By FRED CONLEY
T-H Sports Editor
This morning it was all about defense as the Forrest City Mustangs opened summer football drills.
Later today, the offense takes over.
That's how the first three days of drills will break down, according to Mustang head coach Donnie Willis, as players worked out in shorts and helmets.
"We are looking at the defense in the mornings and then we will look at the offense in the afternoons," Willis said. "We will probably put on the pads Thursday and get down to the serious work."
Willis had about 40 players for Monday morning's first practice.
"We'll get more, probably next week," Willis said. "A lot of kids are still out of town and doing other things. It's the same every year."
The Mustangs will open the season on Sept. 5, when they host Wynne.
For now, however, it's about conditioning, basics and learning to read opposing offensive and defensive sets, instead of hitting.
That comes later in the week.
The junior high Mustang players, who have had their physicals, can pick up equipment today, Tuesday and Wednesday, and full-fledged practices will begin Thursday, Aug. 7.
By FRED CONLEY
T-H Sports Editor
No. 2 seeded Kerby's finished 15th at the ASA Class EE men's State Softball Tournament, played Saturday and Sunday at Sherwood.
The Forrest City-based team played five games Saturday and finished 3-2, good enough for the 15th place finish out of 44 men's teams that began the tournament.
Kerby's finished third in league play at Forrest City this summer and finished third in the men's district tournament, also played at Forrest City.
On Saturday, the team lost their opener to Community Market and Deli 18-13 before bouncing back to win three straight games in the loser's bracket. Against CMD, Kerby's failed to hold an 8-0 lead after one inning.
Kerby's defeated Elaine 13-9 in the first game from the loser's bracket and then eliminated Carlisle BRR 18-10 as the team rallied from a 5-0 hole to tie the game and then take the lead.
They won their third straight game over No Limit 21-18 late Saturday night, before being eliminated early Sunday morning by the Salty Dogs, 20-15.
All Forrest City seventh-graders who have had their physicals and plan to play football, can pick up their equipment Thursday, Aug. 7 and Monday, Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon at the Lincoln Gym. No equipment will be handed out without proof of a physical exam.
Seventh-grade football practice will begin on the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 18.
A meeting for all Forrest City male and female students, who are interested in playing golf or running cross country will be held Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Mustang Arena at 1 p.m.