Blackhawk Stadium - Pea Ridge

     Every year, my dad, papa and I like to go to playoff football games at high schools in the area that we've never been to. In the last couple of years, I've been to West Fork and Gravette playoff games. This year, I have been able to go to a different school each week because for the first time in three years, I am not playing in the playoffs with Springdale. Last week we went to Prairie Grove and watched them demolish Crossett 52-0 in the first round of the 4A state playoffs. Their stadium wasn't much, as I expected, and they played on a grass field, as I expected, but there is just something about a small school atmosphere that I love.
     This week, we went to Pea Ridge to see the Blackhawks take on the Heber Springs Panthers. Before we even got to the stadium, I knew it was going to be unlike any other game I had ever attended. Pea Ridge is not a very big town (population 4,794), but we had a hard time finding their stadium. Finally, we saw some of the lights through the trees. We turned on to the first road we came to, which happened to be a gravel road. We weren't sure we were going the right way until we saw some ladies standing at the entrance to the "parking lot." Instead of paying for tickets at the entrance of the stadium, we paid for our parking and tickets right there. The reason I put "parking lot" in quotation marks is because there wasn't really a parking lot. It was just open grass that surrounded two or three sides of the stadium. I had never been to a stadium that didn't at least SOME paved parking area, or at least gravel parking area. The surprises didn't stop there. After we parked, we could just walk into the stands. There wasn't anyone checking or collecting the tickets. While we sat in the visitor's bleachers, most people brought lawn chairs and sat on elevated ground where they could watch the game over the fence surrounding the field.
     I saw a tweet last week about something called a "Blackhawk Burger," so obviously my dad, my girlfriend, Kelcee and I decided that's what we'd have for dinner. We walked over to the concession stand, where we found a huge pavilion type thing beside it, where there was a big time operation going on. Several people were taking orders while several others were at the back grilling and constructing burgers. So many people were buying them that it took us at least 15 minutes to get our order, but it was well worth the wait. The burger, and the fries, were delicious.
     Once back to our seats (which were just wooden planks that didn't look or feel very safe), we settled in for some football. The game itself was much better than the Prairie Grove game last week. Pea Ridge jumped out to a 21-6 halftime lead, albeit with the help of some home-cooking from the referees. I didn't have a dog in the fight, so I can say, without bias, that the refs were definitely helping out the Blackhawks. At one point, the Panthers looked like they stopped Pea Ridge inches short of a first down on 4th & 1. The refs brought the chains out for a measurement and initially ruled that they were short (the correct call). However, as I briefly looked down at my phone, I heard the fans on the other side of the stadium erupt in cheers. Apparently, the refs moved the chains and awarded the Blackhawks with a first down. I couldn't believe it. Another time, the refs called a personal foul penalty on Heber Springs when it was clearly just an intentional grounding penalty. I am still confused as to what exactly they called and how many yards they were penalized and if they lost a down or not. Much to the delight of the Heber Springs fans, I commented that the refs called a "potluck penalty" because they seemed to combine several penalties. The second half was completely different. Heber Springs turned things around and #23 (I don't know his name) took over. He ran through tacklers, made people miss, and had enough speed to break away from people in open field. Before you knew it, Heber Springs was on top. #23 continued to dominate, making a spectacular diving catch downfield and crushing a guy while playing defense. Eventually, the Panthers pulled away and beat Pea Ridge 42-21.
     I think my dad put it best when he said, "I feel like I'm in the middle of the deer woods." Well, we really were. Trees surrounded all sides of the stadium. Only a couple (gravel) roads led to it. There were no paved or even gravel parking lots. A cloud of smoke hung low over the stadium from the Blackhawk Burger grill. I absolutely loved the atmosphere, though. Next week, I'm hoping to go to the Greenland 3A state playoff game, but it will be tough to beat this.

There was no paved or gravel parking lot, only grass.

Another view of the "parking lot," as well as the visitor's bleachers.

Here's the back view of the visitor's bleachers. You can see why I didn't feel safe - only wooden planks and 10+ feet of air separated you and the ground, plus there was nothing between the planks, allowing your stuff (or you) to fall to the ground if you weren't careful.

Here's a side view of the visitor's bleachers. Again, not safe!

Here's the pavilion where the famous "Blackhawk Burger" is made.

