Mena Bearcat historical fact

[bearcat97]

This is the 98th season of Mena football. It is only the fourth season though that Mena has accomplished double digit win total. I will leave it at that and let those of you from Mena chime in on the three times Mena achieved this prior.

As a former Bearcat, I have to say that it has been a pleasure to watch this team this season. If they can limit the number of careless penalties then I expect them to win a close victory over Arkadelphia. It is very appropriate that a historical rival of Mena stands between them and the semi finals.

I hope that current Mena players enjoy the moment and appreciate the past. Good Luck on Friday. Go Bearcats.

[whippersnapper]

Actually in 2012 mena celebrated 100 years of football. In fact the team theme was 100. 1 Team 0 Excuses 0 Quit.
As for this team and history, gotta be proud of where Coach Harper has taken the program when Coach Weaver left. With how mena is playing and home field advantage I don't see why they can't make it to the rock.

Am glad you brought this topic up. Was thinking the other day of getting all the numbers for Mena's best years posted on here.

[FootBallar21]

Yes a Great topic ,  as this team moves forward climbing the ladder of other great Bearcat teams they have a shot to be one of the best ever.   Joining the ranks of the 70's team that was State Champs and the 1996 team that finished the regular season 10-0 before losing in the quarterfinals to an unbelievably great Nashville team!   Coach Harper has done an amazing job and I don't see how he can't be the favorite for coach of the year in 4A!

[bearcat97]

That may have been the theme in 2012 but they were wrong. While it is true that Mena first played football in 2012, Mena had a player die in a game vs Hot Springs in 1925 and as a result the program was disbanded for several seasons. The 1951 team is the other team that finished with double digit victory totals. They finished the season 10-0.

[whippersnapper]

Here are some of Mena's best seasons. All of my information BTW is from the Almanac of Arkansas High School football. Which my edition only does 1970-2012.
1972: 7-2-2.  This is the first conference championship recognized in the book by Mena. Lost to Harrison 1st round 27-6
1976: 11-1-1. This is the 1 and only state championship for mena in football. That year we started off tying rival DeQueen 13-13 then 2 weeks later would lose our only game to Broken Bow Oklahoma. The Bearcats would go on to beat Harrison 14-6  in the 1st round, Stuttgart 13-8 in the semifinals and for the state championship the Bearcats beat the Badgers of Arkadelphia 13-7.
1977: 8-3. Mena won back to back conference championships for the only time in school history. Lost to Berryville 38-6 in 1st round
1983: 8-4. Mena was in a 3 way tie for conference with Alma and Waldron (yes Waldron) that year. Mena in the 1st round beat Siloam Springs 17-8, but would fall to eventual State Champion Cabot in the Quarters 27-0.
1994: 9-2. After going 3-7 the year before twins Tim(QB) and Kris(HB) Clark helped lead Mena to its first conf championship in 11 years. They lost to Dermott in the 1st round 7-0.
1995: 6-5. Lost to $way in the 1st round 33-0
1996: 12-1. Brad House and company this year lead Mena to only its 2nd 10-0 regular season finish. Mena beat Corning 40-6 in the 1st round, in the 2nd round mena beat $way ironically 33-0. In the quarters they played 12-0 Nashville but lost after a close first half 49-14.
1998: 5-6. Lost to highland in the 1st round 38-14
2000: 9-4. Mena finished 3rd that year in the 7-3A which is what the 7-4a is today. That year all 4 playoff teams won in the 1st round, 3 teams in Quarters. In the 1st round Mena went on the road to 2 seed Highland and beat the Rebels 30-19. The next week Scott Bohlman secured a 2nd round win (21-14) with an interception in the endzone at Farmington. McGehee ended Mena's run in the quarters 28-6.
2001: 6-5. Lost to Warren 46-14 in 1st round.
2004: 5-6. Lost in a close game to Atkins 22-21 in the 1st round.
2005: 5-6. Lost to CAC in the 1st round 45-6
2010: 9-4. The bearcats started the year 7-0 after going a combined 3-16-1 the previous 2 years. Coach Weaver knew his team needed success early and they would have a shot. He gave them the challenge of starting 5-0 and he would dye his hair blonde. Coach kept his word and was blonde all the way through the cats thanksgiving run. In the 1st round Mena went to Marianna Lee and beat the Trojans 14-6. The defense played great the whole night finishing with 4 TO's. The offense found just enough rhythm in the 3rd qtr when QB Reed Mendoza ran and passed for a TD. In the 2nd round Mena was a 10 point underdog to Darion Griswold and the Dumas Bobcats. Even down 21-17 at half Mena felt they could still win and did 31-28 after a 1 handed TD catch by sophomore John Ballentine in the 3rd qtr. Mena's defense caused 2 TO's in the 4th to secure the win. Mena ran into the arguable public school state champion Pulaski Robinson the next week and lost 50-22.
2011: 5-6. Lost to PG in the 1st round 43-27
2012: 6-6. #2 Arkadelphia was picked to beat Mena by 18 in the 1st round but this senior class had other plans that night. Down late in the game on the run Austin Warren hit triple covered Malachi McGee for around a 60 yard TD. Then the next drive Mal at safety would also get a 45 yard pick 6 to seal a 42-29 upset. Would lose the next week to Ozark 33-12.
2013: 5-6. Lost to Hamburg in the 1st round 48-12.

