The Mission: State Champions in 1986 E xpectations were high for Wildcat fans as the 1986 season began on August 7th with "Two-a-day" practices. but in the hearts and minds of the Wildcat players their season began on December 6, 1985, the day after their disappointing loss in the state championship game at War Memorial Stadium. That day many of the Wildcat players pledged that they would return to the astro-turf and once again battle for the state title. Before these goals could be accomplished the Cats had a lot of hard work and many obstacles ahead of them. The Cats entered the season sporting a number two ranking in the Class A polls. The first opponent the Wildcats faced was the Vilonia Eagles. Feeling the usual first game jitters, the Cats were nervous but dominated the Eagles and posted an impressive 27-7 victory. The Wildcats weren't tested during their next three games, as they easily defeated Heber Springs, Murfreesboro, and West Memphis Christian. From the beginning of the Cat's season there had been a feeling among the players and coaches that words could not describe, but after the Cats total domination of Heber Springs the words were found. The Panther's coach said that the Wildcats had played like they were on a mission. And so, as the Cats began preparations for conference play, the battle cry went up: ''Remember the Mission''. The first conference battle would prove to be the only struggle for the Wildcats during the regular season. The Des Arc Eagles were very talented and determined, remembering the 36-14loss they suffered at the hands of the Cats last year. The Eagles struck first as Andy Saxton took the opening kickoff 90 yards for the touchdown. But the Wildcats took the momentum away from the Eagles and never let them back in the game, as the Cats drove 80 yards on their first possession. The drive was capped by a one yard plunge on fourth down by Tim Smith. A field goal by Lee Mackey gave the Wildcats a 10-7 lead at halftime. Kelly Barden sealed the victory for the Wildcats when he scored on a fourth down play late in the third quarter. The Wildcats proved to be flat after their big win against Des Arc. They executed poorly, but played well enough to defeat C.A.C. 29-0. The next week, Harding faced a tough Hazen team. Harding's defense proved to be too powerful for the Hornet's as the Wildcats gained the shutout victory behind two touchdowns from Smith, and one from Brandon Harrell. The Cats had insured themselves a spot in the state playoffs, but the game that everyone had waited for had finally arrived, Pulaski Academy. The Wildcats finally had their chance to revenge the 18-15 loss that they suffered to P.A. last season. The Wildcat's revenge came quickly and lasted the whole game, as the Cats destroyed the Bruins 30-0. After an open week the Cats met their first playoff opponent, the Pea Ridge Black Hawks. This was the first playoff appearance for Pea Ridge. The Wildcats fought off a tough and determined Black Hawk team with excellent defense. Steven Griffin led the defensive attack for Harding as he intercepted two passes to end Black Hawk drives at the Wildcat 31 yard line and one foot line, late in the third quarter. The Wildcat's 15-6 victory coupled with Barton's 21-13 win over Parkin set up the "dream matchup" people had been predicting all year. <5J> Senior High Football Team. Front row: B. Barden - coach, Rhodes - coach, Dean, Priest, I Johnson, Lacy, Ferguson, Ma':tin Ma~key, Howton, Kyle Citty, T. O'Neal, Pollard, Arnatt, Whitehead, Hite, Brown, Rine- coach, and Lambeth -coach. Second row: Kzng- traz~er, Anderson - coach, Davis, Roberts, Oldham, Higbee, Dickson, K. Barden, Stanley, Wood, Griffin, Brandon Harrell, Cox, Burks, Powell, Bazley, Dr. Jim Citty- team physician, Eichenberger- coach. Back row: Fox, Olree, Daughtey, Erwin, Diffine, Hopkins, Eads, McGaha, Brooks, Harrell , Kris Citty, England, K. O'Neal, Dugger, Bouchareb. - photo by Kerr Photography. Senior Football 317
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