Here's a beautiful but somewhat chilly night here in this Little Rock state capitol looking wonderful and it's a beautiful setting for a high school state football championship.

Here in War Memorial, I'm Joey Mcleans along with RJ Hockey Dorian.

Graphic excited about tonight's state championship game, the eight Man State Championship game, 2022 edition between rector, Rector and Izard County.

Wonderful feel, beautiful night, great setting, two teams evenly matched, and we'll talk about that.

I know over the course of the evening.

Eight and two and eight and two, each with a win against one another this season.

RJ, it's a it's a, it's a setup that you just couldn't ask for.

Couldn't write any better than that.

It's a great storybook.

I mean, you think about this.

Both these teams really kind of struggled early in the season and they've both seen each other now twice this year this being the third time and both teams getting a win this year.

And when you look at the second time that Izard County got the win, it was a really a lopsided win.

It was 38 to 8 in that ball game and really for rector they were kind of scratching their head going what went wrong and what happened throughout the football season for them to do that.

But since that point they've gone 5 game win streak.

Izard County when they got their loss earlier the.

In the year from rector, they're now on A7 game win streak.

Both teams, as you said, Joey, eight and two on the year, and in a state championship game.

And if you're not familiar with eight man football, it is something fun to watch.

I I like to refer to it kind of like arena football where you've got a condensed field, it's 40 yards wide and you're going to have a lot of offense.

In fact, when you looked at the Izard County game last week against Woodlawn, Final score 6256 exactly, and it came down to the very last play of the game.

Eastern County coming away with the fantastic touchdown to seal the deal.

It's these are two teams by the way that go at it in different directions.

1 Team passes the ball, the other one does more running.

Yeah and you're exactly right.

This is your county team.

I was talking to some other media members that have covered a lot of eight man throughout the year and they said they could they could line up against some two and three A schools and be competitive offensively because of how dynamic they are offensively on the opposite side with record, they're going to hit you in the mouth and and they're gonna run.

And run and run and then mix it in some passing with it it was as well.

But you gotta stay with what you're good at.

And what you're good at on the rector side is running the football and opening up the gap.

It's kind of weird to say because you don't have the offensive lineman that you would in an 11 man football.

So opening up those holes is a little bit different.

And we'll talk about some players that may be key to tonight's state championship here.

In just a moment.

We'll be back.

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Stadium here in Little Rock the 20228 Man State championship as we are looking at Rector and Izard County right now and talking about players for the game tonight as some of the key players to watch for rector it could be looking at Jacob Cox and what he brings to the table.

Yeah he's a dynamic running back over 1000 yards rushing this year with 9 touchdowns and he's going to do it all factor.

We talked about that running game in the open and what he has done and has just done a great job.

Once he gets into space, making a man miss and going for the end zone on it.

On the other side, you've got the quarterback, Wyatt Buchanan for Izard County.

This is a kid that's thrown for over 1600 yards.

Average is about 160 yards per game, 24 touchdowns.

But get this Joey only two interceptions this year.

That is an incredible ratio and he's just a sophomore.

Dorian Kraft is on the sideline tonight.

Tell us about what we might see.

Thanks, Joey, with both teams in a similar situation in their first state championship appearance in school history.

It's not surprising that the messaging was similar for Rector hate coach Dave Hendricks told his guys, hey, no one outside of this locker room believes that we can win, but it doesn't matter what they think.

All that matters is that we believe in ourselves for is there?

County head coach Jared Johnson said.

This is a team that goes out and plays and has as much fun as possible.

His message to the team this week was to stay focused.

They can be excited about what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity, but he told them to channel it.

They told me earlier this week, hey, we're just going to go out and have as much fun as possible and let the chips fall where they may.

Thank you.

Dorian has players are trying to stay warm right now.

It's a little bit chillier here this evening.

These two teams coming at it again.

Eight and two records on the season.

You talked about the wind streaks just a moment ago.

It is interesting that each team's win streak started after they lost the opponents.

Yeah no it's it's kind of weird how it it will propel A-Team after a loss like that and you know they're both from the same division that N division and you you get that loss and and you say you know what we could see.

This team down the road, well, you didn't think that you'd see him not once, but twice and now a third time.

And so you know they always say third times the charm for for a team.

And so we'll see tonight and let's go ahead and take a look at those keys to the game real quick because on both of these two, for both of these teams, they're very similar but very different in that.

And if you're director, you've got to play your game, you've got to be able to not try to get into the hands of Izard County.

They're going to be up tempo, they're going to go down the field, just throw, throw, throw.

You can't get into that.

You gotta stay with what you do on the football field and really just not worry about the moment if if you're rector, you've gotta say, hey look we're it's just gotta be another game for us.

I know we're at War Memorial Stadium probably the biggest place that they've ever played a football game.

But you can't be in the moment on the other side for Izard County.

This is a team that they've just got to play their game.

They they they've got to be able to throw the football.

And really as we talked about, use Wyatt Buchanan, use Malachi crews, use Noah Stephenson, those 3.

Guys, they're their playmakers.

If they get them in space and and really find ways creatively to get around this defense, it could be a fun night for Izard County.

One of the things about these, this game in particular that we can look at is that both of these coaches also know they know what they're going to get from the other side.

They've spoken to each other already this week.

They've talked about what's going to happen and what could possibly happen.

Obviously not giving away state secrets from either side when they visit, but they know what to expect one from the other.

How big is that coming into a game?

Like this tonight because really it does come down to how does the ball bounce here?

How how does each team execute what they do?

Well, I think that more than just knowing the playbook, essentially you got to really worry about nerves.

You know, I talked about a moment ago about don't let the moment be too big for you.

And you know, for some of these guys that they've never been to War Memorial Stadium, right.

They're they're up in the northeast part of the state and they may have never even stepped foot in this, in this stadium that holds 55,000 people and so.

I I think you've gotta really channel those nerves.

Make sure that when you walk out of the locker room that you you're focused.

And I I the X's and O's of it.

Joey, you know, it's just I I don't think that's going to be a problem.

It's just maintaining that those internal nerves of the players.

Right now, it's 44 degrees outside here in Little Rock, overcast skies, not a lot of wind, really, to speak of four mph coming out of the northwest and a very, very small chance of rain.

In other words, it's an absolutely wonderful night for us.

Great championship.

You know I was watching Dorian just a moment ago down on the field and she's got the toboggan on and and and all bundled up it.

It's supposed to get colder tonight.

I I think I looked at it's gonna get down in the 30s tonight so hopefully we get this thing over with.

Sadorian doesn't have to put another layer on before the game ends.

Izard County will receive to get this started tonight and the 2022 state championship is underway.

A little squib kick there and it is recovered at the 45 yard line.

44 yard line.

Is where Izard County will start play tonight.

Both these teams are the Cougars.

It's easy to return to teams as by their mascot but we'll we'll have to be a little bit more formal tonight.

Yeah, I know you're exactly right and and you know that I'm really looking forward to seeing how you know both these teams come out.

What we've been.

This is my 14th year of calling high school state championships in Arkansas and that opening drive for both teams kind of sets the tone for each.

Each one.

Well here it is.

First possession tonight.

Wizard County has it at its own 45 yard line, quick pass across the middle, and it is incomplete.

We've talked about Wyatt Buchanan has his first pass attempt of the night, that one not successful.

Yeah, Buchanan as we talked about, a 66% completion passer for over 1600 yards, 24 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and you're going to see a lot of that.

A lot of slant patterns, a lot of **** and dunk passing.

They don't really stretch the field.

A whole lot they they really just like to get you in space and let the receivers do some work.

Tyler Hill's lining up wide to the right and the pitch will go to Cruise, and Cruise can catch the ball, but he can also run with the ball.

He is stopped at the line of scrimmage, may have picked up a fraction of a yard.

That is it.

And it will bring up third down now for Izard County and really have not moved the ball at all.

Here at War Memorial Stadium, and really, it's not for the lack of trying you.

You come out of the gates with the pass point.

It was just dropped.

Nice job at the line by the rector defense.

Four players coming in they're they're not surprised by Cruz's ability to run the ball either.

Third and 10 now for Izard County, 2 receivers to the right and Buchanan goes deep.

Two defenders down there.

It's knocked down incomplete.

It will bring up 4th and 10 now for Hazzard County on the Cougars first possession.

Evan Holmes, the defensive back for Rector, was there to knock that one down and and really, you know, I just said that they don't go deep very often in their passing plays.

And you see why right there that ball was just kind of fluttering up there and and and you threw into double double coverage.

So now you've got a fourth down situation and I I talked about this for records that they've got to play their game and you know we'll we will we'll see how it goes.

Buchanan can also punt the ball 4th and 10 he's going to step back and throw it looking across the middle to the right side in and out of the hands of Malachi Cruz.

And it will be turned over on downs, taking a chance as again you can and can punt lines up a little bit deep but the pass is incomplete and crews had a chance.

Yeah, no, it just went in and out of his hands right there.

Here's the replay of that.

So not a real great you know, a really great throwing ball but that one that should be caught right there by crews and it just went in and out of his hands and wouldn't you never know with it being cold.

The nerves just think things aren't playing like what they anticipated now.

Director is gonna have great field position.

Drew Henderson, the quarterback now for the rector Cougars, takes the snap and he will keep it up.

The middle has a gap and tripped up by Cruise falls forward for about 5 1/2 yards.

We'll give him six second and four coming up.

Cruz, we've talked about his offensive play, plays defense as well, and you'll see this from both of these teams, many players getting to play on both sides of the ball.

2nd and a long 4 coming up now for Rector and the gift to the outside around his Cox.

Cox, one of the players that we talked about could be key to this game and he picks up the first first down of the evening here out to the 30 yard line, a gain of about 10.

Yeah, that was a great job and you're seeing this Rector offense do a great job of of just staying within themselves and you know they're moving the football right now and putting the pressure on his accounting.

First intent, now 4 corrector.

And Henderson keeps it again.

Goes left side, picks up a little bit of a block there and takes a pile with him for about 7 yards.

And that time for Izard County coming up with Garrett Roberts.

Coming up to make the tackle and another long chunk play for rector and that you know it's second down and short and they get.

That's easily managed because if you come up with a A1 yard game you still earn manageable situation for 3rd down.

Both of these teams have the ability to score and to score well.

The first possession now and give us over to Cox.

Cox is going to pick up the first down in just a little bit more there.

Down to about the 17 yard line for Jacob Cox.

Well Cox as they do it all.

Guy ran for over 1000 yards this year and has 9 touchdowns to his credit, but you can see right there just that that quick inside handoff and it's going to take him for the first down.

It's been Henderson, then Cox.

Alternating plays, first down, picked up again in the red zone now and it's going to be Henderson again.

Goes left, spins around and spun down.

Flag comes in on the play, Dakota Townsley in on the tackle.

I think they may have got a little bit of face mask on that.

The flag came in late.

Short gain for Henderson.

Got a personal foul?

Defense at the distance.

First down.

You're saying you were talking about nerves for players.

Sometimes with these officials it's the first time they've ever gotten a microphone that that's true.

And 1st obviously first penalty of the night too, that you have to call.

You have to make sure that Mike is working properly so it will go half the distance to the goal.

The ball is spotted at the 8:00 and it's an automatic first down, 1st and goal.

Now for rector.

Henderson has Cox in the backfield with him.

He's going to keep it himself once again past the five and down to about the four.

So half that distance needed to the goal line made-up on 1st down.

Well, the push that this offensive line for rectors getting right now is really allowing for them to run the football.

I mean these guys are getting knocked off for, for Izard County.

They're getting off knocked off the ball two and three yards.

Great job at the line as you mentioned and you know it's been good work also because they've been able to alternate plays, rectors kept it on the ground the whole time.

Skyler cabinets lined up wide, keeper again left side diving into the end zone for the score.

Drew Henderson and Rector is on the board 1st in this state championship game.

You know we talked about the both these teams meeting once before and that first meeting they beat Hazzard County by a final score, 34 to 28.

And they did a lot of the same stuff.

Counter trays left, counter trays right.

And and we're able to find ways to get in the end zone and and right now the momentum is with record.

The push they're getting on the offensive line and the confidence that they are going with their running game right now is led to that score.

One of the things you might find about eight men, often they will go for two as just a regularity pitch back and Henderson tries to go forward Cox says now this place is not going to work well.

We'll settle for six and that's what they'll do.

857 remaining in the first quarter.

Director scores first up 60.

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Watch all the championship games and Arkansas PBS sports features at youtube.com back slash Arkansas PBS drew Henderson gets the Cougars the rector Cougars on the board 1st.

A four yard touchdown run that drive went 45 yards.

Didn't have to go past midfield.

Took over on downs and able to take it on in for the score 857 left here in.

The first.

And again, just a little pooch kick fielded at the 47 yard line.

And so Izard County, the offense that we've talked about in the pregame and it has shown itself to be formidable over the course of the year for and out now you're exactly right and.

I talked about earlier on that first drive.

For them, the first drive is always tantamount.

As far as how how's it going to set the tone for the ball game, you've got that out of your way.

Now you just reset and play your football game and get back to what you're good at, and that's throwing the football around.

Why Buchanan set to take the snap.

Does little screen pass over to the right side caught by Stevenson and Stevenson will pick up about 6 on the reception.

Yeah, that's a.

Great job.

Nothing.

Nothing flashy.

You just get it off in the flats and let Stevenson do his work.

That's what really this offense, the receivers and the running game when they catch the ball in space, that's where they've been so deadly throughout the season, is just making guys miss and using their speed to get downfield.

A handful of playmakers that record has to watch.

Henderson one of those, Stevenson one of those and Buchanan's going to keep it himself.

He'll get back to the line of scrimmage and probably be fortunate to be there.

Yeah.

And that's a great job by Rector and Samuel Shipley.

The defensive end came in and and just didn't give ground.

He he stayed right there at the line of scrimmage.

They tried to get him for a loss, but they did get him back to the.

He may have got about 1/2 yard gain on it, but either way it's third down Cruz and Hill to bring in the play now.

The passing offense.

Yet to get started here, they're down in that screen pass, one of the first ones to be successful so far tonight for Buchanan.

Third and four now here, nearing the midpoint in the first quarter, Rector on top.

Buchanan the inside give and slung down for a loss of about a yard.

Noah Stevenson, he's one of the leading rushers on this team and they had his number then.

Yeah Dalton Lamar, the sophomore was able to shoot the gap and get the backfield to to be able to take Stevenson down and look right here.

I mean that nobody touched him and he was able to get back there and take Stevenson to the ground.

He's a big old boy.

You look at 6/2, alright?

He has a sophomore.

He's every bit of 215.

And that is a very telling stat right now as Rector 37 rushing yards, Izard County minus 2.

4th down.

Buchanan rolls over, looks for Cruz, catches at the 33 and Cruz it's gonna stay on his feet to get past the 30 and what a huge play on 4th down.

Izard County keeps the drive alive and right there for Izard County.

Crews was just able to find a hole in this defense and and can come up and make the catch.

Evan Holmes was right there on coverage and was able to take him down.

But look at him, he comes back to the ball and was able to make a play and that's the biggest play of the night so far and for his.

County, you know that the 4th down play on the 1st possession for Izard County as there is a flag on the play.

4th down Play had to come back for the ball, then this one was a little bit closer and he could make the adjustment and get back to a little more quickly.

Of personal foul, face mask defense going to be we'll be declined first down.

So there's that.

You you have a face mask at the end of it, and now they're gonna have a first and.

10 for Izard County and and you know this is what they needed after going four and out on their first drive now having a little bit of momentum they they took a shot early you know Rector got on the board first time Izard County's trying to answer you can and again the inside give to Stevenson.

Stevenson not as much room as before but he's still able to pick up a yard and I'll tell you what RJ that that line for Rector is doing a fantastic job and any gaps that.

Seemed to be visible for a moment.

Our closing quickly had Dalton Sanders, defensive lineman.

He's a senior that leads that that defensive front.

And you know, I was talking about, you know, Dalton Lamar and how big he is.

That entire defensive line.

There are some big kids.

