Oct. 24, 1957 Panthers Defeat Blue Devils in Friday Nights Game "The Holly Grove Panthers met and defeated the Hughes Blue Devils, 25 to 6 on the Holly Grove field last Friday night. The Panthers scored on a 35-yard pass play from Dan McNeill to Woody Hill in the first period of the game. Hughes’ Gary Chittom scored from the five after a Holly Grove fumble. In the second half, Holly Grove took over again when Don Bryan caught a pass from McNeill. In the last period, Bryan scored on a 14-yd run set up by a pass interception. Quarterback, Lloyd Breeding of the Panthers went over on a quarterback sneak from the one."
Brinkley Argus Oct. 24, 1957 Holly Panthers Lose Game to Parkin "Holly Grove Panthers lost their game last Thursday to the District 6B champions, the Parkin Tigers with a score of 21-7. Parkin intercepted a Holly Grove pass on its goal line and ran it out to the 31. The tigers then launched a 69 yard march that ended with Miller scoring from the four. Todd kicked the first of three straight conversions. Holly Grove tied the score in the second quarter. The Panthers covered a fumble on their 33 yard and drove 67 yards mostly on Dan McNeill’s passing to Red Chastain and Don McCloud. Elmer Bennett scored from the one and Bryan converted. The Holly Grove Panthers will meet the Clarendon Lions on Thanksgiving Day for their final football game of the 1957 football season."
November 1, 1956 Holly Grove is Downed 27 to 0 Friday by Parkin "Plagued by recent injuries the Holly Grove Panthers dropped a 27 to 0 game to Parkin last Friday night at Parkin. The Panthers were inside the Parkin ten-yard stripe on five different occasions but lacked the final punch to score. The final drive by Holly Grove had the ball on the Parkin one-yard line as the whistle called an end to the game. Miller led the Parkin team and was the standout for the winning team that managed to penetrate the Holly Grove defense and score but one touchdown in each period against a Holly grove team that was minus some of its key players. In the offensive column Norwood and Hartsell carried the ball for the Panthers. Kannada, left-end, and Joe Coleman, left guard, were the defensive standouts for the Holly Grove 11."
Brinkley Argus Sept. 12, 1957 Holly Grove Opens Season Friday with Marvell Mustangs "Coach Sonny Gordon will open the 1957 Panther football season with the rival, Marvell Mustangs Thursday night, 8:00 o’clock, on Holly Grove’s home field. Both teams are trying to settle the 7-7 tie last year. Holly Grove will start on a come back trail trying to get back their football fortunes that once prevailed District 6-B. With over 40 boys working out daily, prospects look good for a winning season. The winner of this game will have a large bearing on the District Championship."
Brinkley Argus Oct. 17, 1957 Holly Grove Loses to Elaine in District Conference Game "The Holly Grove Panthers scored first in the game Friday night, but lost to the Elaine Panthers, 27 to 6 in a district 6B conference game at Elaine. Holly Grove drew first blood with six minutes gone in the first quarter, when right-half Elmer Bennett plunged over from the 3 yard line to climax a 62 yard drive. The run attempt for the PAT was unsuccessful."
September 20, 1956 Holly Grove in 48-0 Win Over Luxora Friday "Holly Grove scored twice in each quarter with the exception of the fourth to down Luxora last week by a 48 to 0 count. The Holly Grove bench was cleaned as subs were used freely. McNeill opened the scoring by going over for the first TD on a quarterback sneak after runs by Bryan and Norwood set things up. Norwood converted on a running play. McNeill went 20 yards on a keeper for another TD in the opening period and Norwood again converted. In the second Norwood slid off tackle for 25 yards and six points more and again ran the ball for the extra point. Bryan added another second frame touchdown going 8 yards for the score. Norwood again gathered in the bonus point. In the third Smith carried 20 yards to score after plays by Hartsell and Johnson set things up. Kelly carried the ball over to add another extra point. Breeding added a second TD in the period on a quarterback sneak from the one. Smith, Breeding, Hartsell and Johnson set up the TD play. Hartsell converted on a running play. Scoring closed with a final quarter TD in which Smith ran the ball from the 9 after Hartsell, Smith, and Johnson carried to the payoff spot. The conversion play missed fire to leave the final score 48 to 0."
