Panthers Edge Leopards 44-43 in Rivalry Classic
Ashdown, AR · October 5, 2026
Fog is hugging the timberline this morning, but clear skies and warm air should take over once it lifts.
The Lead
Ashdown and De Queen renewed one of Southwest Arkansas’s longest-running high school football rivalries on Friday night, and the 78th edition delivered a finish that fans will talk about for years. The Panthers edged out the Leopards 44-43, fending off a furious second-half rally to claim county bragging rights and secure a crucial victory on the road. The win gives the team immediate momentum as the second half of the conference schedule gets underway. Beyond the final score, the high-scoring thriller offered a welcome boost for a program that has faced steep test matchups through early autumn. Players return to the field this afternoon to begin game planning for Friday night's home showdown at Panther Stadium against Malvern, aiming to translate their razor-thin road triumph into a sustained midseason surge.
Local Pulse
Countywide Burn Ban Remains in Effect Safety Little River County officials urge residents to avoid all outdoor burning until widespread rainfall eases persistent dry conditions.
Free County Flu Shot Clinics Open Health The local health department provides walk-in flu vaccinations at county facilities this week with no out-of-pocket costs for residents.
Today's Outlook
- High 86°F · Low 58°F — Fog
- Give the morning mist time to burn off before heading outdoors for midday sunshine.
What's On Around Town
Today
Community Health and Planning Forum Texarkana Public Library (600 W 3rd St), Texarkana, 9:30 AM · Free Hear regional health updates and voice priorities for community wellness services.
Beginner Line Dancing Pinkerton Fitness Center (2500 N Robison Rd), Texarkana, 6:00–7:00 PM · Paid Step into an energetic routine designed for dancers of any skill level.
Introduction to Boxing Pinkerton Fitness Center (2500 N Robison Rd), Texarkana, 7:15–8:15 PM · Paid Learn fundamental footwork and conditioning basics in an approachable group setting.
Tomorrow
- Pumpkin and Vine Paint Session Redbone Magic Brewing (1304 Texas Blvd), Texarkana, 6:00 PM · $45.99
- Tiny Painters Art Workshop Texarkana College (2500 N Robison Rd), Texarkana, 6:00–7:30 PM · Paid
Wednesday
- Exhibition: Us & Them by Anna Zusman Regional Arts Center (321 W 4th St), Texarkana, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM · Free
- Weekly Live Trivia Night Pop's Place, Texarkana, 7:00 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- The Whistlestop Turtle Races
- Conceived in the late 1990s by downtown merchants honoring the town's Kansas City Southern rail roots, the festival's quirkiest ritual sends local children scrambling into driveways for box turtles each May. Ringed in chalk, racers cheer until one reptile crosses the perimeter line.
Ashdown Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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