Fast start lifts Fayetteville over Springdale High

Fayetteville's defense took the battle out of the "Battle of the Bulldogs" with a dominating performance during Friday's 52-14 win against Springdale High at Harmon Field. It was the Purple'Dogs' fourth straight win as they rallied together after a four-game losing skid. It clinches the league's third seed and a home game for the playoffs for Fayetteville (5-4, 4-2 7A-West), which wraps up the regular season at Van Buren next Friday. The Red'Dogs (5-4, 2-4) will play Rogers High for the No. 5 seed next week. It was the Purple'Dogs' fourth straight win as they rallied together after a four-game losing skid. It clinches the league's third seed and a home game for the playoffs for Fayetteville (5-4, 4-2 7A-West), which wraps up the regular season at Van Buren next Friday. The Red'Dogs (5-4, 2-4) will play Rogers High for the No. 5 seed next week. Dawson also applauded the defense's endurance because they were on the field for the majority of the first quarter when Fayetteville needed just five offensive plays to build a 21-0 lead. Springdale quarterback Layne Hutchins didn't have much time to throw (Will Litzinger and Jay Burns intercepted passes in the first half) and the running game was largely ineffective because of the relentless pressure from the Purple'Dogs defensive line. "Right out of the gate they're defensive line just did a great job," said Springdale coach Zak Clark, a Fayetteville High alum. "Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to those guys. They were very disruptive, especially in the first quarter." Following a blocked field goal attempt on the Red'Dogs opening possession, Bowers connected with Cody Gray for a 32-yard touchdown pass. Gray, who slipped three tacklers on the touchdown, began the three-play drive with a 35-yard reception. Conley's fumble recovery return for touchdown came on the Red'Dogs' next possession. Then, just two plays after another defensive stop for Fayetteville, Bowers hit Connor Flannigan in stride for a 63-yard touchdown strike. "Offensively, we stressed all week, 'Hey, let's come out and jump on this thing early. Let's start fast,' and they did that tonight," Dawson said.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Fayetteville High School Athletics

FAST START LIFTS FAYETTEVILLE OVER SPRINGDALE HIGH

MIKE CAPSHAW

Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette | 10/28/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Spencer Trey