:15 left. 

Carlisle coach Jonathan Buffalo was proud of his team’s comeback.

“I thought my team came out in the second half and played really hard,” he said. “They bought into the adjustments we made at halftime, defensively and offensively. I told them after the game that we have to play with this type of effort in the first half. 

“There are big things to come. We’ve just got to keep working.”

Miller and Warren led Carlisle with 10 points each. Golleher had seven. Bowlan scored four. Harbison had three. Ellis and DeShaye Ricks had two points each. Miller led Carlisle with eight rebounds. Golleher had Ricks had five boards each. Golleher had four assists. 

Williams led Lonoke with 10 points. Woodruff and Brown had eight points each. Hyde had five. Pool led Lonoke with 14 rebounds. Williams had seven rebounds, four steals and three assists. 

Carlisle also won the junior girls game 37-16. The Junior Lady Bison ended the game on a 25-8 run.

Lonoke's Hyde runs her way to state title

Gracie Hyde is the 2016 Class 4A state champion in cross country.

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

LONOKE — Distance runner Gracie Hyde had an outstanding season for the Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits cross-country team.

Hyde, a junior transfer from Brookland High School, won the Class 4A state championship back in November at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs. She won the race with a time of 19 minutes, 47.5 seconds. Bekah Bostian of Prairie Grove was second with a time of 19:51.2. 

Hyde ran the race, felling the affects of mononucleosis for weeks. Hyde didn’t run cross country at Brookland, because the school did not have a team. However, she won the 800 and 1,600 at the Class 4A state meet last year.

“I started running in the seventh grade,” Hyde said. “However, it wasn’t until last track season that I became really involved. My dad took me to the state indoor meet, and having not ran since the previous outdoor season, I lapped everyone in my heat, earning third place in the 1A-4A. I would say that is when I began to realize my true potential in running.”

Hyde said she plans to run all the distance races this year for the Lady Jackrabbits, including the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters.

“I am ecstatic as I will be the returning 800 and 1,600 meter state champion,” she said. “I know that we have the opportunity to win the team championship title.”

A year ago at Brookland, Hyde won the high-point award at the conference track meet. She won the 400, 800, 1600, 3200 and high jump.. 

“I am certain running will play a major factor in my future,” she said. “While I’m undecided, several Division I schools have begun to recruit me. I’d like to compete collegiately and possibly past that and become a college track coach.”

Hyde is also a member of the Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits basketball team.

“Basketball is a sport I love but running is who I am,” she said. “It dictates my life, my friends, what I do, where I am, how I eat, etc. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

In fact, Hyde ran in an 800-meter race Saturday at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She sent a personal record with a time of 2:18. 

Hyde said she has a goal of breaking a 5-minute mile this year.

“That is something only three girls have done in the history of Arkansas,” she said. “I also hope to qualify for the New Balance National Indoor and the Brooks PR Outdoor Invitational, two prestigious national meets only an elite group of girls to get to compete in. 

“In cross country, I plan to improve off the past season and great the state record in the 5K.”

Bison rout Bears for first win

Carlisle's Ty Golleher makes a wraparound pass against Woodlawn on Friday night. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — The Carlisle Bison were in need of a victory after starting the season 0-3. They got one in a big way Friday night at Bison Arena. 

Carlisle jumped out to a 20-9 lead against Woodlawn en route to a 76-58 victory over the Bears.

Carlisle pushed its lead to 35-19 at halftime and 56-37 after three quarters.

Woodlawn had a chance to cut the deficit to single digits several times midway through the fourth quarter but the Bison had an answer every time. 

Devon Kendrick led the Bison with 34 points. Ty Golleher scored 12. Jamarious Harper had 11. Gray Amaden scored six. Zack Caviness had four. Braiden Wakefield scored three. Tayvion Metcalf and Braiden Jenkins had two points each. Caleb Jones and Tristan Seidenschwarz scored one point each. 

“My boys finally fell into sync and started taking on the roads our team need them to,” Carlisle coach Jayson Lowery said. “We played a formidable opponent and defeated them soundly by playing our style of basketball.

“It took us four games to do this but I think the boys feel like we are starting to come together.”

Carlisle's Devon Kendrick is fouled while making a move to the basket against Woodlawn. 

