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Muleriders Topple Bison In Season Opener

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(PHOTO: Cailynn Hinshaw)

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (1-0) toppled the Oklahoma Baptist University Bison (0-1) in dominant fashion by a final score of 49-14 in Magnolia, Arkansas as they opened the season on their home turf. The defense forced four turnovers in the dominant win.

The Muleriders received the opening kickoff and drove down the field but an early fumble on a would-be touchdown run by Hezekiah Harris at the one-yard line ended the drive for the Muleriders and gave the Bison the ball in the shadow of their own endzone. Despite the sudden change, the Muleriders defense stood tall forcing a punt as the offense got the ball back with 10:20 to go in the first quarter.

The Muleriders opened their next possession at their own 39-yard line as Hezekiah Harris came back out at quarterback. The offense then took the long trip down the field scoring in 11-plays as the drive was capped off by a 19-yard rushing touchdown from Katrevion Thomas to put the Muleriders up 7-0.

Oklahoma Baptist then led a 10-play drive that was ended quickly as Kendrick Juniel intercepted a pass from Bison quarterback Chad Mascoe as the Muleriders took over at their own 24-yard line.

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Adam Parker came out at quarterback for the ensuing Muleriders drive and continued the momentum as he capped off the drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Cole Cory as the Muleriders took a 14-0 lead with 10:35 to go in the second quarter.

The Bison’s next drive then stalled out yet again after a three-yard run to open their next possession was followed by the Mulerider defense collecting their second turnover of the night as Kendrick Juniel forced and recovered his own sack fumble then returning it to the Oklahoma Baptist three-yard line. The Muleriders then quickly struck again as Arkez Gomez punched it in from one yard out giving SAU a 21-0 lead.

After a couple of back-and-forth drives were exchanged, the Muleriders got the ball back with 1:07 left on the clock and did not disappoint. After driving down to the Bison 43-yard line the Muleriders took a timeout with seven seconds left. Hezekiah Harris then heaved the ball to the endzone as time expired in the first half as Jacob Trussell came down with it in the endzone to put the Blue and Gold up 28-0 going into half time.

The Bison then put their first points of the game on the board with 12:20 to go in the third quarter, 28-7 SAU. After a stalled drive for the Mulerider offense, the defense picked up their third turnover of the game as Bryson Boulden came down with yet another interception. Adam Parker and the offense then took full advantage of the opportunity as he completed a pass to Jace Taylor in the endzone to put the Blue and Gold up 35-7.

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The Bison then cut into the Muleriders lead again as they tried to battle back scoring to open the fourth quarter but, SAU still led 35-14. Hezekiah Harris then extended the lead for the Muleriders as he connected with Cooper Sanders from 25-yards out, 42-14. After trading back and forth drives with no points the Bison drove down to the SAU nine-yard line. The defense then stood tall yet again coming up with another turnover as Tutt McGlothan intercepted a pass from Chad Mascoe at the one-yard line and returned it 99-yards for the pick six. The 99-yard interception return is only the second longest interception returned for a touchdown in Mulerider Football history, only behind Melvin Smith Jr’s 100-yard pick six against Southwestern Oklahoma State in 2023.

The pick six capped off the scoring for the rest of the game as neither team was able to push anything across for the remainder of the contest.

Top Performers
Xavier “Tutt” McGlothan: Four tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, one interception for a touchdown (99-yards)
Kendrick JunielSeven total tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception, 0.5 TFL
Zay WoodsNine total tackles
Bryson Bouldenone interception
Hezekiah Harris10-for-14, 129 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, seven rushes for 48 yards
Adam Parker13-for-15, 105 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, four rushes for 23-yards.
Torey Lambert11 rushes, 72-yards
Arkez GomezFour rushes, 71-yards, touchdown
Jacob Trussellthree receptions, 59 receiving yards, one touchdown

Next Up:
The Muleriders will return to action next week, Saturday, September 13th as they travel to Bethany, Oklahoma to face off against the Crimson Storm of Southern Nazarene. Kick-off is set for 2:00 PM CT.

