Magnolia is just days away from opening its 2019 football season against one of the top teams in Class 4A.
The Panthers, following a good showing during a scrimmage game against Mena earlier this week, will take on No. 3-ranked Warren at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday during the annual Hooten Kickoff Classic at Southern Arkansas University’s Wilkins Stadium. It will be the first of two huge games at the stadium, with Prescott (ranked first in Class 3A) battling fourth-ranked Rison. The Curley Wolves and Wildcats will play at 7:30 p.m. on Rip Powell Field.
“This is definitely not a knock against Mena, but Warren is going to be a much-better team. The Lumberjacks are one of the premier football programs in the state,” said Panthers’ head coach Mark King.
Bo Hembree, in his 20th year as Warren head coach, has led the Lumberjacks to four state championships. Last season, they failed to reach the quarterfinal round for the first time since 2011.
“We better be ready. They are going to be much faster that what we saw in Mena, but I don’t think they will be much bigger,” said King. “However, they are good on both sides of the ball, so we will have to bring our A game.”
According to King, every player on his team has to be ready to step up when called upon.
“Junior varsity players and everyone are one shoulder pad or chin strap break from going into the game,” explained the coach.
Despite playing at SAU, Tuesday’s game is not the official home opener for the Panthers. They will host Crossett Sept. 6 at Panther Stadium and play again at home Sept. 13 against Monticello.
Tickets for the Hooten Kickoff Classic are available through the Magnolia Quarterback Club or from the Magnolia Athletic Office. Cost is $7 and they will be good for both Magnolia vs. Warren and Prescott vs. Rison.