LITTLE ROCK — Bentonville’s football team had either tied its opponent or had the upper hand when it came to turnovers during its 12 victories this season.
That wasn’t the case Saturday night.
The Tigers lost that battle and with it went their shot at the second undefeated season and Class 7A state championship in three years.
That Figures
3 — Consecutive seasons of 12 or more victories for Bentonville
61 — Rushing yards for Tearris Wallace, his lowest total of the season
346 — Fayetteville’s total offensive yardage, the most allowed by Bentonville’s defense this season
Bentonville (12-1) couldn’t get Fayetteville to lose the ball, while the Tigers committed two costly turnovers in the Bulldogs’ 31-20 victory at War Memorial Stadium. Both were interceptions, and both of them were returned for Fayetteville touchdowns.
“Statistically, the team that scores one defensive touchdown, it’s like 78 percent of the time they win or something like that,” Bentonville coach Barry Lunney said. “I mean, it’s huge.
“The team that makes the fewest mistakes wins. We made too many mistakes to overcome it. They made plays. That’s why they are celebrating right now, and we’re not.”
Jordan Dennis returned his interception 42 yards for a score in the third quarter, giving Fayetteville (10-3) its second touchdown in a 17-second span and a 21-7 lead. Cole Harris then returned his interception 34 yards for a touchdown with less than two minutes to play and sealed the victory.
Play of the Night: Jimmie Jackson’s 37-yard touchdown reception from Reese Dollins cut Fayetteville’s lead to 24-20 with 8:34 remaining. Jackson juggled the ball for a moment while battling with a Fayetteville defender, then took full control of it inside the Purple’Dogs 5 and ran into the end zone.
Injury Update: No serious injuries reported.
Player of the Game: Senior outside linebacker Clay Wallace led Bentonville with eight tackles, had the Tigers’ only two quarterback sacks and recorded 2 1/2 tackles for losses totalling 13 yards.
Notable: Tearris Wallace tied a career rushing touchdown record among the state’s larger schools with his 2-yard run in the first quarter, the 66th of his career. ... Jackson had a season-high 95 yards receiving on his five catches. ... Bentonville’s senior players close out their careers with 37 victories, the most in school history. ... Dollins threw the ball 29 times, a season-high.
The Lingo: “I love my kids and the way they fought. They kept coming back and coming back. That’s why they’ve won a lot of football games.”
— BARRY LUNNEY
Bentonville coach
Up Next: Bentonville has completed its 2012 season. The Tigers return to action next season at Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst.