It was late in the game, and the Booneville faithful were screaming for a comeback.

The Bearcats made dramatic comebacks to beat Dardanelle and then Nashville earlier this season. They were only down 3 points with 10 minutes left, plenty of time to stage one of the come-from-behind victories that the storied football program has been famous for.

Midway into the final quarter, the Bearcats were moving ominously closer to the 'Hawks' end zone and a go ahead score. They had a third and2 from the 'Hawk 30, and the home fans were certain victory was at hand. However, in a matter of moments, the Bearcat optimism was dimmed considerably. The short 2 yards needed were met by a swarming 'Hawk defense that pushed them back 2 more yards to leave them with a fourth and 4 situation.

Too close to punt and too far to try a field goal, the Bearcats had to go for a first down, but the inspired sophomore Luis Reyes blew by blockers to take down the quarterback for a 3-yard loss and get the ball back for the 'Hawks.

With a little over 4 minutes to play, the 'Hawks needed to make some first downs and eat the clock and preserve their lead. Three straight times, they ran into third and long situations, and each time, they reached down within themselves to do what had to be done.

The first time, the 'Hawks needed 12 yards and they got 13 when Sainsbury hit Holtgrewe who knew exactly how far to go to extend the drive. Three plays later and facing third and 7, I saw what I might call the play of the game.

Winn took a handoff and ran straight up the middle into a maelstrom of blockers and tacklers, with Booneville defenders desperate to bring No. 6 down. From the bleachers, I completely lost sight of Winn as he was bouncing and spinning around inside a cloud of purple. Whatever he was doing was working, as the crowd of inspired athletes was moving inexorably downfield, first past the first down marker, then 6 yards more before a host of Bearcats finally wrestled Winn to the ground. Time was expiring and the 'Hawks were deep in Bearcat territory.

It was the greatest play I never saw.

Not long after that, the 'Hawks faced one more third down chore, with a third and 8 on the 32. One more first down would ice the game, and Winn got the call, bursting free for 21 yards to the 11.

The Booneville/Pea Ridge game was an emotional affair. The Bearcats were eager to avenge their only defeat and the 'Hawks were eager to move on and get back to Little Rock. Both sides were convinced they were going to pull it off, but as has happened all season, when the 'Hawks have to have something, they usually get it.

The class of 2018 has participated in more winning football games than any other Pea Ridge class with 36 victories. They won in junior high, and have kept that winning attitude with them through high school.

The game or games ahead will certainly be daunting tasks and nothing is guaranteed, except for one thing. The 'Hawks will never lose a game for lack of effort.

Should the Blackhawks earn a return trip to War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock for the 4A State Championship, they will face the winner of the Warren/Robinson battle. Warren is the defending state champion while Robinson is the current No. 1 ranked team in the state.

Hawks among state leaders

Blackhawk football players are leading the state in two statistical categories while holding down the No. 2 position in four others.

Tristin Brewer is tied for the state lead in tackling with 141 stops in 2017. He is tied with Riverside's Andrew Foster.

Drew Winn edged ahead of Gravette's Austin O'Brien in total scoring for the year with 188 points to lead the 4A classification. O'Brien has 186.

Carson Rhine's late flurry of interception has him firmly in second place in that category with eight. Heber Springs Jacob Bremmons leads with 13.

Jakota Sainsbury is the No. 2 total yardage passing leader with 2,275. The category is led by Tyler Hanson of Nashville who has 2,977.

Winn has the second best rushing yardage with 2,170, behind Austin O'Brien's 2,294 total. O'Brien has 70 more carries than Winn but has finished his season.

Hayden Holtgrewe has the second most receiving yards with 1,170. Nashville's Dominic Knight has 1,297 yards

Basketball just around the corner

I probably shouldn't say that basketball is just around the corner since the boys and girls have already completed some games.

The 'Hawk football team's long run into the playoffs have made a dent in coach Trent Loyd's player roster. If the 'Hawks make the state final in football, it will leave the basketball 'Hawks shorthanded for the boys Battle on the Ridge home tournament. The 'Hawks have never won this tournament in its short history as Blackhawk football success has made Loyd's roster a bit short handed until late December.

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Editor's note: John McGee is an award-winning columnist and sports writer. He is the art teacher at Pea Ridge elementary schools, coaches elementary track and writes a regular sports column for The Times. The opinions expressed are those of the author. He can be contacted through The Times at [email protected].