It is only the second district 3-2A game out of five that Jonesboro-Hodge will play this season and not but the sixth game out of ten overall. Still the road contest this Friday against Mansfield is a “must win” for the 2-4 Tigers. Why?
Frist and foremost a loss to Mansfield severely cripples the chances JHHS has in making the playoffs. Wait, you say. Doesn’t everyone make the playoffs? Not anymore. Not since the LHSAA changed from classifications to divisions. In Division IV, where JHHS is now situated, only 28 teams will qualify for the postseason. According to the latest Power Rankings the Tigers are listed at #30. This is with games against Division III top ranked Many (5-0), #6 in Division III, Winnfield (5-1) and Lakeview (4-2) ahead.
Mansfield looks to be a most hospitable host with their 0-6 record and coming off a 61-18 thrashing at the hands of Many in their District 3-2A opener. Should be an easy win then, right? Not according to JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship.
“Their record might say otherwise but believe me they are better than their record says,” warned Blankenship. “They look better on film than the team we played last week,”
A look at Mansfield’s schedule leads credence to what Blankenship is saying. The combined record of the teams that they have fallen to is 25-10. That includes losing to Class 4A Huntington and Evangel, Class 2A Calvary Baptist and Many and a pair of top Class A teams in Logansport and Ouachita Christian. Talk about running a gauntlet.
“I promise you they are eager to play us as they believe this is their best chance to get into the winning column.”
How to get there.
According to Google Maps the trip to Mansfield High School should take about one hour and 35 minutes of drive time.
Take Hwy 4 West
Turn onto LA – 155 West to Coushatta
Take US Hwy 371 South to US Hwy 84 West all the way into Mansfield
Turn left of Jenkins Street
Turn right on LA-3103 West / McEnery St.
Go 0.4 miles and see Mansfield High School (401 Kings Hwy)
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