Blackhawk players show grit

Blackhawk football players will work through the summer enhancing their skills and endurance.

Head football coach Stephen Neal expressed enthusiasm about the players and community.

"I love it so far," Neal said, "and I'm sure I'll continue loving it.

"Pea Ridge and the community -- the teams reflect the community -- are very hardworking. There is a great work ethic among the players on the team. That's easily seen by how they play," Neal said after last week's scrimmage.

"As with any scrimmage, our number one priority and goal was to get out without any injuries. We did that. We got a lot of good work out of it. It gives us a litmus test helping us see what we need to do specifically.

"The coaches were really impressed with the kids!" he said.