Ricebirds Defeat Chickasaws

The Stuttgart Ricebirds hosted the Blytheville Chickasaws on Friday, November 21. Blytheville made it to the second round of the playoffs by defeating Pottsville in the first round. The Ricebirds had a bye in the first round, due to their being number one in the Conference.

The Senior Ricebirds were pumped to be in the playoffs  since they haven’t been successful in the playoffs since they started playing for SHS. Without a doubt this group of players continue to shine, week after week. While they have several stand out players, ALL of them play as a team, working together and cheering each other on. The reward has been clear, 11-0 and home field advantage during the playoffs.

Other teams don’t like coming to Ned Moseley Stadium. Stuttgart fans are truly the 12th man on the field. On Friday night in addition to the cow bells, the cheers, the yells of supporters, there was also the sound of what Stuttgart is famous for, Duck Capitol of the World, duck calls. It was pretty obvious Friday night as this photographer was taking pictures, our stands were nearly completely full, and Blytheville didn’t have one section full.

Coach Price isn’t looking back, nor is he looking way in the future.  He and the coaching staff, and the players, are doing it one game at a time. And it is working. Each player focuses on doing his job, or so it seems. Sure, there are mistakes here and there, but overall, these kids are on fire. . 

Stuttgart having the home field advantage is more than just talk. The Ricebirds statistics say it all. When playing at home in the playoffs Stuttgart is 19-2 that is .905 percent. 

Blytheville won the toss and elected to receive.  The Ricebirds showed the Chickasaws early they were in to win. Knox Hillman would stop a runner in the backfield for a loss. A penalty against the Chickasaws backed them up. They faced a third down and 21,and they got the first down. The next play Knox Hillman recovers a fumble and returns it to close to the 30 yard line. Tayquan Hall takes it the 13 and Cain connects with Jeremiah Jackson for a touchdown, Dawson McKelvay’s PAT was good,  7-0 Ricebirds

As the second quarter begins Chickasaws drive down and score. The PAT is no good. 7-6 Ricebirds.  Quarterback Cain Price connected with number 5, Caiden Sims, who takes it in for another Ricebird touchdown. 14-6 Ricebirds

On Chickasaw's next possession,  Kiptyn Carey intercepts the ball.  With 4:53 left in the first half, Price connects with Keaton Byers for another Ricebird touchdown, PAT is good 21-6 Ricebirds

Penalties and the Ricebird Defense held the Chickasaws and they had to punt, Keaton Byers returns the punt for a touchdown. The PAT is blocked. 27-6 Ricebirds.

Chickasaws answer with their own touchdown but can’t convert on a two point conversion. 12-6 Ricebirds

With 14 seconds left in the first half, Dawson McKelvey kicked a 35 yard field goal. The Birds go to the half 30-12.

After the half the Birds come out ready. They move the ball down the field and Cain Price ends up taking it in for a touchdown. PAT is good, 37-12

The Chickasaws receive the ball and Jordan Minor intercepts a pass. The Birds take over and move the ball down the field, Price makes a lateral  pass to Keaton Byers who connects with Caiden Sims for a Ricebird touchdown, McKelvey’s PAT is good 44-12

The Chickasaw’s receive another unsportsmanlike call that backs them up 15 yards. The Ricebirds defense holds and the Chickasaws have to punt. The Birds are moving the ball down the field as the third quarter runs out. Price connects with Hayden Prine to inside the five yard line. Price then connects with Beau Barnes for a touchdown. PAT is good and Birds go up 51-12.

Another unsportsmanlike call against Blytheville backs after the Birds kickoff The mercy rule kicks in 

The Chickasaws are moving down to the Ricebirds red zone, but the defense digs in and stops them, with 25 seconds left to play. On the fourth down play, Ricebirds defense keeps them out of the end zone and Ricebirds win!

Ricebirds advance to Round three of the State playoffs. They will play Bauxite at Ned Moseley Stadium the day after Thanksgiving.