Lady Bison push Jessieville but fall in finals of tourney

Carlisle's Kiara Miller is fouled while attempting a shot against Woodlawn on Friday. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

HASKELL — The Carlisle Lady Bison gave Class 3A power Jessieville all it wanted in the finals of the Bill Gibbs Memorial Tournament on Saturday at Harmony Grove High School. Jessieville beat Carlisle 60-54. 

The Lady Bison are now 5-2 on the season. 

Jessieville, led by future Harding University player Kellie Lampo, led 15-14 after one quarter and 28-24 at halftime. Carlisle’s Kylie Warren picked up two fouls in the first quarter and did not play in the second quarter.

Carlisle trailed 43-33 entering the fourth quarter.

The Lady Bison outscored the Lady Lions 21-17 in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit, at one point, to five points late in the fourth quarter. 

Warren led Carlisle with 22 points. DeShaye Ricks had 12. Kayla Golleher had 9, all in the first half. She sat out most of the second half with a back injury. Ashley Harrison scored five. Kiara Miller had four. Heather Bowlan scored two.

Lampo led Jessieville with 23 points. 

“I”m so very proud of my players,” Carlisle coach Jonathan Buffalo said. “They battled and worked so hard. They showed so much heart. It is going to be a great year if we keep improving at this rate and keep working as a family. They are building the foundation of something special for years to come.”

Lady Bison 57, Woodlawn 40

Carlisle scored early and often in beating Woodlawn 57-40 on Friday at Bison Arena. 

Carlisle led 23-12 after one quarter. Woodlawn cut the deific to 25-15 before the Lady Bison went on a 17-0 run to lead 42-15 late in the first half. 

Woodlawn outscored Carlisle 22-15 in the second half. 

Kylie Warren led Carlisle with 19 points. DeShaye Ricks had 14. Morgan Brazeal had six points on two three-pointers. Ashby Terry and Kiara Miller both had six points. Mattie Staggs scored three. Heather Bowlan and two while Ashley Harbison added a free throw.

Lady Bison 66, Poyen 57

The Lady Bison avenged their first defeat of the season by beating Poyen 66-57 in the semifinals of the Bill Gibbs Memorial Tournament. 

Carlisle led 15-10 after one quarter and 27-24 at halftime. 

The difference was the third quarter when the Lady Bison outscored the Lady Indians 21-14 to lead 48-38 heading into the final eight minutes.

Kylie Warren led Carlisle with 26 points. DeShaye Ricks had 16. Kayla Golleher scored 11. Blakely Ellis and Heather Bowlan had four points each. Kiara Miller scored three. Ashby Terry added two. 

Lady Bison 46, Harmony Grove 17

Carlisle opened the Bill Gibbs Memorial Tournament with a 46-17 win over host Haskell Harmony Grove. 

Carlisle led 16-5 after one quarter and 30-11 at halftime. 

DeShaye Ricks led the Lady Bison with 15 points. Kayla Golleher had 14. Kylie Warren had seven. Kiara Miller scored six. Blakely Ellis had two while Ashby Terry added a free throw. 

Carlisle's Morgan Brazeal follows through on a jump shot. 

Lady Rabbits improve to 4-2 with rout of Baptist

Lonoke's Kennedy White scored 13 points in her team's win over Baptist Prep. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

LITTLE ROCK — The Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits shook off a slow start against Baptist Prep for a 56-27 win over the Lady Eagles on Tuesday night.

Lonoke, under new coach Heath Swiney, are 4-2 on the season. 

“We’re 4-2 so we’ve started the season on the upside,” Swiney said. “Last night, we played Baptist and did not have a very good first half offensively but we only gave up 12 points. You can’t be disappointed in that because that’s six points a quarter.”

Lonoke led 19-12 at halftime. Keiunna Walker scored nine of the first-half points. Mickenzie Williams scored five. 

Lonoke came alive in the third quarter, outscoring Baptist Prep 22-8 in the third quarter. Kaley Woodruff and Kennedy White scored seven points each in the second quarter. Walker scored six more. 

Lonoke continued the roll in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Lady Eagles 17-7 to account for the final score. 

Walker led Lonoke with 21 points. White had 13. Woodruff and Williams has even points each. Lilli Royer had six. Hannah Mosely scored three while Maddie Pool added a free throw. 

