Haynesville High School is the top-ranked team in Class A football. On Thursday, they showed Jonesboro-Hodge why they sit atop the polls as the Golden Tornado blew away the Tigers by a 43-0 score.

Using a yard eating ground attack that, despite Haynesville running out of only four or five formations and sets, JHHS had no answer for, the Golden Tornado methodically matriculated their way up and down the field all four quarters to gradually pull away. Making matters worse was the inability of the Tigers to mount any type of offensive attack against the Haynesville defense that saw JHHS limited to a season low 143 yards in total offense. The final stats tell the story as Haynesville rushed for 416 yards compared to 75 for the Tigers and had 20 first downs to just 9 for the locals. Adding insult to injury was Haynesville’s kicker Eli Bray kicking a 42-yard field goal as time was winding down, which represents the third-longest field goal ever made by an opponent at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium.

“We knew Haynesville had a very good team,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “They proved that they are every bit worth the ranking they have.” 

Despite the one-sided loss that dropped JHHS to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in district 1-1A play, Blankenship remained upbeat about the Tigers’ chances the rest of the season.

“We are not the only team that is going to lose to Haynesville this year,” said Blankenship. “All we can do is put this one behind us and get ready to get back on track when we play DeQuincy this Friday. I feel like we have a good chance to come away with a win if we play like we are capable.”