The Fordyce Redbugs continued their impressive run Friday night (Oct. 30), defeating rival Rison 46-24 behind another explosive offensive performance and a defense that created turnovers throughout the night. The victory sets up a huge conference showdown with McGehee, where the 8-3A conference championship and No. 1 playoff seed will be on the line.
The Redbugs have been putting up impressive offensive numbers over the past several weeks, and Friday night was no different. Behind senior quarterback Andreal “Cadillac” Ellison, Fordyce piled up 512 yards of total offense, including 315 through the air and 197 on the ground.
While the offense continued to roll, it was the Redbug defense that set the tone early. Fordyce forced five interceptions and held the Wildcats scoreless throughout the first half, taking an 18-0 lead into the locker room.
Senior Micah Gamble led the defensive charge with two interceptions, while Jamart ez Stroud, Chase Humphries, and Lazarious Swift each added one. Stroud’s interception added to his state-leading total, further establishing him as one of Arkansas’ most dangerous defensive backs.
ToShumbe Ledbetter anchored the defensive effort with a team-high 11 tackles. Gamble added eight tackles and a tackle for loss to go along with his two interceptions. The Redbug defense consistently disrupted Rison’s offense, giving Fordyce opportunities to capitalize on the other side of the ball.
Offensively, Ellison continued to show why his return from injury has been such a difference-maker. The senior quarterback completed 17 of 26 passes for 315 yards and four touchdowns.
Fordyce wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Ellison connected with Gamble for a 68-yard touchdown pass before finding Stroud for touchdowns of 55 and eight yards, giving Fordyce an 18-0 halftime advantage.
The Ellison-to-Stroud connection continued in the second half with a 38-yard touchdown pass, extending the Redbugs’ lead to 24-0.
Perhaps the biggest story of the night was the continued dominance of Gamble and Stroud, a duo that has established itself as one of the top offensive combinations in the state.
The two seniors accounted for all seven Fordyce touchdowns. Gamble found the end zone four times, scoring on a 68-yard reception and rushing touchdowns of 48, 11, and 69 yards. He finished with 171 rushing yards on 11 carries, averaging an impressive 15.5 yards per attempt.
Stroud hauled in eight receptions for 163 yards and three touchdowns, averaging more than 20 yards per catch.
What makes the Gamble-Stroud combination so dangerous is their ability to impact games on both sides of the football. Gamble is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, while Stroud’s speed and playmaking ability force opposing defenses to account for him on every snap.
Both have also been difference-makers defensively.
Rison refused to go away quietly, finding offensive success in the second half. Wildcats scored on a rushing touchdown, while McGarity added two one-yard touchdown runs. However, every time the Wildcats appeared to gain momentum, Fordyce had an answer.
Gamble’s three second-half rushing touchdowns kept Rison from mounting a comeback, while Ellison connected with TJ Harris for two successful two-point conversions.
Following the game, Fordyce head coach Tim Rodgers was pleased with his team’s performance, especially against a longtime rival.
“It’s always good to come away with a victory in a rivalry game. Especially while continuing to play at the level we have the last few weeks,” Rodgers said.
Now, the Redbugs turn their attention to what could be their biggest game of the regular season.
Fordyce will travel to McGehee Friday night with the 8-3A conference championship and the No. 1 playoff seed on the line. With a victory over the Owls, the Redbugs will clinch the conference title and secure the top seed heading into the Class 3A state playoffs.
After weeks of explosive offense and improving defensive play, Fordyce has put itself in position to accomplish one of its biggest goals of the season.
With Ellison leading the offense, Gamble and Stroud making plays all over the field, and a defense capable of creating turnovers at any moment, the Redbugs will look to carry their momentum into McGehee and bring home the 8-3A championship.
