Ricebirds Win First Game

The Stuttgart Ricebirds met up with the Lonoke Jackrabbits on Friday, August 29, at Ned Mosley Stadium. 

The Ricebirds receive first but can’t move the ball offensively. They have to punt to Lonoke, who can’t capitalize either. Birds take over on downs at their own 12 yard line.

The Birds have to punt and Lonoke takes over. On 3rd and 19 for the Jackrabbits from the 31 yard line. They move the ball to the 22 yard line. Lonoke is on 4th and 14, a delay of game and next play he gets his receiver on the 5 yard line. Inside the 3-yard line and they sneak it in for a touchdown. PAT is good. 0-7

The Birds move the ball until a penalty backs them up to their own 48-yard line. On 3rd and 11, Price connects with Hayden Prine for the first down. Another first down with help from Tayquan Hall who gets 12-yards and turns around and gets 8 on first down and next play Hall takes it in for a touchdown for the Birds. PAT is good.  7-7

Lonoke marches the ball down the field and in a questionable catch, the officials give them a touchdown and makes a PAT. 7-14

On the kickoff return, Ricebirds fumble and Lonoke recovers. A pass interference call moves Lonoke down to the Ricebird 34 yard line. Birds defense holds and Lonoke attempts a field goal and misses. On the next play Q.T. Johnson takes it to the house and scores a touchdown, PAT is good and there are 55 seconds left in the quarter.

Lonoke has the ball and the quarterback throws a pass which Cordero Berry intercepts on the 40-yard line. Ricebirds are hustling with over 24 seconds left on the clock. The clock gets them and it is tied at halftime 14-14.

After halftime Lonoke receives the ball and fumbles and Ricebirds recover. First and 10 from the Lonoke 43. A flag for illegal procedure backs them up five. Lonoke gets a 5-yard penalty which gives the Birds back five. Price completes to Jeremiah Jackson which gives the Birds a first down. Birds are fourth and one and Price keeps it and gets the first down. Next play Lonoke’s defense has Price back and throws it away. On the Lonoke 12-yard line Tayquan Hall gets a few yards. Low snap and Price is pressure and slips down. On 4th and 12, Dawson McKelvey comes in to attempt a field goal. It is good. 17-14..

Defense holds Lonoke at the Ricebirds 28-yard line then takes over on downs. The next play, Price hands off to Tayquan Hall who breaks several tackles and carries to the 17-yard line. Price passes to Jamarrion Hoard who returns to the five yard line as the fourth quarter begins. Price carries the ball in for a touchdown. PAT is good 24-14 Ricebirds stretch their lead

Lonoke receives from Birds and can’t capitalize so Birds take over on downs at the Lonoke 40 yard line. After a negated run by Jeremiah Thomas due to a penalty by the Ricebirds brings them back to the 45-yard line. Thomas carries for 12 yards. Fourth down and four for the Birds from the 34-yard line Price passes but the Lonoke player knocks it away.

Lonoke marches down the field and scores a touchdown,  They miss the PAT. 24-20 Ricebirds.

Demari McKinney bats Lonoke’s pass down and on 4th and 8, defense holds and Birds take over on downs.

With 35 seconds left, Lonoke has the ball on their own 9-yard line.

Birds win 24-20

Stats:

#3 Cain Price threw 9/17 for 166 yards and one touchdown he also rushes 7 times for 28 yards 
#42 TYQUAN HALL-9 rushes for 102 yards 1 touchdown 

#7 QUARTERION JOHNSON- had 3 receptions for 89 yards 1 touchdown 

#0 Cordero Berry recorded total of 9 tackles and a sack 

#1 DEMARI MCKINNEY recorded 6 tackles and a pass break up