[whippersnapper]

That may have been the theme in 2012 but they were wrong. While it is true that Mena first played football in 2012, Mena had a player die in a game vs Hot Springs in 1925 and as a result the program was disbanded for several seasons. The 1951 team is the other team that finished with double digit victory totals. They finished the season 10-0.

Ok well this is just what Coach Weaver told me that spring. That a local historian brought some newspaper clippings showing the schedule and etc. Which all could be wrong I don't know.

[Coach DePriest, Sheridan]

I texted Coach Sherrer with a historical question last night and he felt like this was probably true.  Looking at whippersnapper's post, this is probably accurate. 

This will be the first time in the history of Mena Bearcat football to host a Thanksgiving weekend playoff game.  I'll be in Mena Thursday morning through Friday morning, but we have plans to be with my wife's grandparents in Sheridan on Friday afternoon, so I won't be able to stay for the game.

I'm proud of what these Bearcats have done, but I hope their attitude is more of the "we haven't done anything yet."  They have a great opportunity to avenge one of their conference losses for a trip to the semis.  After the season they can look back and enjoy what they've accomplished.  Good luck to Coach Harper and the Bearcats.

[OLDSCHOOL82]

Here are some of Mena's best seasons. All of my information BTW is from the Almanac of Arkansas High School football. Which my edition only does 1970-2012.
1972: 7-2-2.  This is the first conference championship recognized in the book by Mena. Lost to Harrison 1st round 27-6
1976: 11-1-1. This is the 1 and only state championship for mena in football. That year we started off tying rival DeQueen 13-13 then 2 weeks later would lose our only game to Broken Bow Oklahoma. The Bearcats would go on to beat Harrison 14-6  in the 1st round, Stuttgart 13-8 in the semifinals and for the state championship the Bearcats beat the Badgers of Arkadelphia 13-7.
1977: 8-3. Mena won back to back conference championships for the only time in school history. Lost to Berryville 38-6 in 1st round
1983: 8-4. Mena was in a 3 way tie for conference with Alma and Waldron (yes Waldron) that year. Mena in the 1st round beat Siloam Springs 17-8, but would fall to eventual State Champion Cabot in the Quarters 27-0.
1994: 9-2. After going 3-7 the year before twins Tim(QB) and Kris(HB) Clark helped lead Mena to its first conf championship in 11 years. They lost to Dermott in the 1st round 7-0.
1995: 6-5. Lost to $way in the 1st round 33-0
1996: 12-1. Brad House and company this year lead Mena to only its 2nd 10-0 regular season finish. Mena beat Corning 40-6 in the 1st round, in the 2nd round mena beat $way ironically 33-0. In the quarters they played 12-0 Nashville but lost after a close first half 49-14.
1998: 5-6. Lost to highland in the 1st round 38-14
2000: 9-4. Mena finished 3rd that year in the 7-3A which is what the 7-4a is today. That year all 4 playoff teams won in the 1st round, 3 teams in Quarters. In the 1st round Mena went on the road to 2 seed Highland and beat the Rebels 30-19. The next week Scott Bohlman secured a 2nd round win (21-14) with an interception in the endzone at Farmington. McGehee ended Mena's run in the quarters 28-6.
2001: 6-5. Lost to Warren 46-14 in 1st round.
2004: 5-6. Lost in a close game to Atkins 22-21 in the 1st round.
2005: 5-6. Lost to CAC in the 1st round 45-6