Play got started a little bit early, at least from malachie Cruz's perspective.

And that was just miscommunication for Izard County.

A dead ball.

I'll start.

Offense 5 yard penalty please take it down there RJ from from Cruz's perspective and and he took off.

He was ready to go.

It's kind of one of those plays that do you go on one or two yeah and and crews went on one and everyone else was ready to go on two.

He left a huddle huddle a little bit earlier going I got this and oops.

So second and 15 or 14 now on the way.

Cruise on the right side.

Buchanan has nowhere to go.

He's wrapped up in the backfield for the sack.

They're going the wrong way.

Samuel Shipley came in to finish him off and you know Buchanan drops back.

He kept dropping back and then tried to come back forward for a couple yards, but right now they have got 1/3 down and extremely long.

They're going to call it third down and 20.

Dalton, Lamar in on that as well for Rector.

Huge night for Lamar in the early going.

Well, this is a great way to to break into the state championship game as a sophomore.

Yeah, it really is.

And you know, we is there.

Counties got 13 seniors on their team.

You got a fairly young rector team.

Buchanan steps back looking for Cruz again, Cruz leaping up and can't bring this one down in double coverage again.

And Cruz has had some big catches this year, including one last week in the semifinal game, that one proving to be the game winner.

He's struggled a little bit in the early going tonight.

Yeah, that that one last week, I believe it was around 30 yards and and he was able to take it in for the scores.

They walked it off against Woodlawn.

But tonight, having a little trouble with the deep pass and, you know, rightfully so, you got to give it up to the director.

Defense they're playing double coverage on Cruz when he goes downfield well and you know it's one of those things too.

Coach Dave Hendricks rectors coach had had said and and Doreen mentioned this too so we we know what we're going to see from Izard County tonight at another man that's what it takes 4th and long now for Izard County and Buchanan a quick pass and not quite the route that he was expecting there to be run and it's turned over on down once again I don't think if you're an island.

County fan, you were expecting this kind of performance to start the ball game because directors come out with their hair on fire and and his word county's been a little bit flat so far, you know, by the way, you know, we're so used to doing 11 on 11 football, right?

And you look down and you see the condensed field.

I look down.

Just a moment ago, I saw Dorian down at the 25 yard line.

She was actually on the field.

I'm like, Dorian, what are you doing?

And I imagine we're all having to get used to to seeing where where to stand and things of that nature, the kid going around, right?

Side for rector Jacob Cox takes the ball about 8 yards up the field and 2nd and short now coming up director.

Well, and in watching the state championship games as well here, this is just the second state championship game for eight man sanctioned ball here in the state of Arkansas.

Once again, it is Henderson and he's going to keep it.

Little stutter step goes back to the middle of field.

He's close to the first down.

We'll see where they spot it.

Yeah, that's gonna be really depends on does he go with his left foot or his right foot for the for the spot.

And I think they're going to, they're going to say he's short, but they may have to bring the chains on for this one.

Yeah, they're gonna, they're gonna call time and nice run that time by Henderson though just you know, he finds the hole and and and he's a quick player and I think this is going to be really, really close.

They don't have to move the chains very and bring them out on the field very far.

Cox, the leader on this team so far this year, you mentioned 1005 yards.

He's already crossed the 1000 mark.

9 touchdowns.

Henderson has 778 yards rushing coming into tonight's contest with 14 touchdowns to lead the team in rushing touchdowns.

You know you want to talk about the lack of passing this team does.

Turn Henderson.

Drew Henderson has only thrown for 198 yards passing this year.

Henderson has been big on the season.

He's also been a big part of tonight's contest.

Dorian.

Head coach Dave Hendricks says that the difference right now for Rector is the play of Drew Henderson, who came on as the starting quarterback full time after Ashton Scott was injured on November 21st.

Hendrick said it's not a specific skill, it's just the fact that Henderson is a gamer.

He's someone that this team will rallies behind and Hendricks not surprised that it was Henderson leading rector to the first touchdown.

Henderson behind two blockers is going to pick up the first down and more pushes off one potential tackler and gets forward.

Down close to the 41 yard line.

Nice.

You know just picking your spots that's what he's doing right there where you know he he was gonna go one way cut it back and was able to get the first down and and much more and you know this running attack for Rector has been very very effective so far in this game.

Total yardage right now rector with 46 total yards and Hazard County with only 19 first and 10 now ball spotted between the 41 and 42.

Here in the first quarter Rector with the touchdown lead, little double handoff there.

The reverse going past the 30 to the 20 into the red zone.

The rector Cougars pick up the first down Jackson Hill the senior in on that carry and moves his team inside the Red Zone man.

Watch this, replay this this was a great run.

I was going to see if we can get it back on the offensive line because that offensive line needs to have and they need to be taken out for treats tonight because Gabriel Moseley he was able to.

Cut in that block and really just seal off the edge to allow the the double reverse and it just fooled the entire defense.

Cabinets lining up wide now for Rector but it's been the ground game all night long for rector and it is once again give.

Going to the right side is Cox and Cox will push it forward for about 2.

Well, not every play can be a a 2020 yard dinger, right.

I mean they they they that's what they were doing there for a little bit and you know it gets you a couple yards this go around.

Cougars have been able to.

Move the ball on the ground all night long.

I mean, it has been rush after rush keeping the ball.

Low to the ground.

And really you know other than that little reverse right there, I mean it's been pretty straightforward going behind strong push from the line going to the right, going to the left a couple of times that that Henderson's been able to find just a little bit of a of a spot in the middle, but.

Back and forth, no passes yet tonight.

Yeah.

And you're not gonna see a whole lot of passes from this director team.

I mean someone thrown for 198 on the year and he tried one on that two point conversion earlier.

Henderson forward for a couple more.

Take it down to the 13, it'll be third and a long 5.

Point that.

Rushing yardage total continues to grow.

Jackson Hill on the one carry with 23 yards tonight.

Yeah, I mean, you know Jackson Hill is he's he's one of their main running backs 775 yards on the season.

But as a team they're they're nearing the 100 yard mark here in the first quarter.

Henderson and the gift of Cox.

Cox going one way the other lets his line move things around past the five and in for the score and what a fantastic run by Cox.

And he used his lineman to find the opening flag in on the play.

They're going to get record for a crackback block and it was set up perfectly.

I mean that he was trying to seal off the edge.

But you know the new rule is you got to.

You know you can't blindside somebody and I believe that's what they're talking about to see if see if he actually did it because But boy I thought I thought it was a great block.

I don't know if we got the got the replay of that but watch right here comes in and we the following the ball you couldn't here it comes boom.

Yeah there it is.

He he was able to get a good one in right there to seal the touchdown.

That's what these officials are talking about right now to see, to make sure it was an illegal hit.

And, and what may be lost in that then is is the fantastic running then by Cox to to work his way into the end zone.

The hesitation at the line and looking things over and getting behind the his lineman was a great job.

Let's get the call and this will be interesting what they say.

Going to be a dead ball blind side block.

Offense 15 yard pillage from spotted foul.

Yeah, I mean that.

That's our department, you know.

Joy, when you and I played that that's what you could you you went to to to film study that next week and everybody cheered you on for for getting that block.

Nowadays you you can't do that anymore.

Gonna say that was celebrating it's probably you know what it's probably still celebrated in film study.

You're probably right.

You know I don't think the coach gets too upset about that one these days.

So third and five turns into third and 12.

Now for the Rector Cougars who continue to keep the ball on the ground and will do so again here.

No, they will not turn around.

Half back pass past the first down the five and close to the two yard line.

The first pass of the night comes at the hands of Jackson Hill after a great carry earlier.

He gets to throw the ball and a great reception as well.

They're just breaking out all the plays that they come with.

The reverse in the past well wobbly.

The past, but it doesn't matter.

He caught it and now you've got a first and goal and they're trying to go up two scores with 214 left here in the first quarter.

Samuel Shipley with the 18 yard reception.

We've called his name on defense, but he's the tight end as well.

Henderson Back 2 backs in front of him.

He's going to go behind Cox and can't quite make it in.

He'll be close past the one, but not to the goal line.

Because it sounds like.

The set up, with a couple of halfbacks there and Henderson right there in the middle, you pretty much know he's going to keep the ball and go behind those blocks and it's very, very close.

We'll see what happens here.

2nd and goal now, tight splits by this offensive line.

Kept again and we'll just run right up the middle.

Falling forward for the touchdown.

Drew Henderson with his second of the night.

Yeah, I mean that.

That's what they've done all night.

They, they're, they're playing big Boy football and getting the offensive line.

I mean, those touchdowns are because of the push this offensive line right now and that was an easy touchdown for them to get in.

A 48 yard touchdown Dr once again don't have to cross midfield to put points on the board.

12O right now.

Mention a little bit earlier in eight man ball, you will see the two point conversion attempt.

Many, many more times than going for the extra point.

You're going to see it right here, Rector trying to pick up two.

And Henderson will be met at the one, but he still falls forward to pick up the two points.

Rector 14, Izard County, nothing.

Yeah, great stretch there at the very end because he got hit hard and stopped at the one and he just stretched it across to to be able to pick up the touchdown.

And how about this?

I don't think anybody that that keeps up with eight, man, football is believing this score right now 14 and nothing here in the early going, especially with the way that Izard County played against.

People on last week, but that was a 6256 game last week.

Thanks.

You expect that offense and I would just be shocked if it if it stayed this dormant for too much longer.

There's just too much potential there.

But in the meantime, the Rector Cougars have played not only good on offense, but they played solid defense as well.

We've talked about Izard County and and that we expect more and more from the offense.

But what can be said about this rector defense tonight?

They're playing outstanding and you know, I've talked so much about the offensive line.

The defensive line has been really good.

They they have put so much pressure on Buchanan in this ball game.

He's just not been able to get comfortable when he throws the football and you've got to credit them.

And then of course the the defensive backs are that are on coverage, you're seeing double coverages on, on cruise, one of their top receivers and they've just not been able to get really settled in this game so far.

The 14 point game right now, that last touchdown run, A1 yard run.

By Drew Henderson.

He has two touchdown carries tonight, 10 carries on the hole for 38 yards.

Look at that rushing #95 yards to -, 7.

The little one hop is gonna be fielded by Tyler Hill, and Izard County will take over at its own 43.

You know Pulaski Academy, who who we will see in the six a game later in the weekend.

They are notorious for going onside kick after onside kick after onside kick for Rector.

They are.

It's kind of in the in between between a squib and an onside kick that you know, it's almost like that old pooch kick, you remember that where you kind of hope to get it in dead man's land and run up to it.

They just do it at the at the line of scrimmage.

Wyatt Buchanan now for Hazzard County.

His team is trailing by 14 as Tyler Hill lined up wide.

Crews and little slot position instead looks to the left and tries to find the tight end.

Dakota Townsley can't do it.

Second and 10 on the way.

What is that?

The third drop of the ball game by these receivers I mean that essential should have been caught.

It went right through his hands.

113 total yards of offense tonight for rector.

19 so far for Izard County.

Still in the first quarter here, though.

Same look receivers to the right now for Buchanan.

And he's going to look over the middle now, looks to the right side, finds Cruz.

This time the catch is made, stays on his feet and goes laterally along that 35 yard line.

A first down the second, first down of the night for Eastern County well got in between coverage right there.

Made the catch and got bumped around.

But you know great read that time by Buchanan and for crews to make the catch and and get into Rector territory.

To have a first down, they've done this before in the game now, just we're not able to come up with points.

Let's see if this drive is gonna be a little bit different.

Wonder if the cold weather has something to do with this as cruises had to come back for most of the time that he's tried to make the catch on 1st down Stevenson will pick up about a yard, maybe 2 on the carry.

You know maybe at the next dead ball or something.

We'll check in with Dorian and kind of get her perspective how it feels down there on the field because you know a lot of times if you're these guys and and it's it's a little chilly outside you know, and you're in a short sleeve shirt you it may affect you.

She's down there just kind of roaming around.

We'll get her thoughts on on the weather down the field.

Conditions.

Clocks running now, first quarter winding down second and eight.

And Stevenson back with Buchanan.

You'll set the block Buchanan catches made by Hills 25, stays on his feet, inbounds 20 and still trying to struggle forward.

He'll pick up tooth about the 18 yard line and this is another first down now for Izard County as Kaden Avery who's at finally able to make the stop.

But you know he'll doing a great job of dragging defenders, stepping over guys and just trying to make a play for his team right here, look at this, you get out of 1 tackle and he says whoop and then I'm going to go right and step over a couple guys to before I finally fall down.

That's a pretty good job just to stay in.

Now the clock will.

Roll to zeros here in the first quarter.

It's Rector 14, Izard County, nothing.

Maybe a bit of a surprise to some folks here in the state championship game.

14 point advantage for rector.

We'll take a break back in a moment.

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During we talked about how cold it was down there.

Does that make a difference and and what's it feel like to you?

I just checked my phone right now, the temperature is falling to 42 degrees down here on the field.

There's a little bit of wind, but mostly it's pretty clear, pretty dry.

As we take a look at that completed pass there, but for the field conditions, there shouldn't be, there's no reason down here for it to be problematic.

But we know that a cold ball, a little bit harder to hold, a little bit harder to throw and catch.

Thank you.

Dorian had completed pass.

You talked about Buchanan to Hill, a gain of 13.

That's enough to pick up the first down, it's first and goal now the first quarter really was all rector all the time.

Izard County trying to flip the script just a little bit.

Here is the second quarter.

Is underway just inside the five yard line 1st and goal now for Izard County.

He'll lined up on the left.

Stephenson in the back and the throw, quick throw to Hill nearly picked off and there was nothing but green.

Nothing but green in front of Jacob Cox.

Yeah, Jacob Cox wanted that.

You know what Dorian just said that with it being cold outside, that ball is a little bit harder and and sometimes it's a tough ball to catch and you see it right there.

That's probably an interception if it's a little bit warmer of a day and you think back to some of the the mishaps for Izard County early in the ball game where they were dropping passes.

Or or it was going through their hands.

It is a little bit different when you you play in these colder conditions, he'll line up on the left again, ball spotted just past the left hash mark.

Now Buchanan, looking to the right, rolling to the right, has crews and crews with the catch and the score.

Touchdown Izard County.

It was only a matter of time before Cruz was able to find the end zone and did it on tight coverage that time.

Great job by him to to find a a nice drag route on that that right side and come up with the touchdown.

So looking for the plane, how it's going to be run here, a little bit different look now.

Has Buchanan is on the sideline.

And Cruz now looks to take the snap.

It's gonna be like the Wildcat, but an 8 man style.

Cruz has a couple of blockers, potential blockers to his left.

He's going to try to go behind them pushing forward to the one and he is stopped at the one inch line, does not get in for two.

So the touchdown 6 points in Izard County is on the board and RJ, realistically that's where the Izard County Cougars needed to be.

Was finally on the board.

Yeah no.

And regardless of getting the two point conversion or not, look how close that was.

Boy, it was right there at the mark and he couldn't quite get in.

But you know, I hey you get on the board.

You've got some points now.

Now it's just yeah I'm not gonna say cruise control but you get back into your ball game.

You, you, you don't worry about the the rock hard ball hitting you in the hands and it's stinging a little bit.

You don't worry about that anymore.

You don't worry about not getting a push at the offensive line and you just you kind of get those those jitters out and now you play football and but for Raptor boy I tell you what they have been impressive now on two straight drives this will be their third.

We really have.

I think that was Jacob Cox.

By the way, they had Cruz's foot and was just hanging on for dear life and if if he had not grabbed his foot when he did Cruz would have been able to take that in for the score and that's just a fantastic play on defense and and to go back even to what we looked at the the ball potential interception was dropped.

I think you have to say a lot for the fact that it was well defended because that was a quick Passover there in Cox got in position to make the play there.

Of course they do ultimately get the touchdown but I think that a lots to be said continues to be said.

For not only what Rector's doing on offense, but what they're doing on defense.

Yeah, no, you're exactly right.

And so either way, they're gonna have the football back with 1143 to go rector trying to build off what they've done so far here in the ball game.