“We came out in the second half and put a little pressure on them,” Swiney said. “We knocked the ball away from them a few times and shot some layups. We got going offensively and hit some shots. We just had to do the little things to get us going.”

Swiney the season is going like he had hoped it would early on.

“Starting next week, I looked at my schedule and called it murderer’s row,” he said. Lonoke hosts Russellville, play at Valley Springs, then play Beebe. 

“Dec. 17, we obviously play Carlisle,” Swiney said. “They are a good basketball team this year.”

Lonoke also plays Central Arkansas Christian before Christmas break. 

“We’ve got games against six teams that are pretty crucial the next two weeks,” he said. 

Lonoke School District to start search for new football coach

Lonoke Jackrabbits interim football coach Taggart Moore. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

LONOKE — The position of Lonoke Jackrabbits football coach is officially open.

Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Bailey said, via email, that the school district will start looking for a permanent replacement for Doug Bost, who resigned as head coach Sept. 27, four weeks into the 2016 season. 

“We are going to open the position and will be planning the interview process in the near future,” Bailey said. 

Bost was replaced on an interim basis by defensive coordinator Taggart Moore. Lonoke finished the season 2-8 after starting 1-3 under Bost. 

During his tenure, Bost was 46-39, highlighted by a Class 4A state runner-up finish in 2009. The Jackrabbits lost to Shiloh Christian in the state title game. 

Bison rout Bulldogs in first-round playoff game

Carlisle center Tyler Sanders [53] leads his team to the line of scrimmage during the Bison's win over Quitman in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — For the first time in three seasons, the Carlisle Bison have won a playoff game.

The Bison pulled away from Quitman for a 49-21 win over the Bulldogs in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field. It was Carlisle’s first playoff win since the quarterfinal round of the Class 2A playoffs in 2013.

The Bison, now 7-4 on the season, will play at undefeated Danville this Friday in the second round of the playoffs. The Little Johns had a first-round bye after winning the 2A-4 conference. 

Carlisle took a 7-0 lead with 3:07 left in the first quarter on a 14-yard run by Devon Kendrick. He also kicked the extra point. That was the culmination of a seven-play, 65-yard drive. Ty Golleher also had a 14-yard run on the drive. 

Quitman looked to tie the game on its next possession but turned the ball over on downs at the Carlisle 30 with a minute left in the first quarter. From there, the Bison drove 70 yards in 11 plays with Kendrick scoring on a 1-yard run with 8:29 left in the first half. He also kicked the extra point. 

Quitman got on the board on the ensuing kickoff. Tyler Stracener picked up a fumble by teammate Michael Lewis and completed 79-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Lewis kicked the extra point to cut the Bison’s lead to 14-7.

The two teams traded punts. That led to the Bison’s third score of the half. They drove 60 yards in 14 plays with Golleher scoring on a 1-yard run on the final play of the half. Kendrick’s extra point gave the Bison a 21-7 halftime lead. 

Quitman started the second half with an onside kick. Sipes recovered the free kick at the Carlisle 49. 

On the first play from scrimmage, Qutiman’s Garrett Kennedy ran 34 yards to the bison 15. However, he was called for a 15-yard face-mask penalty for pulling the helmet off Golleher. But that didn’t matter as Lewis scored on a 30-yard run the next play to cut the deficit to 21-14. 

Carlisle quickly pushed the lead back to two touchdowns as Kendrick scored on a 1-yard run with 9:21 left in the third quarter. The extra point was no good, leaving the score at 27-14. 

Quitman was forced to punt on its next possession. Carlisle’s Mitch Lewis deflected the kick and the Bison got the ball at the Bulldogs’ 37-yard line. However, the Bison turned the ball over on downs at the Quitman 32. 

Carlisle forced another punt but a bad snap led to the Bison taking over at the Quitman 1 with 4:32 left in the third quarter. Golleher then scored on a 1-yard run on the next play. Kendrick scored the two-point conversion to give the Bison a 35-14 lead.

Carlisle pushed its lead to 41-14 on an 82-yard run by Jasean Harper with 11:23 left in the game. The Bison invoked the mercy rule when Ian Seidenschwarz scored on a 3-yard run and Carson Cunningham threw to Houston Garrich for the two-point conversion later in the quarter. 