2010: 9-4. The bearcats started the year 7-0 after going a combined 3-16-1 the previous 2 years. Coach Weaver knew his team needed success early and they would have a shot. He gave them the challenge of starting 5-0 and he would dye his hair blonde. Coach kept his word and was blonde all the way through the cats thanksgiving run. In the 1st round Mena went to Marianna Lee and beat the Trojans 14-6. The defense played great the whole night finishing with 4 TO's. The offense found just enough rhythm in the 3rd qtr when QB Reed Mendoza ran and passed for a TD. In the 2nd round Mena was a 10 point underdog to Darion Griswold and the Dumas Bobcats. Even down 21-17 at half Mena felt they could still win and did 31-28 after a 1 handed TD catch by sophomore John Ballentine in the 3rd qtr. Mena's defense caused 2 TO's in the 4th to secure the win. Mena ran into the arguable public school state champion Pulaski Robinson the next week and lost 50-22.
2011: 5-6. Lost to PG in the 1st round 43-27
2012: 6-6. #2 Arkadelphia was picked to beat Mena by 18 in the 1st round but this senior class had other plans that night. Down late in the game on the run Austin Warren hit triple covered Malachi McGee for around a 60 yard TD. Then the next drive Mal at safety would also get a 45 yard pick 6 to seal a 42-29 upset. Would lose the next week to Ozark 33-12.
2013: 5-6. Lost to Hamburg in the 1st round 48-12.

House was a man child.  I heard he has a young son about to enter the program.  Is that correct?

[bearcat97]

Good facts about the program. It was less confusing to say 2012 was the 100th season. Few people probably know that the program had been shuttered for a few seasons. This years team is playing very well that's for sure. Do you know the story behind the site of the state championship game that Mena won whipper? I do, but since I'm currently typing on my phone and that means I am typing slow then I'll let you tell it if you know it.

[whippersnapper]

I feel like I have heard the story since my dad was a senior that year. But I can't remember it.

[Coach DePriest, Sheridan]

I'm not sure if this is the story, but back in those days, teams tried to find a meeting place halfway between the schools to play.  In the semifinals, Mena played Stuttgart at Arkadelphia.  For the finals, there was no place halfway between Arkadelphia and Mena to play (doubt Glenwood and Caddo Hills could seat enough!) so Mena coach Lonnie Barron agreed to play at Arkadelphia.  I'm not sure if there were any nuances of that story other than that, but that's what I had heard growing up.

[whippersnapper]

That sounds right. I remember reading about it in my dads yearbook now. Actually when I go back to his house Thursday I'll repost the write up about the team from his yearbook.

[whippersnapper]

Also a neat fact. Found this out looking through my aunts yearbook. Legendary Alma Coach Frank Vines was an assistant at mena. Not sure how long or what years though.

[hawgfan15]

It has been a great season for the Mena Bearcats. I will be in town Thursday visiting family for Thanksgiving also. I would stay for the game Friday night if my Scrappers were not playing.

[bearcat97]

Back in that day state championship sites were decided by the schools involved and Coach Barron knew Mena didn't stand a chance if they played on AstroTurf at War Memorial so he initiated conversations with Arkadelphia to host the game. They were thrilled and agreed to that. Since Mena had played in Arkadelphia the week before Barron knew that the field at Henderson was complete slop. Heavy rains leading up to the championship game made the field conditions worse. The speed of Arkadelphia was neutralized and Mena won state.

