Fayetteville drops opener 42-20

STAFF PHOTO MARC F. HENNING -- Fayetteville receiver Jordan Dennis, right, breaks around Memphis University School defensive back Matt Bolton during the Purple Dogs' game Thurdsay, Aug. 30, 2012, against the Owls in the Hootens.com Kickoff at Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.
STAFF PHOTO MARC F. HENNING -- Fayetteville receiver Jordan Dennis, right, breaks around Memphis University School defensive back Matt Bolton during the Purple Dogs' game Thurdsay, Aug. 30, 2012, against the Owls in the Hootens.com Kickoff at Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

— Fayetteville's defense of its 2011 state championship got off to a sour start Thursday night at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

The No. 1 Purple 'Dogs lost 42-20 to Memphis University School in the Hooten's Kickoff Classic, snapping a five-game win streak.

MUS (2-1) used a relentless pass rush to stymie the Fayetteville offense, sacking Austin Allen six times. Allen, a University of Arkansas commit, finished the game completing 18 of 36 passes for 263 yards and one touchdown, but was intercepted twice.

Fayetteville coach Daryl Patton recaps the Bulldogs' 42-20 loss to Memphis University School on Thursday at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Daryl Patton - Fayetteville-Memphis University School Postgame

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Fayetteville pulled within 28-20 with 6:18 remaining on a 5-yard touchdown to Brooks Ellis, a fellow UA commit.

After MUS blocked the extra point, Shane Tucker returned the ensuing kickoff for a 95-yard touchdown to put the game out of reach. The Owls added a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Rodgers to Devon Perry with 3:01 remaining.

Rodgers finished the game with 217 yards passing and three touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown.

Safety Alex Brignoni, a third UA commit from Fayetteville, didn't play because of a hamstring injury.

The Purple 'Dogs (0-1) will return to the field next Friday at Jefferson City, Mo.

The game was the second of two Thursday night in Fayetteville. Watson Chapel defeated Siloam Springs 48-24 in the season-opener for both teams.

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