By FRED CONLEY
T-H Sports Editor
The Palestine-Wheatley Patriots started the 2003 football season as the 13th-ranked team in Class AA and picked second in the 3AA Conference behind Hughes.
The Patriots ended the year as the No. 8 ranked team in Class AA and co-champions of the 3AA, sharing that honor with Hughes and Cross County.
Headed into their fourth consecutive postseason under head coach Terry Farmer, the Patriots accomplished another first by winning their first-ever playoff game. In fact, the team went on to win two postseason games and reached the quarterfinals as one of Class AA's Elite Eight.
And even though their season ended at the hands of Barton, the Patriots finished the year at 11-2, by far the best ever season for the school since consolidation brought Palestine and Wheatley High Schools together.
Along the way, the Patriots led the state in scoring offense, averaging well over 400 yards per game while holding their opponents to an average of 10 points or less per game.
For his efforts, Farmer was named the 3AA Coach of the Year.
Ten Patriot players from a squad of just 23 players were named to postseason honors.
The list included six juniors, each of the team's three seniors and one sophomore.
Junior running back/defensive back Brad Barton was named to the Class AA All-State team.
Barton led P-W with 1,600 rushing yards and averaged more than 15 yards per carry during the season. Along with Hughes' Andre Walker and Cross County's Rolandas Hill, Barton was considered to be one of the best backs in the league.
Barton was also named to the All-Conference team and was joined by senior defensive end/tight end Dustin Taylor; senior running back/linebacker Elisha Duncan; senior running back/linebacker Jonathan Wheeler; junior tailback. defensive end Rashun Barnes; junior quarterback Fred Leak; junior halfback/linebacker Antonio Leak; junior linemen Derrick Cooper and Chris Jones and sophomore lineman Ryan Robb.
Antonio Leak finished in the state's top 20 in tackles made while Barnes was second in punt return yards, averaging more than 19 yards per return.
The Patriots return their entire offensive and defensive lines
intact next season as the team prepares to leave the 3AA and return
to the 6AA Conference.
The Arkansas Fireballs Girls AAU Basketball Club is looking for players for their 10 and under team to participate in the upcoming Spring AAU Season.
There will be approximately eight tournaments.
Any girls interested must be born in 1993 or later.
Previous playing experience is a must, as well as parent committment.
For more information on tryouts, contact Betty Williams at
501-834-3918 or email arkansasfireballs@hotmail.com