By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
The Joplin Crusaders visit the Fort Smith-based Arkansas Lions today for a noon non-pro Central Football League game at Mansfield High School.
The early kickoff has Joplin coach Dave Pitts a bit concerned.
“They (Mansfield High School) obviously have something going on (likely at night) at the field,” Pitts said. “We’ll have to leave early, of course, and it probably means that, because of the early start, we’ll be without a few guys because of work.”
The injury bug found the Crusaders on March 27 during their 13-12 victory against the Arkansas Warriors at Decatur High School.
For sure, Pitts said, Gary Joyce, an offensive guard, will miss the game because of a knee injury. His probable replacement is Alex Hunter, Pitts said.
Pitts also said that Joplin quarterbacks Michael Swalley and Jason Byars will miss the contest because of non-injury reasons.
“We’ll probably go with Danny Knighten at quarterback,” Pitts said. “We worked with him all winter at quarterback. He has a tremendous arm.”
Pitts believes the athleticism of Knighten, who’s been a force at returning kicks, will make him a double threat. His ability as a runner will result in open receivers, Pitts said.
“He’s very athletic,” Pitts said. “We’ll run things that will allow him to make plays.”
Joplin, three-time defending CFL champion, will take a 3-0 record and an overall winning streak of 12 into the game after rallying from a 7-0 halftime deficit to beat the Warriors 12-10. The Lions are 0-3.
The remainder of today’s CFL schedule is Enid (3-0) at Kansas Cougars (2-1), Arkansas Golden Eagles (1-2) at Tulsa Knights (2-1) and Arkansas Warriors (1-2) at Springfield Mustangs (0-3).
Joplin will return to Arkansas next week, Pitts noted, with a visit to the Paris-based Golden Eagles.
Sports
Crusaders traveling to Arkansas
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