Blackhawk fifth-grade football ends year undefeated

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

The Pea Ridge fifth grade football team capped an undefeated season with a pair of championships to run their two-year record to 20-0.

Coached by Wes Anderson, the boys whipped Elkins 20-6 in the Northwest Arkansas Youth League to retain their league title and completing two seasons with an unblemished record.

"I knew from the first day of practice when they were fourth graders that they had a chance to be special," Anderson said. "We have a lot of depth and a lot of commitment from the boys to be as good as we can be."

"We improved a lot this year, and we kind of had to because teams were much more prepared to play us this season" Anderson said. "We have a lot of competition for playing time and we had a new starter or two every week into the season. That kind of competitiveness made us a lot sharper."

In the Elkins game, quarterback Chandler Anderson led the team, scoring all three touchdowns while rushing for 79 yards on 13 carries. He was two for two in the passing game, throwing both of them to Jacob Ogburn who gained 94 yards, 76 on one pass that led to a score.

Against Elkins, Waylon Fletcher led the defense with six tackles, while also rushing three times for 33 yards on offfense. Brayden Wright and Peyton Carney also contributed well, recording four tackles each.

After the league season was complete, the 'Hawks competed in the champions playoff in Harrison, winning both games to take their second championship.

They faced Green Forest in the semifinals and handed the Tigers 20-6 setback. Anderson was three for five in passing, garnering 126 yards while connecting with Ogburn for two touchdowns. Anderson scored the other touchdown on a running play, with the field general piling up 57 yards on 11 forays. Blake Berry was the defensive leader with six tackles with Noach McDonald right behind with five while Wright and Titus Stevenson each had four.

The Pee Wee 'Hawks then faced traditional football power Harrison in the finals, triumphing with a sterling defensive effort to take the contest 6-0. Anderson scored the game's only touchdown on the ground, passing the century mark by rushing for 132 yards on 12 carries. He was also three for five passing for 43 yards with Ogburn coming up with both catches. Blake Berry was also active, rushing for 27 yards on seven tries.

Jake Ryals was the star on defense, along with Jace Dye and Berry as they each recorded four. Tate Piper came up with a huge sack of a Harrison quarterback late in the game to thwart a possible comeback attempt.

Head coach Anderson was helped out extensively by an excellent assistant staff. Chad Davis served as the assistant offensive coordinator, with Justin Brown working as the defensive coordinator, assisted by Josh Carney in the defensive schemes.

"The boys are just good athletes," coach Anderson said,"and they will do well in basketball and baseball. We have 32 kids on the team, and that is a major advantage in building a solid team."

Sports on 11/29/2017