It was quite the operation. There were people collecting orders, people grilling, people constructing the burgers, and people doing other various jobs.

Here's a view of all the fans sitting in lawn chairs around the fence. More people were in lawn chairs than in the bleachers, I think.

Here's a better view of people in their lawn chairs.

There is nothing better than a Friday night playoff football game under the lights, no matter how big the lights.

TAT: Five Keys vs. Mississippi State

This article originally appeared in the November 15, 2012 issue of The Arkansas Traveler.

1. Accurate Throws by Wilson

At times this season, senior quarterback Tyler Wilson hasn’t been as accurate as he was last year. His completion percentage is down from 63.2 percent to 60.9 percent and he already has 10 interceptions with two games remaining. Last year, Wilson only threw six interceptions in 13 games. This weekend, he must find the touch he had last year because Mississippi State’s defense is tied for 25th in the country with 12 interceptions. The Bulldogs are led by senior defensive backs Johnthan Banks and Darius Slay, who have four interceptions this season. Banks, in particular, has been stellar. He is first in the NCAA among active players in career interception return yards, third in career interceptions and has been called the Southeastern Conference’s “best true cornerback” by ESPN’s Chris Low. Wilson must navigate carefully around Banks and Slay in order for the Razorbacks to win.

2. Win Turnover Battle

To go with 12 interceptions, Mississippi State has also recovered 10 fumbles, for a total of 22 turnovers. They have only committed 10 turnovers, which is a positive 1.2 turnover margin per game, tied for eighth-best in the country. Arkansas, on the other hand, has struggled with turnovers all season. With 24 turnovers and only 11 forced turnovers, a negative 1.3 turnover margin per game, the Razorbacks are tied for 115th out of 120 teams. Turnovers proved to be a problem in Arkansas’ 38-20 loss at South Carolina last week, as they threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the red zone. If they give Mississippi State the ball three extra times, Arkansas will have a tough time coming away with a win.

3. Better Pass Coverage by Linebackers

South Carolina picked on Arkansas’ young linebackers last week. On their first drive, they scored a touchdown on 10 plays. Four of those plays were complete passes and none of them were to a wide receiver. Instead, one was to a running back and the other three were to tight ends. Typically, linebackers are responsible for these positions in the pass game. Due to injuries and disciplinary issues, several young players have been thrust into starting linebacker positions. These players must come prepared because Mississippi State senior tight end Marcus Green comes into this weekend tied for second in the country with six touchdowns scored by a tight end.

4. Perform in Return Game

After starting the season shaky in the return game, Arkansas seemingly found their new punt and kickoff returner in freshman Nate Holmes. However, Holmes suffered an above the shoulders injury against South Carolina and his status is uncertain for this Saturday. If he can’t play, UA interim head coach expects senior Kaelon Kelleybrew, or freshmen D’Arthur Cowan and Keon Hatcher to fill in. Field position is vital in all games, so one of these players will need to have a big game returning kicks and punts if Arkansas is going to play well.

5. Force Mississippi St. to be One-Dimensional

Incredibly, the Bulldogs’ offense is nearly perfectly balanced. They have 652 total offensive plays this season. Of these, 330 have been running plays – 50.6 percent – and 322 have been passing plays – 49.4 percent. When a team is running and passing about the same amount, teams are forced to stay honest and defend both the pass and the run. Although Mississippi State has gained more yards through the air, in games in which they have passed more than they have run, they are 0-3, and in games in which they have run more, they are 7-0. Clearly, if Arkansas can shut down the Bulldogs’ rushing attack and force them to pass more, they will have a better chance of winning.

TAT: Mental Mistakes Are a Problem for Razorbacks

This article originally appeared in the November 13, 2012 issue of The Arkansas Traveler.

     Three UA records fell Saturday, but the Razorbacks still came up short against South Carolina 38-20. UA interim head coach John L. Smith believes mental mistakes cost Arkansas the game.

     “We shot ourselves in the foot in the first half with penalties and hanging on to the ball,” Smith said. “It should have been a tie game at halftime.”

     Senior quarterback Tyler Wilson set the UA career record for completions with 539 and senior wide receiver Cobi Hamilton set the UA career record for receiving yards with 1,149 against the Gamecocks.

