Thunderbirds try to get on track against Pintos

North Callaway junior quarterback Jake Haubner pitches the ball to sophomore wingback Justin Menard during practice at the high school on Wednesday in Kingdom City. Senior tailback Anthony Schaefer (43) trails on the play. The Thunderbirds will be looking for their first win of the season when they travel to California tonight.
North Callaway junior quarterback Jake Haubner pitches the ball to sophomore wingback Justin Menard during practice at the high school on Wednesday in Kingdom City. Senior tailback Anthony Schaefer (43) trails on the play. The Thunderbirds will be looking for their first win of the season when they travel to California tonight.

The manner in which a team loses is of little significance. It always gnaws regardless of the circumstances.

The North Callaway Thunderbirds will be looking to bounce back from a loss of the last-second variety when they travel to California tonight (kickoff at 7).

North Callaway appeared to be headed toward a win in last week's season opener against Eldon at Kingdom City, forging an early 22-6 lead by scoring on its first three possessions.

However, the Mustangs rallied for 16 points in the fourth quarter to stun the Thunderbirds. Senior quarterback Ryan Kliethermes punctuated the comeback with a 10-yard touchdown run off a bootleg with 2 seconds to play, securing Eldon's 36-28 victory over North Callaway.

Thunderbirds head coach Mike Emmons explained that he, his staff and the players took lessons from the setback and have applied them in this week's preparation for the Pintos.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.