Lawrence a ‘rare breed’ for Mustangs

by Levi Gilbert

For the Perryville Mustangs, few things in a football season are sweeter than a Week 1 victory over Bigelow. The Mustangs beat their county rival last week, 45-27, and senior Hunter Lawrence got Perryville off on the right foot. 

 

“I was able to run the opening kickoff back for a 75-yard touchdown,” Lawrence said. “I wanted to make a big statement to start the game. I am also so proud of my teammates. We had six separate people score, and both of our offensive and defensive lines were fierce. We started out slow in the first half, but after halftime, we came out and got the job done. I couldn’t be prouder to be a Mustang. 

“Without each player doing their job, this wouldn’t have been possible. One or two people don’t make a team; it takes 11 on each side of the ball to do the job. We had revenge on our minds from last year, and we were ready to win. Seeing my teammates work as a single unit was one of the best feelings.”

Lawrence, a senior running back/linebacker for the Mustangs, was selected to this year’s 501 Football Team — 25 players representing all 11 counties of the 501. The team, which boasts the best the 501 has to offer both on and off the field, is sponsored by Conway Ortho and Sports Medicine, Conway Regional Health System and First Security Bank. Lawrence was nominated by his head coach, Ed Baker.

“Hunter is an intense competitor,” Baker wrote in his nomination. “He always gives his best, and he does so in a way that puts the team above himself. He is competitive in the classroom as evidenced by his 4.0 GPA. He’s No. 1 in his class and has scored a 32 on the ACT.”

Lawrence was the Mustangs’ leading rusher and one of the leading tacklers last season in his all-conference junior campaign. In 2016, the Perryville Mustangs accomplished something they hadn’t done in a long time, earning a playoff berth for the first time since 2009. Lawrence and the Mustangs are looking to continue to build off last year’s success. 

“I want to help my team go further than we ever have,” Lawrence said. “We reached the playoffs last year, and our goal is to go even farther. I’m working to be a more vocal leader for my team, not just leading by example. I’m striving to exceed my stats on both offense and defense.”

Lawrence is a fierce competitor, and like many students, often his biggest opponent is himself. 

“My mom and my grandmother were both diagnosed with breast cancer when I was in elementary school, and my mom is still battling,” Lawrence said. “It was hard sometimes to focus on football when I was worried about my mom. She has struggled, but she never has missed a game in all these years. I have also struggled with my need to be perfect in everything that I do; I still struggle with this. 

“I have learned to ease up on myself — that not everything is in my control. I’ve learned to have more fun and enjoy things. Mistakes aren’t the end of the world. I will make mistakes, but I will always learn from them.”

This week the Mustangs return to non-conference play, taking on fellow 3A foe, Mayflower. 

“Their offense is one of the best, but getting them in the backfield will be key to stopping them,” Lawrence said. “We are so much more well rounded at offense this year. This will keep their defense guessing on what we will do with the ball. We have mainly been a run-only team, but I think we are more of a threat than we have been in the past.”

Lawrence is a multi-sport athlete at Perryville. In the spring, he will be found on the diamond playing baseball for the Mustangs. He also participates in trap shooting. In the classroom, Lawrence is involved in Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Outside of school, he’d most likely be found outdoors hunting and fishing. 

“Hunter is a leader on the field,” Baker said. “He has always led by example. We expect no less this year. Hunter is a rare breed that gives his all in academics and athletics.”

Perryville plays host to Mayflower at 7 p.m. Friday.