Sheridan 64, West Memphis 20: Yellowjackets surge in conference

Published On: September 30, 2025Categories: High School, News, Uncategorized

Sheridan 64, West Memphis 20

WEST MEMPHIS — Sheridan opened 6A East play with a burst and never eased off, routing West Memphis 64–20 on Friday. Sophomore quarterback Easton Barksdale dissected the Blue Devils with 386 passing yards and four touchdowns, while junior running back Zay Stephens totaled 133 yards and three scores as the Yellowjackets posted 36 first‑half points and pitched a second‑half shutout.

Barksdale spread the ball to a deep receiving corps. Dylan Smith hauled in a long trick‑play touchdown and finished with 122 yards, while seniors JP Black and Jaden Greene each snagged red‑zone scores. Senior Eli Turner returned from injury to add a late touchdown.

Sheridan’s defense flipped the game. Linebacker Jaxson Delk recorded two of the Jackets’ three sacks, and the secondary took multiple interceptions — safety Marques Thorns led the effort, with Ross Stevens and corner Lawson Wallingsford also involved.

West Memphis showed fight. Sophomore quarterback Andrew Clay III hit wideouts Kevius Woods Jr. and Joshua Ward downfield, and lineman Kobe Birdo produced the Devils’ highlight, snatching a screen for a pick‑six. Sophomore running back Tylan Young powered an early scoring drive.

Sheridan (2–2, 1–0) dominated field position, alternating quick perimeter throws with inside zone to keep the chains moving. West Memphis (0–4, 0–1) rotated quarterbacks — Micah Ingle also took snaps — and created pressure with blitz looks, but the Jackets’ protection stiffened after halftime as Sheridan closed it out with 28 unanswered. Andrew Mitchell was steady on extra points as Sheridan stretched a two‑score halftime lead into a runaway road win.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
West Memphis – Tylan Young 5 run (run failed), WM 6–0.
Sheridan – Walker Shields 11 pass from Dax McMellon (Jaden Greene pass from McMellon), SHE 8–6.

2nd Quarter
West Memphis – Kobe Birdo interception return (kick good), WM 13–8.
Sheridan – Hunter Socia pass from Easton Barksdale (Gunner Hoyle pass from Barksdale), SHE 16–13.
West Memphis – Team reverse run (kick good), WM 20–16.
Sheridan – Zay Stephens run (pass failed), SHE 22–20.
Sheridan – Jaden Greene pass from Barksdale (Andrew Mitchell kick), SHE 29–20.
Sheridan – JP Black pass from Barksdale (Mitchell kick), SHE 36–20.

3rd Quarter
Sheridan – Stephens run (Mitchell kick), SHE 43–20.
Sheridan – Stephens run (Mitchell kick), SHE 50–20.
Sheridan – Dylan Smith pass from Barksdale (double‑reverse; Mitchell kick), SHE 57–20.

4th Quarter
Sheridan – Eli Turner pop pass (Mitchell kick), SHE 64–20.