BENTONVILLE — Pea Ridge gets its biggest challenge of the season this week, hosting Shiloh Christian.
"We've got to look at it as an opportunity to prove that we can be a good football team," Blackhawks' first-year head coach Tony Travis said. "Not many people are giving us a shot at this - not just to win the game but to even play anywhere close. Our kids are hearing that."
Gravette scored on its opening driving last week and took a 24-0 victory against the Blackhawks (1-3, 0-1).
It was the first time Pea Ridge had been shut out since Shiloh Christian's 52-0 win last year and only the second time since the 2006 season.
Shiloh Christian (3-1, 1-0), ranked as the fourth-best team overall in the state by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, pulled its starters early in the second quarter Friday night after taking a 27-0 lead against Berryville en route to a 37-0 victory.
"They've got a solid program, they're No. 1 in Class 4A," Travis said.
The Blackhawks will work on what they do and try to get better, he said. They are not concerned what other teams are trying to do.
"We're trying to fix the stuff that self-destructs us," he said.
Five of six first-half possessions started in Lions' territory for Pea Ridge, Travis said.
"We came away with zero points," Travis said. His team trailed 17-0 then.
"We're sitting there thinking what could have been," he said. "In the second half Gravette played a lot better; their defense really clamped down."
Senior Nathan Norris had an interception for the 'Hawks, grabbing a pass tipped by linebacker senior Ethan Rhine.
Senior Tyler Ramsey had more than 100 of his 129 yards rushing in the first half, Travis said. He's rushed for 100-plus yards in three of four games.
Travis said Norris ran the ball hard at fullback. Senior Javier Torres, hurt early during preseason, returned at running back and had some good runs in the first half.
Travis said the Blackhawks likely will be without Corey Gann at receiver again this week. The senior who missed the Gravette game has a possible pinched nerve in his neck or shoulder.
"We missed him," Travis said. "It was evident on some passes. We've got some guys who are going to get an opportunity this week to step up."
News, Pages 9, 10 on 09/30/2009