Stuttgart Ricebirds Face helena in Key 4A-8 Conference opener
STUTTGART,AR – the Stuttgart Ricebirds will kick off their 4A-8 conference schedule friday night against the Helena-West Helena Cougars,seeking redemption after a previous season loss. The game, set for 7 p.m., marks a crucial early test for a Stuttgart team that has focused on betterment during a recent bye week.
Ricebirds Head Coach Bill Price highlighted Helena’s defensive strength, specifically praising their middle linebacker, No. 55.”Their mike (No. 55) is a good hand,” Price said. “The entire defensive line is disruptive. They all do their job and fly around, so we better be ready to block and be ready for either a 3-front or a 4-front.”
stuttgart has demonstrated progress on special teams, particularly in kickoff and punt coverage, utilizing a fresh group of players. ”We’ve got a lot of fresh bodies on our coverage units, and they’ve played well,” Price noted. “For the first time in a few seasons, the special teams guys are taking pride in what they do and flying around, making tackles.” However, the team is mindful of a kickoff return touchdown allowed to Helena last season and aims to “dominate the return game and win the field position battle.”
The bye week provided an opportunity for rest and recovery, with the Ricebirds prioritizing player health over padded practices. price also used the time to evaluate the offensive line, rotating Orrin Mack and Ke’Shaune McKnight at right guard to address missed assignments.
Competition remains open at the third linebacker position, with Demari McKinney, Jawyan Terry, Tristan Robinson, and Kaven Bryant vying for playing time alongside starters Knox Hillman and Ethan Boyd. “We’re still looking for consistency and accountability at that third spot,” Price explained.
While acknowledging overall improvement, particularly in game plan implementation and running the football, Price emphasized the need for continued refinement. “We’re better at implementing a game plan, especially on defense,” he said. “We’re running the ball better; we’ve done pretty well at that, but we can still be better. The running backs need to run with their eyes. The line is close, but we can still be better. The receivers are doing their jobs better.”
Friday’s game will be broadcast live on Country 97.3 KDEW FM, with audio and video streams available through the EAB Media Group mobile app. A game recap will appear in Monday’s edition of the Stuttgart Daily Leader. Game-day coverage begins with the Brothers Realty Ricebirds coaches Show at 6 p.m., followed by the Freemyer’s Best brands Plus Pre-Game Show at 6:30 p.m.