A 57 yard touchdown drive.

And they're another onside kick look, this time from Izard County.

And they got Izard County's gonna pick it up.

Yeah.

How about that?

Wow.

We've seen it from Rector so far that just kind of in between was an onside kick, was a little pooch kick, no doubt about this one, trying for the onside kick.

That's exactly what they do, coming up quickly to the line and getting over there in time.

To grab that one.

The Izard County Cougars in control.

Yeah, I mean that.

That's just catching the the frontline for Rector off guard.

All that's all that was right there was you come out, you kicked the quick onside kick and now you get the football back.

Tyler hill.

Picking that up for Izard County now he's gonna line up wide on the left side.

With Buchanan back in at quarterback after he stepped out of the two point conversion looking down the field for Hill, Hill coming back for this one tipped around and incomplete.

Great job that time by Evan Holmes.

He was running step for step with Izard County Tyler Hill and and did not allow for him to have any space to try to catch football.

Well, that's what Izard County needed to do.

They have in, in essence, flipped the script here.

No real turnovers.

However, you have to say that from the perspective of.

Now when you get the ball that's just as good as the turnover on that onside kick recovery.

So second and 10 now Buchanan back again looking to the left again way too high for Hill this time.

Third and 10 on the way.

Yeah and Little Miss Miss read that time because I think he was planning on having hill streak on an on an out route.

But he cut back in and and you saw the ball sale right there.

Wyatt Buchanan on the Evening 7 for 16 passing for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Complete just 44% of his passes, that's.

Off the mark for the number, he said.

Over the course of the season he'll get another opportunity here.

Well, he'll get another opportunity in a moment.

Gonna call false start I believe on.

Is there county?

So they'll walk this one back.

Five.

Have a false start.

Offense 5 yard penalty.

Replay third down.

Well, for what this Izard County offense has the potential to do, it's not insurmountable.

3rd and 15.

And even if you pick up half of this point, RJ, you have to expect Hazard County to go for on 4th again.

Yeah, they've done it twice so far in this game.

I wouldn't think this was any different.

Buchanan steps back, looks around, and that one couldn't tell if that was for cruise or for Hill defenders there on both.

And it will bring up 4th and long.

Well now now it's interesting because you're in your own territory.

And look, do we have a penalty Hirshfield left from the pastor, continue our penalty.

First down.

Yeah, roughing the passer.

So that's actually a break for Izard County.

To get the roughing the passer penalty, well, that that really changes things here in the second quarter.

We've talked about that defense for Rector, but now it's moving.

Backwards and Izard County with some momentum here in the second quarter.

Yeah.

I mean you go from potentially.

Having a fourth down.

In your own territory at the what was the the 48 yard line?

And now you're in.

Rector territory at the 36.

Quick pitch forward to Cruz.

Cruz in motion and he is going to lose about a yard and 1/2 on that carry.

You know, right now, Izard County still rushing -, 5 yards for the game and, and that's really a staff that's worth looking at too, -, 5 on just five carries on the evening, averaging -, 1 per carry.

This is as opposed to 16 pass attempts on the evening.

For Buchanan, it's really still been past heavy, even though the success has been somewhat limited.

2nd and a little more than 11 yards now for Izard County.

Buchanan has a little time looking over the middle.

That one tipped before it got to Cruz.

Great job, nice job reaching up for that Evan Holmes.

Yeah, he, he, he got up there to to tip that one away and just.

Just barely got a finger on it.

See the cross shot?

Look at that.

Just right there on the top of his fingers.

Knocked it away and force 1/3 down.

Now just enough.

Always had a good night on defense as well.

Well we could just mention player after player so far for Rector 3rd and long now little more than 11 yards.

Buchanan well back in the shotgun looking over the middle of this time has her catch by Hill and Hill will move the sticks for Izard County Down to the 20 yard line right at it.

Well and that that's a great job by Hill he he just had a stop route and he faked out Evan Holmes.

Because Holmes thought he was gonna run a a deep round, he just fell down and it allowed for hill to to come up and make the catch.

People lining up to that left side once again, ball near the left.

Hash Buchanan looking at Hill, throws a little screen and it is caught by Stevenson.

He runs forward for about 7.

You know, one thing about playing here at War Memorial, I think you got to be a little bit more lenient on late hit out of bounds plays because they've had to artificially make a sideline and that little thin line might be kind of tough to see.

Stephenson, who is the leading ball carrier for this Izard County team.

114 carries coming in.

And he has two receptions tonight to go along with three rushes.

Stevenson.

In the backfield, along with Buchanan, who steps up just a little bit now, he'll lined up wide second and four.

He'll stops, cuts across the middle, and the slant route is successful.

Touchdown, Izard County.

Nice look, little hesitation to the outside, right across the middle.

And Buchanan finds him in stride.

He threw a dart right there and and I don't understand why they've been trying to go deep throughout this game because those slant patterns have been there and hill was able to just get inside the the corner and and make the catch and.

That's a two point game, trying to tie it up right here.

Rector.

At the 1st, 2 touchdowns in this state championship game.

A2 point conversion on the second one.

Izard County trying to match that here, trailing by two.

And it will be cruise again.

To receive that Wildcat direct snap.

Steps to the right cuts into the middle slung around, and he will come up short once again, ever so close to getting two points.

And for the second time, Izzard County comes up just a bit short.

Cruz is going to get up, maybe just a little bit shaken up from that.

But with 955 left here in the first half, Izard County is back to within two.

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Coming up on the halftime show, one of the longest rivalries, we will be in the media time out.

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See you then.

Thanks, George.

Appreciate it.

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Hey Football fans, join the conversation like my buddy Mason Woolbright on social media with the hashtag ARP CBS Sports.

And if you want to join that conversation, everybody's talking about the championships right now all throughout the weekend and you can do so on social media with that hashtag ARP, CBS Sports.

This is definitely a fun weekend.

It's one of my favorite between this and the basketball state championships.

I love it, man.

I love just being out and watching teams.

You know, get state championships and and make dreams come true.

Little quick kick goes just 10 yards and that is enough for Rector to come up and make the grab right there.

They're going to start at midfield now.

Well, that's a change.

Been starting in Hazard County territory.

Yeah, now it'll be a little bit different.

I won't.

Where where did this come from?

Buchanan with the 13 yard touchdown pass to Tyler Hill and that brought our score to 1412 crews.

Stopped just short of the goal line on the two point conversion attempt and so Hazzard County trailing by two rector now wanting to make some noise here in the second quarter.

This will be their first opportunity.

Is your county, after its last score, successful an onside kick attempt and met well behind the line for the sack that time as Drew Henderson had nowhere to go and Izard County's defense comes to life?

Well, and really for Rector gauge Tom Thompson, the.

Offensive lineman he just he missed his block.

He he got beat that time by Malachi Cruz and and just missed his block and and it allowed for Cruz to get in the backfield.

Cruise probably still maybe a little store from being slung down there.

Yeah, he went for two, so he's going to take it out on the other team.

He was there for that, chasing Cox in the backfield and he's going to be there for another tackle.

Malachi Cruz is everywhere.

I don't think he's sore anymore.

I think, I think he's he is flying around and making plays offensively.

Defensively, he is a gamer for sure.

And look at this comes across the field chasing him down.

Boom, got you.

Just he was.

He was the pinball there for a moment, just going off of different players in white jerseys and makes his way through.

He had an eye for number 21 and met him at the line of scrimmage, so it's third and 13 now.

Evan Holmes lining up wide now for rector.

And Henderson rolling to his left, comes back to the middle, has nowhere to go.

A2 yard loss there and it will bring up 4th down and long.

Let's say we've got a penalty flag down and it was there was there his he was running away.

One of his offensive lineman just had a hold of the defensive end and and he couldn't go anywhere.

Like we'll wait to see if this penalty is accepted here.

Holding.

Offense penalty will be declined or stamped.

So, coach Johnson.

Deciding that it's worth it to go ahead and.

Give that one up, send it to 4th down, 4th and 14.

A difficult situation now for Rector tonight.

Yeah, and you know, for as much as they dominated there in the first half, it's been quite the opposite here in the second quarter.

Dalton Lamar, we've called his name a couple of times on defense.

He is set to receive the snap and punt it, and he does.

It's a low punt.

No one back to receive, it's going to roll down.

Well inside the 20 and rolled back out.

So the 21 yard line, that's where Izard County will set up shopping.

Tried to move down the field, a nice drive on their last possession.

We'll see if they can go 79 yards here.

I didn't think either one of these teams know how to kick the football.

I mean you never saw, you hadn't seen him.

That's the first part of the ball game.

You don't see the the the little P or the K listed by anyones name or either team on the roster.

And when you ask the coaches, nobody talks about how good the kicker is, they they they just say, you know, they don't exist.

Coming off the back-to-back touchdown drives now Izard County, the offense finding some momentum here in the second quarter, both touchdowns coming in the second quarter.

And Buchanan is back.

Deep in the shotgun has heel to his left heel streaking down the field pass, his caught at the 43 yard line past midfield, a fantastic catch by Hill.

You know all this game preps I did for this game that that after talking with people said they don't go deep very often.

This is like the the fifth time here in the first half that you know they weren't successful early on, but here in the second quarter they're just throwing bombs 36 yards on that completion.

For Izard County, they move past midfield.

And they are.

In motion now.

It's cruise lining up to the left this time.

Buchanan's gonna look Cruz coming across the middle into double coverage, and that one well beyond the receiver or defenders.

Well, and what they're doing.

They're lining hill and cruise up and one is either doing a crossing pattern while the other one goes deep or or vice versa.

And so it's it's allowing for one to one coverages in the in the, in the, in the backfield or in the second area and they're just letting the speed of those two guys try to outrun the corners.

You'll notice also that Cruz drew double coverage once again, and we're seeing Buchanan.

Walking slowly to the sideline, they're going to tend to him right now.

And the the official.

If the official was the one that pulled him out of the game and told the training staff to come over and check on him.

So we'll look to see here who is in at quarterback.

Cruise is going to receive the snap.

Stevenson sets up the block and Cruz is met at about the line of scrimmage.

She gets forward from maybe 1/2 yard from there.

You never seen a quarterback with a neck roll.

There it is right there.

No, I think that might be the first time ever.

Maybe the 1st.

Well, Buchanan comes back in, so he was out for just a play.

Had a little conversation with Coach Johnson on the sideline over there and he comes back in at 3rd and 13 now.

Buchanan deep shotgun steps up.

He's going to keep it and has room to go past the first down marker, the 30, down to the 25 and to the 24.

Nice look that time by White Buchanan and he knew what to do with the ball and that's the first time we've seen him do that.

He didn't find that the look he wanted downfield so he kept it.

Yeah.

And the the entire middle of the field was wide open.

I hey he was one to go with a deep pass and he realized well heck there's nobody they they went double coverage on the outsides with both receivers and so it left the middle of the field wide open and he just took off with it and and not only a strong arm but some strong legs.

Well a big boy there is Buchanan rolls out looks to his left trying to find Hill and that will one hop to get to him and not to mention he was out of bounds.

See he he went a little bit far.

Yeah I don't think he saw where the the out of bounds line is and maybe we can get a shot of that that that sideline because it is about as thick as the the yard lines on the field.

Well and and another thing about you know field awareness too.

I mean if you're used to playing on this 40 yard field that's one thing.

But often on your home field, the numbers are a little bit farther away from the sideline.

You see the numbers right there.

If you're looking for the numbers, ordinarily you have a little bit more room with which to work.

And Buchanan keeps it past the 20, pushing his way forward past the first down line.

And he keeps the Izard County Cougars moving on offense.

By the way, I had somebody text here just a moment ago and they said, wait a minute, they they put another line in the middle of the field.

What about all the other state championship games?

Well, I can tell you at about 8:00 o'clock in the morning, there's going to be a guy, it's going to be about 30 degrees here and he's going to have a pressure washer going up and down the field here at 1 memorial, spraying that that line off instead of Raceable line here at the stadium.

It'll be ready for tomorrow.

It'll be ready, buddy.

That poor guy is going to be cold in the morning when he's watching it away.

Buchanan has been using his arm and legs on this possession.

Takes the snap deep and he will hold on to it again.

Cuts back to the middle of the field and down to the 10 yard line again.

A4 On the carry.

Yeah, doing a lot with his feet on this drive and you get down.

This is an opportunity to take the first lead of the ball game for Izard County and and you know if you look at your first read, it's not there.

Things break down.

Just you know, he's got the, the ability to run and he's showing it.

So far he isn't on this drive in particular.

He's had two touchdown throws already this evening.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him with a touchdown carry before this first half is over with six minutes left here.

In this first half and Buchanan has nowhere to go and loses the ball.

Nice job.

Bizard County, Tristan Wood to grab that one and keep possession.

Yeah, and that's a big time loss for Izard County to bring up third down and.

We're going to lose about half.

That's gonna be about 6, maybe 7 yards.

On the play and.

You know it it sticks you back behind the 15 and he just he just lost the handle on it just slipped right out there well and there's a great job by Dalton Lamar wrapped him up popped the ball out there and and what more can be said Tristan would there right place right time fell on it.

Heads up play Buchanan now third and long again.

And he has.

Stevenson to his left, sets up a block.

Buchanan pass over the middle, caught by crews to the 10 bullying his way past the five yard line.

He may have picked up the first down and I believe he did.

That was a great where he took on three guys and put that neck in the back of that neck roll and just said let's roll, I mean.

I mean watch this, see 1/2 and drags the third.

Ohh no there's four.

Excuse me, he took on four guys and got the first down.

By the way, and I I keep referencing it that that's like a 1990s neck roll.

Like just big and and.

Yeah, is it a hoodie?

Maybe.

Maybe it's a hoodie.

Looks like a neck roll.

Cruise takes some snap and actually the ball is on the turf and it's picked up by Rector.

I thought he had a knee on the ground.

He did.

Cox isn't quite sure what to do with it, and he's gonna slow up, but he does get the ball.

The first turnover of the night goes to rector of the defense holds.

And it just bounced right off him.

He's having a hard time holding on to the football and boom, right there he was able to get it and.

I don't.

Did he touch it when his knee was down or not?

I believe so.

OK and I had said that.

Was Cruz back there?

Actually, was Buchanan back there and in and out of his hands.

So.

The snap not collected cleanly.

He needs to get one of those hot pockets where you can stick your hands in there and and keep those hands warm.

But you know he's one of those guys also that's playing both ways so you don't really have a break.

You know from offense to defense team right now, rector to keep the ball on the ground pushing forward, and that may be a first down.

That's what you call, wow.

That's what you call team effort because he, he got about four yards and two of us offensive lineman came in and gave a good push to get him the next six.

Yeah, I and I thought he was even hit maybe at the line too.

He just willed his way forward and that is you do.

There are times you get by with a little help from your friends.

And he did.

Just then.

Henderson picks up the first down for rector.

And so after the defense comes up with the first turnover of the night, rector trying to move all the way down the field and Henderson doing his part.

Kind of about six there.

Just taking big chunks of yardage.

I mean, one after another picks up 6 yards that time.

Drew Henderson on the 9th 14 carries, 48 yards and two touchdown runs.

Both quarterbacks responsible for each of the touchdowns for the team.

Henderson's been able to do it on the ground as Buchanan with a couple of touchdown passes, and this time the gift inside it's going to be Cox.

Nearly to the 35 yard line, but enough for a first down.

Cox on the evening, that's his 7th carry tonight.

He moves the sticks there.

47 yards rushing tonight for Jacob Cox, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

And the chains are moved forward first and 10 now as the clock is inside 4 minutes here in the first half.

These two teams each won their respective semifinal contests by just one score, rector by two points.

And here's your county by 6 points and we have all the makings.

For a contest that looks similar here.

Gang of four now on 1st down and the Rector Cougars are moving.

Just one pass tonight for Rector and it actually was 1/2 back pass.

Past the 40, up to about the 42 yard line.

Now for erector and it will bring up third and short.

Clock closing in on 3 minutes now as the Rector offense continuing to elect to keep the ball on the turf.

