Roughton Signs With SW Baptist

Thursday, February 7, 2013

— Blake Roughton followed family tradition Wednesday.

The Pea Ridge senior signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo.

He will join his brother, Ryan, who is a freshman on the Bearcats’ baseball team.

Blake Roughton (5-foot-11, 260 pounds) was a three-year starter for the Blackhawks, who can bench press 300 pounds. He was a two-way starter on the offensive and defensive lines this past season and recorded 62 tackles while leading Pea Ridge (10-2) in sacks and tackles for losses.

Roughton has been selected to play in the Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game this summer in Conway.

“Talking with other coaches around the conference describes it best,” Pea Ridge coach Tony Travis said. “We are sad to see Blake leave, but the other coaches are happy he is leaving. I’ve had a couple say, ‘We are glad to see that sucker go.’

“Blake meant a lot to our defense the past three years.”