PRAIRIE GROVE — Many athletes are described as intense, but Prairie Grove linebacker Jacob Kahl may be near the top of the list.
“Jacob is so intense that even when he’s clowning around he’s super intense,” Prairie Grove coach Danny Abshier said. “We wish he’d just ease up at times and enjoy things more. But he means business.”
Opponents who’ve faced Prairie Grove know all about Kahl, a senior who made some all-state teams last season. It is his intensity and hard work that’s helped the Tigers (9-0) to their fi rst conference championship since 2005 and their fi rst undefeated regular season since 2001.
Kahl is also focused, refusing to look past Friday’s Class 4A state playoff game with Crossett (4-6) or discussing the Tigers’ many accomplishments this season. The Eagles defeated Hot Springs Lakeside 56-0 before losing 32-29 at Star City to end the regular season.
“Crossett has a really quick running back, a good tight end, and a decent quarterback,” Kahl said. “They’re a good team and you can’t overlook anyone, but we’re glad to be playing them at home.”
Kahl (5-foot-9, 210 pounds) starts at inside linebacker and off ensive guardfor the Tigers, who warmed up for the playoffs by beating Gravette 55-0 to end the regular season. He laughs easily and admits to being passionate about hunting, fishing, and Prairie Grove football.
“I was raised with the attitude that you do your best or don’t do it at all,” said Kahl, who lives on a farm that includes 18,000 breeder hens and at least 25 head of cattle. “With football, I love the intensity and the adrenaline rush I get from being out on the fi eld with my friends and trying to accomplish a goal.”
Even an accidental poke in the eye, delivered by a teammate while the two were converging on a ballcarrier, couldn’t stop Kahl. He had to wear a patch over his eye for 1 1 /2 days aftergetting hurt at Pea Ridge, but was back in action the following week when the Tigers played Gentry.
“Jacob is one of the best linebackers in Prairie Grove history,” Pea Ridge defensive coordinator Craig Laird said. “He plays with all his heart and he will not accept anything less than perfection.”
Kahl has 71 tackles, one interception, and a blocked punt for a Prairie Grove defense that allows only three points per game. The Tigers took control in the 4A-1 Conference with a 30-6 victory at Ozark in the league opener, then backed it up with a 27-21 win against rival Farmington, which reached the state semifinals last year.
“Beating Ozark gave us a lot of confi dence then beating Farmington boosted our confi dence even more,” said Kahl, who made 105 tackles in 12 games as a junior. “Ozark beat us last year in a close game last year, so it was a good win to beat them to start conference.”
Prairie Grove hopes for a longer playoff appearance than last season, when the Tigers beat Mena 43-27 in a first-round game before being eliminated 42-14 by Malvern. That quest begins on Friday on Friday against Crossett, which finished fifth place in the 4A-8 Conference.
“(Crossett) is our focus right now,” Kahl said. “Nothing else matters till that game is done.”
Sports, Pages 8 on 11/08/2012