Coach Hendricks?

Keeping that right there on the turf on the left side, up and up for the first down, the clock will stop as they move the chains now, and another good carry by Cox.

Rector with another first down crowd, appreciative here.

Nice crowd on hand here in War Memorial as it is a chilly evening and these two fan bases had to travel a little bit to get here.

Yeah, they did up around the Jonesboro area and with these communities separated by about 119 miles, Cox with another carry, this time past midfield and the clock continues to run.

That was one of the things, by the way, in the semifinal match, as we stop the clock for just a moment when the players a little bit slow to get up now.

For rector and that is Cox.

Coach Hendrix definitely wants him to be able to get up and and walk off.

He'll take a seat for a moment.

Grayson Bryant coming in in his place on 2nd down Izard County with fantastic Clock management in their semifinal game, held the ball, let the clock run out.

They wanted that last play and it wound up being a 26 yard touchdown score.

Rector trying to do the same here in the in the final holding on to the ball is Henderson gets past one, past another and down to the 40 yard line.

Another first down that'll stop the clock long enough to move the chains again and rector on the move here as the first half is winding down.

Yeah, great, great balance.

I mean he was able to use 1 foot pull away from another guy and get that first down and just a great running attack by this rector team.

I really like the, you know, no matter whether it's the running back or the quarterback, they've got guys that have great vision and can find holes and not to mention the offensive line doing a great job pushing that defensive line around these two teams.

Just about even in total yards on the night, even on the scoreboard.

Pretty close.

Just the two point advantage for Rector Cox is back in and he makes it past the 35 down to the 34.

And time out.

Is called by rector.

So first time out called tonight a minute and 1/2 remaining here in the first half.

And RJ again as we we talked about the offense here and and the ground game, just one pass thrown tonight by Rector.

Everything else has been moving the ball on the ground.

Yeah.

No, I mean they, they have you know that that's that old school football where you know it's just three yards and a cloud of dust.

But for them they've done such a good job of getting a push.

It's not 3 yards in a cloud of dust.

More like, you know, 456 yards in a cloud of dust.

Which is pretty impressive.

You get that dust here on the turf too.

Yeah, I know, I know.

Well, it's more like 3 yards and a cloud of of rubber.

The rubber rubber pellets.

1412 the score here.

And I talked about the.

Numbers from total offense tonight and really pretty, pretty even 185 for Izard County, 167 for rector.

But if you look even at the passing yardage and what you you would normally see from Izard County 168 yards through the air rectors almost been exclusively it's 160 yards, 7 yards on the ground and they've done it effectively for sure.

And I don't see that changing too much.

Well, it's what we expected from both these teams and there is a massive miscommunication.

With the line and rector.

The snap came, but the players were talking about, I think, that they thought maybe someone had jumped someone's offsides.

Flags come down anyway.

Illegal motion offense motion first director and so.

You know, and and what's crazy about this is that.

His first half has taken about an hour and 15 minutes and if it were rectors game saying we've been over with him about 20.

I mean like they just run, run, run.

Well, and again, that was a miscommunication.

Players standing up after being on the line standing up, and then the ball was snapped and obviously there was movement there.

So that draws the flags.

It'll be second now and nearly 10.

There's a snap and the reverse, but the ball hits the turf and it's a turnover.

It'll go the other direction.

Izard County's defense is there.

And a nice job picking that one up is Ashton Ashton Grisham, a senior one of 13 seniors on this Izard County team.

And he'll remember that.

You know once again and and I look they both have to play in it.

But I think you're seeing more mistakes.

Watch just on the handoff and.

He's not wearing gloves.

And you gotta know those hands are cold and and I I think that you you just lost the handle.

You see that some of these kids are wearing gloves and you know, I, I, I don't know.

I just think that your hands get a little numb and and that football hits and just don't feel it.

Here's why Buchanan coming back in.

And the last time he was in little bit of trouble collecting the snap.

No trouble right there.

The quick pass over the left side catches made by Stevenson straddles the sideline and he is leveled once he gets past the 40.

Yeah, got got a great running catch by the way.

Did you notice on those stats?

It must have been during the offseason.

Ed Leon with Arkansas PBS.

He's got the QBR number on the stats.

He's really upgraded the the stats inventory here at Arkansas PBS.

Wow, that's a big time here.

Solutely brought down.

Intentionally.

No question.

1st and 10 at the 40 still more than a minute throwing back over his shoulder and Buchanan tries to find crews completely on the other side of the field and that one knocked down.

But fortunate for Izard County that wasn't picked off.

That is a dangerous pass.

You go back across your body, across the other side of the field.

I mean, he had to throw it and the four, it's 40 yards long or wide and he threw it about 35.

I mean, look at this back across your body, trying to find a man that's not gonna, that's not doing good.

We've talked about the fact that he, he can throw the ball very strong and it takes strength to be able to do that and get it as far as he did.

Buchanan looking at 2nd and 10 now 2 receivers to his left stutter, step through the middle, he's going to keep it past the 35 and brought down at the 31 a little short of the first down.

Good vision, though.

I know I keep saying that, but, you know, for Buchanan looking downfield and he just doesn't see anything, he, he looks at Reed number one, then read #2, and then after that it says, OK, Well, I'm read #3.

I'm going to take off with it.

Clock running inside a minute and finally a timeout is taken.

Izard County goes ahead to take that time out and trailing by two here in the first half each team with two timeouts remaining and is counting on the move.

RJ yeah they really are and you know this is that offense that we've seen much of the second quarter they they were pretty much nonexistent there in the 1st and they've scored twelve points here in the second quarter to make this a two point game and and if they take the lead.

You know, we'll hear from Jared Johnson there, head coach at the half door and I'll catch up with him and get his thoughts on the first half.

But I I would be interested to to know, you know, for this some of these teams, you know, what was it on those first two drives, first three drives that were the jitterbugs there because really since about the the third possession for Izard County, they looked like a totally different team.

There's the cougar looking to get ready.

Wants to celebrate one more time here in this first half and and you're exactly right.

The the 1st 2 possessions for Izard County.

Didn't look like what we're seeing right now, yeah.

White you can you sell those stats from a little bit earlier, better than 50%?

Completion ratio here in the first half.

184 yards passing right now third and short.

He has receivers, three of them to his left.

Looking over, there's a screen pass taken by Hill, but it's the first down past the 20 and out of bounds and a fantastic decision by Hill to get out of bounds there.

That will stop the clock.

Of course it'll stop momentarily as they move the chains.

Goes down to the 16 yard line first and ten, well, that's a great job by Hill.

But he went heads up with him and like he was going to try to run him over.

You know, that could have been bad to where he says, you know, they take him down and the clock keeps rolling, just get out of get out of bounds.

So let the clock stop.

1st and 10 now 38 seconds remain Izard County with two timeouts here in the first half.

Izard County 2 for three inside the red zone.

And that's where they are right now.

Previous possession.

Fumble recovered by rector.

Buchanan stops, looks back to his left.

There's crews at the five stays on his feet, 4321 and in for the score.

Cruz finds his way into the end zone and for the first time tonight, with 31 seconds left in the first half, Izard County has the lead.

Maliki Cruz.

He is a man amongst boys right now, I mean.

The senior.

Watch this gets around one breaks off, a second one just pulls him into the end zone.

And he gets up and he was excited about that.

Well, he should be.

If you determine that maybe a hoodie now, I can't tell I I think it is.

The people in the truck are saying it's a hoodie.

I I think it looks like one of those 90s is that, yeah, I think it is it.

I saw it flopping.

I was really hoping that was one of those neck rolls.

Buchanan for the two point conversion temp looks Cruz.

He was open at first Defender gets over there.

Cruz makes the catch, he stays out of bounds.

Ohh wow.

And a two point conversion successful for Izard County and the Izard County Cougars up by 6 now.

Wow.

I mean look at this.

I mean, got a foot in.

Ohh what a great catch.

And to get the foot down well, and it was a different look then for the two point conversion.

We've seen crews take the direct snap in each of the previous two.

Conversion attempts.

This time buchanans in and crews lined up wide and he was open.

I mean it really took a little while for Kate and Avery just to get over to where Cruz was.

Yeah.

And and you know the finesse and we talked about those lines from the sidelines for for crews to get to the back corner of the end zone and know where he was to get the 1 foot down.

That's really an impressive an impressive sight just for this young man to to play out here.

He's having a heck of a night tonight for crews.

He is.

He's not really had to run the ball, but seven catches, 75 yards, 2 touchdowns, Buchanan with three touchdown passes tonight.

Big night.

And again, we we mentioned earlier crews were responsible for the the walk off touchdown, if you will.

Yeah, yeah, in the semifinal.

The big touchdown grab went up among defenders, brought it down and Izard County moving on into the state championship game, he has his first touchdown reception there.

Her second touchdown reception there?

Tyler Hill with one as well.

They've been these short kicks all night long with 31 seconds remaining here in the half.

Will that be the case again?

No.

This one little pooch kick beyond the front 2 lines and grabbed by Cox at the 31 still on his feet comes back to the left and he'll be brought down at about the 43 yard line.

Gavin Stevens in on the tackle for Izard County.

I wondered if they were gonna go with a short kick again and and that little pooch kick think that's all right.

But with Cox back deep to receive it.

He's dangerous.

He he really is he's he is a a fun player to watch and he just took it up off of a hop and now you only have to beat out eight dudes you know.

Hey kid there you go right then cut back left and you got a shot.

25 seconds remaining here in the first half.

And the snap taken by Henderson and he's gonna push forward to near midfield.

Don't think rectors in too big a hurry right now.

Might get one more playoff, or they may be content to let the clock run.

They're ready to go getting those heaters.

Head to the locker room and throwing to Dorian.

And Orion's gonna believe head down and she's gonna catch up with Izard County's coach, Jared Johnson, as they make their way off the field.

And hey, what an impressive second quarter, though for Izard County.

Really very much so.

As a matter of fact, all Rector in the first, all Hazard County in the second.

Yeah, Dorian's waiting on coach to make his way over his.

The half is here and see where Dorian is.

OK, there shot.

I got her.

She's waiting on coaches.

He was out talking to the officials, so we'll just wait on her for him for a moment.

But yeah, Izard County, 241 yards of total offense there in the first half and that, that's really impressive because when at the end of the first quarter, this was a team that didn't even have 50 yards total offense after the first quarter.

So what they did really after the first.

Got their nerves, settled and got got ready to go.

It was pretty impressive.

We'll go down to Dorian on the sideline with Coach Johnson.

Coach, 20 unanswered points for your offense.

What was the biggest difference in the second quarter?

Ohh, you know, we just finally got going and then executed a little bit on the offense.

Had some big plays open early and just dropped them.

Miss the ball.

That's part of the game.

And hey, I knew they'd come out and bring a big physical game and and that's to be expected.

How do you slow down Drew Henderson?

You know they're just big physical guys and we've got to try to find a way to match that physicality and you play in and out.

Every week.

And you just don't see teams as physical as they are.

I'll give them that.

They're really good physical football team, block it well and run it well.

So we're trying to make some adjustments.

See what we can get done, coach.

Thank you, Joey.

Thank you, Dorian.

I think we've seen a lot of physicality from both these teams in the first half.

That's a 6 point advantage for the Izard County Cougars over the rector Cougars in this state championship game.

Take a break.

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Hey everybody, David Basil, here it is, halftime at War Memorial.

That means we are back here at Arkansas PBS studios to share with you a little bit of what we've been working on.

In a few minutes, Ed Leon is going to catch you up on the bigger picture, if you will, at Arkansas PBS.

Ashley King is going to fill you in on some student athletes who are excelling on the field and more importantly in the classroom.

And we're going to take a look at one of the biggest.

Football rivalries in the state, but first the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame was established way back in 1958 to honor and memorialize outstanding individuals and to promote legacy and inspire younger generations.

Take a look.

1958 was a year of change in America.

The Hope Diamond was donated to the Smithsonian Museum, the microchip was invented.

NASA was created by President Dwight D Eisenhower, and in Arkansas, Deep in the recesses of Wall Memorial Stadium, a group of prominent Little Rock businessman founded the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

The original mission of the Hall of Fame was simple enough to recognize and induct individuals and teams.

That have brought honor to the state of Arkansas and we do provide scholarships for student athletes.

It's a great place for young people to get inspired, to come here themselves, to walk through and to read these stories and think someday that can be me.

We inducted our first class in 1959.

We have over 500 inductees, basketball players, football players, baseball players, archery or in sharps.

You trap shooting runners, golfers, horse racing, car racing.

It's a great cross section of what sports is for more than 60 years the Arkansas.

Sports Hall of Fame work to honor those most accomplished athletes who call the natural state home.

Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame selection process is simple but a little complicated.

You can go online and nominate your favorite sports hero.

That person goes into a master database.

Selection committee comes up with those 50 people on the voting list.

For each category that is mailed out to the views paying members, you pick your top five.

Those come back.

The top two vote getters in the regular category automatically get in the top vote.

Letter from the senior category automatically gets in and then the board votes on the remaining inductees and then you wait for a call.

When you get the call, it's a big deal.

You know, when I was inducted to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame or however, when I got received the call, I feel like I've reached something being from a small town, rural area, which Arkansas is a lot of that way and when you get picked for something that's prestigious, it has a huge impact on your life.

Seemed to me it was the cap of my athletic career.

It just seemed like all the hard work has paid off for me.

All the people you made, all the connections you make, they welcome you.

It it was remarkable to me the night that I came to be inducted because the former inductees, they want you to feel like, hey, you're part of us.

Now, clearly sports in Arkansas isn't all fun and games.

Sports is a common ground that brings everybody together and we compete.

We want to see a good battle, but we want to shake hands afterwards and and there's a mutual respect for everyone that played athletics.

Which is you discipline.

It teaches you teamwork.

It prepares you for life.

It got me a full scholarship at the University of Central Arkansas.

Eventually the Hall of Fame had grown Tanita new home and by early 2007, construction was complete on the almost 14,000 square foot Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Museum located in what is now Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock.

All the communities of the state have an opportunity to make sure they're heroes are remembered, and they do that.

Walk through this whole fame see a helmet from.

Some small community hero, smaller college maybe than the Razorbacks are jerseys, pictures, statistics, all kinds of memorabilia, like a picture of Scottie Pippen standing next to a polar bear.

For some reason it's just like creating the milestones of the people who started and who laid the foundation.

Their favorite thing is always the Bears back there in the car, the Martin Martin car.

But they actually get to see how sports and Arkansas started, everybody as they were growing up.

Had their favorite sports heroes.

We preserve those sports heroes for the different generations.

They can look here and say, wow, this person overcame this.

They came from maybe an impoverished background or maybe a beginning that wasn't necessarily headed towards sports but ended up there someday.

We have a great sports leagues here.

It's a great representation of what this state is about.

Hard working people who endured, who achieved.

And so to have that legacy as a in a permanent place here, ohh, people embrace that and hope they come here and enjoy it.

Look at the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame as motivation and say, hey, one day that's going to be me.

Now you know the history.

You can be a part of the future of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Let's turn now to the student athlete with emphasis on the student part.

Ashley, what do you have for us?

Thanks, David.

We talked to schools across the state of Arkansas to find out about those athletes that not only Excel on the field, but in the classroom too.

Here's the Arkansas PBS student All-Stars class of 2022.

We're going to start with our eight man honoree, Jackson Martin.

Jackson is a senior quarterback for the WOODLINE.

High school bears.

He has a 3.5 grade point average.

He plans to attend college and become a coach or a study to be a real estate agent out of two a lets me Luke King.

Luke is a senior quarterback and linebacker for the Hazen High School Hornets.

He maintains a 4.0 grade point average and wants to play college football and ultimately become a dentist.

Moving on to three a here's Sawyer Huskins with the Melbourne High School Bearcats.

This senior offensive and defensive linebacker is a four year starter who holds a 4.2 GPA.

He also scored an amazing 33 on the ACT exam.

He plans to become a pharmacist.

Our 4A All Star this year is Jalen Dupree.

