Wildcats, Saints Handed First-Round Losses

Springdale Har-Ber couldn't have asked for a better pool-play performance at the National Select 7-on-7 Championships in Hoover, Ala.

Going 6-1 and scoring 209 points in those seven games -- tied for the third most points by any team at the event -- the Wildcats were feeling pretty good about themselves Friday afternoon.

Too good.

Har-Ber, which got a No. 6 seed after finishing pool play, lost its first-round game to Auburn, Ala., 24-14 on Friday night by failing to convert on offense on two separate possessions.

"We did a great job in pool play, it was exactly what we needed to get a high seed," said Har-Ber coach Chris Wood, whose team won the tournament in 2008. "But in our first tournament game, we didn't make the plays, we didn't execute. It's a tough realization, especially when we're at the point when games are so crucial."

The Wildcats, who defeated Manderin Christian, Carver-Montgomery (Ala.) and Flowery Branch (Ga.) Friday morning by a combined 101-65, had trouble finding the end zone against Auburn after the scored was 14-14 midway through the game.Auburn stopped the Wildcats on two possessions and scored another touchdown, and it was enough to give it the 10-point victory.

Wood credited rising senior quarterback Ryan Luther for making accurate passes while receivers Michael Fine, Tucker Lee and Brett Stith all contributed with much-needed catches.

Har-Ber will continue tournament play at 8 a.m. today against Griffin, Ga.

Shiloh Christian, which went 2-5 in pool play and was a No. 24 seed, lost its first tournament game to Memphis-University School (Tenn.) 36-28. The Saints will play at 8 a.m. today against Manderin Christian (Fla.)

Shiloh finally returned quarterback Kiehl Frazier, who didn't arrive in Hoover until late Thursday night, Shiloh coach Josh Floyd said. Frazier spent the last four days competing at the Elite 11 Quarterback Camp in California.

Floyd said even though the Saints' offense played better Friday, their defense couldn't come up with stops when they needed them most.

"Our defense had a few tough moments, and of course, Kiehl is a little tired from his recent trip, so we just tried to compete the best way possible," Floyd said. "We're disappointed we're not winning more, but regardless, this is a great experience. We're seeing some great competition."

Floyd said the Saints were also without Garrett Harper on Friday, who left the team to take a recruiting visit at Troy University in Troy, Ala.

Upcoming Events