[FootBallar21]

Here are some of Mena's best seasons. All of my information BTW is from the Almanac of Arkansas High School football. Which my edition only does 1970-2012.
1972: 7-2-2.  This is the first conference championship recognized in the book by Mena. Lost to Harrison 1st round 27-6
1976: 11-1-1. This is the 1 and only state championship for mena in football. That year we started off tying rival DeQueen 13-13 then 2 weeks later would lose our only game to Broken Bow Oklahoma. The Bearcats would go on to beat Harrison 14-6  in the 1st round, Stuttgart 13-8 in the semifinals and for the state championship the Bearcats beat the Badgers of Arkadelphia 13-7.
1977: 8-3. Mena won back to back conference championships for the only time in school history. Lost to Berryville 38-6 in 1st round
1983: 8-4. Mena was in a 3 way tie for conference with Alma and Waldron (yes Waldron) that year. Mena in the 1st round beat Siloam Springs 17-8, but would fall to eventual State Champion Cabot in the Quarters 27-0.
1994: 9-2. After going 3-7 the year before twins Tim(QB) and Kris(HB) Clark helped lead Mena to its first conf championship in 11 years. They lost to Dermott in the 1st round 7-0.
1995: 6-5. Lost to $way in the 1st round 33-0
1996: 12-1. Brad House and company this year lead Mena to only its 2nd 10-0 regular season finish. Mena beat Corning 40-6 in the 1st round, in the 2nd round mena beat $way ironically 33-0. In the quarters they played 12-0 Nashville but lost after a close first half 49-14.
1998: 5-6. Lost to highland in the 1st round 38-14
2000: 9-4. Mena finished 3rd that year in the 7-3A which is what the 7-4a is today. That year all 4 playoff teams won in the 1st round, 3 teams in Quarters. In the 1st round Mena went on the road to 2 seed Highland and beat the Rebels 30-19. The next week Scott Bohlman secured a 2nd round win (21-14) with an interception in the endzone at Farmington. McGehee ended Mena's run in the quarters 28-6.
2001: 6-5. Lost to Warren 46-14 in 1st round.
2004: 5-6. Lost in a close game to Atkins 22-21 in the 1st round.
2005: 5-6. Lost to CAC in the 1st round 45-6
2010: 9-4. The bearcats started the year 7-0 after going a combined 3-16-1 the previous 2 years. Coach Weaver knew his team needed success early and they would have a shot. He gave them the challenge of starting 5-0 and he would dye his hair blonde. Coach kept his word and was blonde all the way through the cats thanksgiving run. In the 1st round Mena went to Marianna Lee and beat the Trojans 14-6. The defense played great the whole night finishing with 4 TO's. The offense found just enough rhythm in the 3rd qtr when QB Reed Mendoza ran and passed for a TD. In the 2nd round Mena was a 10 point underdog to Darion Griswold and the Dumas Bobcats. Even down 21-17 at half Mena felt they could still win and did 31-28 after a 1 handed TD catch by sophomore John Ballentine in the 3rd qtr. Mena's defense caused 2 TO's in the 4th to secure the win. Mena ran into the arguable public school state champion Pulaski Robinson the next week and lost 50-22.
2011: 5-6. Lost to PG in the 1st round 43-27
2012: 6-6. #2 Arkadelphia was picked to beat Mena by 18 in the 1st round but this senior class had other plans that night. Down late in the game on the run Austin Warren hit triple covered Malachi McGee for around a 60 yard TD. Then the next drive Mal at safety would also get a 45 yard pick 6 to seal a 42-29 upset. Would lose the next week to Ozark 33-12.
2013: 5-6. Lost to Hamburg in the 1st round 48-12.

House was a man child.  I heard he has a young son about to enter the program.  Is that correct?

Yes Brad does,    Mena had one of its most successful seasons in the little kids tackle football league they play in which is grades 3rd thru 6th,    the 6th Grade team this year made it to the championship game losing a close one to Ozark in the finals.     My little cousin plays on this team so I have watched them play a lot,  and yes they have a LOT of talent and are very good,  including Brad's boy who looks like he will be the same dominate player his dad was.      Also from watching some of this youth football the past several years,   this team has the best 6th grade QB I have ever seen,  he is really good can already throw a nice deep ball and is very accurate.     They are still 4 years away from playing SR. High football but the future is very bright for this group!   