Jalen is a junior running back and linebacker for the Malvern High School Leopards.

He has a 3.5 grade point average.

Following high school, Jalen plans to play college football and major in physical therapy.

Coming around to five a we have tavion Haney of the Parkview High School Patriots.

Tavion is a senior cornerback and has a 3.5 grade point average he has received.

Outstanding Academic Excellence Award and has won all conference and all state honors.

He plans to continue playing football while seeking a degree in engineering or learning a trade.

The six a representative this season as Hayden Webb, the senior offensive lineman for the Greenwood High School Bulldogs, maintains a 4.0 GPA and scored a perfect 36 on the ACT exam.

He plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville after graduation.

And finally we wrap up with our 7A All Star Abe Owen.

Dave is the senior quarterback for the Cabot High School Panthers.

He has a 4.0 GPA.

After high school.

He plans to go to college and medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Congratulations to this year's honorees.

Way to go.

You know, we may see some of these faces again in April here on Arkansas PBS for Quiz Bowl.

Now, if you haven't seen quizbowl, you'll want to make a note to watch.

This year.

Some of the smartest high school students in the state meet up right here in the studio and square off not only for bragging rights, but for some pretty big checks too.

And it's all live right here on Arkansas PBS.

Speaking of what is on Arkansas PBS if you're not a regular viewer.

Here is Ed Leon to tell you what you've been missing.

Thanks, Ashley.

Hey, we don't want you to miss a thing here on Arkansas PBS because we're doing a lot.

From these sports broadcasts that we do every year to the recent statewide political debates, to Arkansas stories made just for you, we have something for everyone.

And of course, our foundation here is education.

Now this is where the magic happens.

Arkansas PBS was made for educational television.

We want to make learning interesting and fun.

It's our mission to build lifelong learners and part of that is keeping you well informed with our current affairs programming for almost 4 decades.

Arkansas week's been keeping you informed of the news and issues that matter most.

I'm Christina Munoz for Arkansas week.

How huge is agriculture slash farming here in the state of Arkansas?

The stress farmers and ranchers face everyday can be overwhelming.

These resources are for all of our Arkansas farmers.

Election Day just around the corner, and everyone agrees there's a lot at stake.

It's analysis and insight on the races you care about.

That's just our effort to make sure that testing continues to be available in Arkansas, veterans in Arkansas, we got you.

Your well-being is worth fighting for.

Everybody made that sacrifice.

Make sure I was going to be alright.

So my my biggest thing is to accept help rebuilding lives.

We're building community.

Keeping you informed and engaged, that is public media and that is what the dedicated people in this building work to do every day.

All right, now we can't go on without giving you a sneak peek at some upcoming productions watch.

This is an important person in U.S. history and so to do the sculpture, it puts a lot on your shoulders as an artist that you capture the spirit of this amazing individual.

I was 43 and my mother just making sure that everything was right.

We're all hanging out.

We're all cooking turkeys.

We get an opportunity to help a family.

Have a good Thanksgiving.

To get it to Williams throws it down.

I mean, she just stepped up and nailed the biggest shot right there.

With the right hand tie ball game, when you gonna wake up?

You're gonna wake up when the season over that's swung on, lifted high to right field.

He's going back to the warning track.

It's out of here.

I would have never known the things I know now without that program.

It really helped me advance my opportunity to this career field.

There is something for everybody here on Arkansas PBS.

It is our mission to ensure that, and we want you to join our community.

Scan that QR code on your screen if you're enjoying these championship games.

If you appreciated the amount of time we dedicated to our debate week coverage before the elections.

If Arkansas stories are important to you, then sign up and join us.

Become a part of the team.

That QR code will tell you how to do it and you'll see it.

Pop up throughout these championship games.

Alright, I think we've got time for one more Arkansas story, right Baz?

Yes, we do add rivalries in Arkansas.

We've got some good ones.

One of the biggest hits too.

close knit communities in Central Arkansas against each other.

The game got so big they had to move it to War Memorial Stadium.

Here's a look at the Salt Bowl.

If you've never been around it, it's kind of hard to explain and hard to understand.

Biggest rivalry in the state of Arkansas.

The two communities are close together.

You don't know when you leave one and enter the other.

Go to the right, you bet and you go to the left, you're right.

The district lines convoluted to say the least.

Coming down the Interstate, you really can't tell which ones.

Benton and Brian, it is a 634.

We are here at big Red.

Here is our annual softball show.

We're in Bryant proper, right?

We're in our proper.

Is that right?

Please go to the same church.

They go to the same stores, they eat out at the same places.

So many families who grew up in Benton, who, who, you know, went to Benton, whose kids went to Bryant, vice versa.

The rivalry between the two, and I think it's because they are so close.

I always talk trash.

My name is Lorelai and I go to Benton school, but my mom went to Bryant schools.

I'm a sophomore at Benton High School, but my mom was a Bryant cheerleader, so obviously I am partial to Bryant Blue and the girls are a little little more partial to their Panther maroon.

I mean, I like to think that this looks a little little better, but.

We are a true house divided.

I say.

Like, y'all are gonna lose at the salt Bowl even though you were on the cheer team.

That doesn't mean you need to vote for them because they can still be bad and stuff.

Give me the first year Benton and Bryant played.

That's good guess it was 1970 Roger 441T74CW Lewis Stadium where many, many a games between the Benton Panthers and Bryant Hornets beginning in 1974 were played.

And they really were.

The Salt Bowl began the 1999 game when you had over 12,000 people.

And then also up on top of this building there were people standing as far as you could see.

I was just dumbfounded.

I remember mayor Farmer, now mayor farmer, then coach farmer.

Saying something to me he's like.

You know, we probably need to think about doing something different than we started talking about.

What could we do to make the game bigger and better?

We've now reached the point that most schools have have outgrown the ability to play this game in our own stadiums.

We've got to look at doing something different and why not go, you know, warm Memorial Stadium?

Quickly became more than just a football game.

Started a salt bowl T-shirt.

That's what started the hot dogs that we gave away for free to attract people to come to the game.

That eventually led to Big Arkansas largest high school tailgate party as we call it.

The one thing I think I'm the most proud of is we also wanted it to give back to our community.

We've had charity partners in Arkansas Food Bank.

We've always done a blood drive and we've had partnerships with the Cancer Society or a goodwill and so.

It's always been more than just a game.

People were out there, they got their maroon on, they got their blue on one big family because it's about family.

That's what community is about, is a family and they're having a great time.

But buddy, when you walk through that gate and you take your side, whether it be the Bryant Hornet side or whether it be the Benton Panther side, it's all over because it's warm.

When that whistle blows, it's 7:00 o'clock and that kickoffs given.

It's war and everyone's pulling for their.

Team and yelling and screaming and and it's just fully spirited and having a great time.

But you know what, once the game's over.

People intermingle again in the parking lot and a family again.

Oh, yeah.

We love a good rivalry.

What do you guys think?

Oh, there is nothing like the energy of a rivalry game.

And the best part about a rivalry?

There's always next year.

That's right.

It was my favorite part of playing football, especially when we won.

Yeah.

Now, if you at home want to see your school's rivalry featured, hit us up on social, use the hashtag AR PBS rival, and maybe we'll be in your town next.

Well, that's it for us on the halftime show.

Now let's get back to War Memorial.

Stadium for the second-half right here on your home for the high school football state finals, Arkansas PBS.

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Well, you can't say it was really a tale of two halves yet, but you can say it was a tale of two quarters.

It was all rector in the first quarter, all Izard County in the second quarter, leading us to this halftime score in which Izard County holds A6 point advantage.

Cougars over Cougars here in the state championship game.

Joey McWilliams, long with RJ Hawk and Dorian Kraft as we are here looking out at War Memorial Stadium and it's a cold night here tonight.

But Dorian, you had an opportunity to learn a little bit at the half.

Tell us what you've learned.

Head coach Dave Hendricks was succinct.

He said.

We shot ourselves in the foot.

Hendricks really felt that the Cougars had multiple opportunities to take control of the game after running out to a 14 point lead.

Hendrick said the biggest difference in the second quarter was Izard County started going to the intermediate passes.

Instead of looking for the home run pass, look for the Cougars to play much more man in this half to try to counteract those slants.

Doing before he real quick before we let you go, I I saw your hair blowing a little bit as the wind starting to pick up down there on the field.

RJ, the wind is starting to pick up a little bit and I don't know if you noticed, but it actually started drizzling late in the first quarter.

So the precipitation is something that we are paying attention to down here on the field.

Thank you.

And you know that she's right because you know even though they're not kicking the football but throwing the football around, if it gets a little wet, you got a little wind.

I mean it could it could be a rough second-half for Izard County.

If it really gets bad and temperatures in the 30s as as they are heading toward right now precipitation can change.

So Izard County with a big second-half, second quarter as as we talked about there and and we're looking now at at some of this first half rector got things going as as Henderson with a couple of touchdown runs in the first quarter rector on the board and and we're looking strong but is heard County finds a way to come back and three touchdown passes.

By Wyatt Buchanan 2 to Malachi Cruz, one to Tyler Hill.

You see that one there?

It was all Izard County in the second quarter.

And and realistically, you mentioned that too.

You talked about that.

Going to that intermediate passing game may have made the difference because they're playing, I mean, playmakers on the outside doing what they do.

Look at these stats right here.

So 215 passing yards for Izard County, only 18 for rector so far.

But in the rushing department, it's quite different.

Because Rector 149 rushing yards to the 26th for Izard County, 241 on total yardage, 167 for rector and only one sack in this ball game.

And that's really impressive because this defensive line for Rector has been after Buchanan throughout the entire game.

And for them to only get one one sack so far, that's pretty impressive.

And you look at that number two as as Izard County with the advantage in in total offense, there realistically a lot of those numbers they came in the second quarter.

It was not what is your county did in the first quarter came up short gave the ball up on 4 downs on the 1st 2 possessions.

But the second quarter the Cougars from Izard County came alive.

Yeah and you're you're right and and for the second-half if you talk about keys to the game for the second-half it's really because of the fact you know this defense for rectors got to keep getting into the into the backfield and and stopping Izard County and not only did they've done that on the run but you've got to really start putting more pressure on Buchanan so he can't make those you know.

Short passes and even the longer passes that we saw there in the second quarter and then for Rector offensively, I mean they've done, they've stayed to their game plan.

They they they've run and they've run and you really can't complain about anything they did offensively for Izard County though, you can't get off that slow start like they did in that first half.

They've got to come out with the same momentum that they had to to close out this first half.

And to to rectors credit, I mean they've been successful on that offensive side doing what they do which is running the ball.

And and we see now the third quarter underway, Rector is going to get it now and head from left to right as we're looking here.

And the offense was moving in late in the second quarter.

It was just a turnover and and that really is the difference right there.

The second turnover of the game, each team has one and it came at a very unfortunate time for Rector there late in the second quarter because this could easily be have the score reversed and see rector up by a touchdown.

You're exactly right and I'll be.

Interested to see you know how this offensive line readjust here in the second-half because they they got such a good push there in the first half.

The gift to Cox right away.

And Cox is going to get the ball past midfield as rector started on its own 49 yard line.

A gain of about 3 1/2.

We'll call it four on the play second and six now coming up for the Rector Cougars here in this state championship game.

The second ever eight men state championship game played here in War Memorial Stadium.

Fantastic venue here in Little Rock.

Second down and it's gonna be kept by Henderson.

He will spin around just after he makes it past the first down and down at about the 40 yard line.

So they moved the chains and rector on the move in the early going here in the second-half, yeah, they're doing a good job.

And once again, that interior, those interior lineman in the center and really on the polling side guard, they're really good, a good job of getting that push and opening up a hole to get four or five yards at a time.

32 carries on the evening for Rector one pass and that one by the way didn't come from Henderson was 1/2 back pass by the senior running back Jackson Hill.

A give right up the middle pickup of about a yard but a little change of pace this time for the Cougars on 1st down.

Yeah and trying to go a little bit faster and and get to the line of scrimmage, get the ball off and you know really try to catch Izard County off guard you know well I think we saw that earlier with Izard County on Rector.

And they kicked the onside kick and got it.

And really right now, if you're rector, you're just like, OK, let's go.

Well, let's keep the ball going.

Let's keep the momentum rolling.

As they've gotten into Izard County territory, we mentioned Hill.

That was his third carry of the game.

This time the gift is to Cox.

Little hesitation runs around to the outside, knocked out of bounds right at the 30 yard line.

And I think that's enough for a first down.

Yeah, it's going to be really close.

It's kind of hard to see.

There's no real hash marks.

On the sidelines to to be able to see where the sticks are, you kind of guesstimate it.

We don't.

We guesstimate it.

The officials don't have to, but either way, it was the first down.

2 minutes into this possession here in the third quarter and continuing to move the ball on the ground.

That's been the MO all night long.

It will be.

So again, Henderson to the left gets past one, stays on his feet, cuts back to the middle of the field, has the first down and is going to will his way forward for about 2 1/2 more yards.

That is a great run because you know, he he could have easily just gone down after, you know, 5-6 yard pickup, but he just kept turning.

Those feet got out of 1 tackle moved to the next and and you know it is as much work as he did right there he he ran for about 15 yards but from what we've seen from Henderson and Cox too and and this entire rector team.

I mean you go back to the work that's put in in July and August in the weight room.

It's really showing itself right now here in this big setting the big stage of the state championship first and 10 again from the 18 on the ground once again Cox passed the 15 down to about the 12 yard.

Online.

You know one thing about eight man football is you know a lot of people go well why?

Looks like they got guys on the sidelines.

Why are they having to play eight man football and and really it's because you know oftentimes this may be a better year than the previous and and it allows for these kids to keep a program because I I know there's a lot of programs that either had a forfeit or or stop playing with the 11 man level because they didn't have enough kids to play exactly.

The keep by Henderson goes to the left cuts back to the middle once again has an opening spun around at about the five yard line, 1st and goal.

Now for Rector and to your point I agree with that entirely.

Some years are better than others for roster numbers.

You can't say anything.

You look and go.

It's always going to be this way bigger small.

It will never always be that way and with the both of these teams playing here in the state championship game that's good for bringing folks out to play that that'll that'll bring in the numbers too.

From those younger players, 1st and goal now for Rector, here down by 6.

They haven't scored since the first quarter trying to do so here.

Henderson behind a block by Hill pushes his way in and is in for the score.

Touchdown rector tied up at 20 all put you called Convoy.

He he was able to get behind a couple of those big boys and just rode the tail all the way in and got in for the touchdown.

We talked about he'll being there lined up early on to go behind his block, but also gauge Thompson, Dalton Sanders in there for the blocks to score.

Henderson.

And the two point conversion attempt is on the way.

This one tied at 20 all last time this game was tied was at 00 rolling out trying to pass quick pass incomplete and that is the first pass attempt of the night, not going to go down as such on the two point conversion.

But the first time we've seen Henderson throw the ball and it's tied at 20 all.

So we will take a break here 819 remaining here in the third quarter.

This is knotted up state championship between Izard County and Rector.

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Director took the ball to open the second-half and just moved quickly down the field.

Steadily down the field, first down, first down, first down, touchdown and this score is tied at 20 all.

Drew Henderson with the four yard touchdown run.

Just a little bit less than 4 minutes off the clock to get that done.

Talked about these two teams having won each of their semifinal games by.

There's a one score game.

Izard County by 6 on the last play of the game.

Rector by two that one's tapped around finally recovered by Izard County in the 40 yard line UPS dangerous it couldn't see who quite got the handle on the frontline but he got an assist because he he batted it back to into the backfield and and was able to get that one down.

But yeah that that was a little bit awkward coming up with the recovery for his White County it was Noah Stevenson and so they'll they'll have it from the 40 yard line.

I'd like to see them.

The person at the stat computer trying to find the assist there.

Yeah, for football, for a football game.

Buchanan coming back out to lead the way.

Why Buchanan, 16 for 29 passing, 215 yards in the first half.

Three touchdown passes, no interceptions.

Steps back and he looks to his left.

