TULSA, Okla. -- Springdale Har-Ber flashed some big-play ability Thursday in a four-team scrimmage at Union High School.
Luke Hannon scored on a 70-yard burst and sophomore Trey Smith added two touchdown runs to give Har-Ber a 21-14 win over Owasso, Okla., in two quarters of action. Hannon's run up the middle came one play after Owasso defensive tackle Caleb Colvin intercepted a screen pass from Caleb Daniels and returned it 36 yards for the first score.
Teams were limited to two quarters of action that did not include the kicking game. Smith scored consecutive touchdowns on runs of 1 and 11 yards to put Har-Ber ahead after falling behind 14-7.
Nathan Williams had an interception in the second quarter when the Har-Ber defense held the Rams scoreless. Har-Ber held on downs on one series after senior linebacker Zach Ownbey made a hard hit to separate an Owasso receiver from the ball.
"We were physical, and we got after it on defense," Har-Ber coach Chris Wood said. "We gave them seven (points) on the interception and we had 30 yards in penalties on their touchdown drives. Overall, I was pleased with our effort."
Har-Ber will return to practice before opening the season Sept. 5 at Webb City, Mo.
Tyler Blackston was a frequent target Thursday in the passing game for Har-Ber, which returns only one offensive starter from a team that finished 8-4 last season. Blackston caught touchdown passes from Daniels and Brandon Still during the situational portion of the scrimmage, and he had a long touchdown pass from Still called back because of a holding penalty.
"Tyler had a solid night as our slot receiver," Wood said. "He blocked well downfield, and when his number was called, he was able to get behind them and make the catch."
Wallace Clay put Owasso ahead 14-7 when he took a short pass and scored a touchdown that went for 34 yards. Smith then scored twice to give Har-Ber a 21-14 lead with 8 minutes, 59 seconds left in the second quarter. Smith's first score came on a direct snap from center after a 20-yard touchdown run by Sione Nassilia was nullified by a holding penalty.
Har-Ber's passing game was impressive during the situational portion of the scrimmage when teams started series at the 35- and 10-yard lines. Daniels threw 35-yard touchdown passes on consecutive possessions to Brady Patrick and Blackston against Union. Still, a 6-foot-4 left-hander, then took over and hit Blackston with another 35-yard touchdown pass against the Redskins.
Senior Rickey Dobbins and junior linebacker Jacob Robertson made fine defensive plays when Owasso began the series at the Har-Ber 10-yard line. Robertson smashed through from his linebacker position and dropped a running back for a 4-yard loss. Dobbins added a quarterback sack and showed good lateral movement by chasing down another ball carrier at the line of scrimmage.
Dobbins has already received scholarship offers from Arkansas State and Tulsa, among others.
Sports on 08/29/2014