Junction City, Bearden set to collide

One of the most storied rivalries in 2A football will add another chapter tonight, as Junction City and Bearden collide in an 8-2A contest.

Game time is set for 7 p.m. from Bearden.

The Dragons (5-1, 2-0) have won the last 10 meetings between the schools dating back to 2010 when the Bears (1-5, 0-2) won their regular season meeting before ending Junction City’s season in the second round of the playoffs.

On two occasions, the schools have met for the state championship with the Dragons winning both games in 2009 and 2012, but there could’ve been several more.

In 2006, Jessieville topped Bearden in the semifinals before outlasting the Dragons in the state finals.

A year later, Mount Ida downed the Dragons in the quarterfinals before later holding off Bearden in the championship game.

In 2008 and 2013, Des Arc spoiled potential meetings in the finals by getting past Bearden in the semifinals.

“I’ve always said that game and the other one getting beat cost each of us about three state championships because I felt like that after we got beat by Mount Ida on ‘07, they kind of looked up and said, ‘OK, it’s ours,’ and got beat,” Junction City coach Brad Smith said of the rivalry.

“I know in ‘06, when they went down, we kind of thought, ‘OK.’ The same thing I think happened in ‘11 when they went down (Bearden lost to East Poinsett County in the quarterfinals), we figured we were going to get in there, and it just didn’t happen (Junction City fell to Strong in the semifinals).

“There is an utmost respect between the two schools. No chippiness. No fights. When we went to track meets, we all hung out together. We didn’t really like each other when we played, but away from there, there was a great mutual respect because we both knew how each program worked.”

Although the Bears enter with a five-game losing streak, they have fallen to Harmony Grove, Hazen, Gurdon, Fordyce and Parkers Chapel, who have a combined record of 24-5.

“They’ve got two or three really good skill kids,” Smith said. “They looked a lot better at times last week. They look like they might’ve found an offense that they’re comfortable with trying to run the football, playing some play-action pass using their speed and skill at different times. You can see from film to film how much more comfortable they look. They looked more consistent than they have in any other film. It’s just a matter of time before they really blow up on somebody.”

A week ago, Junction City eclipsed the 60-point mark for the second straight week with a 68-12 win over D’Arbonne Woods (La.), and Smith was pleased with how his younger players competed.

“We took our ones out shortly after the first quarter,” Smith said. “I think we were up 35 or 36, and we turned the ballgame over to our twos and threes and let them play the rest of the way, and they really competed well.

“We didn’t miss a beat. Our young running backs got in there and ran the ball hard. Our young offensive linemen came off the football.

“Defensively, we struggled a little bit, but they don’t get the true reps that they need because defense is such a feel thing and experience.

“Every time you see a play, you get better at it, and they ended up getting better as the game went along, but the twos and threes really got after people. We have a saying around here, ‘We don’t call the dogs, we just change dogs.’ That was pretty true the other night.”

The experience Junction City’s younger players are getting could pay dividends should a need arise.

“That’s one thing we always talk about,” Smith said. “Every time you play, it’s an audition. This is your opportunity to show that you can perform. If you can perform, then you’re going to come up the ladder a little bit.

“If you don’t perform well, then you’re going to continue to play in these type of situations. Some grab hold, others don’t. It’s just the natural progression of the way this sport goes.”

Although the Dragons will be hosting Fordyce next week in a game that could be for the conference title, Smith said his team’s focus is squarely on the Bears.

“We’re on to Bearden,” Smith said. “We’ve talked about from Day 1 that we’re playing for December, and everyone we play helps us get to December. Each game is just as important. The records may be different, the talent may be different, but a bad team or a not so good team can show somebody your flaws or where you’re lacking at just like a good one.

“That’s why you better try to play as best as you can, because all some good coach has to do is see a flaw, and he’s going to hammer at you.”

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