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Camden Fairview Hires New Football Coach

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CAMDEN — The Camden Fairview School Board approved the hiring of Jamie Carter as the next Camden Fairview Cardinal head football coach and assistant athletic director during its regular board meeting Monday night.

Carter comes to Camden Fairview from Marion, where he most recently served as associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator. He previously spent four years as head football coach and assistant athletic director at Osceola, compiling an 18–5 conference record. Carter brings 17 years of coaching experience, including two seasons as Marion’s defensive coordinator.

“I am truly honored and grateful to be named the Head Football Coach at Camden Fairview High School,” Carter said. “This is more than just a position; it’s an opportunity to serve young men, build meaningful relationships, and represent a proud community the right way.”

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Carter emphasized his commitment to discipline, accountability, trust, and respect, saying those principles will serve as the foundation of the program. He added that values instilled in him by his parents—hard work, character, integrity, and treating others with respect—are the same standards he expects from his players.

The coaching search began January 9, when former head coach Nick Vaughn announced his resignation to accept the head coaching position at Maumelle. The interview committee included Assistant Athletic Director Johnny Jackson, Assistant Superintendent Andre Toney, Assistant Superintendent Cara Bowie, Human Resources Director Fred Lilly II, and Cardinal football booster club president Jamie Semple. Interviews were conducted last week before Superintendent Mrs. Armstrong met with Carter and presented her recommendation to the school board.

“Our community has always shown strong support for our students and for Cardinal athletics,” Armstrong said. “I’m confident that Coach Carter is the right leader to continue building on our proud tradition of Cardinal Football, developing our student-athletes, and moving our program forward with integrity and purpose.”

Carter is scheduled to meet with Cardinal football players on Monday, February 23, and the district will host a community meet-and-greet on Thursday, March 19. Additional details are expected to be released in the coming days.

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West Side Christian Warriors and Lady Warriors Dominate at HCAA Quarter Finals in Ft. Smith

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The West Side Warriors of El Dorado hosted the Regional Heartland Christian Activities Association (HCAA) Regional Basketball Tournament for boys and girls teams over Valentine’s Day weekend, where they came out on top of the tournament in dominant fashion. West Side Warriors and Lady Warriors won their games and advanced to the HCAA Quarter Finals hosted in Fort Smith, AR. It was there where they, again, showed their dominance and advanced to the Semi-Finals to be played in Oklahoma City, OK on February 20, 2026 @ The Firelake Arena. The winner of that matchup will play in the Championship, also hosted in OKC on February 21, 2026.

West Side Lady Warriors won 43-5 over the Southwest Christian Lady Lions in the Quarter Finals in Fort Smith during their 2 pm matchup. They showed a dominant effort on the boards, defense, and efficient scoring opportunities.

West Side Warriors Boys won 62-49 over the Lakewood Christian Lions in their 3:30 pm Quarter Finals matchup in Fort Smith. The Warriors showed hustle, grit, and determination to come out of this tournament the victors.

West Side Jr. High Warriors finished 2nd in the 2A HCAA State Tournament after falling to Garrett Memorial out of Hope, AR.

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El Dorado Cheer Wins National Championship

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ORLANDO, FL – El Dorado High School’s cheerleading team claimed a national championship on Sunday, winning the Division II title at the 2026 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship, part of the National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC), in Orlando, Florida. The Wildcats competed against top Division II programs from across the country at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, emerging as national champions on cheerleading’s biggest high school stage.

The NHSCC is the premier national competition for high school cheer teams in the United States and is organized by Varsity Spirit and the Universal Cheerleaders Association. Each year, it brings together elite programs from across the nation to compete for national titles in multiple divisions, with teams judged on execution, difficulty, synchronization, crowd leadership, and overall performance.

El Dorado advanced through preliminary rounds earlier in the weekend before taking the floor Sunday in the championship finals. The Wildcats delivered a clean, confident routine featuring strong stunting, tumbling, sharp motions, and high energy, separating themselves from a highly competitive Division II field to secure the championship.