Quitman added a touchdown with 7:04 left in the game. 

Golleher led the Bison with 194 yards rushing on 30 carries. Harper had 120 yards on 8 carries. Kendrick had 72 yards on 14 carries. Ian Seidenschwarz had 42 yards on 10 carries. 

The Bison finished with 432 yards in total offense, all on the ground. 

Quitman had 68 yards rushing and 157 yards passing. 

Lady Bison rout 5A Maumelle on night of celebration

Carlisle's Kylie Warren is fouled while making a move to the basket in the first quarter against Maumelle on Tuesday. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — It was a night of celebration for the Carlisle Lady Bison basketball program Tuesday night at Bison Arena.

The 2007 and 2008 Class 2A state championship teams from Carlisle, coached by Toby Tevebaugh, were honored prior to Carlisle’s season opener with Maumelle. 

That was just part of the fun that night.

The current Lady Bison, coached by Jonathan Buffalo, pulled away from the Class 5A Lady Hornets, coached by former Carlisle coach William Rountree, for a 64-47 victory in front a large crowd at Bison Arena. 

“The kids deserve the credit,” Buffalo said. “They have been coachable and hard working. They have made my job fun. We’ve got so many more games to go.”

Carlisle led 15-11 after one quarter then erupted for 20 points in the second quarter to lead 35-16 at halftime. Kylie Warren scored 12 points in the second quarter. 

Maumelle outscored Carlisle 13-8 in the third quarter but the Lady Bison rebounded with a 21-point outburst in the final eight minutes. The lead grew to as much as 27 points. 

Warren led Carlisle with 27 points. Deshaye Ricks had 13. Kayla Golleher added 12. Kiara Miller scored six while Heather Bowlan, Blakely Ellis and Ashby Terry had two points each.

Carlisle will return to action next Tuesday against Little Rock Fair at Bison Arena. 

Bison rally again, beat Lions on homecoming

Carlisle's Jasean Harper heads toward the end zone for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Bison's 35-34 win over Clarendon on Friday night. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — For the second week in a row, the Carlisle Bison had to rally from a double-digit deficit to get a conference victory.

The Bison, now 6-3 overall and 5-2 in 2A-6 play, trailed 28-14 at halftime to Clarendon but rallied for a 35-34 homecoming victory Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field. The win is Carlisle’s fifth in a row. Last week, Carlisle trailed Brinkley 30-6 before rallying for a 40-36 win over the Tigers. 

Carlisle pulled to within seven at 28-21 with 3:43 left in the third quarter. Devon Kendrick scored on a 1-yard run then kicked the extra point. This was the culmination of a 79-yard, 9-play drive. Jasean Harper had a 39-yard run on the drive. 

The Bison took a 29-28 lead when Tristan Seidenschwarz intercepted a Clarendon pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown with 1:38 left in the third quarter. Kendrick added the two-point conversion. Carlisle's Gray Amaden forced the  Clarendon quarterback into a bad pass that led to the score.

The Bison added to their lead following an interception by Braiden Jenkins. Carlisle drove 81 yards in four plays with Harper scoring on a 25-yard run with 6:20 left. The 2-point conversion was no good and the Bison led 35-28. 

The big play of the drive was a 33-yard run by Ian Seidenschwarz, who appeared to be stopped near midfield but kept his feet after rolling off a Clarendon defender and ran the ball to the Lions 25. 

Clarendon would not go away. 

The Lions pulled to within one at 35-34 when Jama Cross scored on a 1-yard run with 3:45 left in the game. He attempted a pass on the 2-point conversion try but Harper intercepted the pass to preserve the Bison’s one-point lead.

Carlisle took to be in control of the game after a 12-yard run by kendrick down to the Clarendon 42 following an onside kick attempt. But the Bison were penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, backing them up 15 yards. The Bison then fumbled the ball back to Clarendon with 3:29 left.

Clarendon’s Marvin Horns then ran the ball 30 yards to the Bison 14. They gained only yard before facing fourth-and-nine at the Bison 13. A bad snap on the play led to the Bison getting a tackle behind the line of scrimmage. They took over at their own 18.

