BENTONVILLE — Bentonville turned nine completions into four touchdown passes by sophomore quarterback Kasey Ford, who had 18 attempts.
It was an efficient night for the Tigers, who were helped by turnovers and missed tackles during their 45-20 victory over Springdale Har-Ber. The Wildcats committed five of the game’s six turnovers, including a fumble on a kickoff late in the third quarter to break the game open.
Those mistakes ended a comeback attempt by Har-Ber (2-2, 0-1), which again fell behind before rallying for a 20-20 tie on two long touchdown passes by Kyle Pianalto. Har-Ber has started poorly in most of its games this season, including a 42-35 victory over Webb City, Mo., after the Wildcats trailed 28-7.
“(Bentonville) executed, and we had a few mistakes here and there,” Har-Ber coach Chris Wood said. “But I was proud of our kids, and they battled to the end. We’re going to be just fine.”
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Senior receiver Gus Vitt finished with 7 catches for 106 yards, including a 49-yard reception early in the third quarter. The play gave Har-Ber some momentum, and they scored again in the period after trailing 21-6 at halftime.
PLAY OF THE NIGHT: Camden Scott was mostly an unknown when he played last season behind Nick Byrne, who is now at Louisiana-Lafayette. The senior receiver continues to make touchdowns and his 49-yard grab from Pianalto on Friday pulled the Wildcats to within 21-20 of the Tigers.
INJURY UPDATE: No serious injuries reported.
NOTABLE: Pianalto and running back Sain Mathew both returned after missing the Fort Smith Southside game with injuries. Mathew rushed for 103 yards on 25 carries while Pianalto passed for 277 yards with two touchdowns and three interception.
UP NEXT: Har-Ber will continue 7A/6A-West Conference play at home Friday against Rogers Heritage. The War Eagles (3-1, 1-0) beat Siloam Springs 42-7 behind junior Joey Saucier, who caught seven passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns. Har-Ber won last year’s game 56-20 over Heritage.