One of the biggest rivalries in Arkansas goes down this coming Friday night, October 21, 2022, as the Warren Lumberjacks travel a short 16 miles across the Saline River to take on the Monticello Billies in the twelfth annual Union Bank and Trust Saline River Shootout.
Although the rivalry goes back much farther, the Union Bank and Trust Saline River Shootout trophy was first up for grabs in 2011, a game which ended in a 6-6 tie. Monticello was not in the 8-4A at that time. However, the next season they entered the conference, and no more ties would be allowed since.
The trophy, which is crafted of oak and stainless steel, was custom built and is 3 1/2 feet tall and 4 foot wide. It weighs over 100 lbs. It is the largest known high school travel trophy in the State of Arkansas. The trophy was commissioned and is sponsored by Union Bank and Trust, which has locations in both Warren and Monticello.
Over the past 11 years, Warren overwhelming owns the series. The Jacks have won nine of the 11 games to-date. Monticello has one win. Again, there has been one tie.
Warren has scored a total of 366 points to Monticello’s 115 in that same timeframe.
The Jacks are 6-1 coming into Friday’s game, with a 5-0 8-4A Conference record, leading the league. Monticello is 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Conference play. They currently sit in fifth place.
Top photo by Robert Camp.