Lady Jackrabbits improve to 10-0 in league volleyball action

Lonoke's Jarrelyn McCall [22] blocks the hit by Clinton's Randi McDonald during
the Lady Jackrabbits' conference victory on Thursday at the Gina Cox Center.
 Backing up on the play for Lonoke is Janae Miller. (Photos by Mark Buffalo) 

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

LONOKE — It took a little bit of extra work but the Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits volleyball team is still undefeated in league play.

Lonoke beat Clinton in four games to improve to 10-0 in the 4A-Central on Thursday night at the Gina Cox Center. The scores were 25-21, 25-12, 18-25, 25-22. The Lady Jackrabbits have six conference matches remaining.

Lonoke coach Laura Park said the reason for the 10-0 start has been the "heart" her players have shown this year.

"These girls love what they are doing, they work very hard at it; it is a passion for them," Park said. "It shows through. There have been times we've been down 6, 8, 10 or 12 points and should lose and we wind up coming back and winning. 

"It's their determination and their heart. They give everything they've got."

Park said one thing she is emphasizing this year is to not let down at any point, especially after winning the first game or first two games of a match, similar to what they did against Clinton on Thursday. 

"If you've won the first two, you've got to work even harder, and play harder and smarter," Park said. "No one is going to lay down and let you have the win."

During the win over Clinton, Lonoke missed five consecutive serves in the third game when the Lady Jackrabbits lost 25-18. 

"We don't do that normally," Park said. 

Despite the hiccup in the third game, Lonoke played strong in the fourth game. Behind the serve of Paola Negrete, the Lady Jackrabbits rallied from an early deficit to lead 11-9. 

Lonoke eventually got it to game point on the serve of Jarrelyn McCall, who gave Lonoke a 24-20 lead after rate score was tied at 20-20. 

Clinton forced a sideout to get the serve back but a rally at 24-22 went wide, giving the Lady Jackrabbits the victory.

Park rotated seven players in the victory. They included Negrete, McCall, Emily Moore, Janae Miller, Kira Gibbs, Eboni Willis and Charley Jo Chesney.

With six games remaining in conference play, Park knows Lonoke is the team to beat. 

"I try to emphasize to them that we may be 10-0 but we have a target on our back," she said. "I've got several girls who like to go deer hunting. 'You're the biggest deer in the field … and everyone is wanting to come after you. You've got to do what you can to keep them from getting you."

Lonoke travels to Central Arkansas Christian on Tuesday. The Lady Jackrabbits host West Helena next Thursday, Oct. 2.

Lonoke coach Laura Park talks to her team during its win over Clinton.

Bison knock off Augusta for first win

The Carlisle Bison celebrate after beating Augusta on Friday for their first win of season. (Photo by Lindsey Thaxton)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

AUGUSTA — The Carlisle Bison may have struggled in their first two games this season but that is all out the window because the Bison are now 1-0.

Carlisle rallied then held off Augusta for a 44-38 win over the Red Devils in the 2A-6 opener last Friday

"It's good to get that monkey off our back," Carlisle coach Jack Keith said, referring to his first head coaching victory. "Now, maybe we can play more relaxed and not press as much."

The Bison fell behind early as the Red Devils led 12-0 with 3:09 left in the first quarter. Carlisle scored the next 14 points to lead 14-12. Clinton Hampton scored on a 33-yard run. He also added the two-point conversion.

Carlisle quarterback Chase Brazeal scored on a 1-yard run with 10:47 left in the first half.

Augusta reclaimed the lead at 20-14 on a 64-yard pass less than a minute later. Carlisle's Devon Kendrick then scored on a 22-yard run. Hampton added the two-point conversion to give the Bison a 22-20 lead.

Augusta scored another touchdown right before halftime to lead 26-22.

Carlisle took a 30-26 lead on a 5-yard run by Hampton with 9:56 left in the third quarter. The Red Devils respond with a 49-yard touchdown run with 9:03 left in the quarter. Carlisle would not be outdone as Hampton scored on a 1-yard run with 3:52 left to make the score 36-32.

Carlisle pushed its lead to 44-32 on a 1-yard run by Brazeal with 8:37 let tin the game. Hampton added the two-point conversion.

