Jackrabbits start conference 1-0 for first time since 2013

Lonoke kicker Diego Contreras attempts an extra point against Newport. Contreras kicked a 32-yard field goal against Heber Springs on Friday night. Holding for the kick is Riley Miller (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

HEBER SPRINGS — For the first time since 2013, the Lonoke Jackrabbits are 1-0 in conference play.

The Jackrabbits routed the Heber Springs Panthers 32-12 on Friday night to improve to 2-2 on the season and start 4A-2 play at 1-0. The last time Lonoke beat Heber Springs, which was also the conference opener was 2013. The Jackrabbits beat the Panthers 63-34 on Sept. 27, 2013.

In Friday’s win, Lonoke jumped out to an 11-0 lead. 

Lonoke kicker Diego Contreras kicked a 32-yard field goal in the first quarter. Lonoke then pushed the lead to 11-0 on a 14-yard run by Anthony Parks. Chris Lucas caught a pass from Spencer Pepper for the two-point conversion.

Hebei Springs scored a touchdown in the second quarter to make the score 11-6. Lonoke followed up with a 35-yard pass from Pepper to Parks. Contreras kicked the extra point to make the score 18-6. 

Each team scored a touchdown in the third quarter. Pepper scored on a 25-yard run. Contreras kicked the extra point. The Panthers also scored on a pass to make the score 25-12.

Lonoke’s final score came in the fourth quarter. Lucas caught a 23-yard pass from Pepper, and Contreras kicked the extra point to account for the final score. 

Pepper completed 10 of 16 passes for 131 yards. he also rushed for 130 yards on 22 carries. Parks had 75 yards on 16 carries. He caught 5 passes for 79 yards. Lucas and MJ White each caught two passes. 

Dayton Smith led Lonoke with 15 tackles. Brayden Coble and Lucas had 9 tackles each. Daylynn Waits had 8. 

John Lawson had two sacks for the Jackrabbits. Riley Miller had an interception.

Lonoke will host Bald Knob on Friday night at James B. Abraham Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.