[FootBallar21]

Here are some of Mena's best seasons. All of my information BTW is from the Almanac of Arkansas High School football. Which my edition only does 1970-2012.
1972: 7-2-2.  This is the first conference championship recognized in the book by Mena. Lost to Harrison 1st round 27-6
1976: 11-1-1. This is the 1 and only state championship for mena in football. That year we started off tying rival DeQueen 13-13 then 2 weeks later would lose our only game to Broken Bow Oklahoma. The Bearcats would go on to beat Harrison 14-6  in the 1st round, Stuttgart 13-8 in the semifinals and for the state championship the Bearcats beat the Badgers of Arkadelphia 13-7.
1977: 8-3. Mena won back to back conference championships for the only time in school history. Lost to Berryville 38-6 in 1st round
1983: 8-4. Mena was in a 3 way tie for conference with Alma and Waldron (yes Waldron) that year. Mena in the 1st round beat Siloam Springs 17-8, but would fall to eventual State Champion Cabot in the Quarters 27-0.
1994: 9-2. After going 3-7 the year before twins Tim(QB) and Kris(HB) Clark helped lead Mena to its first conf championship in 11 years. They lost to Dermott in the 1st round 7-0.
1995: 6-5. Lost to $way in the 1st round 33-0
1996: 12-1. Brad House and company this year lead Mena to only its 2nd 10-0 regular season finish. Mena beat Corning 40-6 in the 1st round, in the 2nd round mena beat $way ironically 33-0. In the quarters they played 12-0 Nashville but lost after a close first half 49-14.
1998: 5-6. Lost to highland in the 1st round 38-14
2000: 9-4. Mena finished 3rd that year in the 7-3A which is what the 7-4a is today. That year all 4 playoff teams won in the 1st round, 3 teams in Quarters. In the 1st round Mena went on the road to 2 seed Highland and beat the Rebels 30-19. The next week Scott Bohlman secured a 2nd round win (21-14) with an interception in the endzone at Farmington. McGehee ended Mena's run in the quarters 28-6.
2001: 6-5. Lost to Warren 46-14 in 1st round.
2004: 5-6. Lost in a close game to Atkins 22-21 in the 1st round.
2005: 5-6. Lost to CAC in the 1st round 45-6
2010: 9-4. The bearcats started the year 7-0 after going a combined 3-16-1 the previous 2 years. Coach Weaver knew his team needed success early and they would have a shot. He gave them the challenge of starting 5-0 and he would dye his hair blonde. Coach kept his word and was blonde all the way through the cats thanksgiving run. In the 1st round Mena went to Marianna Lee and beat the Trojans 14-6. The defense played great the whole night finishing with 4 TO's. The offense found just enough rhythm in the 3rd qtr when QB Reed Mendoza ran and passed for a TD. In the 2nd round Mena was a 10 point underdog to Darion Griswold and the Dumas Bobcats. Even down 21-17 at half Mena felt they could still win and did 31-28 after a 1 handed TD catch by sophomore John Ballentine in the 3rd qtr. Mena's defense caused 2 TO's in the 4th to secure the win. Mena ran into the arguable public school state champion Pulaski Robinson the next week and lost 50-22.
2011: 5-6. Lost to PG in the 1st round 43-27
2012: 6-6. #2 Arkadelphia was picked to beat Mena by 18 in the 1st round but this senior class had other plans that night. Down late in the game on the run Austin Warren hit triple covered Malachi McGee for around a 60 yard TD. Then the next drive Mal at safety would also get a 45 yard pick 6 to seal a 42-29 upset. Would lose the next week to Ozark 33-12.
2013: 5-6. Lost to Hamburg in the 1st round 48-12.

a little surprised to see my 2001 one team on this list lol,  But looks like from 2001 till 2009 was the best team Mena had for almost 10 years.     Another solid team though,   had we played in a different conference besides the brutal 7-4A or received a different first round matchup other than Warren things could of been much different ! 