Kendrick then ran 6 yards. Then Harper was horse-collared tackled on the next play. After an automatic first down, the Bison kneeled out the clock to get the win. 

Harper led the Bison with 119 yards rushing on 11 carries. Kendrick had 117 yards rushing on 24 carries. Ian Seidenschwarz had 54 yards on four carries. 

Carson Cunningham completed 1 of 2 passes for 26 yards. Houston Garrich caught the pass.

Carlisle got off to a quick start, leading 7-0 with 9:14 left in the first quarter. Kendrick scored on a 9-yard run. He also kicked the extra point.

Clarendon scored the game’s next 14 points to lead 14-7. The Bison tied it at 14-14 when Harper scored on a 15-yard run with 11:07 left in the first half. Kendrick kicked the extra point. 

Clarendon scored two second-quarter touchdowns to lead 28-14 at halftime. 

Carlisle has already clinched a spot in the Class 2A state playoffs, which start in two weeks. 

The Bison can get the second seed from the 2A-6 with a  win over defending state champion McCrory on Thursday at home. If the Bison lose, they would be the third seed if Palestine-Wheatley loses to Hazen. If the Patriots beat Hazen and McCrory beats Carlisle, the Bison will be the fourth seed. Second- and third-place teams will host first-round playoff games.
Kickoff Thursday night is set for 7 o’clock.

Carlisle's Houston Garrich [40] battles Clarendon's Jaquan Bones for a pass in the first quarter. 

Jackrabbits can't keep up with Cougar

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

LONOKE — The Lonoke Jackrabbits dropped their second consecutive game with a 47-19 loss to Helena-West Helena Central on Friday night at James B. Abraham Stadium.

With the loss, Lonoke is now 2-5 overall and 1-3 in 4A-2 play.

West Helena returned the opening kickoff 74 yards and a touchdown to lead 7-0. The Cougars added to their lead later in the first quarter, leading 14-0.

Lonoke, running the ball out of the double wing offense, cut the deficit in half at 14-7 in the second quarter when Dylan Smith scored on a 23-yard run. Mario Reyes kicked the extra point.

West Helena started pulling away and led 33-7 at halftime. 

The Cougars then scored another touchdown to lead 39-7. 

Lonoke scored twice in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 39-19. 

After a bad snap on a punt gave Lonoke the ball at the West Helena 1, quarterback Will Miller scored on a sneak to make the score 39-13. 

Lonoke’s other touchdown came on a scoop-and-score by Isaac Toney. 

West Helena tried a lateral and Toney got the ball at the Cougars 35 and returned for the score.

West Helena scored a final touchdown to account for the scoring.

Xavier Hodge led Lonoke with 125 yards rushing on 23 carries. Logan Dozier had 58 yards on 19 carries. 

Kameron Cole, Dylan Smith and Toney had six tackles each to lead the Jackrabbits. 

Lonoke will travel to North Little Rock to take on Central Arkansas Christian this Friday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Mustang Mountain. 

Bison rout undefeated Patriots, 38-12

Carlisle's Ian Seidenschwarz scores a Bison TD against Palestine-Wheatley. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — For the first time in three seasons, the Carlisle Bison have won three games in a row and have a winning record at any point during the season.

The Bison improved to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in 2A-6 play with an impressive 38-12 win over previously unbeaten Palestine-Wheatley on Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field. 

The Patriots entered the game at 6-0 and 5-0 in league play. 

“They are all big from now on,” Bison coach Mark Uhiren said. “We feel like we messed up big time at Augusta. I’m not saying they are a lesser team or anything like that but I think we’re much better than we put on that night.”

Against Augusta, the Bison fell behind 36-0 before rallying to within 10 at 42-32 before losing 50-32. 

“We did put on a show and scored 32 points but they just got up on us,” Uhiren said. “It was one of those things that kept getting away from us. The Des Arc game could have gone either way. We had it. We just should have clinched it.

“We feel like we messed up twice. So, we’ve got to make amends for that. That’s the way we’re approaching it — a game at a time. If we can stay focused a game at a time, we’ll be okay.”

The Bison got the ball to start the game then drove 65 yards in 12 plays with Devon Kendrick scoring on a 9-yard run with 6:38 left in the first quarter. The extra point was no good, leaving the score at 6-0.

