By FRED CONLEY
T-H Sports Editor
Forrest City Mustang Coach Donnie Willis wants his team to play hard tonight against West Helena, even if it is just a preseason scrimmage.
Palestine-Wheatley Coach Terry Farmer wants his Patriots to take it to Clarendon tonight in their preseason scrimmage.
Hughes Coach James Wright will be looking to polish the Blue Devils' no quarterback Single Wing attack tonight against Trumann.
Tonight is the first real action for all three teams against other people than themselves before the regular season begins one week from Friday night on Sept. 6.
All three teams are much improved over a year ago and all three teams are looking to make statements this year.
"I think this is the best group we've had since I took over," Willis said. "We are anxious to see how they will react."
Joining Forrest City at West Helena tonight will be the Brinkley Tigers. Kickoff for the controlled scrimmage is 5:30 p.m.
The Patriots, 25 players strong this season, are bolstered by 10 seniors and solid group of sophomores.
"Offensively we will be fine," Farmer said. "It will be the defense that wins games for us."
The Junior Patriots will begin the scrimmage at 5:30 p.m.
And Wright's Blue Devils, dropping back down to Class AA after several seasons in Class AAA, will take on Trumann as will the Junior Blue Devils.
"We have a chance to be a very good football team," Wright said. "We will take the first steps tonight."
Late signups for the Forrest City Recreation Department's youth soccer and flag football leagues will end Friday, Aug. 30 at Forrest City City Hall.
The soccer league is for boys, ages 5-15 and girls, ages 5-16.
Late fees are $20 for players living inside the Forrest City city limits and $30 for those living outside the city limits.
Late flag football (ages 7-12) fees are $25 for those living inside the city limits and $30 for those living outside the city limits. For information, call Kenneth Taylor at 633-3667.
* PREP FOOTBALL
Preseason Jamborees
Tuesday, August 27
Forrest City, Brinkley at West Helena, 5:30 p.m. Sr.
Gosnell at Marion, 6 p.m. Sr.
Turrell at Marion, 6 p.m. Jr.
Jacksonville at Little Rock Parkview, 5:30 p.m., Sr. & Ninth Grade
Hughes at Trumann, 5:30 p.m. Jr.&Sr.
Palestine-Wheatley at Clarendon, 5:30 p.m. Jr.&Sr.
West Memphis East, West Memphis West, West Memphis Wonder and Rivercrest Jr. at West Memphis, 6 p.m.
Jboro MacArthur, Nettleton, Wynne Jr. at Jboro Annie Camp, 5:30 p.m.
Earle, Forrest City, Blytheville, Gosnell at Osceola Jr., 5:30 p.m.