[whippersnapper]

Well I felt it was best to give recognition to all the playoff teams. I agree with you about the 01 team and I feel the 04-05 teams were capable of 6-7 had they been in the 4-4a.

[FootBallar21]

Well I felt it was best to give recognition to all the playoff teams. I agree with you about the 01 team and I feel the 04-05 teams were capable of 6-7 had they been in the 4-4a.

I texted Coach Sherrer with a historical question last night and he felt like this was probably true.  Looking at whippersnapper's post, this is probably accurate. 

This will be the first time in the history of Mena Bearcat football to host a Thanksgiving weekend playoff game.  I'll be in Mena Thursday morning through Friday morning, but we have plans to be with my wife's grandparents in Sheridan on Friday afternoon, so I won't be able to stay for the game.

I'm proud of what these Bearcats have done, but I hope their attitude is more of the "we haven't done anything yet."  They have a great opportunity to avenge one of their conference losses for a trip to the semis.  After the season they can look back and enjoy what they've accomplished.  Good luck to Coach Harper and the Bearcats.

To bad you can not stay and watch this team,    speaking of Coach sherrer his boy is a real big part of the success of this team,   might be the best 5'7 corner I've ever seen in high school,  great technique very well coached! 

[Coach DePriest, Sheridan]

To bad you can not stay and watch this team,    speaking of Coach sherrer his boy is a real big part of the success of this team,   might be the best 5'7 corner I've ever seen in high school,  great technique very well coached! 

I've heard Zane is doing really well.  Would love to get to see him play.  Hopefully, Friday won't be their last game so I'll get another chance.

[polksalet]

What's the story of the mena coach who punched the hole in nashville's press box?

[OLDSCHOOL82]

Here's the story.  There once was a coach from mena who was angry.  He punched a hole in the wall at Nashville.  The end.

[Coach DePriest, Sheridan]

What's the story of the mena coach who punched the hole in nashville's press box?

That would have been in the '96 quarterfinals game.  None of those coaches from that game are on the current staff.

I'm pretty sure you knew all of that already, though.

[polksalet]

Yes, my question was about the turnover ratio in Arkansas high school coaching jobs.

[Coach DePriest, Sheridan]

Yes, my question was about the turnover ratio in Arkansas high school coaching jobs.

No, I'm saying you knew the story and felt the need to post it even though it was something that happened exactly 18 years ago this Saturday (holy cow, I'm getting old) with a coach and a staff that are no longer coaching at Mena.

[OLDSCHOOL82]

I seriously would like to hear the story?!?

[~WPS~]

Me too.

[polksalet]

Yes, my question was about the turnover ratio in Arkansas high school coaching jobs.

No, I'm saying you knew the story and felt the need to post it even though it was something that happened exactly 18 years ago this Saturday (holy cow, I'm getting old) with a coach and a staff that are no longer coaching at Mena.

Don't take this  personally but you're a poor psychic.

[Coach DePriest, Sheridan]

From what I understand, a coach who was on a headset in the press box got mad and punched a hole in the wall of the old press box. Not really much of a story.  Only reason I even knew about it was because my dad got me a copy of the Nashville TV broadcast and the announcers were going nuts about it.

[FootBallar21]

Yes, my question was about the turnover ratio in Arkansas high school coaching jobs.

No, I'm saying you knew the story and felt the need to post it even though it was something that happened exactly 18 years ago this Saturday (holy cow, I'm getting old) with a coach and a staff that are no longer coaching at Mena.

18 Years ago seems to be a popular saying around Mena right now too,  but hopfully after this Friday and a couple more,  people can quit saying the first time in 18 years or the best team in 18 years !

[WalterWhite]

So was this just like one fist through the wall, or are we talkin kool-ade man type deal where the guy crashed through the wall and drops an oooooooooo yeeeeeeeah.

[HawgBall06]

Also a neat fact. Found this out looking through my aunts yearbook. Legendary Alma Coach Frank Vines was an assistant at mena. Not sure how long or what years though.