Monroe County Sun Sept. 27, 1956 Holly Grove is Downed 32 to 6 in Friday Game "Holly Grove bowed to Gillette last Friday on the home field 32 to 6 after a battle in which Kannada, Kelly, and Red Chastain stood out on defense for the home team. Norwood was Holly Grove’s outstanding offensive player. Dean of Gillette broke loose for 40 yards and Gillette’s first touchdown in the first period. A pass play converted. Holly Grove struck back in the same period by air as McNeill hit Norwood with a nice pass that was good for 30 yards and six points. The conversion failed and Gillette led 7 to 6. It appeared to be too much Dean as the Gillette ball carrier scored twice in the second and again in the third on 25, 8, and 11 yard plays. Gillette’s final score came in the fourth on an end around. Coach Gordon has had his squad at work this week preparing for the game Friday night with Hazen on the Holly Grove gridiron."
Monroe County Sun
October 4, 1956 Holly Grove Ties Hazen Friday Night; Will Play Elaine This Friday Night "Holly Grove and Hazen tied at Holly Grove 7 to 7 last Friday night with the visitors coming from behind in the final frame to score. In the opening quarter McNeill tossed a long pass good for 40 yards that set things up for the touchdown by Norwood from the two-yard line. McNeill then added the extra point on a keeper play. Hazen Territory Norwood was the outstanding ball carrier for Holly Grove during the game. Holly Grove stayed in Hazen territory during the first three quarters but was unable to push across another TD. Hazen’s score came as Clayton took a 20-yard pass and went over. The conversion was good. Horace Kannada, Red Chastain, and Joe Coleman played excellent defensive games for Holly Grove and were instrumental in holding down the Hazen offense. Clayton stood out for the visitors. Injured Elmer Bennett got to play for the first time this year but had to leave the game as he re-injured his knee. He will be out for an indefinite time. Holly Grove meets Elaine this week at Holly Grove. Elaine defeated Clarendon last Friday by a 46 to 20 score at Elaine."
Monroe County Sun October 18, 1956 McNeill Injured as Holly Grove Drops 39 to 6 Decision to Hughes Eleven by: L.E. Fay "Holly Grove intercepted a pass in the second quarter of the Hughes game last Friday night to set up their only score in the game played at Hughes. Holly Grove Scores Kannada stole the Hughes pass and took the ball to the Hughes 20 before being downed. Breeding then fired the ball to Kannada who went over for the touchdown. The conversion failed. Hughes, on a rampage, opened scoring early counting two touchdowns in the first frame, one on the second, two in the third and one in the fourth to total 39 points. McNeill Injured The Holly Grove quarterback, Dan McNeill, suffered a fractured ankle in the third offensive play of the game and his loss to the team will be felt. Earnest Norwood left half, played a top game in the offensive department for Holly Grove.| Outstanding on defense were Ray Chastain, James Kelly, and Red Chastain. Homecoming Coach Sonny Gordon is working the squad for the Barton game this Friday. The fracas with the Barton Bears will be the annual Holly Grove homecoming and all Holly Grove alumni are urged to be present for the event. Homecoming activities are scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m."
Brinkley Argus October 18, 1956 Panthers Observe Homecoming Oct. 19 "Everything is being made ready for an elaborate Homecoming to be observed October 19. The Holly Grove Panthers will take on the Barton Bears. The class of 1941 will be recognized during the half-time ceremonies. All alumni had ex-students are urged to make preparations to attend. Homecoming Queen will be Barbara Clemons. Maids are as follows: Barbara Brown, Connie Loften, Bonnie Loften, Arta Glover, Pat Glover, Patricia Sanders, and Mary Nell Hill."
Monroe County Sun Oct. 25, 1956 Holly Grove Panthers in 13-13 Tie Game with Barton Friday Night "Holly Grove came up with another tie game Friday night at the annual Homecoming as the Panthers scored in the first half and Barton came back in the second to tie things up at 13 to 13. Scoring started in the opening period as Holly Grove worked the ball down to the four. James Kelly, operating from the right half slot, went off tackle to score. The conversion try failed. Second Score In the second quarter Holly Grove struck again. This time the fullback, Paul Owens, connected with end Horace Kannada on a pass that was good for 25 yards and a first down on the Barton six. Kelly again scored through the tackle hole. Earnest Norwood collected the extra point on a running play and Holly Grove led as the half ended by a 13 to 0 score. Barton opened a drive in the third quarter scoring from the 2-yard line. A placement went for the bonus point. In the final period Barton shook the ball carrier loose for 52 yards and the tying touchdown. Game Tied With the outcome of the game resting on the conversion the Barton kicker missed the boat and the score remained tied at 13 to 13. Kelly and Norwood held up the offensive end of the Holly Grove play. Lloyd Breeding held down the quarterback post as Dan McNeill was sidelined the previous week in the Hughes game when he fractured an ankle in the third offensive play of the game. On defense, Ray Chastain was the Holly Grove standout."
