Southside battles Monticello on Nov. 29
Article by Chris Vines, White River Now
The Southside Southerners, fresh off a historic 10-2 season and an Elite Eight appearance last year, are now one win away from the state championship game. Reclassified to Class 4A this year, Southside posted an undefeated regular season—its first in school history—along with a conference title and a series of dominant playoff performances.
After a narrow season-opening victory over Forrest City, the Southerners quickly hit their stride, routing Harrisburg and securing a thrilling win in the “Battle of the Bridge” against the Pioneers. Their biggest test came during conference play, where they faced Highland, the team vying with them for the top spot.
That matchup became one of the defining moments of the season. Despite a fierce battle, Southside held on for a 21-14 victory, sealed in the final quarter. The win pushed the Southerners to a perfect 8-0 record, secured their first outright conference championship, and marked their first undefeated regular season.
Southside’s playoff run has been equally impressive. After defeating Harmony Grove, Heber Springs, and Monticello in front of packed home crowds, they are now preparing for a semifinal showdown with Arkadelphia. The Badgers, one of the state’s most successful 4A programs, have reached the semifinals in six of the past eight seasons. Southside, in just its 18th year of existence, is making its first semifinal appearance.
The Southerners’ success this season has been fueled by a potent offense and a stingy defense. Sophomore quarterback Trey Allen has thrown for more than 1,400 yards, rushed for 458, and contributed on defense with three interceptions. Running back Owen McLaughlin has been a standout, rushing for over 2,000 yards and scoring 30 total touchdowns, both school records. Wide receiver Louis Calhoun set a school record with 78 receptions and fell just 80 yards short of the single-season receiving yardage mark.
Defensively, Southside has been nearly impenetrable, allowing a school-record 14 points per game. Key contributors include Andrew Plummer, Jackson Wammack, Cam Foree, Brady Wood, Blayne Baxter, Layton Neal, Gentry Shirley-Hoskinds, Dillon McDougal, and Dredy Hulsey. The defense has shut out two playoff teams and held seven others to seven points or fewer.
As Southside heads into Friday night’s semifinal against Arkadelphia, excitement is building. The game will be broadcast live on 99.5 FM, starting with the Coach Kenny Simpson Show at 6:30 p.m. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with Chris Vines and Tyson Franks, a member of Southside’s inaugural football team, providing play-by-play coverage. Listeners can also access the stream of 99.5 Your FM at WhiteRiverNow.com.
With a 23-2 record over the past two seasons, the Southerners are making history—and they aren’t finished yet.
Meanwhile, the Southside Junior High team, led by Coach Tim Childress, completed a remarkable season of its own, finishing undefeated with a 10-0 record. The Junior Southerners capped off their season with an 8-0 victory over crosstown rival Batesville in hurricane-like conditions.
Quarterback Karson McSpadden led the offense with 309 passing yards, completing 66% of his throws. McSpadden was also the team’s leading rusher, tallying 1,157 yards on 126 carries and scoring 14 touchdowns. Running back Bryson Vanwinkle added 884 yards on 107 carries and 12 touchdowns, while Ayden Rodriguez contributed 287 rushing yards over the season.
The Junior Southerners’ perfect season adds to the excitement surrounding Southside football, as both the junior high and varsity teams continue to leave their mark on the program’s growing legacy.
“Since May 30, I have been putting 10-0 in the minds of these young men up until the last game,” Childress told White River Now. “These young men were challenged each and everyday to make them better mentally and physically. We were not the most talented team on the field every game, but our guys showed toughness and grit determined to achieve the goals that were given. We could not achieve this goal without our junior high staff Coach Jon Edwards, DC Coach Tom Simpson, Coach Hunter Cummings, and Coach Greyson Pinkett. We appreciate High School Staff led by Coach Kenny Simpson for input and suggestions. We focus on helping these student athletes become the best version of themselves by not giving up when faced with adversity. Very proud of these young men for buying into the mission and achieving the task that was given.”
Images by Gena Tate, White River Now/Gena Tate Photography
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.
