FARMINGTON -- Farmington played just well enough to win, but that was good enough for Coach Mike Adams
Huntsville pulled to within a touchdown late in the game Friday night, but the Cardinals held on for a 28-21 victory at Allen Holland Field.
"We set the tone early by turning it over and giving Huntsville some momentum, but we made some defensive adjustments in the second half," Adams said.
The Cardinals (2-0) took a 28-13 lead into the fourth quarter, but Levi Elsey and Jaron Evans helped the Eagles (1-1) pulled within striking distance in the final minute.
Evans helped Huntsville convert two fourth downs in Cardinals territory, the latter of which a 22-yard gain that put the Eagles at Farmington's goal line. Elsey punched it in from there and converted a wild two-point conversion after a botched snap to pull the Eagles within 28-21.
"Elsey is an exciting player," Huntsville Coach Tommy Tice said. "So is [Jaron]. I thought we played a physical game, but Farmington broke some big plays."
The Cardinals came out strong behind the methodical play of quarterback Brice Waggle. Despite throwing an interception in the first quarter, Waggle completed 11 of 14 passes for 205 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Farmington's defense helped establish the tone after Waggle's interception. The Cardinals stuffed three plays before the Eagles decided to kick a field goal. But Farmington safety Skyler Montez timed the snap perfectly and managed to block the low kick from Huntsville's Manuel Aldaco.
The ball skirted across the grass near midfield, where Josh Williams scooped it up and raced 55 yards for a touchdown.
Huntsville answered with a scoring drive powered by big rushing gains from Elsey and Evans, who dodged a handful of Cardinals defenders near the goal line to score with 8 seconds left in the first quarter to tie the game.
Farmington responded with a nine-play, eight-minute drive that was capped with a 24-yard touchdown pass from Waggle to Nick Huff. Caleb Williams added the two-point conversion to push the Cardinals' lead to 15-7.
MORRILTON 27, POTTSVILLE 12
MORRILTON — Harrison Pavatt ran for 139 yards and three touchdowns as Morrilton (2-0) beat Pottsville (1-1).
Pavatt’s scores came on runs of 31, 1 and 8 yards. After a scoreless first quarter, Morrilton took a 7-6 lead on Pavatt’s 31-yard run. He scored twice more in the third period. Lane Gladberry ran 12 yards for Morrilton’s other touchdown. Pottsville’s touchdowns came on short passes between Bryce Prince and Jake Duggar.
VILONIA 47, HARDING ACADEMY 20
VILONIA — Luke Gordon passed for 301 yards and three touchdowns as Vilonia (1-1) defeated Harding Academy (1-1). Gordon completed 32 of his 42 pass attempts. He also rushed nine times for 61 yards. Nick Howard had 13 receptions for 123 yards and 1 touchdown. Trip Reed caught 11 passes for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ben Duss ran for 10- and 33-yard touchdowns and Bryce Garrison kicked field goals of 20 and 29 yards for Vilonia scores. Blaine Norman returned an interception 28 yards for Vilonia’s other touchdown. Gordon’s touchdown passes were for 11 yards to Howard and 34 and 3 yards to Reed.
GREENBRIER 49, HEBER SPRINGS 14
GREENBRIER — Harold Ross passed for four touchdowns — three to Brandon Thomas — as Greenbrier (1-1) downed Heber Springs (1-1). Thomas had 5 receptions for 155 yards receiving. His touchdown receptions were good for 38, 73 and 17 yards. Ross also had a touchdown pass of 17 yards to Cody Harper who also ran 34 yards for another touchdown. Shawn Howard ran 1 yard for a touchdown and Jason Hill had a 10-yard touchdown run for Greenbrier’s other scores.
CLARKSVILLE 18, OZARK 14
CLARKSVILLE — Quarterback Mason Schucker threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score as Clarksville (1-1) edged Ozark (1-1). Ozark scored first on a 10-yard run by Kent Smith. Schucker answered with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Keonnis Graves for Clarksville, but a 22-yard touchdown run by Colton McChristian put Ozark up 14-6 at halftime. In the second half, Schucker scored on a 2-yard run and with 4:45 left in the fourth quarter. He then connected with Graves on a 22-yard pass to clinch the victory. Graves finished with six catches for 88 yards. Jason White also had 105 rushing yards on 30 carries for Clarksville.
HIGH SCHOOL COACHES
Call us
Coaches are asked to call the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette with football game reports before 10:30 p.m. each Friday this fall. Call (800) 272-4650 or (501) 378-3411. We need records, score by quarters, scoring plays with first and last names, along with top rushing, passing, receiving and defensive performances. The Democrat-Gazette also will publish statistics each Friday throughout the regular season. Deadline for statistics to appear in Friday’s edition during the season is noon Wednesdays. Email statistics and news tips to [email protected]. Scores also can be tweeted using the hashtag #arpreps.
Sports on 09/12/2015