Sept. 29, 1955 Holly Grove Team Defeated by Gillet ; Final Score 28-0 "The Holly Grove Panthers were defeated last Friday night when the Gillett Wolves beat them 28 to 0 on the Wolve’s home field. The first touchdown was made in the second quarter with Edmondson going from the three on a keeper play. Eichler scored in third quarter for the second TD, going from the three-yard line. Wallace hit the line for the extra point. In the fourth quarter Johnson made a tally going in from the one-yard line, Edmondson making the extra point on a keeper play. The final touchdown was made Wallace after a 25-yard run by Johnson, who ran the extra point. The most consistent gainer for the Panthers was 125 lb fullback James Kelly. This is his first year of senior football."
Monroe County Sun October 13, 1955 Elaine’s Late TD’s Catch Holly Grove Friday Evening "The Elaine Panthers struck for three touchdowns in the last half to defeat the Holly Grove Panthers, 31-13 Friday. Quarterback Jim Broughton sparked the Elaine squad as he tallied three TD’s on runs of 10, 80, and 90 yards. He also kicked the only Elaine extra point. Halfbacks Howard Lawson and Don Ed Blackburn tallied the other Elaine TD’s, Lawson’s coming on a 30-yard gallop and Blackburn’s on a 10-yard sprint. Halfback Ernest Norwood racked up Holly Grove’s first TD and Quarterback James Kelly got the final one Kelly also ran across the only extra point for Holly Grove. Holly Grove led at halftime, 12-12 but superior blocking enabled Elaine to come from behind and win easily. Holly Grove guard, D.A. Miller was removed from the game and is in the hospital for x-rays to determine the extent of a leg injury."
Brinkley Argus November 10, 1955 BHS Tigers Defeat Holly Grove in Homecoming Game "The Brinkley Tigers won their homecoming game Friday night when they defeated the Holly Grover Panthers by a score of 38 to 13. Three touchdowns were scored by the Tigers in the first quarter. Scoring were: Dabbs Woodfin, from one yard out; Bobby Carvell, with a 31-yard pass; and Fletcher Roach, on a 42-yard intercepted pass, the extra point was good. In the second quarter, Don Reynolds plunged over the goal line from seven yards out. The point try was no good. The Panthers scored both of their TD’s in the second quarter. Kelly drove over the line from one yard out, and Norwood scored on a 38-yard pass. The extra point try was unsuccessful. Vernon Bynum scored the fourth marker for the Tigers in the third quarter when he went over from one yard out. The PAT attempt failed. The last Tiger tally was made by Bobby Carvell in the fourth quarter, when he ran over the goal line on a seven-yard pass. The Panthers completed two passes compared to the Tigers’ three."
-- Edited by Danyelle McNeill Fletcher at 13:12, 2005-11-15
Brinkley Argus September 1, 1955 Holly Grove Team to Play First Game Against Marvell "Coach C.R. Gordon announces that the first football game of the 1955 season for the Holly Grove Panthers will be held Thursday night September 8th at 8:00 p.m. on the home field with the new squad meeting the Marvell Mustangs. Coach Gordon says he has had attendance of 30 players for each practice since the first workout August 20. ‘The squad will be small and inexperienced this year.’ he says, ‘and the line-up is still undetermined. With the exception f one or two positions, the boys are all battling it out for permanent spots.’ There are five returning lettermen. Only four seniors are coming out and this together with the fact that the junior and senior classes are unusually small in number of students and therefore the squad will lose less experience each year and that a good number of freshmen and sophomore boys are looking good in workouts, points to good prospects for strong teams later. Assistant coach Albert Weaver has been on hand since the workouts began. He is a spring graduate of ASTC where he was a regular starter in guard position. His hometown is Searcy. Co-Captains are Horace Kannada and D.A. Miller, Jr., both seniors. The Panthers will be playing the opening game in brand new white pants and black jerseys."
