White River Now’s Gary Bridgman takes a look at the 2022 Citizens Bank Battle of the Bridge.
It was the much anticipated (and inaugural) Citizens Bank Battle of the Bridge Friday night as the Batesville Pioneers and the Southside Southerners collided at Stewart Field with the Southerners coming out on top — 35 to 21.
The Southerners win was the measure of a good team that could take advantage of three pass interceptions and several turnovers to fashion the victory.
Batesville came to the Battle of the Bridge picked to win, but those offensive errors proved costly. A number of those errors were caused by a tenacious Southerners defense and an offense that could take advantage.
It should also be noted that Southside’s special team play was outstanding, with punter Blayne Warden getting off punts of 50-plus yards.
This Friday, the Southside Southerners travel to Paragould for a conference matchup while the Batesville Pioneers are at home against Valley View. Valley View currently sits atop the 5-A East standings. A Southside win and a Batesville loss would put the Southerners in the state playoffs. Anything less than that favors a Batesville appearance in the state championships.
Both teams gave outstanding efforts before a paying crowd of just over an 4,000. (The total crowd estimate was likely between 4,800 to 5,100, according to some observers.)
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Southside Schools Superintendent Dion Stevens said Monday that the game provided the most excitement he has ever witnessed at Stewart Field. Stevens said it was an enthusiastic and outstanding crowd that came to cheer for the teams, with both sides of the field packed for Batesville and Southside.
Stevens noted a lot of planning went into handling the large crowd for the entry in and the exit out of the stadium. He credited his staff, volunteers, and both county and state law enforcement to allow for such a big night of high school football without incident.
Next year’s Battle of the Bridge will take place at Pioneer Stadium in Batesville.
Scroll below for images from Friday night’s game.
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Prior to the Battle of the Bridge, a ceremony was held to present a $500 scholarship to one band member, one cheerleader, one dance team member, and one football player selected from each school. The scholarships were provided by White River Health and First Community Bank.
Battle of the Bridge Scholarship recipients from Batesville (from left): Allen Nguyen – football; Moriah Beyer – band; Cristal Martinez – Prancer; and Maggie Anderson – cheerleader. Image: Batesville School District
Battle of the Bridge Scholarship recipients from Southside (from left): Allyson Edmonds – cheerleader; Carys Clark – Stepper; Tyler Jones – football; and Quincy Beard – band. Image: Southside School District
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Above images: Gena Tate and Stacy Fields
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