I believe coach Vines left for Alma after either the 78-79 or the 79-80 season.  I know he coached me in Jr high but can't remember exactly which season he left.

[whippersnapper]

Well been looking at my Dad's senior yearbook. First Coach Frank Vines was gone by 76-77 or at least I couldn't find him in it.
Here is a write up about the state championship game against Arkadelphia.
"A high snap on a punt set up Mena's first TD against the badgers. Joe Bunch went over from the 2 and Frank Belford made pat. On the ensuing KO Arkadelphia returned it to tie the game. Lamar Austin pulled in a pitch late in the first half and weaved 35 yards for the winning TD. The season came to a limatic finish when the badger qb carried the ball to the 1 yard line. He tried a qb sneaj but was stopped at the 2 inch line. He tried the same play again but mena's " no-gain defense" pushed him backwards. Mena's Cinderella season came to a close in a Haygood stadium under a scoreboard that read Mena 13 Arkadelphia 7."
Mena had 2 All State linebackers in Frank Belford and Gary Davis. 4 others named all conference and 10 named honorable mention.

[FootBallar21]

Well been looking at my Dad's senior yearbook. First Coach Frank Vines was gone by 76-77 or at least I couldn't find him in it.
Here is a write up about the state championship game against Arkadelphia.
"A high snap on a punt set up Mena's first TD against the badgers. Joe Bunch went over from the 2 and Frank Belford made pat. On the ensuing KO Arkadelphia returned it to tie the game. Lamar Austin pulled in a pitch late in the first half and weaved 35 yards for the winning TD. The season came to a limatic finish when the badger qb carried the ball to the 1 yard line. He tried a qb sneaj but was stopped at the 2 inch line. He tried the same play again but mena's " no-gain defense" pushed him backwards. Mena's Cinderella season came to a close in a Haygood stadium under a scoreboard that read Mena 13 Arkadelphia 7."
Mena had 2 All State linebackers in Frank Belford and Gary Davis. 4 others named all conference and 10 named honorable mention.

2 very solid and long lasting coaches from the old 3-4A and then the new 4-4A conferences play for Mena,  Coach Joe Bunch the starting QB on Mena's State championship team who had a very long tenure with some solid success at Mena,  and coach Mark Ford was also a key contributor to the Championship team FB on offense I believe,  went on to have some really good years at Ozark! 

[Coach DePriest, Sheridan]

Doug Quinn, who coached for 21 years at Blytheville was a sophomore on that team. Not sure where Steve Quinn, former coach at SAU, was on that team or not.

And congratulations to the Bearcats for their big win tonight!

[ELVISPORKLEY]

Steve Quinn did not play on that team, but he did play on the best team that was overlooked on this thread. The 1980 team may be second only to the '76 team in Mena history. They finished 8-2, losing by one score to both Van Buren  and Alma, the state champion led by Ralph Stockemer, who starred at Baylor. Back then only the top two teams went to the playoffs. When you consider that Mena played in the second highest classification then (comparable to 5A today), the size they had, athletes, etc., I'd put them up against any team since.

Vines left around '74. The D-coordinator of the '76 team was Gary Autry, who made a name for himself at Van Buren.

Someone else that I think played on the '76 team (although he may have missed it by one year) is Mike Vaught, who was the offensive coordinator at Navy, deputy AD at SMU, and is now the AD at Grand Canyon University in Arizona. Jeff Eddleman was a RB on the '76 team and won two state championships at Elkins in baseball. Tim Aynes had some great girls' BB teams at Dardanelle and is the assistant at Har-Ber now. Derek Harrell played on the '83 team and won 2 basketball championships at Lonoke. Coach Barron was a lot like Frank Broyles in terms of the number of former assistants and players who became coaches.

[FootBallar21]

Steve Quinn did not play on that team, but he did play on the best team that was overlooked on this thread. The 1980 team may be second only to the '76 team in Mena history. They finished 8-2, losing by one score to both Van Buren  and Alma, the state champion led by Ralph Stockemer, who starred at Baylor. Back then only the top two teams went to the playoffs. When you consider that Mena played in the second highest classification then (comparable to 5A today), the size they had, athletes, etc., I'd put them up against any team since.