     Junior kicker Zach Hocker also broke a UA career record, passing former Razorback Steve Little with 285 points by a kicker.

     “Honestly, I didn’t even know I broke it until after the game,” Hocker said. “It’s cool. Steve is one of the best all-time, so it’s an honor.”

     Injuries and disciplinary issues have forced younger players to play significantly more. Senior linebacker Terrell Williams sat out as the first game of an indefinite suspension and junior running back Knile Davis and senior tight end Chris Gragg did not play because of injury.

     Freshmen Otha Peters and A.J. Turner at linebacker, Mekale McKay and Keon Hatcher at wide receiver, Alex Voelzke at tight end, Nate Holmes at punt returner, and Rohan Gaines, Davyon McKinney and Will Hines in the secondary have all received a lot of playing time.

     “There are going to be some young mistakes that we’re going to have to live with,” Smith said. “We have to minimize those.”

     Williams, who is serving an indefinite suspension after being arrested for DWI, is “still working to earn his way back on to this team,” Smith said.

     Gragg reinjured his leg against Ole Miss after initially injuring it against Rutgers and is doubtful to play this Saturday. Davis is still recovering from a hamstring injury, but Smith hopes he can play.

     “(Davis) feels better and his leg is coming along,” Smith said. “He had a good weekend of treatment. I am more optimistic with him than Gragg.”

     Against South Carolina, Holmes suffered an above the shoulders injury and Smith is “keeping his fingers crossed that he’ll be ready for Saturday.”

     If Holmes cannot play, senior Kaelon Kelleybrew, freshman D’Arthur Cowan and Hatcher will be looked to as replacements for kickoff and punt returner.

     Arkansas travels to Starkville, Miss., to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Bulldogs come into the weekend with a 7-3 overall record and 3-3 Southeastern Conference record.

     After starting the season 7-0, they have lost three consecutive games to teams now ranked in the BCS Top 10.

     “You’d rather be facing a team that has lost three in a row than one that’s won three in a row,” Smith said. “Let’s go and make it four (consecutive losses).”

     Defensively, Arkansas will face junior quarterback Tyler Russell, who averages 224.9 passing yards per game and has only thrown four interceptions to 17 touchdowns.

     “I really like what I see out of their quarterback,” Smith said. “He does a good job and they do a good job of protecting him.”

     On the offensive side of the ball, the Razorbacks must worry about a defense that “approaches” the physicality of Alabama and LSU, Smith said.

     Even with all of the records being broken, the players remain intent on winning.

     “Our main focus is to win and perform when our number is called,” Hocker said.

TAT: Smith Earns Respect for Terrell Williams' Suspension

This article originally appeared in the November 8, 2012 issue of The Arkansas Traveler.

     Arkansas’ football season has truly been a roller coaster ride. Like most Razorback fans, I’ve watched in agony, loss after loss, injury after injury and suspension after suspension.

     The most recent suspension was especially tough. Senior linebacker Terrell Williams was arrested for driving while intoxicated early Sunday morning.

     UA interim head coach John L. Smith responded by suspending Williams indefinitely. Williams was already filling in for seniors Tenarius Wright and Alonzo Highsmith, who will miss the remainder of the season because of injuries.

     Many fans have been calling for Smith to be fired because of Arkansas’ five losses and his press conferences that sometimes leave fans and media members scratching their heads. However, I believe he should be commended for suspending Williams.

     DWI is a serious crime, as it not only puts his health and wellbeing at risk, but it also puts other people on the road in danger. From 1991 to 2010, over a quarter of a million people lost their lives because of drunken drivers.

     I’ve heard some Razorback fans say that Smith’s punishment was too severe. Even former Razorback and current Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright tweeted that Williams’ suspension was “crazy.”

     How is suspending someone for breaking the law “crazy”? You cannot drink and drive; that law is as clear as it could possibly be. Yet Williams, as many athletes do, thought he was above the law and could get away with it.

     Wright also tweeted that Williams should be punished in the weight room and with running after practice, but not suspended. Sure, these punishments are great for some small violations, but not DWI.

     From my experience playing high school football, simple punishments aren’t nearly as effective as suspension. The pain from lifting weights and running might last a day or two, but the pain from having to watch your teammates play without you will last a lifetime.