The next three plays were some of the strangest anyone will ever see. Carlisle’s Carson Cunningham intercepted a Palestine-Wheatley pass. The Bison then fumbled the ball back to the Patriots. Kendrick then recovered a Palestine-Wheatley fumble at the Patriots 30.

Six plays later, freshman Ian Seidenschwarz scored on a 4-yard run with 2:10 left in the first quarter. Kendrick added the two-point conversion to give the Bison a 14-0 lead.

The Patriots got on the board when Garrett Wilson ran 57 yards for a touchdown with 4 seconds left in the first quarter, making the score 14-6.

After the teams traded punts, the Bison drove 75 yards in seven plays with Kendrick scoring on a 23-yard run with 4:14 left in the first half. Ty Golleher added the two-point conversion to give the Bison a 22-6 lead.

The Bison got the ball back after Tristan Seidenschwarz recovered a Patriots fumble at the Bison 43 with 3:03 left in the first half. 

A key play in the game happened on this drive. Facing fourth down, the Bison went for it on fourth-and-nine from their own 44. Carlisle’s Jasean Harper was able to drag defenders for a 16-yard gain and a first down. Four plays later, Harper broke away from the defenders and scored a touchdown on a 30-yard run on the final play of the first half. Golleher added the two-point conversion to give the Bison a 30-6 halftime lead.

The Patriots scored their second touchdown with 6:49 left in the third quarter. Carter Milton threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Jarod Ferguson. The two-point conversion failed, leaving the score at 30-12.

The Bison capped the scoring when Kendrick scored on an 11-yard run with 4:43 left in the game. Cunningham then threw to Zach Caviness for the two-point conversion to make the score 38-12.

Golleher led the Bison with 149 yards rushing on 28 carries. Kendrick had 122 yards on 13 carries. Harper had 55 yards on five carries.

The Bison are currently in fourth place in the 2A-6 conference behind Des Arc and Palestine-Wheatley. They are a half game behind McCrory, which is 4-2 in league play.

Carlisle travels to Brinkley this Friday before hosting Clarendon and McCrory to end the season. 

Bison coach Mark Uhiren talks to linemen Tyler Sanders and Houston Garrich. 

Bison swat Hornets for third win

Carlisle's Brent Bowlan runs behind the blocking of teammate Gray Amaden during the Bison's 36-8 win over Hazen on Friday night. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

HAZEN — Twos are wild.

For the first time this season, the Carlisle Bison have won two consecutive games and ended a two-game losing streak to the Hazen Hornets.

The Bison jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead then cruised to a 36-8 win over Hazen on Friday at Hornet Field. Carlisle is now 3-3 overall and 2-2 in 2A-6 play.

“That’s a big thing right there,” Carlisle coach Mark Uhiren said of winning a rivalry game. “I think the seniors wanted this one pretty badly. You like to see them win more than anything. They know that this is the last time they will play Hazen. It’s a big deal for them.”

The Bison started conference play at 0-2. After falling behind 36-0 to Augusta, they made a game of it before falling 50-32. Against Des Arc, the Bison led late in the game before the Eagles scored a touchdown late to win. 

“I tell them to forget about it but I can’t help but keep thinking about Des Arc,” Uhiren said. “Can you imagine what that would feel like. 

“Right now, I’m trying to get across to them that we’re working towards the playoffs if that is possible. We’re keeping it in the back of our minds. Each game is a step. We’re still learning tons of things. We make fewer mistakes each game.”

Carlisle got the ball to start the game. The Bison then drove 53 yards in 10 plays with Brent Bowlan scoring on a 5-yard run with 6:55 left in the first quarter. Devon Kendrick kicked the extra point to give the Bison a 7-0 lead.

On the first play from scrimmage for Hazen, the Hornets fumbled the ball with Carlisle’s Ki Dearen recovering at the Hazen 27. Eight plays later, Ty Golleher scored on a 17-yard run with 2:35 left in the first quarter. The extra point was no good, leaving the score at 13-0.

The Bison then forced a Hazen punt and they took over at their own 17 early in the second quarter. They drove 83 yards in 13 plays with Golleher scoring on a 2-yard run with 3:45 left in the half. Bison quarterback Carson Cunningham then threw to Zach Caviness for the two-point conversion and a 21-0 lead.

