SPRINGDALE — The loud speaker was blasting Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as fans poured into Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium on Thursday night.
The game was that and more.
In the annual cross-town rivalry that pits Springdale’s oldest junior high teams against one another, Southwest got a 20-yard field goal by Brian Lemus in the fifth overtime period, giving the Cougars a 38-35 victory over Central.
A defensive slugfest in regulation turned into an overtime scorefest.
The Southwest win was the second city championship in a row for the Cougars and the 30th victory for longtime coach Bruce Matthews over Central since 1979.
Southwest (7-2) took a 7-0 lead in the second quarter when back-up quarterback/wide receiver Jordan Dennis sparked a 67-yard touchdown drive by completing a pair of passes that set up an 8-yard touchdown run by Gus Vitt.
Starting quarterback Braxton Jester missed just one series after suffering an injury. Jester finished the game 7-of-11 for 59 yards to go along with 73 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Dennis, who was helped off the field twice during the five overtimes, had a receiving touchdown. Vitt contributed more than 70 yards of offense on nine touches. He also had an interception on defense.
Central (6-3) looked to be out of it following Vitt’s interception with less than 5 minutes to play, but a bad snap by Southwest resulted in a fumble and Central got new life.
Kyle Pianalto converted two fourth-down passes to help keep Central’s hopes alive late in the fourth quarter. Pianalto then connected with Tyler Hortsman for a 55-yard completion, setting up his own 3- yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7 with a minute left in regulation.
Pianalto scored three touchdowns for Central in overtime, but the Warriors eventually missed a 30-yard field goal attempt to open the door for Southwest.