Sand Hill able to make the grab and stay in bounce.

How did he do that?

That's literally tight, water tight, walking the sidelines.

And he pulled that one, that one.

He in it.

It's a great catch.

I mean, he was able to come up and make a fingertip grab.

Look at this, right?

Boom.

Right there, just passed Evan Holmes, and he stays in long enough to make the catch.

And he had to work a little bit to control that and bring it in.

Gets the 1 foot down in the second foot out.

Fortunately, he's not playing on Sunday.

So all you need was the 1 foot in and so Stevenson.

Lining up on the line, he's eligible.

He'll and Buchanan will roll out.

Decide to keep it sand, he tightropes.

Just enough to get past midfield and able to move the chains.

First down for Izard County, now here and they are in record territory.

Yeah, just stepped out of bounds at the 50.

Enough for the first down and you know great coverage downfield by rectors.

You know they're they are locked in tight to these receivers going man coverage downfield.

So first down, now for Hazzard County.

Buchanan had talked about his passing.

How about what he's done?

Carrying the ball 9 carries for 32 yards as well along of 21 a little bit earlier in the game.

High snap there toss across the middle, high deep.

Stephenson can't quite bring it in.

Incomplete brings up second and 10.

Yeah, that I Stevenson.

Just a touch out of his his reach.

Good throw by Buchanan that time, and it was just a little bit out of the way, just a bit, and he had gotten past his defender.

But that that passed just a little bit more in the middle there.

And you see there what the Cougars have been able to do.

Receiving the ball, Stevenson had three catches tonight, cruising Hill each with seven catches and responsible for the points on the board as well.

Crews with two touchdown receptions, Hill with one.

2nd and 10 now and Buchanan steps up, tries to find Hill and that one thrown out of bounds and close to that line of scrimmage.

You had to be careful there where he makes the throw and and can't find hill bring up third down.

I don't think you can talk enough about how good this defense is.

Has played not just this drive but throughout the ball game.

I mean these these guys have been flying around and yeah they got burned a couple of times and but they're just doing a good job of of man to man defense.

It's I I think that really whenever.

That this defense is broken down when they've gone double coverage on the outside and left the middle of the field wide open.

Hill lined up wide, crews in a slot look here and Buchanan looks for crews as he cuts back to the outside passes too high?

It'll be incomplete, and that brings up 4th down in 10.

And you know, the way the defense has played for Rector is again, good coverage there.

That pass was a little bit too high if it'd been backward.

Cruz was possibly a reception right there.

But I think for for Rector and you know, you know what you're seeing right here, just make sure your offense is in the game in the fourth quarter.

Make sure you do what you can to keep the offense out there.

4th down and 10 now.

And they're going forward again.

Is there County Buchanan looking for crews right side?

The catch is not made in and out of his hands there, and it'll be turned over on downs.

This is the third time in this contest that Izard County has turned it over on downs.

Give Kaden Avery every bit of credit right there.

I mean, because that was a completed catch and Avery comes up and just swats it away at the very end.

He said.

Nope, not today.

Avery and coverage, Ian Hanson over there as well and rector now.

Near midfield takes over first and 10.

Henderson will keep it himself.

Gap up the middle, able to go through there for four and maybe a little more.

You know, one of the things to that point, RJ is this with Rector running the ball pretty much exclusively.

I mean again just just the one pass attempt tonight pretty much exclusively, if their offense is in the game in the fourth quarter and and it's A1 score game one way or the other, just keep running the ball.

You don't have to throw the ball, have to try to make yardage up.

The defense has done so well.

Yeah.

Cox makes his way past the 40 and the first down for rector.

Chains move once again, so quarter by quarter we're seeing different teams take advantage of.

I don't know, the weather is not really favoring winds, not favoring anyone one way or the other.

It's picked up some, as Dorian mentioned, but it seems to be blowing in more of a cross breeze.

This is a mindset as much as anything I actually am.

I'm not a fan of the cold at all.

I would not do well if if I was having to play right now out in that I just.

Maybe it's my older age or or what, but I I just do not want when the temperature gets below about.

50 I'm out.

I'm just, I'm gonna stay inside, curl up by the fire and and watch guys play football.

Well, we're we're enjoying being inside right now, but going on in the field as as we mentioned the winds picked up a little bit.

It is chilly out there, second and eight and Henderson seems to be doing OK.

The inside giving out a Cox keeps moving and works his way past the 35 and down to about the 34 initially hit there at about the 35 by crews but he kept on moving.

Here after this play, I want to check in with Dorian and it looks like that offensive line for Rector is getting just a really good push and they've done it all game.

But from a field level, I want to get her perspective of what that what that offensive line looks like for Rector.

And we can do that after this next play.

3rd and five now and the give there is the reverse once again goes to Hill's gonna be hit and brought down so the little trickery there not successful this time and he's brought down a gain of about 2 but it'll bring up 4th and three and Dorian to that point.

How's that line looking hey coach Dave Hendricks said that September 30th lost to Izard County was a wake up call for Rector and one of the biggest areas improvement over the last five weeks.

Has been the play of the offensive line.

Hendrick said that the offensive line is crucial for the way that the Cougars want to play their game right now.

Getting a big push?

Cougars averaging over 5 yards per carry.

Yeah, she's exactly right and they have done a great job tonight, just really protecting the quarterback and opening up running lanes.

Second pass attempt of the night is unsuccessful, incomplete, and this time rector turns it over on downs.

Izard County will get it back.

And Shipley not happy with with not coming up with that pass and great Pass, but right here Shipway just, yeah, it looks like there was a hand on it by Izard County.

Kind of think putting a hand on it was Malachi Cruz.

And Cruz has been pretty much everywhere on both sides of the ball tonight.

He's taking the snap.

He's received the catch.

He's played defense in coverage as well as making the tackles in the backfield.

He's been everywhere tonight as Buchanan now quick.

Jill Shovel pass inside the cruise and Cruise is gonna lose about 3:00 or 4.

Did Disney ever get on the ground?

Like, yeah, I mean, he they held him up and and.

I I don't know, maybe they blew it dead well before that, but I didn't see his knee ever hit the ground.

Well, they gave him a little bit, a little bit of progress there.

Because when he was finally stopped, it was beyond that line.

2nd and 15 coming up now for Izard County.

Buchanan stepping way back, he's gonna come on through this.

Inside, past the 30 and past the 35, he'll make up more than half of what he needed to pick up the first down.

That's a little delayed.

Intentional run by the quarterback.

Yeah, I mean, that was run all the way from Buchanan and just to make up some of that yardage, to make the third down a little bit more manageable.

So you went from 1/3 and 15, we're able to pick up 10910 yards on the play.

Making a third down and 6th now.

Buchanan with the keeper.

Has Hill, Tyler Hill to his left?

Lined up outside looking for hill down the field.

This is caught at the ferry.

He'll stays on his feet and brought down at the 22 yard line.

Hill gets past the defender and is able to make the catch this time.

That another successful long look down the field?

Yeah, Evan Holmes was in coverage and just got outrun.

He'll just outran him and was able to get separation and make the catch.

And there's been a difference tonight in coverage, by the way, on these two receivers, Cruz has seen a lot of double coverage.

Tonight.

He'll have seen single coverage most of the evening.

1st and 10 now mall of the 22.

Izard county.

Looking for crews up for grabs, and Cruz says this one's mine.

Touchdown, Izard County.

I mean, he just went up there and took it away.

From the defender Kate and Avery he just.

He went up there, snatched that thing away and extends his lead for.

4 Izard County wow.

He is a playmaker and he, I mean, he really, he does everything offensively, defensively.

Kid is really good.

22 yard touchdown reception for crews.

And that is his third touchdown catch of the night.

Get a chance to look at it again here.

Buchanan throws it pretty quickly.

And back and forth.

Holmes had a chance, but Cruz took it away, and that's what he did in that semifinal game, in the final play of the game last week, going for two, quickly throwing to crews again, goes up.

And he makes the catch.

He comes down with it.

He went up for that one and brought it down safely.

2820, Izard County on top by eight.

Yeah, I mean, that's, you know, I mean you keep feeding the the beast, right?

I mean he, he's he's doing everything for you and you might as well beat it to him, especially if he's in single coverage on the outside.

Two point conversion successful.

Izard County up by 8.

We'll take a break just under 4 minutes remaining here as we will go ahead and keep it right here in War Memorial Stadium again, just under 4 minutes remaining here in the third quarter.

Yeah, hey, let's go back down to Dorian real quick.

And the mystery of the neck roll hoodie that I've been talking about the entire game.

I think Dorian's come down.

She wanted her investigation to find out what's going on during what you find.

I changed that.

Being a sideline reporter for an investigative reporter, RJ.

I was standing down here as well.

In the end zone.

Thanks for reading.

Malachi Cruz caught the touchdown.

I can't confirm that it is in fact a hoodie.

No, it is not a necro.

I'm sorry to disappoint you.

Hanging.

Thank you, Dorian.

I mean, God, I couldn't sleep.

If I was a here's if I would have had to make a bet on.

If I need to go out there on the field and and take Dorian's job and stand in the cold.

And I would have lost because I was thinking it was a neck hoodie.

There's the kick our neck neck roll.

Excuse me.

That is going to.

Roll.

They're gonna down that at the one that did not make it into the end zone, and that could be a big miscue for Rector.

Well, the official came and he was flapping his arm like like he got in the end zone, but I didn't think he ever got in.

Process.

Can't quite hear what he didn't say, but he was.

Yeah, yeah, I think he's having issues.

But OK, it may have actually gone into the end zone, but if it did, it was just by a bit because it was, it was down at the one, it rolled back.

If it got into the end zone, it just barely made it in.

We've got a replay of that or not, but I mean, he was flapping his arm around and Izard County is going right.

Wait a minute.

What's going on?

Now rector's gonna go ahead quickly, snap the ball.

And for the first time tonight, or at least in a while, here's Henderson got under center.

They had to snap that ball quickly and this is going to be stopped so they can look at this once again, that rolls.

And they may have touched raw, don't know.

I thought there was still green.

It may have, but it was just a little bit.

We get a chance to see it from another angle here.

And it is.

Right there, I mean just a bit that last bounce the officials right there on and you see him right there immediately come up and when when the nose of the football touches and.

You know we've got instant replay in the state championship games that the instant replay booth is just right down the way.

And so you know if a coach wants to challenge this thing or it can also be taken from the booth.

So the booth can much like college football if if there is something that needs to be looked at they can send it down from from the booth and and and start looking over it.

But you know it's it's hard.

It's got to be.

A a clear cut view and I just don't know.

I think that back end zone camera that we saw just a moment ago, you might be able to tell a little bit better.

See, it's right there and that's the that last bounce just a moment ago I I think that's where.

You would say that it touched, but I don't know if there's enough evidence on the two.

To looks to say whether or not that it it's gonna be overturned you'd almost need like an inline camera in order to determine that.

Well and let's look at it then from the players perspective here Cox lets it go thinking it's going to go ahead and go on into the end zone.

Now it's it slows down and it starts to make that turn back to the left.

The Rector players realize we've got to get on this because is there county can come down this is this is a kick.

It's not a punt it's a kick.

And Izard county?

The Cougars wearing the black jerseys, are getting them quick release on the field of the touchback stance.

So the call stands.

And notice the wording there was not confirmed, but it stands so not as, as you mentioned, that overwhelming evidence is your county will be charged to time out.

And they have no challenges left on the field.

So is there kind of challenges they don't have any left and.

Yeah, I mean.

Steve Roberts is with the AAA.

He's standing on what would be the normal 11 on eleven goal line and he was just kind of eyeing down there to to see exactly what might have happened.

Rector Cox going forward for about four yards, well, RJ, I I think if you're going to make a a challenge at any point in time, I don't think that was necessarily a bad challenge, even though you know, Izard County does lose it and they don't have another one coming up in this in this contest with the player down right now.

I don't, I don't think it was a bad challenge.

And Buchanan is going to get up slowly.

And he's gonna walk off.

He's one of those players that plays on both sides of the ball.

Obviously, if, if there's a one side or the other, if you have to choose for Buchanan, you want to be playing offense tonight.

So he'll take a seat for just a moment.

They're gonna look at him, check him out in the meantime, second and six now on the way for Rector.

A quick snap is.

Henderson will push forward to about the 29 yard line, not quite the first down there again.

Rector keeping the ball 45th.

Rushing attempt of the evening.

Rector on the night has crossed the 200 yard mark in rushing.

45 carries, 227 yards on the ground, third and short now.

And Henderson will keep it pick up the first down.

He stopped games about 3 on the play.

They'll move the sticks right now and it'll be another first down for Henderson.

I don't know, Dorian.

You may have had an opportunity to see what was going on with Buchanan on the sideline there.

I'm standing directly behind quarterback Wyatt Buchanan right now, and he's been pointing to his caves, trying to stretch them out here on the sideline, going from left to right, doing some jumping exercises, trying to get in some fluids.

Don't want to speculate, but it doesn't look to be too serious.

He already has his helmet back on.

It is headed towards the sideline.

All right, thank you.

Dorian doesn't get in on this play.

In the meantime, Cox continues to run to his left, cuts back to the middle of the field, won't quite make it to the 40, but a nice gain on 1st down for rector.

The third quarter has had a fairly quick pace to it and energy as you mentioned.

I mean it would go even faster if it was all rector all the time when they keep the ball on the ground.

Nearing the two-minute mark here in the third quarter, rector playing from behind now down 8, Henderson takes the give he'll keep it past the 45 slung down at 47 and another first down for rector.

He sees the field so well just to jump into the hole and then you know Juke jive get back and forth to get back on the field and.

I mean just really elusive of football player.

I mean look, puts a right foot in boom, bounces off one and keeps going.

All with you, just one shoe on.

That's pretty impressive, yeah.

Well, the.

Adjusting the accoutrements there as Henderson now will go up under center.

Don't see that very often.

It's the second time he's done that tonight.

The other time was when they were trying to get the playoff quickly while ago, before the challenge was called and a gain of only one on the play.

When we talked about the ground attack.

For rector, 246 yards rushing.

It's just a dichotomy tonight between these two teams passing attack for.

Is there county 279 yards through the air?

I mean, it's just two different plans of attack tonight and another first down gained by that Rector rushing game and another good run right there.

And you know they're just big play after big play for Rector and.

You know we saw had talked about this in the pregame.

You know the first time these two teams played it was a close ball game between the two of them and I think we're starting to see that same same type of ball game in this one.

But you know part of the part of the reason I think that Izard County had a bigger win and and we heard this and speaking with the coaches they they had some injuries early on and they started to get some of those players back and his third county a bigger margin of victory in the second game, flags going to go down here, this one may come back.

If it were to stand, it'd be a 9 yard pickup, but I think it's going to come back.

All feats in York from the spot first down.

Ohh.

That's unfortunate because they finally got a good pass.

Exactly.

You know, Rector finally gets a good pass play and then he gets caught with the hold.

Kaden, Avery.

The receiver there.

So that that one won't go down in the in the books, unfortunately.

He's like, man, I I gotta get as many as I can and I'm like.

A little more than a minute remaining here in the third quarter is.

First intent becomes first in.

About 18 now.

Henderson give inside to Cox.

Gets past one and he'll be slowed up past the 45 gain of about four on the play.

Cards, boy he is.

My kid is, he's a you, much like we talked about with Cruise on the other side of the football, he's a he's a player, man.

He he's every time he touches the football you expect big things out of him.

Unless the clock is is ticking away here in the third quarter, this becomes a very big possession now for Rector because you want to get points here.

You don't want to find yourself in a position to be down to scores if you are going to continue with this running game as they do.

Hill looked like he was going to try to throw it after you reverse.

Instead, he's going to keep it runs forward past the 35 to about the 33.

It's not going to be enough for the first down.

The clock will continue to run now, and the third quarter is waning.

Izard county.

They 2820 lead now.

And 1/4 remains in the state championship game.

Rector trying to find a way to stay within one score.

We'll do.

We'll talk about this and see what happens.

More on the way you're watching for the Centennial Bank State Football championships on Arkansas.

