FOUKE, Ark. - Fouke is headed in the right direction with its football program under first-year coach Jerry Littleton.
The Panthers (1-0) edged Gurdon at Panther Stadium in their season opener last Friday, 41-34.
"I told our kids all week that our chances to win the game were as good as Gurdon's," Littleton said. "Our kids believed all week. We came out a little sloppy, new coach with new schemes on offense and defense. They were a little nervous but once they got going, everything worked out the way it was supposed to."
Hunter Lansdell completed 26 of 40 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns to open his senior campaign. He also rushed 11 times for 69 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Seth Phillips and Kanon Garrett each caught 10 passes in the win over the Go-Devils. Garrett led the Dragons' receiving with 197 yards, and Phillips ended with 94 yards and the game-winner on his first varsity touchdown. Garrett hauled in the other three TDs.
"Kanon and Seth both played well for us in their receiver spot," Littleton said. "Our first few drives, we weren't able to get a first down, I was getting worried. We were trying some different things with the no-huddle offense and a faster tempo. I've been stressing to the guys that the team that is in better shape usually wins.
"It's a lot easier to block a tired person in the third and fourth quarters. I think they fully believe that after Friday night."
Senior Brayden Larey led Fouke defensively with 17 tackles, and teammate Tyler Lawrence ended with nine tackles.
The Panthers travel to Mineral Springs on Friday for a non-conference slate with the Hornets. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
"They beat a good Mountain Pine team last week," Littleton said. "I played against Mineral Springs when I was in school, and I think they're getting back to the old Mineral Springs. They have good speed with their skill guys and they are very athletic. We're going to have to play good, sound defense, and we're going to have to run to the ball. Everybody flying to the football and gang-tackling are our keys for the game."