Preseason win is confidence builder for Chicks

By DAVID PIERCE

Sports Connection Team

BLYTHEVILLE – Make no mistake, preseason or not, Blytheville Chickasaws head coach ‘Jett” Howard wants to win.

The Chicks Derick King makes contact with a Blue Devil defender after catching a pass in the first half of the benefit game. King accounted for both Blytheville scores, including the game-winner with less than a minute to play.

And that his team did as Derick King hauled in a pass reception with 45 seconds left in the game to down 6A West Memphis, 13-7, during the Aug. 20 benefit game.

“I never go into a game expecting to lose,” emphasized Howard, the spirited competitor. “It doesn’t matter what classification, how many players the opponent has, I want to win.

“(West Memphis) could’ve had a 100 players on the sideline,” he continued, “but they can only put 11 on the field at once. Yeah, they can swap guys more freely than we can but it boils down to who’s the toughest.”

Jontavious Johnson releases the football downfield as he guides the Chicks offense to a first quarter score.

Jontavious Johnson’s touchdown pass to King earned Howard and the Chicks the win. It was the second of two scoring plays from the senior duo.

It was a game marred by penalties and turnovers, elements that are not uncommon early in the season.

“I expected to win,” reiterated Howard, “but by no means did I expect perfection. We have the younger guys trying to familiarize themselves with a new system and the best way to do that is on the field against competition. We’re not in the best shape either and that contributes to tiredness. Then that’s what leads to mistakes.”

Blytheville had a second quarter scoring opportunity but multiple penalties on successive plays moved the team from a first-and-goal to nearly midfield.

“Yes, there’s the inexperience which led to some of those missed chances,” explained Howard, “but that’s what happens when you play younger guys, sophomores we’re gonna have to rely on this season. They’re gonna have to play big.”

“I still like the effort,” he continued, “and the seniors played well even though they’re adapting to a change in offense play calling.”

With new offensive coordinator Bodie Stane, the team is transitioning toward a more run-pass option style from its previous run-and-shoot. And Howard believes the change will pay dividends.

“I think it will be beneficial,” the second-year head coach said, “especially for JJ. Allowing him to run and throw the ball is right in his wheelhouse.”

Defensively, the Chicks held West Memphis in check after a first quarter score and thwarted a scoring opportunity in the second quarter when Elijah Rogers picked off an Andrew Jenkins pass at the five-yard line.

Blytheville opens the 2024 campaign hosting Mills University Studies Aug. 30 at Haley Field.