Colts to host Mena in 4A first round contest

The Conference 3-4A champion Rivercrest Colts (8-2) will host Conference 7 fifth place finisher Mena (5-5) in a Class 4A first round playoff game Friday at Cortez Kennedy Field.

The Colts completed their perfect run through conference games with a win over Blytheville last Friday while the Bearcats punched their ticket to the playoffs with a 42-6 win over Waldron.

The Bearcats, coached by Craig Bentley, play in arguably the toughest conference in Class 4A with defending state champion Malvern and 2023 champion Arkadelphia, along with Nashville and Ashdown.

Marcus Slayton

The Bearcats operate out of a Pro style offense powered by backs Brody Peters, Jayden Castillo and Michael Sullivan. Peters is also a standout at linebacker in the Bearcats 3-4 alignment. Also a key at linebacker in senior Maddox Medlin and junior Mason Sullivan is a productive defensive end.

The Bearcats offense scored only 97 points in five conference games while surrendering 194 points. Mena will need to keep the Colts in front of them and not let the dangerous Rivercrest skill players run loose.

The Colts come in as one of the highest scoring teams in the state, putting up 43.1 points per game. The Rivercrest offense needs to shore up a bit after committing four turnovers against Blytheville.

Cavonta Washington will be a key for the Colts in the post-season. Washington tossed a pair of interceptions against Blytheville but did return late to toss a game icing touchdown pass.

Koby Turner continued to pile up yardage with a big game against Blytheville. Michael Rainer proved invaluable after being pressed into duty at quarterback when Washington suffered an injury.

The Colts defense was nasty against Blytheville. Several players contributed big in the victory. Senior defensive end Wyatt Lancaster had nine tackles and broke the school record for tackles in a career with 317 with games to go. Quinnshaun Perry, Marcus Slayton, Tekylun Sanders and Jalen Young also continue to be keys on the defensive side of the ball. One key is trying to be on the plus side of the turnover battle, something the Colts have struggled with this season.

Mena will be a tough out, however the Colts should have more than enough to win the game and advance to the second round.