Class 5A/4A report

Panthers on mend after crash

Eight of the nine players injured in a school bus accident involving the Heber Springs High School football team were released from hospitals in Heber Springs and Searcy this week, Coach Darren Gowen said.

Junior William Rubio remains in stable condition at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock.

"He's improving every day," said Gowen, who declined to reveal what Rubio's injuries were. "He's able to recognize people and talk and eat. He's going to be fine, eventually. Thankfully, it wasn't any worse."

Arkansas State Police responded at approximately 12:40 a.m. Saturday after the bus, driven by Gowen, struck a deer while traveling north on Arkansas 5 just north of Rose Bud, according to a state police news release.

The team was returning home from a game Friday night in Stuttgart when the bus struck the deer. The bus ran off the right side of the highway and was airborne before coming to rest in a deep ditch, said Kenny Miller with Arkansas State Police Troop B dispatch.

Gowen was not injured, but six players were transported to Baptist Health Medical Center in Heber Springs and two were sent to White County Medical Center in Searcy. Rubio was transported to Children's Hospital, where he has remained since Saturday.

Gowen said Wednesday that he is doing fine and that his focus is on his players.

"I'm just thankful that everybody else is going to be OK," Gowen said. "We're all able to heal. I'm just thankful with the way the school, the community and the team has handled this situation."

Heber Springs (3-2, 1-1 2-4A Conference) lost 41-8 to Stuttgart. The Panthers host Central Arkansas Christian (4-1, 2-0) Friday night.

CAC is led by quarterback Noah Evans, who has passed for 1,214 yards and 10 touchdowns, and wide receiver Josh Johnson (32 catches, 475 yards, 2 touchdowns).

"They're very good at what they do," Gowen said. "It's going to be a challenge for us. I'm confident in my kids that they'll go out and compete. They'll play with emotion and give us a chance."

When it comes to his team's attitude this week, they've been resilient, Gowen said.

"They're saying, 'Coach, we'll get through this. Coach, we'll be alright,' " Gowen said. "We'll get through this. They're wanting to go fight for their brothers.

"I couldn't be more proud of a group of men about how they're going through their business. We're going to rally around each other."

DARDANELLE

Defense doing job

Dardanelle has been the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's No. 1 team in Class 4A for the first five weeks of the season in part because of its defense.

The Sand Lizards are allowing an average of 12.6 points per game and have allowed more than 14 points only once, yielding 35 in a 69-35 victory against Clarksville on Sept. 18. Senior linebacker Daniel Craig leads the Sand Lizards with 50 tackles, including eight for a loss.

The Sand Lizards allowed 91 yards in a 35-7 victory Friday at Clinton, with the starting defense allowing only 29 yards through three quarters.

"Our defensive line has been outstanding," Coach Josh Price said. "We thought we were going to be good on defense, but there's still room for improvement."

Dardanelle hosts Baptist Prep (0-5, 0-2), formerly Arkansas Baptist, on Friday night. The Eagles have not won a game but their spread offense, led by quarterback Cory McGonical and wide receiver Chad McGonical, has Price's attention. Cory McGonical has passed for 1,189 yards and 8 touchdowns, with 4 of those touchdowns going to his twin brother Chad.

"They're very good on offense," Price said. "Their quarterback is a player. They do a good job of keeping you off balance with numerous route combinations. They run a bunch of different routes."

EXTRA POINTS

Highland senior quarterback Reid Maag has completed 48 of 75 passes for 710 yards with 5 touchdowns and has rushed for 599 yards and 9 touchdowns on 106 carries. The Rebels (3-2, 1-1 3-4A) host Harrisburg (1-6, 0-3) on Friday night. ... Little Rock Fair hosts Johnson County Westside in a nonconference game Friday at War Eagle Stadium. The War Eagles scheduled Westside in place of North Pulaski, which discontinued its football program in March. ... Hamburg (4-1, 2-0 8-4A) has not allowed a point in three consecutive games. The Lions have defeated Lake Village 57-0, DeWitt 31-0 and Monticello 14-0. Coach Cecil Ray Cossey's team is allowing 9.0 points per game. Hamburg hosts Star City on Friday.

Sports on 10/08/2015

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