PEA RIDGE — The fourth-grade Blackhawks started the game fast Saturday against Farmington and never let up. On the opening drive, Pea Ridge scored on its fourth play from scrimmage when Kade Prince found Reece Crowder down the left side of the field for a 42-yard touchdown reception. The 2-point conversion failed. The ’Hawks defense held the Cardinals with an aggressive attack, turning the ball back over to the offense.
On the second series, the ’Hawks wasted no time scoring, when Gavin Warden handed off to Crowder for a 70-yard touchdown run, behind abig offensive line led by Mazon Harris, Mathew Davilla, Blake Garrard, Quentin Miller, Jackson Merritt, Aron Ricketts and Todd Johnson.
However, the 2-point conversion failed.
The ’Hawks’ “D” was tough again, forcing a Cardinal punt. The defense this week was led by Adam Trammell, Jake Busey, David Snarr, Eric Snarr, Skyler Shockley, Samuel Beard and Zac Woods.
On the ’Hawks’ third series with the half about to end, Gavin Warden picked up a loose ball on a Pea Ridge fumble and rumbled 66 yards for the score. The 2-point conversion was good when Prince foundCrowder in the back of the end zone on a nice throw and catch.
The second half went much the same, as all the ’Hawks saw plenty of action, with Eric Snarr starting off scoring on a 1-yard plunge behind great blocking from Shay Grantham, David Wood, Colton Secrist and David Snarr. The 2-point conversion was good as Eric Gleasia took the pitch from Prince around the left end.
The defense stayed tough in the second half with great plays by Riley Jones, Daniel Wood, Peyton Losey, Trent Tolliver, Justin Pedersen, Tristan Hall, Matthew Manues, Landon Lacy and Garrison Artman.
The Cardinals however, would not be denied as they found the end zone late in the contest and completed the 2-point conversion. The young ‘Hawks were not finished though, with time running out quarterback Artman tossed to Eric Gleasia, for a 52-yard touchdown scamper. The Blackhawks’ offensive rolled up 353 yards rushing and receiving on the day.
Every member of the 31-man roster played well and sent the Cardinals home with a 36-8 loss.
Pea Ridge travels to West Fork next, for what will be the toughest test of the year, game time is 9 a.m. Saturday.
Sports, Pages 9 on 10/05/2011