Hazen got on the board to start the second half as the Hornets drove 53 yards in 10 plays. Quintin Bonds scored on a 4-yard run with 6:24 left in the third quarter. Boomsey Minor scored the two-point conversion.

The Bison put the game away with two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Kendrick scored all 15 points. He scored touchdowns on runs of 23 and and 8 yards. He scored a two-point conversion and kicked an extra point. 

Golleher finished with 221 yards rushing on 22 carries. Kendrick had 112 yards on 14 carries. Jasean Harper had 31 yards on 9 carries. Bowman had 25 yards on 10 carries.

The Bison finished with 402 yards in total offense, all on the ground.

Hazen had 59 yards of total offense.

The Bison now host the Palestine-Wheatley Patriots next week at Fred C. Hardke Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

The Patriots are 6-0 overall and 5-0 in 2A-6 play. They beat 39-6 on Friday night.

“The challenge is going to be there, that’s for sure,” Uhiren said of playing Palestine-Wheatley. “It is going to be a home game. That is going to help us a little bit. It seems like we’ve been all the road all year long. Fortunately in this league, all our games are close. 

“When you play at home, you like for people to come and support the kids. I just told them in the locker room that we’ve got to get a little better every week.”

Carlisle's Carson Cunningham returns an interception. 

Lady Bison state championship teams to be honored on opening night

The 2008 Carlisle Lady Bison basketball team after they won its second consecutive Class 2A state championship. 

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — The Carlisle Lady Bison will open the season Nov. 8 at Bison Arena against the Class 5A Maumelle Lady Hornets. That night, former Lady Bison coach Toby Tevebaugh and his two-time state champion Lady Bison basketball teams will be honored prior to the senior girls game. 

It's been 10 years since the start of the 2006-07 season. That year, Carlisle ran roughshod over the competition on its way to its first-ever state championship. They lost only two games — against two Class 6A schools, Little Rock Parkview and Watson Chapel. 

The 2007 Lady Bison beat Jessieville to win the Class 2A state title at Summit Arena in Hot Springs.

The next season, expectations were high for the Lady Bison and they had a few stumbles along the way, including a loss to Augusta in the finals of the regional tournament. 

However, the Lady Bison avenged that loss by beating the Lady Red Devils in the 2008 Class 2A state title game, completing the back-to-back state title run. 

According to current Lady Bison coach Jonathan Buffalo, the state championship teams will be honored at approximately 6:30 p.m.

“We want as many of the former layers as possible to show up,” Buffalo said.

Tevebaugh, the current girls coach at his alma mater, Gentry High School, is excited about this opportunity to come back to Carlisle.

“I’m so excited about this,” he said. “I hope players from all my others teams can make it as well.”

Maumelle is coached by former Bison and Lady Bison head coach William Rountree, who still makes his home in Carlisle. 

Bison rout Mustangs for second win

The Bison defense tries to get past Marvell defenders. (Photo by David Sanders)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

CARLISLE — The Carlisle Bison broke a two-game skid with a 50-12 win over the Marvell Mustangs on Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field. 

With the win, Carlisle is now 2-3 overall and 1-2 in 2A-6 play. 

The Bison led 8-0 with 9:42 left in the first quarter. Brent Bowlan scored on a 1-yard run. He also scored the two-point conversion.

The Bison added to their lead when Bowlan scored on a 3-yard run with 5:34 left in the first quarter. Devon Kendrick kicked the extra point to give the Bison a 15-0 lead.

Marvell got on the board with 11:18 left in the first half on an 11-yard scoring run. The PAT was no good, leaving the score at 15-6.

The Bison scored 28 third-quarter points to lead 43-6 at halftime. 

Ty Golleher scored on a 13-yard run with 8:43 left. Kendrick scored on a 7-yard run and a 5-yard run. Golleher then scored on a 6-yard run with 42 seconds left. He added the two-point conversion. Carson Cunningham also threw a pass to Zach Caviness for a two-point conversion.

The Bison’s final touchdown came on a 1-yard run by Golleher in the third quarter. Kendrick kicked the extra point. 

Marvell’s final points came with 10:59 left in the game.

