VAN BUREN — It did not take long for Springdale’s Deandre Murray to take control of the game. In fact, one play was all that was needed.
Murray’s 62-yard touchdown run on the game’s first play from scrimmage sparked the Bulldogs to a 49-21 win over Van Buren Friday night at Blakemore Field.
The win puts Springdale (5-2, 3-1) in control of earning a playoff berth. A win next week at home against Rogers Heritage could put the Bulldogs in position to earn a home playoff date for the first time since the 2005 AAAAA state championship team.
“We felt really good offensively tonight. It was just going out and executing tonight,” Springdale coach Shane Patrick said. “We made some big plays out there. But it was not just Deandre. (Tight end) Josiah Wymer made some big catches and Fuller (Chandler) made some good throws. We did a lot of good things tonight.
Murray finished the first half with 244 yards on 19 carries with 3 touchdowns. He also caught a 32-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, one of four thrown by quarterback Chandler in the game.
“It’s unfortunate for us that he got loose like that on us to start the game,” Pointer coach Brooks Coatney said. “He set the tone tonight. He has been a hard guy to stop the last two years.”
After that quick score, Van Buren tried to surprise the Bulldog defense by going for a fourth down at its own 34. The play failed and Springdale got possession at the Pointer 31.
Three plays later, Chandler hit Murray for a 32-yard pass for a 14-0 lead just over three minutes into the game.
Van Buren would never recover.
“Their defense also made some big stops,” Coatney added. “We were trying to stay in the game, maybe get a score and get back into the game. That’s just the way it went.”
EXTRA POINTS
Springdale rolled up 518 total yards in the win. Chandler threw for 198 yards and his favorite target was tight end Josiah Wymer, who had five catches for 105 yards and two scores.
Brad Eversole, who has been out with an ankle injury, returned at quarterback for Van Buren and threw for 243 yards on 28-of-44 passing. Andrew Martin had 11 catches and a touchdown for Van Buren.
Springdale defenders Austin Jarrett and Zach Burton each recovered fumbles for the Bulldogs.
UP NEXT: With a shot at earning a home playoff game, Springdale hosts Rogers Heritage next Friday. A win also keeps the Bulldogs within reach of playing for a conference championship.
How they scored
Springdale High 49, Van Buren 21
Springdale^14^14^14^7^—^49
Van Buren^0^7^7^7^—^21
First Quarter
SPR — Murray 62 run (Kennedy kick), 11:39.
SPR — Murray 32 from Chandler (Kennedy kick), 8:43.
Second Quarter
SPR — Murray 42 run (Kennedy kick), 9:58.
SPR — Patton 18 from Chandler (Kennedy kick), 4:57.
VB — Joseph 1 run (Almond kick), :42.
Third Quarter
SPR — Wymer 17 pass from Chandler (Kennedy kick), 7:01.
VB — Martin 4 pass from Eversole (Almond kick), 3:36.
SPR — Murray 1 run (Kennedy kick), 3:03.
Fourth Quarter
SPR — Wymer 43 pass from Chandler (Kennedy kick), 11:52.
VB — Eversole 1 run (Almond kick), 2:14.