Augusta cut Carlisle's lead to 44-38 with 5:06 left but could not get any closer.

Keith said his team was able to move the ball after being stopped on its first drive when Augusta took a 12-0 lead. 

"They didn't stop us any drive other than that one," he said. 

Hampton rushed for 181 yards on 27 carries. Kendrick had 118 yards on 20 carries. Tyler Sanders had 28 yards on six carries. Grant Sumner had an interception on defense.

Carlisle travels to Des Arc for it second conference game this Friday. The Eagles are coming off a 42-40 win over Brinkley last week. 

"They are going to play tough and hit you in the mouth," Keith said of the Eagles, which finished as the Class 2A state runners-up in 2013. "They are a little faster than usual. We've got some things to square up on the defensive side of the ball. If we get those squared away, we'll be okay.

"The offense has been able to move the ball all year. We've just got to be able to bow our necks and stop somebody."

Kickoff on Friday at Des Arc is set for 7 p.m.

McClellan rallies past Jackrabbits, 21-20

The Lonoke Jackrabbits warm up prior to their game with Beebe on Sept. 12 (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

LITTLE ROCK — It was not a good ending for the Lonoke Jackrabbits football team.

The Little Rock McClellan Lions overcame a 20-6 deficit to beat the Jackrabbits 21-20 on Friday night. With the loss, Lonoke finishes non-conference play at 1-2. 

The Jackrabbits seemed to have everything going their way in the second half. They led 14-6 at halftime and pushed the lead to 20-6 in the third quarter on an 11-yard run by Logan Dozier. The extra point was no good. The score was set up by a 60-yard pass play from Savonte Rountree to Chandler Elmore down to the McClellan 9.

McClellan cut Lonoke's lead to 20-14 in the third quarter on an 11-yard touchdown pass and two-point conversion. 

The Jackrabbits were driving in the fourth quarter and had the ball at the McClellan 32 but consecutive penalties pushed the Jackrabbits back to the Lions 48. After an incomplete pass, Rountree was forced out of the pocket and he attempted a screen pass, which was intercepted and returned 48 yards for a McClellan touchdown. They kicked the extra point to lead 21-20.

Lonoke drove the ball into McClellan territory but could not score again. 

The Jackrabbits led 7-0 after the first possession of the game. Rountree threw a 54-yard touchdown pass to Justin Meadows. Jacob Vandiver kicked the extra point.

McClellan cut the deficit to 7-6 following a Lonoke penalty in the end zone. It looked as if Caleb Bailey had intercepted a pass but the Jackrabbits were called for pass interference. McClellan then scored on a 10-yard run. The Lions missed the extra point.

Lonoke pushed its lead to 14-6 on an 8-yard pass from Rountree to Meadows late in the first half. Vandiver kicked the extra point.

Rountree completed 13 of 30 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Elmore caught three passes for 84 yards. Meadows caught two for 60. Dozier caught four passes for 48 yards.

Devin Mosely led Lonoke with 60 yards rushing on 18 carries. Bailey had 55 yards on seven carries. 

Lonoke finished with 414 yards in total offense. McClellan had 164 yards.

Ethan Holland led Lonoke with 11 tackles. Bailey and Dylan Goforth had nine each. 

The Jackrabbits open 4A-2 conference play this Friday against the Heber Springs Panthers, which enter conference play at 2-1. Kickoff at James B. Abraham Stadium is set for 7 p.m.

Jr. Jackrabbits get second win, shut out Riverview 12-0

Lonoke's Michael Hodges rushed for 208 yards against Riverview.
(Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

SEARCY — The Lonoke Junior Jackrabbits opened 4A-2 conference play with a 12-0 win over Riverview on Thursday.

Lonoke is now 2-1 on the season. 

Lonoke's Michael Hodges and Xavier Hodge both scored touchdowns in the victory. Hodges rushed for 208 yards on 24 carries. Hodge had 22 yards on 7 carries. 

Lonoke quarterback Kade Stuart completed 4 of 8 passes for 13 yards. Tallon Swint caught four passes for 13 yards. 

"It's always nice to get off to a 1-0 start in conference play," Lonoke coach Darrick Lowery said. "We played a bit of a sloppy first half but the guys came out of halftime with enthusiasm and locked in and we were able to pull out the win. 