PBS sports.

Hi, I'm Susie Everett.

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Everett.

You know, I think athletics are really important for young people.

It teaches you to not only trust others, but to help others when they need a pick me up and nothing.

High school athletics do a great job of saying, hey, I can lead you, I can show you how to do something, or I can follow your example.

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And go.

Well, it's been a busy night tonight for one team and then the other rector getting on the board early with.

Two touchdown carries by Drew Henderson and then it was his ward county countering with the passing attack.

Buchanan with three more touchdown passes in the second quarter.

This game was tied up in the third at 20 all, and that Long Pass there to Hill sets up a touchdown for Izard County.

Crews working, working and finally wills his way in.

The two point conversion is successful.

A little bit later.

There's the catch that.

Extends the lead for Hazzard County, 2820.

And these are county with the advantage right now, but Rector on the move, wanting to get back in this one and that carrying on 3rd down, we'll pick up the first down.

That's enough to move the chains.

Nice run that time by Henderson.

He's been responsible for the scores in this one.

He's responsible for moving the change right now.

And as we were talking about just before the break, as time is now at a premium, rector needs to put points on the board and stay in this ball game.

Now you're exactly right.

And you know.

Something that records done really well is a lot of misdirection in this game.

Just trying to, you know, slot of hand to figure out where the football is this time to give us to Cox and he picks up 3.

And Henderson has done a very good job with that.

And not only has he been elusive when he's carried it, but also, I mean he's been able to hang on to it till the last moment, make you think it's going to Cox keeper itself.

A little option look and then.

Picks up some more yards.

They've also done a good job in in mixing things up not just exclusively go into one side of the field lots of back and forth.

Henderson keeps it himself this time and he is met at the line of scrimmage and Jesse Warden able to be there for the tackle and defensive line.

Nice job by warden to to come in and and and really just stop the the ball carrier and the one thing that directors not you know running between what you know you're essentially your guards and.

Trying to find a a good running lines, not really been their MO tonight.

It's been every time they get outside the tackles to to run up field.

Stutter there as he you mentioned that not one you go between the guards.

Little stop there fools the defense and Cox able to get to the outside.

He picks up five more.

Man, it's all about getting in in open space and allowing your guys to make plays.

That's really what it comes down to.

They've got both these teams have a lot of plane makers to to be able to once they get the ball to to do something with it and they just got to be able to get outside with it.

You can't really make a whole lot of plays when you're when you're just you're bumping into one another right up the middle.

We've seen some 4th down opportunities tonight, but this one may be the biggest one of the night.

4th and one Henderson the keeper, he needs 2.

He gets three first down for rector.

Yeah, that's a great job.

I mean second effort.

And really the biggest thing about that Joey is it's going to continue to keep that clock rolling.

And you know, I know rectors down by 8 right now, but you know, the the more you're rolling that clock right now, it's an advantage to you because you know that Izard County offense, if you tie this thing up, they're going to be able to stop.

They're throwing it every place.

So they're going to continue to stop that clock.

They have scored three touchdowns, been successful in the two point conversion just once.

Right now they need to be concerned about crossing the goal line the first time there is the gift to Cox and he's met at the line.

He's able to pick up maybe 1/2 yard.

Not much more than that.

Yeah, we haven't seen the the run game that much from Izard County tonight.

14 carries on the night still.

It's a little bit more of a variety from what we've seen, though on the other side of the ball, rector has just been exclusively rushing tonight.

Clock is moving though is I wanna go down the door in here.

In just a moment I'm watching the officials wipe the all the footballs off.

Is there a during is there a a mist in the air?

Right now there's not a mist in the air.

We've had some vomit down on the field there.

It's been an issue throughout the game, but that's just an indication both teams are playing hard.

And you know, Dorian, I I'll tell you what, she's awesome.

I I mean, she she tried to say that really, just really eloquently.

So here now there's no mist in the air.

Not not at all.

Ohh.

Well, and, and again, props to you, Dorian, because I don't know, you made it sound eloquent.

Yeah, she she said it way better than I could have done it.

Yes, offsides defense.

At distance, take it out.

So they moved the ball 5 yards.

From the 12 down to the seven on the off sides, Izard County and now rector.

With an opportunity here, second down and can pick up a first down without scoring 2, that's sad, but really good place on the field to be for the offense.

Henderson keep it behind a block my Cox.

Now he decides to go right back up the middle and gets down to the four.

Just lowered his head and picked up another yard.

Each team has been penalized four times in this contest.

And it's been relatively penalty free.

Yeah, balanced.

3rd.

And about 2, maybe 1.

Just inside the four yard line.

One receiver wide, but Henderson's going to keep it and work his way in for the score from 4 yards out.

Drew Henderson with his fourth touchdown carry of the night.

Yeah, that was.

I mean that was just hard nosed football.

Capital himself and takes it straight up the gut and got the got the easy touchdown.

So now here's the big play.

You got to get the two point conversion to tie tie it up.

Henderson, with 14 touchdown carries on the year coming into tonight, has four tonight alone.

We talked about a big fourth down and that was now the big two point conversion.

Evan Holmes lined up wide outside and before anything gets underway.

Rector will call a timeout.

And I think that's a great idea.

First time out of the house, this is a big time snap.

You know, it's kind of crazy to say with 825 left in the game you know.

But with that being said, you know there there's not a whole whole lot of possessions left for for erector and so you want to be able to get this thing right and tied up exactly right.

Don't want to take any chances here.

Again rector or successful on 1/2 point conversion attempt out of three prior to this.

1.

And if.

If it weren't successful coming down to right now Izard County if it goes down the field gets a two point conversion as well that becomes A2 possession game and so this is very very big here you want to get it right yeah no and you know the the counter tray has worked quite a bit you know throughout this game and you know get be able to set that edge as has worked and.

We'll see.

I mean I'd be in.

I'll be interested to see what kind of what kind of formation they line up with for this two point convert conversion.

Drew Henderson with that touchdown run 33 carries tonight, 150 yards and four touchdowns, but he'd like to get two more points right here.

Henderson Cox in the backfield to give us to Cox and met in the backfield wrapped up right there.

Wow, that is a huge tackle by Tyler Hill.

Yeah and he was pretty much untouched off that corner and was able to make the tackle.

2 point conversion.

No good is a two point contest in the state championship.

Izard County up by two here as you are watching the Centennial Bank State Football championships on Arkansas PBS Sports.

Thanks, George.

Appreciate it.

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Hey, get a copy of today's game by checking out my friends over at M&M, then got the DVD copy.

For those of you that still have a DVD player, you can get a copy of the state championship game.

Go to m&mproductions.net to place your order today.

Digital copies are an option as well.

I mean, so if you are old school and you keep the DVD player and you wanna go with that route, you can do that or you can just go and say, I want digital.

I I have four daughters and my youngest daughter really likes her DVD player.

So I'm just saying they're bringing back the, the physical copy.

Yeah, physical copy finally coming back.

That's what they say, Rector.

Little pooch kick.

A couple of bounces and it's fielded.

Fielded by Izard County, it's Jesse Warden that grabs the ball and he's gonna be wrapped up, brought down there.

But the big thing really for Warden was just to hang on to the ball.

He does that and so now the Izard County Cougars with a 2 point lead here and the ball.

Yeah, I mean and at 2 point lead is like you said just a moment ago before the break, you you get a score here that's a 2 score game and and you're running out of time with with an offense that primarily runs the football.

The thing here for Rector is to really stay tough on on defenses, especially in this coverage because incomplete passes can stop the clock.

And we know it's going to be a passing attack and we see that again.

Buchanan over the middle looking for Cruz has him open and coming through at the last moment there to make this or excuse me to knock that away as Kate and Avery and that just went right through his hands.

He he he had a shot at it and it just rolled out.

But look I you can't fault him.

He's made every big play tonight for this Izard County team.

Yes and but but that was great defense by Avery too.

Avery was there and.

Of course now as we just mentioned now an incomplete pass stops the clock, which works to rectors favor.

We want to get the ball back.

One more possession and hopefully for the Rector Cougars and you're thinking, let's not be down anymore than two.

Second down in 10.

Stevenson over to the right side now.

Buchanan, looking to his right, flushed out, goes to his left, keeps the ball and he'll run out.

Gain of about 2, maybe three, we'll call it two second and eight on the way.

Boy and that's that's big on defense.

back-to-back big plays by that Rector D especially getting into the backfield as Buchanan really had nowhere to go.

Nice coverage downfield flushed out and they were able to push him out of bounds well and if you're this defense you know that it's going to be 4 down territory for Izard County.

They're they're not going to plunge.

So I mean if you get you get a stop here you you got to set in for one more.

Everyone to the right again, 3 receivers to that right side.

Buchanan, looking that way has time, throws up for grabs.

Crews, of course, makes the grab.

Joey that time for Rector they were setting up that you know you know whenever you you go and you're in a softball game and you they just pipe one down in the middle and you you just said looks like a beach ball for that time for rectors.

Kate and Avery, he he was setting up for an interception he saw it coming.

He did not pay any attention whatsoever to where Cruz was and he was trying to box him out.

Didn't work and Cruz was able to make the catch.

Great.

Great job by Cruz comes back.

Makes the catch another big catch for Malachi Cruz.

He's in double figures now in that category to go with three touchdowns, first down and 10 from the 33.

Stevenson on the carry past the 30 and down near the 25, and a flag comes in late.

Play looked like it was pretty much done and the flag is underhand.

Toss on that flag.

I don't see that very often.

Usually it's, you know, they throw in that was on the spot and that's just a little underhand toss.

Like, you know, I'll throw this one out here.

Hey, while they talk about that, let's go down Dorian real quick.

Dorian's got a history of Izard County Championships.

This maybe Izers County's first football state championship appearance.

The Cougars are not without a significant athletic history.

The baseball program has historically been good, and in 2019 the boys basketball team went 39 and six and one of the 1A state championships over.

Nevada head coach Jaron Johnson said that the football team is taking a page out of those books and really applying it here tonight as a.

Indication that Izard County is capable of winning state titles have a personal foul targeting.

Defense 15 yard penalty repeat first down targeting penalty.

Thanks Doreen and and she's right.

I I've got to see some of those Izard County teams in the basketball championships and and they they have been really impressive with the senior leadership that that they've had 13 seniors on that Izard County team and now you've got a targeting penalty right here to really give them great field position with 733 left here in the fourth quarter it came in after the fact.

15 yards marked off.

And, you know, one of the thing about this is that is what Dorian said, too.

I mean, they've made it to that big stage before, but never in football.

And part of the reason for that, this is the first year for the football program.

Yeah, I mean, what an impressive run in your first season.

It really is, I mean.

Baseball, they're good.

Basketball they're good.

They figure why not?

Yeah, field.

The football team will be good at that too.

And sure enough, they have been up next.

Pickle Ball first and 10, just outside the 10 yard line.

Buchanan looking to his right, the throw little bit low, but Cruz is there to make the grab.

But no gain on the play.

Yeah, scoop that one off the turf.

That one's going to look good from the statistical standpoint of his was a catch, but for no gain.

Clock moves though with the completed pass.

The rector defense needs a stop here.

And now, if your ears are county, you're not in any hurry.

Like, you know that whole offense of, you know, throwing it around.

Just take as much time off that play clock as possible.

And that's exactly what they are doing right now.

Play clock is down to two when the snap is made, and a keeper by Buchanan right into the middle of the field.

A gain of about 2, maybe 3.

And it'll bring up third down.

Yeah, and.

You know I. I.

You gotta think this defense.

That right, you you're gonna tighten in on the inside, but those linebackers are gonna play up because you know if they're gonna throw it, they they like throwing into the back corners of those end zones.

They like to throw that little fade route to cruise and so you don't want the quarterback to take off and run and and get an easy touchdown receivers to either side, single coverage.

And Buchanan's looking for crews.

He goes up, he makes the catch, but he's out of bounds.

For the pass was just a little bit beyond where it needed to be.

Cruz makes the catch over Avery but he was out of bounds and it is fourth down now for Izard County but once again went with that fader out just in the back corner of the end zone and you know wasn't wasn't successful that time.

He's he's done really good trying to find that area.

Once again not your traditional sideline here warm oil they've painted the sideline on have to wash that thing off later but trying to find out where you are on the field.

Often it can be a little challenging.

And when you saw that set up by the way, probably everyone in the stadium knew that's where it was going.

Play clock down to five now Izard County trying to get set on 4th, down to receivers to the right.

Buchanan steps back, looks to his right looking for crews again.

This one's high batted down and Cox there to knock that one down.

Rector will get this one back as Izard County turns it over on downs.

Great defensive stand by rector that time.

Now you know they're going to go a long way to score.

But at least they've got the opportunity not down to scores.

That's exactly right.

More than 90 yards they'll have to pick up looks like as the ball spotted in between the seven and eight, we'll say about 92 yards to pick up.

Five minutes and 57 seconds remain on the clock.

State championship game here in 2022.

Rector and Izard County, both Cougars and the Givens to Cox, spins around out of 1 tackle past the 15 and up to the 16 yard line.

And and you don't have to be in a hurry right here but you gotta be in a little bit more of a a pick me up pace.

I mean you're at 5:38 and counting and you're here in the ball game and.

You know you you gotta go away is it?

You're you.

You've got 70 plus yards to get down the field.

And you know as a primary running team you might want to just kick it into second gear.

Because Dorian mentioned just a moment ago, it's about 5 yards a carry for Rector right now, and Henderson won't meet that average and he won't pick up the first down either in the math there.

Says that you're going to have to.

Use the clock a little more judiciously if you're going to get all the way in for the score at that pace.

Right now, Rutgers not they're not in any big hurry.

Just.

Like they're just trying to get that one yard right now at this point.

Yeah, you have to have to pick up the first down.

And it's going to be close.

Think he may have gotten it, but you're right.

I mean it.

You get very far.

Crews came in to laid the hit, to lay the hit and now.

You're gonna say 4th down now they're gonna, they're gonna measure.

Yeah, they're gonna measure this.

Well, and RJ, at that point, then I'm not at a point where you have to throw the ball yet, but you're going to have to break one, yeah.

5 yards per carry just won't get it done at the pace the the the clock is moving.

Well, you.

You would think that they would just have a little bit more pep in their step, you know, I I don't know, I.

You would think with with the clock and and the amount of field you gotta go you just a little bit more in a hurry and how about this you got an inch, inch and 1/2 to get to to get a first down.

Well, the clock stopped momentarily to get the chains out there and now.

Again, it's like the previous play.

You need to be concerned enough about picking up the first down as opposed to picking up a lot of yardage here.

Yeah, yeah, you don't get this.

You don't have to worry about it.

The clock should start back up here in just a moment.

Rector with 310 yards rushing tonight.

Down here we go.

Play Clock starts first down and more.

The clock stops long enough to move the chains now and now.

The Rector offense maybe can breathe in a little bit more deeply, get back out, call the place it wants to.

Enough time to make something happen.

Needing a big play here or there?

Well, I tell you what, Jesse Warden that time.

He took on three guys and he didn't win that battle.

Cruz comes through the middle and wraps up Cox in the backfield.

Wow.

He timed that perfectly.

Malachi Cruise with a huge defensive play?

Yeah, that was a great job.

Just getting going.

Untouched.

He was back.

He almost could have taken that handoff exactly.

Clock moving now and Rector needs to get a play in.

Trailing by two here in the state championship.

Henderson takes it deep, the throw catches made.

It's not gonna be enough for a first down.

And did he get run out of bounds?

He did.

That'll stop the clock.

That is a big, big factor right here in the catch by Shipley.

Yeah.

And so it gets you back to the original marker.

So you you've got third down and what are they gonna say 9?

It it's a, I mean, it's more manageable than third and 14.

And still 44 down territory as well.

Big opportunity now for.

Rector in this.

Izard County defense has stepped up here in the second-half, nowhere to go with it for Henderson.

He runs back to pass back to Cox.

He's met at the 26th.

Soundly.

And it'll bring up 4th down.

So.

This is a big play.

