MCCLELLAN LOSES TOP RB STRONG

Little Rock McClellan will be without senior running back Pierre Strong for today's game at Little Rock Parkview and at least the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. Strong has a hairline fracture in his right collarbone, Coach Maurice Moody said. He was injured on a 28-yard run on McClellan's final drive in a 22-18 loss to Pulaski Academy on Friday. Moody said Strong will be re-evaluated Nov. 11, but he is expected to miss the Crimson Lions' first-round playoff game. McClellan (6-3, 4-2 5A-Central) is the 5A-Central Conference's No. 3 seed and will play at the 5A-South's No. 2 seed Nov. 11. Strong has rushed for 1,423 yards and 25 touchdowns on 146 carries, a year after rushing for 2,248 yards and 30 touchdowns while leading McClellan to the Class 5A state championship game. McClellan also will be without senior quarterback Dalvion Childs today because of a sprained ankle suffered in the first half against Pulaski Academy. McClellan will use junior Bennie Kemp and sophomore Jaylon Williams at quarterback. Moody said the Crimson Lions will have a committee of running backs -- juniors Andre Campbell, Tommy Crumpton, Kyreek Lair and Tyrse Lair. Williams could also be used at running back, Moody said. "Pierre can get us 200 yards himself," Moody said. "But we've got a committee that can get 200 yards together." With both Strong and Childs out, the Crimson Lions are in unusual territory as they prepare for Parkview. "We're using it as a positive thing," Moody said. "It's given other guys an opportunity to get reps in." Parkview (1-7, 1-5) is led by interim coach Kenny Stephens. The Patriots' only victory came Sept. 30 against Little Rock Fair, 52-13. In their seven other games, the Patriots haven't scored more than 13 points. But with two of his top offensive players out, Moody knows McClellan can't overlook Parkview. "We have to take care of the football," Moody said. "We have to see how they respond." McClellan's 2015 playoff run featured two games on the road: at Hot Springs Lakeside and at Batesville. Moody is confident this team can make another run on the road again. "It doesn't bother me that we're going on the road," Moody said. "We still have to take care of business, home or road. I know we're ready. I know we're prepared. "I'm not sure who we're going to play in the first round, but it doesn't bother us one bit to go on the road. We've got to get the job done, bottom line."

Little Rock School District Athletics

MCCLELLAN LOSES TOP RB STRONG

Photo Credit: Matt Johnson