Golleher led the Bison with 137 yards rushing on 12 carries. Kendrick had 69 yards on 11 carries. Jasean Harper had 49 yards on six carries. Bowman had 23 yards on 5 carries.

The Bison will travel to Hazen on Friday night  to take on the rival Hornets. Hazen is 1-4 on the season. The Hornets beat Brinkley 24-20 for their first win of the season Friday night. 

Jackrabbits rout Eagles in Coach Moore's debut

Lonoke's Xavier Hodge runs over a Baptist Prep defender. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

LITTLE ROCK — The Taggart Moore era of Lonoke Jackrabbits football got off to a rousing start Friday night at The Ranch.

Lonoke jumped out to a 26-0 halftime lead en route to a 33-7 win over Baptist Prep. Moore was named interim Lonoke football coach following the resignation of Doug Bost on Tuesday.

“I told them all week to bring the energy, we’re a family,” Moore said after the game. “They did more than I could ever wish for. They love each other. They love the coaching staff. The coaching staff loves them. We just wanted to do it for them tonight and I think we did.

“We’re back on track.”

Lonoke is now 2-3 overall and 1-1 in 4A-2 play. After beating Carlisle in the season opener, the Jackrabbits dropped three consecutive games by blowout before turning the tables on the Eagles. 

Lonoke got the ball to start the game. The Jackrabbits then drove 54 yards in 14 plays. Logan Dozier scrambled then threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Ethan Mulligan with 5:24 left in the first quarter. The extra point was blocked, leaving the score at 6-0. 

“That is what we’ve wanted to do,” Moore said. Lonoke ran the ball 10 times on the drive. 

“Coach [Jack] Keith put a great game plan in,” Moore said. “He called all the plays. He mixed it up with cadences. He mixed up the tempo. He slowed it down. He sped it up; threw it when he needed to; ran it when he needed to. 

“I cannot say enough about the job he did. I had confidence in him going into it. He’s the man on offense tonight.”

The Jackrabbits’ defense forced a punt on Baptist’s first possession. That led to a 12-0 lead as Lonoke drove 56 yards in six plays with Xavier Hodge scored on a 3-yard run with 1:16 left in the first quarter. Hodge also had a 40-yard run on the drive. 

The Jackrabbits scored two more first-half touchdowns. Hodge scored on a 13-yard run with 4:39 left in the first half. Mario Reyes kicked the extra point. Dozier scored on a 1-yard run with 25 seconds left. Reyes kicked another extra point.

On the ensuing kickoff, Baptist fumbled the ball and Lonoke recovered the ball at the Baptist 36.

On the final play of the half, it appeared Lonoke had scored another touchdown. Dozier threw a backwards pass to Isaac Toney, who then threw a perfect pass to a streaking Kameron Cole for a 38-yard touchdown. 

Lonoke was lined up to kick the extra point when the officials decided to huddle. After a few minutes, the official on the Baptist side of the field where Toney caught the lateral then threw his pass, threw his penalty flag. The referee said Dozier had thrown a forward pass. A team cannot throw two forward passes on the same play. 

Video confirmed that Toney caught the ball from Dozier two yards behind him. 

However, that play did not keep the Jackrabbits down as they took a 33-0 lead when Dozier threw a 66-yard touchdown pass to Cole with 4:51 left in the third quarter. Reyes kicked the extra point.

Baptist’s lone touchdown came with 10:09 left in the game. Logan Hogan scored on a 9-yard run. 

Lonoke’s defense played well all night. In fact, they allowed less than 30 yards in the first half.

“We told them this week that if they played disciplined, because that offense is tough to stop, that we would be just fine,” Moore said. “They didn’t try too much. They did their job — all 11 of them.”

Dozier completed 8 of 11 passes for 114 yards. Toney caught 3 passes for 18 yards. Hodge caught two balls for 1 yards. Also catching passes were Cole, Mulligan and Dylan Smith. 

Hodge led Lonoke with 118 yards rushing on 22 carries. Stephen Barrett had 26 yards on 4 carries. 

The Jackrabbits will try to make it two wins in a row when they host Southside Batesville for homecoming. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at James B. Abraham Stadium. 

Logan Dozier signals "touchdown."

Lonoke's Isaac Toney [6] tries to get away from a defender. Also pictured is Kameron Cole [1].