DQ Leopards end 12-year losing skid against Nashville Scrappers
Scrappers fall to 1-3 for first time since 2003
DE QUEEN – Maybe 13 really is an unlucky number.
It certainly was for the Nashville Scrappers on Friday. The Scrappers were looking for their 13th consecutive win against conference rival De Queen.
However, it was the Leopards who ran around, over, and through the Scrappers, breaking Nashville’s hold on the rivalry with a convincing 38-13 win.
“I was very disappointed and frustrated,” said Nashville head coach Tim Perry. “We felt like we had a very good week of practice. We were optimistic as a coaching staff, thinking it would carry over to Friday night. We got off to a hot start. And it seems like we play well until something negative happens.”
For Nashville, it was also the first time the team has lost three consecutive games since 2003 when the team began the year at 0-3.
The Scrappers fall to 1-3, also for the first time since 2003, when the team struggled to a 1-5 start. The team finished that year at 6-6, reaching the second round of the playoffs.
De Queen’s win was the first for the team from Sevier County over the Scrappers since 1998 when the Leopards posted a 37-20 decision. The Leopards went on to the state finals that season.
“We’re getting everyone’s best effort. It is a big goal for these teams when you haven’t beaten someone in 10 or 15 years,” said Perry.
The Scrappers began the game with the look of a team that had found its offense.