CONFIDENT MOUNTIES HIT STRETCH RUN

Confidence is running at an all-time high for the Mounties this season as they enter a tough stretch of games this week against the top two teams in the conference. "They guys are practicing hard knowing what's in front of them, the possibility of what's in front of them, anyway," Rogers coach Stephen Peck said. "I don't think anybody is going to catch Springdale as far as getting first but getting second is still up there. That's what they're shooting for." Rogers enters the matchups against Springdale High and Bentonville High with a five-game winning streak behind them. The Mounties occupy the No. 3 spot in the 6A-West, and a win against the Tigers would split the season series between the teams, which could bode well for a Mounties team that's fighting for a first-round bye in the tournament. Peck anticipates his team having a little bit more swagger headed into the week based off how close the Mounties played both teams the first time around even though both ended in losses. The Mounties had a clean sweep of games last week, beating Fayetteville, 2-1, and Bentonville West, 2-0. Rogers lost to West the first time around conference play by the same score. Senior forward Francisco "Paco" Jimenez scored once against West and had an assist each game to pace the Mountie offense. Esteban Chavez and Andres Saldiernia each had a goal and assist to contribute in the wins. "It was kind of neat. I've never had that happen before," Peck said. "Having one guy get an assist and next thing you know, the guy he gave the assist to gives him an assist back. It's kind of interesting that they kind of traded off." Rogers will face Springdale at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday with the girls' game coming before the boys. The team will then be home again against Bentonville for their game at 5:30 p.m. Friday. The girls will play after them.

CONFIDENT MOUNTIES HIT STRETCH RUN

ALEX NICOLL

Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette | 4/23/2019

PHOTO CREDIT: Rogers High School Athletics