"Our offensive line did a much better job in the second half. Give those guys a lot of credit for the win."

Lonoke will travel to Heber Springs next week. 

Junior Bison come up 2 points, 7 yards short against Augusta

Carlisle's JaMarious Harper heads into the end zone for the first of four touchdowns against Augusta.
(Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

CARLISLE — The Carlisle Junior Bison simply ran out of time.

After trailing 30-12 at halftime, Carlisle came up seven yards short of beating Augusta in the home opener Thursday at Fred C. Hardke Field. The Junior Red Devils won 30-28.

Carlisle cut the deficit to 30-20 on a  51-yard run by JaMarious Harper with 6:12 left in the third quarter. Kolton Davidson added the two-point conversion. 

Carlisle forced Augusta into a three-and-out on its next possession. The Junior Bison then drove 62 yards in 13 plays with Harper scoring on a 7-yard run with 6:07 left in the game. Davidson scored the two-point conversion to trail 30-28. Davidson gained 55 yards on the drive.

Augusta held the ball for almost four minutes, driving the ball to the Carlisle 24. The Junior Bison got the ball back when Houston Garrich stripped the ball away from Augusta's Devin Taylor. The Juinor Bison recovered the ball at their own 21 with 2:29 left.

Behind the running of Davidson and Harper, Carlisle drove the ball to the Augusta 20. The Junior Bison took their final timeout with 32 seconds left. Harper then gained three yards to the Augusta 17. Carlisle then rushed to the line and Davidson gained 10 yards to the Augusta 7. The clock stopped to move the chains with 1 second left. Carlisle was not able to snap the ball again before the horn sounded. 

Harper scored Carlisle's first touchdown on an 8-yard run with 6:05 left in the first half, tying the score at 6-6.

The Junior Bison outgained Augusta 344-212. Davidson had 211 yards rushing on 21 carries. He also caught one pass for 21 yards from Braiden Jenkins. Harper had 105 yards on 14 carries.

Taylor led Augusta with 126 yards rushing on 15 carries. 

Carlisle will host Des Arc this Thursday in a 2A-6 conference game. 

Kolton Davidson rushed for 211 yards against Augusta.
(Photo by Mark Buffalo)

Second quarter dooms Bison in 34-32 loss to 4A Dragons

Carlisle's Clinton Hampton [1] follows the blocking of Colton Isbell during the Bison's game
with England on Sept. 5. Hampton rushed for 303 yards against DeWitt last week. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

CARLISLE — The Carlisle Bison got off to a quick start but a bad second quarter doomed them in a 34-32 loss to Class 4A DeWitt on Friday night at Fred C. Hardke Field. 

The Bison took a 16-0 lead in the first quarter. Clinton Hampton scored on a 4-yard run and added the two-point conversion. He scored on a 4-yard run with 5:36 left in the first quarter. Jacob Cagle added the two-point conversion.

Then there was the second quarter.

DeWitt scored 31 points to lead 31-16 at halftime.

DeWitt's Jake Rieves scored on a  2-yard run on the first play of the second quarter. Jamari Gamble scored the two-point conversion to make the score 16-8.

Dayne Van Camp then scored on a 51-yard run with 7:49 left. Rieves scored the two-point conversion to tie the game at 16-16.

DeWitt's Jamarious Bradford scored on an 18-yard run with 1:46 left in the first half. After the two-point conversion, the Dragons led 24-16.

The Dragons then returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown. Wayne Van Camp kicked the extra point to make the score 31-16 at halftime.

"We got off to a great start, scoring on our first two drives and stopping them on their first drive," Carlisle coach Jack Keith said. "You can't get off to a much better start that going up 16-0."

Keith said the Bison let it get away from them in the second quarter.

"We had a big fumble that led to a score for them … and they had another interception returned for another score," he said. "It kinda fell apart there in the second quarter. But I was proud of the way they bounced back after halftime. We were able to get back into it and kept moving the ball."

DeWitt pushed their lead to 34-16 on a  20-yard field goal early in the third quarter. The Bison then scored two third-quarter touchdowns. Hampton scored on a 1-yard run with 7:59 left. He scored the two-point conversion. Devon Kendrick returned a block punt 31 yards for a touchdown with 6:02 left. Zack Caviness scored the two-point conversion. 