Brinkley Argus
Sept. 8, 1955 Holly Grove-Marvell Game Tomorrow "Daily papers coming to Brinkley this morning are playing up the Holly Grove-Marvell game tomorrow night at Holly Grove. It’s a match between Ernie Crone’s Mustangs from Marvell and Coach Sonny Gordon’s Panthers of Holly Grove – and it’s just natural for the two teams to meet for a real scrap. The Marvell Mustangs have 13 returning lettermen this year, but their center, Max Hill, came up this week with a broken arm and will be out of the game. The Marvell and Holly Grove teams have long been rivals in District 6B. This rivalry is sharpened a bit for tomorrow night because they did not meet last year because of scheduling conflicts. A large crowd of Holly Grove Panther boosters are expected to back the Holly Grove team when the game is called at 8:15 tomorrow evening."
Brinkley Argus
Sept. 15, 1955 Marvell in Win Over Holly Grove "The Marvell Mustangs overwhelmed the Holly Grove Panthers 26-6 Thursday on the Panthers’ home field. The Mustangs scored on the first play and went on to win. Marvell’s Charles Loeschner grabbed the opening kick on his five and ran 95 yards for a six pointer. George Yahnke’s conversion try failed. Yahnke scored a TD from two yards out in the second period, after a pass moved the ball from Marvell’s 32. Ken Clark plunged across from the 10 for Marvell. Holly Grove scored in the second period when Horace Kannada caught a pass from Quarterback Dan McNeill for a 35 yard pickup. Clarke repeated from 10 yards out for Marvell in the third period after a pass to Helm. Yahnke converted."
Monroe County Sun Lions and Panthers Play Parkin-Cotton Plant Respectively November 28, 1956 "Football season is drawing to a close with the Clarendon Lions and the Holly Grove Panthers having but two games left to play. Friday night a tough Parkin 11 comes to Clarendon to take on the Lions who have been receiving some hard workouts the past week in preparation for the game. Holly Grove journeys up to Cotton Plant for their current game. Both teams close the season on Thanksgiving with the traditional game between the two on the Clarendon field. The Clarendon-Holly Grove game is one that has both schools and is bitterly fought regardless of how either team made out earlier in the season. The game also will be the Clarendon Homecoming game."
Monroe County Sun November 1, 1956 Holly Grove is Downed 27 to 0 Friday by Parkin "Plagued by recent injuries the Holly Grove Panthers dropped a 27 to 0 game to Parkin last Friday night at Parkin. The Panthers were inside the Parking ten-yard stripe on five different occasions but lacked the final punch to score. The final drive by Holly Grove had the ball on the Parkin one-yard line as the whistle called an end to the game. Miller led the Parkin team and was the standout for the winning team that managed to penetrate the Holly Grove defense and score but one touchdown in each period against a Holly Grove team that was minus some of its key players. In the offensive column Norwood and Hartsell carried the ball for the Panthers. Kannada, left end, and Joe Coleman, left guard were the defensive standouts for the Holly Grove 11." Score by Quarters Holly Grove 0 0 0 0 Parkin 7 6 7 7 Lineup Holly Grove: LE – Horace Kannada LG – Carl Hill LT – Joe Coleman C – Bob Davenport RG – Paul Owens RT – Doyle Lancaster RE – Red Chastain QB – Lloyd Breeding LH – Earnest Norwood RH – James Kelly FB – Bob Hartsell Substitutions: Geisler, D. Coleman, Johnson, Cloud, Lansford, Prine, Gerlach, Calloway, Adams, Smith
Monroe County Sun October 11, 1956 Holly Grove Panthers Take Tie Game From Strong Elaine Team by: L.E. Fay "Elaine tied Holly Grove last Friday night on the Holly Grove home field by pushing across a touchdown late in the final period. The visitors had scored first only to see an up and coming Holly Grove squad score a touchdown and covert to go ahead and then add what looked like a clincher to make it 13 to 6. The first Elaine score came in the opening quarter as a 45 yard run set up the touchdown play from the 2. The try for the extra point failed and Elaine led 6 to 0. In the Lead In the third frame Holly Grove opened a drive that wound up with Norwood going over from the two-yard line for the six points that tied things up. Bryan took the ball over for the bonus point that gave Holly Grove a one-point lead. In the fourth a long range aerial connected with McNeill tossing one to Norwood that was good for some 40 yards and what looked like the game insurance. However, on little things a game sometimes turns. The extra point try failed. The Holly Grove offense centered around Norwood, McNeill, Bryan, and Kelly as Holly Grove gave Elaine a rough evening. Fine Defense The Holly Grove defense held down a normally high-scoring Elaine team with Kannada, Red Chastain, J. Coleman, D. Coleman, Ray Chastain, Hill, and Lancaster showing up exceptionally well. Tragedy struck the Holly Grove squad as Don Bryan was carried off the field late in the fourth quarter with a fractured ankle." Score by Quarters Holly Grove 0 0 7 6 Elaine 6 0 0 7 Lineup LE – Kannada LG – Hill LT – J. Coleman C – Davenport RG – Owens RT – Lancaster RE – Red Chastain QB – McNeill LH – Norwood RH – Bryan FB – Kelly Substitutes – Ray Chastain, Smith, Hartsell, D. Coleman, Geisler, Lansford, Adams
