SENIOR FOOTBALL: GAME 5 vs Mena

from our local paper

Clarksville Dominates Bearcats,

Improves To 2-0 In Conference

by Janice Penix

The Clarksville Panthers earned their second conference win in as many weeks with a 40-14 decision over Mena Friday, Sept. 30, to move to the top of the 4A-4 rankings.

“It was an all-around great effort,” Coach Michael Banning said. “There was a lot of energy on the football field. We’re 2-0 in conference and we’re right where we want to be, winning conference games. But we’re not satisfied. We know we need to continue to improve because we want to win conference.”

CHS scored twice in the opening quarter to take a 12-0 lead, then outscored the Bearcats 14-7 in the second to lead 26-7 at halftime.

The Panthers scored seven points in both the third and fourth periods while allowing just seven second-half points by Mena for the 40-14 win.

Clarksville finished the night with 224 yards rushing and 214 through the air.

Jeremy Larkin led the rushing effort with 175 yards on 30 carries and had one touchdown. Trenton Lax carried seven times for 21 yards, Andre Redman had 15 yards on four carries and two touchdowns, and Ryan Rogers carried one time for eight yards. Brandon Lovell had five yards rushing on four carries.

Redman completed 14 of 20 passes for 214 yards and three of the Panthers’ touchdowns. Receivers included Colton Smith with four catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns, Skylr Grace with 59 yards on two receptions and Rogers with eight catches for 55 yards, a touchdown and a two-point conversion.

“Any time you have backs run over 200 yards and you pass for more than 200 yards, you know you’re doing something right,” Banning said. “I’m very proud of how our offensive line played. I’m very proud of the way we continue to get better rushing and protecting the passer.”

Defensively the Panthers had a balanced effort. Smith led with seven tackles, including four solo, while Rogers and Grace finished with six apiece. Rogers had three solo tackles, while Grace had two.

Ronnie Green, Yoni Garcia and D’aundra Cain each recorded five tackles, and Lax and Nick Mitchell finished with four apiece. Green, Grace and Cain each recorded sacks.

Rogers picked off two interceptions and Mitchell and Smith had one pick each. Grace recovered a fumble for CHS.

Lax punted three times for 125 yards and Rogers recorded 286 yards on seven kickoffs.

Clarksville will be on the road this week at Subiaco.

“We have Subiaco on the road this week and it’s their homecoming,” Banning said. “It’s very important that we stay focused and come back ready to play after an excellent effort Friday night.”