Jonesboro-Hodge travels to Red Sims Field in Cadeville to take on Class 5A West Ouachita this Friday, September 8th, for a battle of unbeatens in week two of the 2023 LHSAA prep football season. The contest gives JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship a chance to move to 2-0 on the season for the third time (2014, 2022) during his 11 year tenure and also even his mark against West Ouachita to 2-2 overall. Game time is set for 7:00 pm.

Series History: Jonesboro-Hodge owns a 5-2 advantage over West Ouachita in the series that began in 1989 with a 46-3 JHHS victory. The Tigers would win the next three contests as well from 1990-92, all under the direction of Joey Pender, who had a 4-0 record against the Chiefs where he coached his final sevens season of a sterling 33 year career. West Ouachita got their first victory of the series in 2019 by a 28-6 score followed by JHHS winning 41-20 in 2021. The victory marked the first win ever over a Class 5A program for the Tigers. West Ouachita won last years battle by a 28-6 margin.

Last Week: Both teams opened the season with a victory as the Tigers beat General Trass out of Lake Providence by a 40-30 margin while West Ouachita clipped Caldwell Parish 25-13. The surprising offensive explosion marked the first time a Blankenship led team reached 40 points in a season opener. The 70 points scored by both squads also equaled the total combined first game points record for JHHS (2018 – Logansport 41 JHHS 29) both set with Blankenship as head coach. In the 105 year history of JHHS football it is the 8th time the 40 point barrier has been reached to start a season and the first since 1997.

Best season opening scores in JHHS history

1974 – JHHS 44 Caldwell 6
1981 – JHHS 43 Farmerville 6
1930 – JHHS 42 Ringgold 0
1997 – JHHS 41 Winnfield 20
1938 – JHHS 40 St. Johns 7
1978 – JHHS 40 Mansfield 12
1993 – JHHS 40 Winnfield 0
2023 – JHHS 40 General Trass 30

Coaching Matchup: Mike Rainwater enters his third season as West Ouachita head coach. In his first season the Chiefs went 2-8 before improving to 6-5 last year. Jonesboro-Hodge is led by Terrance Blankenship who now in his 11th year at the helm holds the record for the longest tenure of a JHHS coach, breaking the tie he had with Jack Jaggers (1944-53). With the victory last week Blankenship reach #50 in his career, (50-62) moving him into third place on the JHHS all-time coaching wins list, one ahead of Walter Causey. 

Top Five All Time JHHS Coaching Victories

Joey Pender (73-37)
Jack Jaggers (64-43)
Terrance Blankenship (50-62)
Walter Causey (49-16)
Bobby Stone (47-44-3)

Offensive Players to watch:

West Ouachita:

Antonio “Cadillac” Ford (Tailback) – The star tailback that has received several offers to play collegiately didn’t play in week one after suffering a pre-season foot injury. Questionable to play in week two, his appearance would be a huge boon for the Chiefs offense.

M.J. Owens (Fullback) – The 5’9″ 220 lb. “bowling ball” who normally is the lead blocker for Ford took up the slack against Caldwell by blasting his way for 113 yards and a score on 16 carries.

C.J. Barr (Tailback) – At 5’8″ 170 lbs. the quick scatback provides a dangerous change of pace. Ran for 82 yards on just 8 carries in the opener and is capable of turning short passes into long gains. 

Sam Ozark (Quarterback) – Only attempted four passes, completing two for nine yards but possesses a strong arm capable of stretching the field. At 6’2″ 215 lbs. is a load to bring down evidenced by his 61 yards and two TD’s on 11 carries performance last week. 

Jonesboro-Hodge: (1-0)

Symeon Malone (Quarterback) – Was week one the birth of a new star? Turned in one of the best first half performances in Tigers history in the opener with 13 completions in 15 attempts for 247 yards and two scores. 

Chance Leonard (Tailback) – Proved to still be a powerful runner after missing last season. Blasted his way to 91 yards on 22 carries in the opener to help solidify the Tigers running game. 

Christian McGuire (Wide Receiver) – At 5’7″ 145 lbs., the speedster may be slight in stature but proved to be a threat anytime he touches the ball. Showcased good hands and route running ability by corralling five passes for 111 yards and a score in week one.

Zamauryian Palmer (Wide Receiver) – Deep threat that possesses good speed proven by his 80 yard touchdown reception in week one. Ha great size (6’1″ 200 lbs.) for a wideout that helps him win most one on one battles. 

Keys to a Tiger Victory!

Control West Ouachita rushing attack! The Chiefs have a bevy of backs that big and fast out of the triple option attack. Keeping their runners in check will be priority one for the Tiger defense.

Execute on offense! The Tigers have the talent to score on the Chiefs but must limit mistakes and take advantage of the big play opportunities when they arise. Another big performance by Malone will be needed to open up the Tiger ground game.

Stand strong up front! The performance by JH’s senior laden offensive / defensive line in the opener was impressive. A much bigger challenge awaits against a team that will continually rotate fresh bodies into the mix. How the line holds up late may well be the biggest key to victory of all.