Juniors hang with conference leader

The Junior Cougars ran into a tough Walnut Ridge squad Thursday night in Rector, falling to the visiting conference powerhouse, 24-0.

The guests set the tone early, breaking free for a 50-yard touchdown run on the very first play from scrimmage. The try for two was denied, leaving the Walnut Ridge lead at 6-0.

The Cougars were unable to find much footing offensively, as the combination of mud and a talented Walnut Ridge defense kept Rector in check. The Cougars went three-and-out on their first possession, punting the ball away.

The visitors scored again in just three plays, moving ahead 12-0 in the game's first two and half minutes.

The Cougars were able to move the ball into Walnut Ridge territory on their following drive, but were halted at the 43-yard-line, turning the ball over on downs.

Walnut Ridge made it three-for-three in the first quarter, putting together another scoring drive to move ahead 18-0 with 1:07 left in the opening frame.

The guests would score once more, running it in from 15 yards out with 5:26 left in the first half, to set the final in place.

Rector managed to move the ball some in the second half, but the visitors came up with the necessary stop each time to keep the Cougars off the board.

Walnut Ridge is one of the top junior high teams in 2A-3 and is battling for the conference title.

"We just ran into a very good team," Rector coach Nate Henderson said. "They're the best team in our conference. I thought our kids went out there played pretty well. I can see a lot of improvement since the beginning of the season. We've just got to keep working hard and going out there every day."

The Junior Cougars will journey to McCrory on Thursday.