Nov. 28, 1935 Final Game at Holly Grove This P.M. Yellow Jackets Will Try to Break Even on Season’s Games This Afternoon as Final Contest of Season is Played. Today’s (Thursday) Thanksgiving Day grid clash with Monroe County southend rival, Holly Grove, holds answer to the Yellow Jackets’ record for the 1935 season. It is possible for the locals to end their season in this last game with either a five won and five lost standing for a 50% finish or make this year a very unfavorable one with four son and six lost. The locals are getting in the win column with more regularity toward the end of the season three – three out of the four last contests marked as local victories. This erases to a great extent the bitter memory of one triumph in the last five starts while the boys were still green and also facing stronger adversaries. Glaringly visible in the statistics to date is the trouble experienced by the locals in holding the ball – 14 fumbles to only three against the visitors…."
Monroe County Sun Dec. 5, 1935 Valiant Panthers Lose to Clarendon Fight Much Harder Battle Than Expected in 19-0 Victory; Season’s Last Battle Full of Thrillers and Penalties "A vicious Clarendon high school eleven and a lion-hearted bunch of Holly Grove Panthers met with a clash on the latter city’s field with a resounding smack on Thanksgiving afternoon and the Jackets came out on the big end of a 19-0 score, but only after a hard battle. Meeting much more resistance than expected, the locals were unable to get started during the first period – in fact, the initial quarter was played in Clarendon territory with the "Jackets" hard pressed at times to hold the line. A Clarendon man fumbled the starting kick on his own 20-yard line and the opposite side recovered the pigskin. During the rest of the period, Hinton Williamson in a series of amazing punts kept the locals on the 5 and 10 yard lines except toward the end when the latter began a drive netting two consecutive first downs. Beginning with a fumble in the second quarter, Carlton Spears returned a Panther punt to the Holly Grove 45 yard line and after an exchange of punts, Clarendon first downed and then in the first completed pass of the game early in the second quarter. Orvis Brewer flung a high, long pass in the general direction of the end zone. Harold Evans was awaiting its arrival and tucked the pellet in his arm for the first marker of the contest – a forty yard gain. Extra point was good. Just preceding the end of the second quarter. Holly Grove made a scoring threat but were finally held – and punted out on the 17 yard line immediately before the half. In a series of line plunges that Clarendon football fans should be proud of, fullback Thomas Knight started a skull-busting campaign in the third quarter which gained a lot of yardage for his team. Full of exceptionally poor decisions and lots of penalties, the hectic fourth and last quarter resulted in two granted touchdowns for Coach Reasoner’s charges – more than any other period but exactly half as many as were earned so asserted many enthusiasts. Following three or four minor penalties, Brewer uncorked another long spiral into the ozone, which came to rest in Evans’ arms for a sixty yard gain and a tally for Clarendon. Intermixed with more penalties, Thomas Knight bucked the ball from midfield across the goal line only to drop it – however, he recovered it. Referees ruled that it was a safety and brought the ball out to the 20 yard line and gave it to Holly Grove. Not to be stopped, Evans received another touchdown pass which was called back for some reason not quite clear to coaches and spectators. When Clarendon blocked a Holly Grove punt and recovered it behind the enemy goal line, and it looked as though the officials were going to penalize the Jackets some more yardage, a great howl went up from the sideline and Clarendon was given a touchdown, but were forced to attempt their unsuccessful extra point from the 17 yard line. Outstanding features of the game were Knight’s line plunging, penalties, and the hard fight put up by the Panthers against a heavier and tougher team. Clarendon earned 12 first downs, completed five out of fourteen passes, had two intercepted, fumbled three times (recovering two of them) and were penalized 45 yards while the Panthers succeeded in getting four first downs, completed three of seventeen pass attempts, had two intercepted, recovered five fumbles of which four were their own, and were penalized 20 yards. All in all it was a fine game from the weather’s point of view, resulting in plenty of excitement and fun for all."
