GREENBRIER — The Batesville Pioneers controlled the line of scrimmage and slowed down the Greenbrier Panthers” high-powered offense in a 38-21 victory Friday in the Class 5A playoffs.
Batesville (9-3) rushed for 361 yards and also dominated time of possession, keeping the Panthers’ offense off the field.
“That’s the strength of our team: defensive line and offensive line,” Batesville Coach Dave King said. “Once we got a lead, we kind of shelved the passing game and went to ‘old man ball.’ ”
The Pioneers led 17-7 at halftime, and needed just three plays to add to their lead in the third quarter. Phillip Archuleta, who rushed for 196 yards on 29 carries. had consecutive 14-yard runs, and Kenton Crawford broke free for a 53-yard scoring run. The Panthers responded with a quick touchdown drive, covering 77 yards in just over two minutes. Seth Peters connected with Gerrell Williamson for the 10-yard scoring pass.
Peters also scrambled for a 12-yard touchdown run to bring Greenbrier within 24-21 late in the third quarter.
Batesville answered with an 80-yard scoring drive. Jacob Hardin’s play-action pass to Jared May went for 22 yards, setting up Jose Rodriguez’s 5-yard touchdown run.
The Panthers twice more got into Batesville territory, but the Pioneers sacked Peters and forced turnovers on downs. Rodriguez added a 6-yard touchdownrun in the final minutes.
Greenbrier (11-1) completed its first undefeated regular season and was seeking revenge after losing at Batesville in the 2011 playoffs. But the Pioneers hurried Peters and closed his running lanes. Peters threw for 281 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score, but he also threw two interceptions.
“He’s an outstanding athlete, both throwing and running,” King said. “The thing you’ve really got to worry about with him is his running ability. Our offense held the ball and defense came up with stops. It’s just tough going on the road in the playoffs. We talked all week about what it would take to come over here and win.”
Greenbrier committed two turnovers in the first half, and also had two drives end on downs. Osvaldo Eepericuet put the Pioneers on top with a 36-yard field goal. Rodriguez made it 10-0 late in the first quarter with his first of three touchdown runs.
The Panthers finally scored midway through the second quarter on a 33-yard pass from Peters to Garrett Johnson, but Batesville countered with a 13-play, 64-yard drive capped by Archuleta’s 1-yard run.
Sports, Pages 26 on 11/17/2012