COMMENTARY: Southside A Threat To Undefeated Tigers

Bentonville took the field against Fort Smith Southside on Nov. 20, 2009 needing only one more victory for a chance to defend its state championship at War Memorial Stadium.

The Tigers were at home in the semifinals and eager to punish the Rebels, who’d beaten them 31-21 in a conference game earlier that season. Most people considered the victory by Southside a fluke and Bentonville was a big favorite against the Rebels, who had to beat Fort Smith Northside in Week 10 just to make the playoffs.

But the Tigers were again blind-sided by Southside, which won the rematch 27-24 with the help of four turnovers by Bentonville. Bentonville finished the year with its only two losses to Southside, which lost to Springdale Har-Ber in the state championship game.

“It’s really sad,” former Bentonville running back Shane Boedeker said after the Tigers were eliminated by the Rebels. “I mean, I think we should’ve gone a lot further than just this game. I think we could’ve won state. But I guess it’s not what you think, but what actually happens.”

Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve. Mr. Boedeker received a life lesson that day that extends far beyond the playing field.

Bentonville (11-0) is again a huge favorite over Southside (8-3) in tonight’s semifinal game at Tiger Stadium. Bentonville whipped West Memphis 42-0 last week while Southside held off Har-Ber 24-22 after the Wildcats missed a two-point try with 18 seconds left to play. The Rebels are also limited after three starters suffered injuries last week against Har-Ber.

Bentonville is nationally ranked and on course to return to Little Rock after losing 29-28 in overtime to Fayetteville in last year’s championship game. But Southside has a history of shattering dreams, including in 2006 when the Rebels captured the state championship as a No. 4 seed over previously undefeated Rogers High.

Bentonville must play tonight without a hint of overconfidence or these Tigers could also be facing would’ve, could’ve, should’ve nightmares in their sleep. Southside is always dangerous, but Bentonville is too well-coached and too talented to be blind-sided again by the Rebels.

RICK’S PICK Bentonville

Other games involving teams from Northwest Arkansas (selections are capitalized).

CLASS 7A

FS Southside at BENTONVILLE

FAYETTEVILLE at North Little Rock

CLASS 6A

El Dorado at GREENWOOD

CLASS 4A

NASHVILLE at Prairie Grove

CLASS 3A

GLEN ROSE at Charleston

PRESCOTT at Greenland

LAST WEEK 6-2 (75 percent)

OVERALL 157-42 (79 percent)

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