Monroe County Sun October 21, 1954 Panthers Lose in District Tilt at Huges on Friday "The Holly Grove Panthers lost their first district tilt of the season Friday night at Hughes when the Blue Devils scored twice in the first half and the Panthers found the Hughes goal line in the fourth period for a final score of 14-6. It was a gala homecoming victory for the Blue Devils" "Austin Little of Hughes received a punt in the first period on his own 20 yard line and ran 80 yards for the touchdown. Bobby Medlin converted." "Medlin plunged over from the Panther two yard line in the second period, and Teddy Harrison ran the extra point to put the Blue Devils in a 14-0 lead at halftime." "Third period saw a constant exchange of punts, pass attempts, and in the fourth period Lonnie Johnson heaved a long 40 yard pass deep in Hughes territory, it was caught by James Monaghan, and he scored for the Panthers. Conversion failed."
Monroe County Sun October 28, 1954 Barton Bears Defeat Panthers 13-26 Friday "The Barton Bears took to the air to down the Holly Grove Panthers 13-26 before a huge homecoming crowd on the local field Friday night." "An impressive coronation ceremony for the Homecoming Queen , Miss Mary Ann Chastain, who was selected by the Panther squad, preceded the kickoff. The royalty procession formed under the east goal and made its way slowly to the 50 yard line where Co-Captains, Henry Skinner and James Moneghan, met their queen, received the football to be used in the game from her, placed the crown on her head, and presented her a beautiful bouquet of golden chrysanthemums. She wore a heavenly blue, two-piece dress of knitted wool. Preceding the queen were the crown-bearer, tiny Linda Stone, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Herd Stone, and Dickie Bonner, small son of Mr. and Mrs. T.W. Bonner of Blackton who carried the football." "Maids to the queen, who wore navy blue suits and shoulder corsages of golden mums tied with black and gold ribbon, were Misses Doris Gannon, Sue Hill, Margaret Boals, and (?)Ellie Thompson. The (?) Bobby Crittenden, Junie Davidson, Marion Lancaster, and Jerry Goings, all seniors." "A homecoming dance for students and alumni was held at the Legion Hut following the game." "After a scoreless first period, the Barton Bears took advantage of a pass interception at the 50 and drove to the 2, where Claude Holt passed to Robert Scott to score. Mullins’ kick was not good." "The first Panther score came on the next play, one of those flukes that makes football such an exciting and colorful game, when Thomas Bryan fell behind its interference to return the Barton kickoff the entire length of the field to score standing up. Jerry Goings converted. Barton retaliated a few minutes later to Mullins from the Panther 10, Scott converted." "In the fourth period Scott passed to Kirckpatrick from the Panther 10 for the third Barton tally, and in the last four seconds Scott passed to Treadway from the Panther 2 and Barton tied 7-26." "In the final two minutes the Panthers began to connect with some beautiful passes, resulting in a score. Johnson passed to Bryan from the Barton 48 to the 20, then Bennett caught one on the 2, and after a 15-yard penalty set the Panthers back to the 17, Junie Davidson caught a honey on the four. Bryan went over on an end sweep, and the game ended 13-26 after the kickoff.
Brinkley Argus Sept. 15, 1955 Holly Grove Panthers Meet Marianna "The Holly Grove Panthers will meet the Marianna Porcupines on the Panther field Friday night at 8:00 in their second game of the season. It will be the first tilt for the Porks." "The Panthers, fresh from an unexpected 26-6 defeat at the hands of the Marvell Mustangs Thursday, will be out for blood against a stronger, more experienced eleven." "Coach C.R. Gordon announced the Panther line-up will be the same as last week with one or two exceptions."