The national title reflects months of preparation, discipline, and teamwork by the athletes and coaching staff. It also places El Dorado High School among the nation’s elite cheer programs for the 2025–26 season.

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The competition was streamed nationally on Varsity TV, allowing family members, classmates, and supporters back home to watch the Wildcats’ championship performance in real time. With the Division II NHSCC title, El Dorado High School adds a significant national accomplishment to its athletic tradition and brings home a championship that will be celebrated throughout the school and community.

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Hogs Roll Past Vanderbilt In Statement Win

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FAYETTEVILLE — No. 20 Arkansas delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Tuesday night, dominating No. 15/14 Vanderbilt 93-68 at Bud Walton Arena.

Six Razorbacks scored in double figures as Arkansas (now 4-0 in ranked matchups this season) used balanced offense, high-efficiency passing, and stifling defense to cruise past the Commodores in their eighth all-time meeting as ranked opponents.

Trevon Brazile recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 10 points, a season-high 14 rebounds, and added five assists, four steals, and two blocks. Darius Acuff Jr. led the scoring with 17 points and five assists — all in the second half — while Meleek Thomas added 13 points and five assists. Malique Ewin and Karter Knox each scored 16, and D.J. Wagner contributed 11 off the bench in a strong bounce-back performance.

Head coach John Calipari moved Wagner to the bench to “get him going,” and the sophomore responded with efficient play — three assists, no turnovers, and confident scoring.

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Arkansas led 46-35 at the half after racing out to a 13-2 start and holding a 20-point advantage midway through the opening frame. The Hogs never looked back. They shot 54.5% from the field in the first half and out-rebounded Vandy 23-13, then torched the Commodores for 61.3% shooting in the second half while forcing cold shooting on the other end.

Vanderbilt (previously 10th nationally in scoring and 24th in field goal percentage) was held to just 68 points on 37.9% shooting. Tyler Nickel was the only Commodore in double figures with 17 — all in the first half.

Arkansas totaled 25 assists to just seven turnovers and threw down 13 dunks, including four by Ewin and three from Nick Pringle.

With the win, Arkansas improves to 32-15 all-time against Vanderbilt and 17-5 in Fayetteville. The 25-point victory marked the fourth-largest margin of victory over a ranked opponent in program history.

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The Razorbacks return to action Saturday night when they host LSU at Bud Walton Arena. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network.

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Muleriders Set For In-State Road Trip

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MAGNOLIA, Ark. — Southern Arkansas men’s basketball (7-9, 4-6 GAC) hits the road for a pair of key in-state matchups this week, visiting Arkansas-Monticello on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. before facing Henderson State on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

Thursday marks the 118th meeting between SAU and UAM, with the Muleriders holding a 73-44 series lead. They’ll then square off with Henderson State for the 120th time, with the Reddies leading 64-55 all-time.

SAU looks to bounce back after a tough 69-64 home loss to Northwestern Oklahoma State. Greg Moore Jr. led the way with 22 points, his best since early December. Junior Williams added 12, and Jair Horton finished just shy of a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds. Despite the loss, the Muleriders shot a strong 46.2% from the field and 47.1% from three.

Moore continues to shine at the line, ranking second in the GAC with a 91.1% free throw percentage. As a team, SAU leads the conference in three-point shooting at 34.4%.

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Thursday’s opponent, UAM (7-9, 3-7 GAC), enters on a two-game skid and sits just below SAU in the standings. Ashton Price leads the Boll Weevils with 14.6 points per game, while Isaac Jackson adds 13.7. UAM averages 66.1 points per game and shoots 45.4% from the floor.

Saturday’s opponent, Henderson State (8-8, 5-5 GAC), also comes in after back-to-back losses, including a triple-overtime battle with nationally ranked SNU. The Reddies average 76.6 points per game and are led by Zaveion Okoh (15.8 ppg) and Xavier Owens (12.9 ppg).

Both games will be streamed live on YouTube through UAM and HSU’s athletic channels, with radio coverage on KVMZ 99.1 FM. The matchups mark the start of a four-game road stretch for the Muleriders.

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