Junior Pulaski Academy quarterback Will Hefley completed 38 of 53 passes for 377 yards and 7 touchdowns to lead the Pulaski Academy Bruins to a 56-35 victory over West Memphis at Joe B. Hatcher Stadium.
It was quite a turnaround for Hefley, who was pressed into duty last season in a 30-21 loss to West Memphis after starter Lawson Vassar was knocked out of the game before halftime.
Hefley completed 9 of 25 passes and was sacked three times last season, but he avoided a fierce Blue Devil rush with a quick delivery that puzzled the West Memphis secondary.
“He’s a kid that is tough as nails,” PA Coach Kevin Kelley said of Hefley. “He stood in there tonight and took some shots and threw some passes he needed to. West Memphis just made up their minds they were going to bring it.”
Hefley threw four first-half touchdowns, but the Bruins (3-0) led 34-32 after a 44-yard fumble recovery and return byTy Williams.
West Memphis (0-3) stayed close thanks to senior fullback Jarvis Cooper, who gained 157 of 165 yards in the first half.
But Pulaski Academy scored the next 21 points.
Senior Tyler Colquitt scored on a 43-yard touchdown run, the only Bruins touchdown that was not a touchdown pass.
Five of Hefley’s TD passescame over the top of the Blue Devil defense against the blitz.
“We saw that from them last year, so we tried to prepare for that this time,” Kelley said. “They hadn’t shown that much so far this year, so as a coach you’re not very bright if you’re going to let them beat you doing the exact same thing they did last year. We at least had a game plan for that. Then it was just up to execution.”NASHVILLE 20, NO. 3 WATSON CHAPEL 14
PINE BLUFF - Kyler Lawrence ran for two touchdowns in the first half to help lift Nashville (2-1) over Watson Chapel (0-2).
Nashville’s other touchdown came on a pass from Lucas Liggin to LaMichael Pettway. Christian Aranda converted two of three extra-point attempts.
Watson Chapel’s Devonta Battles led all rushers with 220 yards. Watson Chapel had 225 yards rushing overall and 42 yards passing.
Sports, Pages 26 on 09/21/2013