Brinkley Argus Apr. 5, 1956 Holly Grove Football Schedule is Told "Coach C.R. Gordon, coach of the Holly Grove football team, announced the ten game slate of his Panthers for 1956. One new opponent has been added, Luxora High. With the entire squad returning, the Panthers will be a contender for the 6-B title." "Co-captains for the 1956 squad are Horace Kannada and Paul Owens." The schedule is as follows: Sept. 6 - Marvell, there Sept. 14 - Luxora, here Sept. 21 - Gillett, here Sept. 26 - Hazen, here Oct. 5 - Elaine, here Oct. 12 - Hughes, there Oct. 19 - Barton, here Oct. 26 - Parkin, there Nov. 2 - Brinkley, here Nov. 9 - Cotton Plant, there Nov. 16 - open Nov. 22 - Clarendon, there
Brinkley Argus October 18, 1956 Panthers Observe Homecoming Oct. 19 "Everything is being made ready for an elaborate Homecoming to be observed October 19. The Holly Grove Panthers will take on the Barton Bears. The class of 1941 will be recognized during the half-time ceremonies. All alumni had ex-students are urged to make preparations to attend. Homecoming Queen will be Barbara Clemons." "Maids are as follows: Barbara Brown, Connie Loften, Bonnie Loften, Arta Glover, Pat Glover, Patricia Sanders, and Mary Nell Hill."
Monroe County Sun Nov. 1, 1956 Holly Grove in 19-7 Win From Brinkley Wednesday "After a scoreless first half Holly Grove broke loose to score twice in the third and again in the fourth periods to down Brinkley 19 to 7 Wednesday night at Holly Grove. The Holly Grove subs played a great part of the final frame when Brinkley scored." "Smith scored first for Holly Grove in the third as he took a handoff on the one to score after Calloway hit Norwood with a 29 yard pass on the enemy one. Smith added a point around left end. Again taking to the air Breeding completed a 37 yard pass play to Norwood who scored. Norwood failed to take the extra point over." Final Frame "Holly Grove opened the final frame on the Brinkley 27. Hartsell in two plays went to the 19 with Smith taking the pigskin over through left guard. The extra point failed and the count was 19 to 0." "With the Holly Grove second team in the game Brinkley carried the ball down to the one with Tripp going over. The extra point try was good and the score was 19 to 7. Holly Grove had the ball on the Brinkley 45 as the game ended." "Although the opening half was scoreless it was played in Brinkley territory. Brinkley mounted one drive in the second period that ended as Holly Grove recovered a Brinkley fumble on the Holly Grove 19. Brinkley was trapped back on their 9 and Norwood then snatched a Brinkley pass on the Brinkley 18 as the half ended with Holly Grove fighting the clock with passes trying to score." Defensive Work "Kannada was doing fine defensive work as Brinkley passes failed in the third quarter opening. Holly Grove took over on the Brinkley 31 and opened their scoring drive. A blocked Brinkley punt on the Brinkley 22 gave Holly Grove the ball deep in Brinkley land to set up the next TD." "A Holly Grove recovery of a Brinkley fumble opened the gates for the fourth period score."
Monroe County Sun Sept. 12, 1957 Holly Grove Opens Season Friday With Marvell Mustangs "Coach Sonny Gordon will open the 1957 Panther football season with the rival Marvell Mustangs Thursday night, 8:00 o'clock, on Holly Grove's home field." "Both teams are trying to settle the 7-7 tie last year. Holly Grove will start on a come back trail trying to get back their football fortunes that once prevailed District 6-B." "With over 40 boys working out daily, prospects look good for a winning season. The winner of this game will have a large bearing on the Dist. Championship. Lineups are as follows: Holly GrovePosition Marvell Woody Hill LE Jack Bonner D. Lancaster LT Ray Lloyd D. Lansford LG A. Corder Clyde Geisler C F. Jarrett Wayne Hill RG Jerry Story Ray Chastain RT K. Jackson T. Chastain RE H. Bonner D. McNeill QB Henry Seetoo J. Calloway LH Gary Sims Don Bryan RH H. Hudson E. Bennett FB Wayne Clark
