SPRINGDALE — Trimming the lengthy injury list is a big priority for Springdale High this week.
The shorthanded Bulldogs narrowly survived in a 24-21 win over Siloam Springs without three key offensive players Friday. The injuries caused multiple players to have to play both ways.
“We’re extremely thin,” Springdale coach Shane Patrick said. “And we’ve got to get guys healthy.”
There’s a good chance Springdale (4-2, 2-1 7A/6A-West) will at least have its starting quarterback back.
Sophomore Fuller Chandler should be fully cleared to return to practice Tuesday, barring any setbacks in his recovery from a concussion suffered in the Fayetteville loss, Patrick said. Springdale was able to overcome the absence of Chandler, running back Deandre Murray (ankle) and guard Edwin Espinoza (knee) to beat Siloam Springs.
“We had some guys step up,” Patrick said. “There’s a lot of good things that happened out there. And to go get a win with those three guys on the sideline, it is big for us.”
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Senior strong safety Cua Rose lined up at running back and ran for 206 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. His big plays keyed the offense most of the night. He had an 85-yard touchdown run, a 63-yard run and also had a 61-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass negated by a penalty. He also continued to play defense for large stretches of the night.
PLAY OF THE NIGHT: Senior cornerback Brayden Mayo broke up a Chris Lampton pass on fourth-and-5 from the Springdale 30-yard line with less than a minute remaining to preserve the lead and secure the win. The catch would have given the Panthers a first down and an opportunity to win or tie the game.
INJURY UPDATE: Chandler will be cleared to return to full practice Tuesday if he doesn’t experience a setback, Patrick said. Murray’s status is still unknown. Espinoza is not expected to play at Van Buren. Senior Terry Mounce suffered a hip pointer in the first half and is day-to-day.
NOTABLE: Sophomore Drake Wymer is now 13-of-35 for 173 yards with one touchdown and one interception the last two weeks. … Springdale had nine penalties for 85 yards Friday. The Bulldogs have been penalized 12 more times than their opponents this year. … Sam Kennedy made a 41-yard field goal and missed a 44-yarder Friday. He is 3 of 5 on the season. … Quiency Patton had four catches for 53 yards, giving him a team-high 16 receptions this year. Mounce is second with 13.
UP NEXT: Springdale will travel to Van Buren (1-5, 0-3). The Pointers have struggled mightily in conference play this year. Springdale won last year’s meeting 50-20.
THAT FIGURES
4 — Wins and no losses when Springdale has a 200-yard rusher this season. Cua Rose ran for 206 yards Friday. Deandre Murray has the other three 200-yard efforts.
230 — Rushing yards averaged per game by Springdale, which ran for 271 yards Friday.
2 — Interceptions by junior cornerback Latrell Richmond in spot playing time this year, including a third-quarter pick Friday.