GRAVETTE -- It was Doug Greenwood's first appearance as head football coach when the Gravette Lions' junior-high and senior-varsity teams took to the field at Lions Stadium for a scrimmage game against the Greenland Pirates.
It was Lion Pride Day in Gravette, Aug. 16, and fans were ready to see their Lions play football. But mother nature had other plans and the senior-high game was canceled after only five minutes of play.
As both senior-high squads were going through their pre-game warm-ups, a line of ominous clouds began rolling in from the west. At kickoff time, the rain, wind and lightning was still a distance away from the stadium. Plenty of time to get most of the game in.
Greenland received the opening kick but, after four plays, failed to get a first down. The handed the ball to Gravette for its first possession of the contest, but they, too, were unable to move the ball downfield.
The Pirates were in their fourth possession of the first quarter when a sudden bolt of lightning struck just outside of the 10-mile perimeter of the stadium. Following the light show, a loud clap of thunder ensued, causing spectators to gasp. This prompted official coaches to call the contest and advise everybody to take shelter.
The game ended with neither team crossing the goal line.
The junior high played prior to the senior-high contest. They were able to get in two 15-minutes quarters. The scrimmage ended with no score by either team.
The Gravette Lions open their 2018 regular season Aug. 24 when they take on Cascia Hall from Tulsa, Okla., in a 7 p.m. contest at Lion Stadium in Gravette.
Sports on 08/22/2018