     Also, some Razorback fans argue that Williams’ suspension shouldn’t be “indefinite.” They say that he should know if he is suspended for one or two games, or the rest of the season.

     I think the indefinite suspension will actually help Williams and the Razorbacks in the long run. Instead of knowing when he’ll be back, he will have to go out in practice every day and fight for his spot back. He will have to go above and beyond the call of duty to show the coaches that he is ready and deserves to be back.

     College athletes are living the dream of thousands of kids everywhere. Why they do stupid things to jeopardize it is beyond me. Not only do they have to obey the law like normal citizens, but they also have to live up to a higher standard.

     When Williams was arrested, the headline was “Arkansas Football Player Arrested,” not “UA Student Arrested” or “21-Year-Old Arrested.” Athletes have to realize that their mistakes are magnified and they will have to face consequences for them.

     It would have been easy for Smith to punish Williams in practice and not suspend him in order to keep him at middle linebacker. It is an accepted fact that Smith will not return as head coach of the Razorbacks next season, so he could have easily left him in for the sake of winning.

     Instead, he took the integrity route, similar to how UA Director of Athletics Jeff Long handled the Bobby Petrino situation earlier this year.

     Regardless of whether Arkansas defeats South Carolina this weekend or makes a bowl game at the end of the year, I will always respect Smith for making the right decision by suspending Williams.

TAT: Hogs to Race in Regional Meet

This article originally appeared in the November 8, 2012 issue of The Arkansas Traveler.

     The NCAA South Central Regional Cross Country meet will be held at Agri Park in Fayetteville tomorrow. Both the men’s and women’s Razorback cross country teams will compete.

     The men’s team is ranked No. 10 in the country and is coming off of their 20th Southeastern Conference Championship in 22 years.

     “Obviously we’re happy to win (the SEC),” men’s cross country head coach Chris Bucknam said. “Anytime you win an SEC Championship, it’s a special event.”

     Junior Solomon Haile, senior Eric Fernandez and junior Kemoy Campbell earned First Team All-SEC honors by placing second, third and fourth, respectively. Senior Layne Nixon earned Second Team All-SEC honors by placing 12th, while freshman Cale Wallace finished 14th, earning Second Team All-SEC and SEC Freshman of the Year honors.

     “We got great efforts from our top five,” Bucknam said.

     Bucknam was particularly pleased with Wallace’s performance, after he had a disappointing race at the Wisconsin adidas Invitational in Madison, finishing 244th out of 316 runners.

     “For Cale Wallace to have his best race of the year, with the most on the line, bodes well for the future,” Bucknam said.

     At the Regional meet, Arkansas must finish in the top two team spots in order to guarantee a spot at the NCAA Championship meet in Louisville. No. 5 Texas and SEC-foe No. 29 Texas A&M present Arkansas their biggest challenge out of the 21 other teams.

     “This Regional meet is the most important meet of the year,” Bucknam said. “You go in wanting to win every race, but our goal is to make it through the preliminary round and get to the NCAA Championship. That’s the number one goal: finish in the top two.”

     The women’s team is ranked No. 12 in the country and finished second at the SEC Championship two weeks ago. Women’s cross country head coach Lance Harter believes the two-week break will work to the Razorbacks’ advantage.

     “I think the kids are healthy,” Harter said. “The last two weeks were critical in physiologically getting you ready for the national championship.”

     For the first time ever, the NCAA Championship meet is only eight days after the Regional meet, causing him to strategize and “play with the lineup a little bit,” Harter said.

     Senior Semehar Tesfaye, sophomore Grace Heymsfield and freshman Andrina Schlaepfer will be in the lineup for the Regional meet, but beyond that is uncertain. Harter would like to rest junior Keri Wood; however, sophomores Diane Robison, Shannon Klenke, Paige Johnston and Kaitlin Flattmann will be in the mix for the final two spots.

     Arkansas will be competing against 22 other teams, including No. 22 Texas and SMU, which received votes in the last rankings.

     “I think it’s a battle between us, Texas, and SMU,” Harter said. “There’s also always that hidden fact that you just never know who might pop up. Baylor has a tendency to rise up at the end of the season and Texas A&M had a good squad last year.”

     The women’s race begins at 11 a.m. tomorrow morning, with the men’s race following at 12:15 p.m.