Spring Scrimmage Held By Ricebirds

The Stuttgart Ricebirds held a Spring Scrimmage game after two weeks of practice. They ran four-15 play time periods. The players were introduced at the beginning of the scrimmage and between the first and second play periods the SJHS cheerleaders were introduced and between the second and third play periods, the SHS cheerleaders were introduced. 

The scrimmage game is a time for players to be evaluated by coaches and allows the community to come and watch to see what they think of the 2026-2027 Ricebirds. There was a pretty good size crowd in attendance.

Coach Price said, “Our spring game looked like we hoped it would look.With three of our four starters back in the secondary, we weren’t able to throw post routes and go routes with ease. We expected a close stalemate because we had kids on both sides of the ball who will play for us on Friday night, and that’s what we got.” 

Dawson McKelvey, who has been the Ricebirds kicker for the past three years graduated last month and so they were looking for a kicker. They hope to have found one in Parker Ellis, the soccer manager for the Ricebirds soccer team. Ellis got to practice several kicks in the scrimmage.

“I liked what we saw from our defensive line this spring,” said Coach Josh Price. “Michael Thomas looked good as the 3-technique, and we’re going to be really, really good at defensive end.” 

The offensive line lost four to graduation but Price liked what he saw in Trey McKinney at left tackle, and Jacob Eagle at left guard. The only returning starter was Christian Henson, who remained at center, while Michael Thomas, a part-time starter last fall,  played right guard, and sophomore Gaje Ponder played  right tackle. 

 

Braxton Kirkdoffer came in during several plays at quarterback to give Price a rest.

Rumour has it that a college scout may have been in attendance to check out Cain Price, and possibly other senior athletes.

The Ricebirds will begin summer workouts and will start their season against Lonoke on Aug. 28. 

Go Birds!