I mean, not saying that.

It's gonna closeout the game for you if you don't get it, but.

The odds are highly not in your favor if you if you don't get this 4th down Henderson now two for three passing for the evening.

There's a big pass, but fourth down, 2nd, 4th down here in this possession and a timeout is called by Rector.

It's her second time out here and coach Hendricks wants to talk this one over a little bit.

And completely understand that looking over on on the sidelines, both these teams slowing things down, we're just talking about the defense for Izard County and that it really has stepped up here in the second-half.

It really has.

And you know this game started with a 14 on a 14 nothing lead for for rector and the defense has gotten a whole lot better.

Malachi Crews, 11 receptions by the way, 117 yards, 3 touchdowns on defense.

Has had 22 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and one pass breakup.

That was just passed us by from Troy Mitchell from the Sid department here at the stadium.

How about that?

That's an amazing #22 tackles.

Money and you start to to go to total plays here, 128 total plays here.

And we know that Cruz has been a factor in at least 33 with those 11 receptions and 22 tackles.

That's a quarter of the game has been malachie, Malachi, Cruz.

Dominated.

4th down, here's Henderson, the pass to his right screen Pass catches made by Avery and he is ridden out of bounds.

And this will be a turnover on downs.

Izard County will get this back.

I. I feel like they kind of got away from what they've been good at and they they felt, you know, to me and they did really good with a double reverse or or you know, or you know, a double handoff or you know, trying to go counter tray on the outside.

It just almost feels to me like they kind of got away from that and panicked a little bit to to have to throw on 3rd and 4th down.

One throw the third down that I think that was the the second or third option, this clearly on 4th down that was that the first option, trying to mix things up a little bit.

Izard County gets it back A2 point advantage with 320 on the clock and Buchanan.

Looks to his right, goes back across the middle and catch is made by crews there on the 24 and the completed pass will keep the clock moving.

I mean, if you're Izard County, why are you throwing it?

I mean, why not just keep running, running, running, not not tempting the opportunity to stop the clock?

But you at this point, I made dance with the one that brought you well, and that's kind of going back to the point for Rector.

Like you've done all this to where you, you just ran, ran, ran, ran there and have been so successful, but then they started throwing it.

Buchanan.

At Stevenson in the backfield stand, he's going to look down the field for Cruz, and Avery is there this time crews can't get the the up for grabs jump ball Avery with a great job on defense.

It stops the clock, too.

To your point, RJ.

Yeah, it's just one of the football, man.

More time we look there.

233 and they get the ball back.

Got a shot.

Minute left, don't have much of a shot.

I mean, right, if you, I do a whole lot of that, you know, when you're looking at your fantasy football team and you see the the projections on on chances, you got to win, you know?

You look at the percentage and the percentage is high if Rector only has about a minute left to play Buchanan looking for Cruz again the catch is made this time at the five and in for the score touchdown Izard County and and This is why I don't coach because I mean he comes back with a pass play scores and now it's 22 score game with 226 not yet.

Not yet still just an 8 point advantage they got they would and they're going to go for two here potentially the two score advantage.

So Izard county.

The Cougars.

Look who it is.

Well, guy Cruz.

I mean, the guy is all over the place.

Wow, 4 touchdown receptions.

The 13th catch of the night to go with 22 tackles.

Amazing numbers.

And Buchanan now as they're going for two.

Buchanan looking for Cruz?

He's open in the middle of the field catches made two point conversion good, and Izard County, up by 10 May have just locked this state championship up.

I just you gotta.

You gotta tip your hat to Cruise boy.

I mean he's everyone and again they they haven't been able to guard him all night and you see him lined up in the slot right there and he just slipped right through.

Nobody caught him there, nobody there to block.

And he was wide open in the middle of the field.

Yeah I mean he he is a gamer and been fun to watch.

So now 226 left.

It's a 10 point game and you know if you're if you're rector.

You gotta, you gotta get down the field.

Now you hope it's in hope.

It's one of those kicks that's right up there in the middle of the field.

Doubt it would be that way this time.

Likely to kick it down the field and see what Cox can do there.

But you have to know that Cox is going to be ready for it this time and and doesn't want to allow anything to go over his head.

He needs to take the ball and see if he can make something happen on the kickoff return opportunity.

10 point advantage Now for Izard County.

And what a story for the Cougars.

Two in their first season of football make it all the way to the state championship game and have an opportunity with just more than two minutes remaining to take a title back to ICC.

This one deep Cox will watch this one go into the end zone.

And it's not going to just roll around there near the near the goal line as it did last time, though.

He was, he was prepared.

Yeah, he he was like, we're not going to do that again.

Well, and he's dangerous anyway.

I think he he would be one of those if you if you had a chance for a return.

He could try, he could make something happen.

As it stands now, the running game for Rector.

Has.

Been sidelined just a little bit in that last possession.

Really need to make something happen here.

Not much time with which to work.

Now you.

I'll be interested to see what they do just to kind of move the football down the field.

You know, for rector David Hendricks, he, you know, he's an alumni of.

Rector.

He was looking forward to try to win the state championship.

I'll go hook and ladder.

Hooking ladder.

Nice catch by the way by Avery to get that started.

The pitch back to and more of almost a little shovel pass.

Two handed pass back to Coxen motion.

Little trickery, 14 yard gain and the big thing here is that Cox went out of bounds.

Watch this again.

Great grab by Avery, but just little two hand shove back to Cox.

Well, I think that's why they did it though, was because he was more.

I mean, he was 5-6 yards from the sideline.

You get it back to somebody that's headed towards the sideline and stop the clock and it might not be the last time in this game they use a play that looks like that.

Henderson again throws back over his body, finds Cox there, 35, trying to work his way outside.

Slowed down and tackled at the 44.

Not enough for the first down and the clock continues to run.

Rector has one timeout remaining.

You know, I was just looking at some defensive notes for Izard County for crews for Malachi Cruz.

He came into the game with 69 total tackles.

He's had 22 tonight.

Nearly a third of his season right there and and he may pick one pick up that 23rd, which would be a third of his season here on this possession.

First down 4 rector as they move past midfield.

Clock stopped to move the chains.

Record.

I mean, you saw that he, he kind of does everything.

He's over in the offensive huddle, getting a mouthpiece back to the offensive line.

Hey, man, you dropped this.

Good kid.

He's everywhere.

Yeah.

Kind of like Santa Claus, but Santa Claus, I think tonight for Izard County fans.

Wearing a black and white jersey.

Illegal motion offense, 5 yard penalty repeat, first down team and their county a state championship.

Moving on the line.

This one's walked back five.

Henderson.

Pump fake.

Now he's gonna keep it.

Runs into his own player behind the line and.

I'm gonna say it's a loss of one there clock continuing to move now and unfortunate the currents for Rector and they're going to call their final timeout here of the contest trailing by 10 with just more than a minute remaining.

I had to get it stopped somehow and and so now with a minute 16 you're you're all something up to to work it downfield.

Hey you got to kind of go with some vertical passing at this point because it's either that or or you're going to work a lot of sideline routes.

Well in Henderson's numbers then I mean if if you look at this number as a number RJ5 for six passing, 33 yards, 83% completion rate, you look at that early in the game, that's not a bad number.

But these, this is something that's, it's deceiving because the the passing game has just really been instituted for rector within the last three minutes of the ball game.

Yeah, and while we were talking about how how big it was to try to get a stop against.

Against this Izard County team, because going down about 2 scores is tough.

2nd and Long Henderson back throws to the right and this one picked off at the 39 yard line.

Hazzard County past midfield and Tyler Hill gets a reception on the defensive side of the ball to go with what he's done on the offensive side.

And Izard County is trying to wrap up its first state championship in football now that now that director doesn't have any time out thing going here and take a knee and and pretty much wrap this thing up.

And claim a a state title because boy they they they did.

I mean everything right offensively outs really if you think about it for for Izard County, the the only real downfall for them for this game was that first quarter.

I mean it really was only 1/2 of the quarter because they really started clicking towards the second-half of the quarter, but that was really the only bad quarter.

Yeah, didn't get the score until the second quarter came around, but they were moving down the field and that's exactly what is going to.

Happen, Buchanan.

He's excited.

He's gonna have to snap it one more time.

He's trying to celebrate now.

He was.

He wanted to be under the Gatorade bath.

Same county team in its first year.

Eight and two coming in with a victory.

Tonight will be at nine and two on the year started off one and two.

And then won seven consecutive games heading into the state championship.

Gonna add an eighth to that win streak to closeout the season.

And you always wanna have a win as your last game of the year.

Buchanan takes the snap and the knee and the clock will wind down here in War Memorial Stadium.

And the celebration begins not only here, but I'm sure back at home in Eastern County as well.

Yeah, I mean it.

If if anybody's back home anyways, you know, I would imagine a lot of folks are around here or or they're watching on at home.

But yeah, it's good to see first time champions in a sport and.

Giving up director though third you know planning team we we talked about third times the charm is always hard and they they played a heck of a ball game but they sure did and and really came out on fire.

We talked about the defense tonight for the Rector Cougars and and what an effort that it had what an effort it put forward and to to also go with something you mentioned is your county had a rough first quarter that wasn't because they just didn't play well it was because of the rector defense.

Let's take a break and we'll come back.

Talk a little bit more about this championship for Izard County and talk to some folks down there on the field.

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36 to 26 the final Izard County champions in 2022 and eight man football in Arkansas.

Congratulations to the Cougars.

What a great game tonight.

Yeah, it really was.

And both these teams just, just left it all on the line tonight.

And this is what she like to see, especially, you know, first time champion in a sport.

And while they're waiting to get their trophy, the the runner Up Trophy is being passed out right now.

Let's go ahead and go over some quick stats for you in this game.

Total offense for both teams.

Rector had 75 plays for 368 yards.

Izard County 64 plays for 384 yards passing.

Izard County 24 of 45 passing.

And you see the numbers right here.

First down, 24 to 20 in favor of Rector.

I mean, Rector really dominated a lot of these numbers.

It was 331 yards of total passing yards for Izard County.

This one and and individual numbers for Izard County it was Wyatt Buchanan 2445 three, 35 and 5 touchdowns in this one.

And then your leading receiver of course was Malachi Cruz, 13 receptions 144 yards and four touchdowns.

But Tyler Hill he didn't have a bad game 8 receptions for 159 in a touchdown and the game sealing interception as well.

So they are.

Bringing Hazard County over to get the the hardware and and everything as well as we'll be naming the MVP of this game.

Do you want to go ahead and take a guess who the MVP might be?

I would imagine it would be somebody who factored into, you know, at least 1/4 of the place, getting his name in the stats there.

That's right.

And here comes the runner up trophy right now for Rector is they're going to take that over there.

Don't forget I'm following the trophy.

Presentation Dorian's gonna catch up with the head coach for Izard County that's Jared Johnson as well as the MVP will we won't we won't quite announce it yet we'll let we'll let them announce it but now these are county is going to get that that trophy.

I would I would take a guess at that.

So I think if you've been watching this game tonight it it it might be obvious to you but look at them all out there on the field enjoying celebration here in War Memorial.

Stadium and and again the the name itself just getting to play on this field is is an honor and getting to hold that trophy up like that that's a that's a memory that will be there and of course also for Rector too you know you mentioned that that's a trophy goes back and stays you got to play on this field tonight you are part of a team that made it to a state championship appearance while an incredible effort tonight by rector and and both sides of the ball too.

It was it was a big deal you saw one of the stats here that you didn't mention.

You just mentioned that Rector had dominated a lot of statistics.

How about time of possession?

Yeah I mean they they really they took care of business when they needed to unfortunately it just didn't manifest in points in the second-half like it it could have.

But that they they did what they were supposed to do and if that's the game plan was to to hold the ball carry the ball like that dominate the time of possession in the game and shorten the game to make it where you you have a good chance to win.

They they did a lot of things right tonight so they are announcing the.

MVP right now and.

They are gonna give it up.

I'll just go ahead and say it because I well, we'll let him do it.

Malachi Cruz easy enough if you if you couldn't quite hear with PA announcer said 13 receptions, 144 yards, 4 touchdowns, 3 two point conversions and then on defense 24 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and one pass break up and that is your MVP and that's more than 25% of the play.

And I say you know well it's OK somebody could factor into 25% of the place when you have the ball.

He factored into 25 plus.

Percent of the place?

Yeah, on both sides of the ball.

What an effort and and great night for Malachi Cruz and for all of Hazard County.

Well, Dorian craft is trying to get the Izard County head coach, Jared Johnson.

Right now.

He's celebrating with his team, and as soon as she gets him, we will.

Go down to her and and get his thoughts on the on the 90.

You know it's always hard right now trying to get the the the coach and things like that just because of of the celebration but it looks like Dorian's making her way over to be with him and she's got to bring him over.

He he's kind of he's got a lot of emotion right now he's he's over on that far hash mark just kind of taking it all in.

And Dorian had to get out of the way cause Coach Johnson was about to get the the Gatorade bath and and I don't know who ran faster, Dorian or or coach Johnson.

And now the entire team gonna go get Coach Johnson and still yeah they they they're they go he they finally got him.

And so now he'll come over and.

Hanging out with coach or with Dorian?

Well, you know RJS as he makes his way back to where Doreen is or at least in the vicinity of where Dorian is, she escaped the Gatorade bath and got out of the way there.

One of the things that that coach Johnson mentioned he he was asked earlier this week if you had time to reflect on what this means.

I mean this is a first year program and and it's making its way all the way to the state championship.

Have you had a time chance to reflect?

And he said you know I really haven't reflected yet.

I haven't taken the time to do that.

We're concentrating on one game.

Good time.

There will be time later on to look back and to see what it's all about and and to to think about this and think about, you know, whatever good memories or we have.

But in the meantime we're going to take this one game at a time.

Now he'll have time to reflect and now he'll have time, I believe to talk to Dorian.

OK, Dorian, I believe she's got a head coach.

Coach of the half.

We talked about your offense and their response with this game really came down to two defensive stands.

What was the one thing that you saw?

From your defense when it was 2826 that allowed you to get a turnover on downs you know just unbelievable resilience we've we've played with that all year long new they were a little bigger physical team and I just when they needed to get it done found a way to make it happen and these boys they've done that all year long.

You talked about the maturation of Wyatt Buchanan and his relationship with Malachi Cruz.

What impressed you the most about their performance tonight you know they just the chemistry between not only Malachi and why but our other receivers and and our lineman and calling protection and just.

And the things that we talked about him maturing on and and it showed tonight, there's a lot of big times that they come up and make the adjustments, check in and out of it and and get it done.

Earlier this week you said that you had not had an opportunity to reflect on the season.

When you think back on this year, what would you think of right now?

Absolutely.

Well think of this moment and probably from now forever.

I mean what else can you say?

We just want to state championship against the incredible football team that come out here with a good game plan and punched us in the mouth early and the boys.

Come back and get it done, coach.

Congratulations, Joey.

Thank you, Dorian.

Taking a picture there with that trophy and number of those seniors out there as well, 13 seniors on this squad.

Of course, Malachite Cruz is one of those seniors as well.

And.

And what a way to go out as you come away with the football championship.

Yeah, you do.

And what a way to kick off the weekend of championships is.

You've got tonight's game and then it all kicks off in the morning at noon.

Same in the morning, but at noon tomorrow with the 2A championship.

So we've got a whole weekend of football and it's gonna be a lot of fun here at War Memorial Stadium, lots of fun ahead of us.

Hazen and Carlyle coming up, that's the next game.

As RJ mentioned, that's at noon here tomorrow.

So right here from War Memorial Stadium, we're going to sign off here, a fantastic night.

3626, the final score.

Izard County takes a state championship back home in its first year of play.

What do you do for an encore?

Well, we'll wait a few months to find that out.

In the meantime, the Cougars celebrate tonight 10 point victory.

Izard County over rector, thanks for watching this for Dorian Kraft and RJ Hawk, I'm Joey McWilliams.

You've been watching the Centennial Bank State Football championships on Arkansas.

PBS sports.

Good night.

God bless you.