Hampton led the Bison with 303 yards rushing on 31 carries. Cagle had 86 yards on 23 carries. 

Clay Parker led the Bison with 11 tack.es. Dylan Brazeal had nine. Thomas McCallie had eight. Nick Schafer had an interception. 

"You take one quarter away and it's a big difference," Keith said of his team's performance against DeWitt. "We've got to keep competing and get rid of that one bad quarter and we'll be alright."

The Bison travel to Augusta for the 2A-6 conference opener Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Late TD lifts Jackrabbits past Badgers

Lonoke receiver Justin Meadows heads toward the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter
of the Jackrabbits win over the Beebe Badgers on Friday night. (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

BEEBE — The Lonoke Jackrabbits showed all kinds of heart as things looked bleak after turning the ball over on downs with 9:27 left in their game with the Beebe Badgers on Friday at Bro Erwin Stadium.

However, Lonoke was the recipient of a fourth Beebe turnover at its own 10 then drove 90 yards in about 2 minutes to beat the Badgers 30-26. 

Logan Dozier threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Chandler Elmore with 23 seconds left out of the wildcat formation. 

"I was proud of the offense, going about 90 yards," Lonoke coach Doug Bost said. "We threw some passes, caught it, made plays. I'm real proud of them being able to drive the field in less than three minutes."

Lonoke quarterback Savonte Rountree engineered the game-winning drive as he completed a 27-yard pass to Caleb Bailey and a 13-yard pass to Logan Dozier, moving the ball to the 50-yard line. After a penalty, Rountree threw a 17-yard pass to Justin Meadows. Two plays later, Rountree threw  a 21-yard pass to Elmore to the Beebe 12-yard line. 

Rountree was sacked back to the 15-yard line but Beebe was called for a defensive holding penalty, moving the ball to the Beebe 5. Two plays later, Elmore scored the go-ahead touchdown. 

Rountree then threw to Meadows for the two-point conversion.

Bost said his team tried to run the ball in from the Beebe 2 before going for the wildcat play with Dozier. Bost said the Badger defense was plugging up the holes. 

"We shot Chandler out of the backfield and he made a play," He said. "It was close. He [Elmore] said he caught it. We'll take that rascal."

Beebe had a final chance but fumbled the ball after a long pass play. The fumble was Beebe's fifth of the game.

"They turned the ball over and you've got to convert after that," Bost said. "We were able to do that a few times."

Lonoke took a 6-0 lead on a 74-yard pass from Rountree to Meadows with 5:25 left in the first quarter.

Beebe took a 7-6 lead when Xavier Jones scored on a 1-yard run with 10:05 left in the first half. Tyler Jones kicked the extra point.

Lonoke reclaimed the lead on a 38-yard pass from Rountree to Meadows with 27.8 seconds left in the first half. Dozier threw to Stephon Carthron for the two-point conversion and a 14-7 lead.

However, Beebe drove 64 yards in five plays with Aaron Nunez scored on a 1-yard run with 3 seconds left. Jovaughn Wyrick had a 41-yard run on the drive. 

A bad snap on the extra point left Lonoke ahead 14-13.

Beebe took a 19-14 lead on a 27-yard run by Jones with 8:09 left in the third quarter. Lonoke reclaimed the lead at 22-19 on a 5-yard run by Rountree with 5:45 left in the third quarter. Dozier scored the two-point conversion. 

Beebe took a 26-22 lead with 44.7 seconds left in the third quarter on a 1-yard run by Jones.

Rountree completed 9 of 16 passes for 255 yards. He rushed for 72 yards on 16 carries. Bailey rushed for 65 yards on 10 carries. 

Meadows caught 5 passes for 175 yards. Elmore caught three passes for 47 yards.

Lonoke will attempt to improve to 2-1 when they travel to Little Rock to take on the McClellan Lions on Friday, Sept. 19. Game time is 7 p.m.

Lonoke's Chandler Elmore tackles Beebe's Jesse Crisco in the first half (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

Lonoke's Stephon Carthron catches a pass for a 2-point conversion
(Photo by Mark Buffalo)