Vines left around '74. The D-coordinator of the '76 team was Gary Autry, who made a name for himself at Van Buren.

Someone else that I think played on the '76 team (although he may have missed it by one year) is Mike Vaught, who was the offensive coordinator at Navy, deputy AD at SMU, and is now the AD at Grand Canyon University in Arizona. Jeff Eddleman was a RB on the '76 team and won two state championships at Elkins in baseball. Tim Aynes had some great girls' BB teams at Dardanelle and is the assistant at Har-Ber now. Derek Harrell played on the '83 team and won 2 basketball championships at Lonoke. Coach Barron was a lot like Frank Broyles in terms of the number of former assistants and players who became coaches.

really awesome to learn a lot of the history about the Mena football team back in the 70's ,  it appears you go back to that state championship team, it is much like the Razorbacks NCAA title, in the 70's ,  as lots of future important people and coaches were apart of it!

[Coach DePriest, Sheridan]

it is much like the Razorbacks NCAA title, in the 70's

1964

[FootBallar21]

it is much like the Razorbacks NCAA title, in the 70's

1964

Yes, 64 not the 70's,       Crazy thing during the last razorback game they compared the Razorbacks current offensive line to the starting offensive line from 64.      Jerry Jones started at guard at 6'0" 195LBS,   where the current team averages about 6'4 or 6'5" 330LBS 

[theeunderdog4]

How many people will the Bearcat Stadium hold?

[FootBallar21]

How many people will the Bearcat Stadium hold?

Enough!

[theeunderdog4]

How many people will the Bearcat Stadium hold?

Enough!

I was looking for a number...

[Detcord]

I'm being told around 2,000.  Home side was shoulder to shoulder last week.  Visitor side usually has plenty of seats.  Lots of standing room around fence.

[Lions84]

Good to see Mena having some success again.

[FootBallar21]

I'm being told around 2,000.  Home side was shoulder to shoulder last week.  Visitor side usually has plenty of seats.  Lots of standing room around fence.

wow who did you get that number from,  it might be correct, but seems a little high to me,    Because if it holds 2,000 it had 2,000 in it last week and should have even more tomorrow night,   just seems high to have 2,000 fans in the stands, in a town that only has 5,600 people!

[Detcord]

Someone in the Mena Public schools Administration.......

[OLDSCHOOL82]

Mena holds plenty.  Home side is good sized.  Visitors isn't to big but there's plenty of room to stand and wrap around.

[B.S.]

Steve Quinn did not play on that team, but he did play on the best team that was overlooked on this thread. The 1980 team may be second only to the '76 team in Mena history. They finished 8-2, losing by one score to both Van Buren  and Alma, the state champion led by Ralph Stockemer, who starred at Baylor. Back then only the top two teams went to the playoffs. When you consider that Mena played in the second highest classification then (comparable to 5A today), the size they had, athletes, etc., I'd put them up against any team since.

Vines left around '74. The D-coordinator of the '76 team was Gary Autry, who made a name for himself at Van Buren.

Someone else that I think played on the '76 team (although he may have missed it by one year) is Mike Vaught, who was the offensive coordinator at Navy, deputy AD at SMU, and is now the AD at Grand Canyon University in Arizona. Jeff Eddleman was a RB on the '76 team and won two state championships at Elkins in baseball. Tim Aynes had some great girls' BB teams at Dardanelle and is the assistant at Har-Ber now. Derek Harrell played on the '83 team and won 2 basketball championships at Lonoke. Coach Barron was a lot like Frank Broyles in terms of the number of former assistants and players who became coaches.

Also a neat fact. Found this out looking through my aunts yearbook. Legendary Alma Coach Frank Vines was an assistant at mena. Not sure how long or what years though.

I believe coach Vines left for Alma after either the 78-79 or the 79-80 season.  I know he coached me in Jr high but can't remember exactly which season he left.

Vines was not on the staff in '76 but was good friends with Gary Autry and was in the press box all through the playoffs with a headset on. That was a pretty good combo of Defensive minds against Stuttgart and Arkadelphia.