Magnolia and Hot Springs are an even 5-5 against one another since October of 2015, but not for long. The Panthers will welcome the Trojans at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Magnolia made up a huge gap compared to their last game against Camden Fairview, but they still couldn't quite topple them. The Panthers fell just short of the Cardinals by a score of 42-40 on Friday. The Panthers have struggled against the Cardinals recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive lost matchup.
John Curry
| 10/10/25 @ Camden Fairview | 114 |
| 09/26/25 @ Arkansas | 86 |
| 09/19/25 vs Hamburg | 83 |
| 09/12/25 vs Bauxite | 61 |
| 10/03/25 vs Lakeside | 21 |
Despite their defeat, Magnolia saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. John Curry, who rushed for 114 yards and four scores on only 12 carries, was perhaps the best of all. Curry is becoming a predictor of the Panthers' success: when he posts at least 80 rushing yards the team is 2-1 (and 1-2 when he doesn't). Jamaijha Marshall was another key player, rushing for 118 yards and one touchdown.
Meanwhile, Hot Springs came tearing into Friday's game with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 26.7 points), and they left with even more momentum. They blew past the Leopards 56-7. The result was nothing new for the Trojans, who have now won four contests by 35 points or more so far this season.
Magnolia better keep an eye on Sedrick Allen. He was instrumental in Hot Springs' win, throwing for 342 yards and six TDs while completing 88.2% of his passes. Allen is crushing it when it comes to passing touchdowns: he's passed for at least three every time he's taken the field this season. Ja'Marcis Morning was Allen's top target, picking up 121 receiving yards and three scores.
One reason for the win was Hot Springs' imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Lebron Modacure, Khalawry McClinton, and J'Shawn Everette, who each picked up one sack apiece. Colby Holder was another major factor on D, making 12 total tackles.
Magnolia's loss dropped their record down to 3-3. As for Hot Springs, their victory bumped their record up to 5-1.
The upcoming matchup will be a clash of competing strengths. Magnolia has deployed a run-first offense that has averaged 236.7 rushing yards a game. Meanwhile, Hot Springs has preferred to attack from the air: they average 285.8 passing yards per game. So which strategy will prevail on Friday? There's only one way to find out.
Magnolia came up short against Hot Springs when the teams last played back in October of 2024, falling 17-10. Will the Panthers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other football content.
