Searcy, Ar. (LP) – On Saturday December 7 the Searcy High School Lion Football Team attended historic War Memorial Stadium to compete for the 6A state football championship against the Benton Panthers. After a long well-fought game from both teams the Searcy High School Lions were awarded both the title of state champions in addition to the first place trophy. This opportunity was available to the Lions due to their conference championship victory as well as their domination over the Pine Bluff Zebras, and the Greenwood Bulldogs in the quarter and semi-final rounds of the high school playoffs.
The Lions’ victory on Saturday can be attributed in no small amount to their quarterback, and MVP of the game Bryce Dixon. Bryce Dixon attributed his team’s success to the group as a whole and chalked up their victory to a team effort as well as his amazing receiving squad. The team next year will lose a lot of good playmakers due to graduation. Expectations are high for next year though with some very strong underclassmen talent moving up into more leadership roles. One of those talented Lions is Junior wide receiver Marlon Crockett. Marlon was a major contributor to the team this season, and one of the major reasons we had such a dynamic offense. Marlon’s impact on the game, and in our offense is only set to grow as he grows into a greater leadership role as many of our senior receivers graduate.
Saturday’s game was an emotional one as it was many of the seniors last football game played. Although some of them are going to move on and play college football some have chosen to end their football career on a win, or have chosen to focus on other things in college rather than football. Dallas Loftis a senior wide receiver informed of his after high school plans, “I don’t plan on playing football in college. I would rather focus on other things, and getting this big win as my last game is something not everyone has the chance to do.”
Regardless of the players future plans every player can acknowledge the magnitude of the team’s achievement this year, and its impact on the community. Dixon recognized the community’s part in securing them the win, “We couldn’t have won without our town behind us. It seemed like everywhere we went there were people cheering us on.” Any state championship is a commendable one but this state championship was the first football championship we had gotten since 1934. It was also Searcy’s first appearance since 1983. The Searcy football team has gradually grown in achievement under our head football coach Coach Kelly. Many people in the community, in the school, and on the football team have high expectations for next season, and can’t wait for our next chance to support our football team!
