How.

It's been nearly a year, but they're almost back in our lives.

They are the high school football championships in the state of Arkansas.

And we're getting ready to kick it off tonight with the eight man championship, where we got seven title games coming up over the next nine days or so.

We start tonight with Midland and Strong.

Welcome inside the broadcast booth on Bobby Swofford alongside JB Brazil.

We're going to be here for you tonight and tomorrow for the two day championship, just to get you ready because we've got not just one, not two, but five title games on the line this weekend.

And they're all going to be nail biter.

At least we anticipate a lot of really good ones.

The seven eight matchup Bryant and Bentonville.

That's when I got my eye on.

Should be a good one.

Anytime the two largest schools, two of the largest schools in the state get together.

Always going to be a good when you got to remember Bentonville beat Bryant in the regular season or in the semifinals last year, but that's going to be the final game of the weekend.

Coming up tomorrow at noon is going to be the two way championship, which is Eastpointe set.

County coming back for the second straight year looking for their first ever title.

Become a Christian.

And that championship for the first time in state history.

Then a little Rock Parkview.

Try to complete a three peat tomorrow night.

And then what can else you say?

Greenwood of course.

Back in the championship game again, taking on rival Shiloh Christian.

Yep, the Bulldogs again.

One of those other teams that have been there a lot.

Should be a lot of fun with Shiloh moving up.

It'll be a lot of fun ahead.

This one's going to be a lot of fun as well.

A lot more coming up on Midland and Strong as the eight man championship is coming your way.

As you're watching the Centennial Bank State Football Championships on Arkansas PBS sports.

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Getting ready for the coin toss here in the eight man state championship game.

Find out how this one starts.

First, we got to find out how these teams got here.

Let's start with Midland.

A huge turnaround came from the bottom half of the bracket in the opening round.

A dominant 60 to 14 victory over Marvel Elaine.

And then a statement piece in the semifinals a couple of weeks ago 48 to 8 victory over Franklin.

And that's how Midland reaches their first ever state championship game.

A big reason of why the Mustangs are still playing the play of Braden York.

Well, he's.

Really, really good.

You go to a team that was one and seven last year.

They have flipped things around.

York is a large region.

Why?

Coach Pugh talked about the weight room that has changed him drastically.

170 yards average at least per game for a guy.

He's really.

Good.

Keys to the game for Midland today.

Well, you got to control the clock.

You got to stay on the field as long as you can.

Time of possession has got to be big.

And and I talk about big.

You got to limit the big plays as well from strong.

Strong is built on playing the big play.

And let's take a look at how the Bulldogs got to this point.

They finished the season a perfect seven.

And oh they open up the playoffs with a victory over first year program B branch 52 to 6.

And then they handle business in the semifinals 48 to 6 win over Cedar Ridge.

That's what gets them to the championship game and the play of their quarterback.

Caden McHenry is a reason why the Bulldogs are still one of the two teams standing.

All state the last three years for McHenry.

He's a big track guy.

Broke state records in track.

As a matter of fact, he can absolutely fly.

Really good.

The read option.

27 rushing touchdowns on the year.

He's had six through the air.

You got to keep your eye on that.

Man two completely different styles between Strong and Midland but strong team this game one they're going to be able to stop the counterplay.

Absolutely.

If you figure that out.

Good results there.

And then keep your foot on the pedal.

Keep driving it down the field.

Good results for strong.

They're hoping to pick out the big win today.

He's JB Brazil I'm Bobby Swofford.

Let's take it down to the sideline for the third member of our broadcast team.

That's PBS intern and UK broadcast journalist students.

Austin.

Waiter.

Austin, what's the word on the sideline?

Well, I'll tell you guys, the energy down here is great.

And I want to talk to you about the difference of the rules in eight man football.

So you'll see the line in front of me painted on the field.

This will be marked as the out of bounds in the eight man football game.

Normally the sideline that I want to review here is the one we're somewhat out of bounds.

But this is we're out of bounds.

Bound to be for the state championship to two game tonight.

Thank you Austin.

The bottom of the numbers essentially what you're looking for and what Austin is talking about.

Because you have fewer players.

The field obviously is condensed a little bit.

We still play 100 yards wide, but it's it's only about 45 yards wide let alone commit.

Occurred the number 53 as both teams now hit the field.

Yeah.

It makes.

It a little bit easier for the.

Defenses right to cover.

But don't let that fool you.

We expect a lot of scoring tonight.

There's going to be a lot of points between these two as they have lit up the scoreboard all season long.

Strong averaging 50 points per game.

They've only played six games up to this point.

They got one victory because of forfeits.

But that's tough.

Also puts up fewer games and plays on video for your opponent to to scout.

But when you only get six opportunities to go out there and make plays, they've taken advantage of all six.

Oh, absolutely.

Coach Porter talked to, hey, maybe that's a blessing in disguise in some ways, because you're able to practice when you're not playing, work on the things you need to work on.

And boy strong, a team from a year ago trying to pick up where they left off, they're really good.

The strong Bulldogs make the trek north.

If you're wondering where strong is on the map, they're 20 miles east of El Dorado.

They're about eight miles from the border of Louisiana.

Midlands, on the other hand, they come from the town of Pleasant Plains.

Population of about 350.

They're 16 miles south of Batesville.

There's your geography lesson.

And both of those towns, ghost towns as we speak.

Right.

So if you are a currently in Pleasant Plains or strong, you are all alone because everybody else here is it.

War Memorial Stadium?

We are getting set for kickoff.

It is cold and chilly, a little bit breezy here inside the capital city as we are getting set for kickoff here in the eight man state championship game, the third ever eight man title game in Arkansas high school football history.

Well, it certainly.

Feels like championship football.

You talked about it being nippy.

That's football weather right there.

Strong is going to be kicking off.

Midland is going to be receiving to start things off.

They're going to be going left to right on your television.

Lucky box strong.

We're in the all blue uniforms.

The white helmets white numerals.

Midland wearing all white as the road team.

White helmets, white pants, white jerseys.

As we are almost ready for championship football right here on Arkansas PBS sports.

Kick off his angled towards the sideline but is picked up there by York.

York runs into a slew of bulldogs and is finally slung down.

Nice open field tackle made by Jamarion Mitchell, and that's where Midland is going to have their first possession on their own 24 yard.

York's a really good return man.

Mitchell covered in the open field.

Good job to get that coverage.

But now you got to figure out a way to play defense and Midlands offense coming out Midland.

You might as well call them the road graders.

They've got some beef up front.

They've going to have a size advantage on the offensive line.

It's eight man football.

You got some left guys on the field.

But they all pack it in there.

They run the wing to the flex bone of the wing wing-t and they're just going to lean on you and run the football.

They started off right up the guts.

That's Jace Adams.

The fullback picks up about three.

Yep.

Just going to go in between the guard right there.

That's what you're going to see a lot of.

Not a whole lot.

It's going to mix things up.

It makes it tough to guard when you played an offense like this.

Defensively you got to make sure you stay on assignment.

Talking with coach TJ Pugh, he says he's not going to try to stall, not going to try to milk the clock, but they just can't.

They do play a methodical style of football.

They don't necessarily try to bleed the play clock, but they're not going to be one that's snapping it with 25 or 30 left on each play.

That fumble on the second snap of the contest, who's at the bottom of the pile?

Sometimes the nerves gets the best of these teams.

We'll see who they peel off and who's got the football.

And they're going to say Midland was able to recover it and actually picked up about a yard.

So the first break of the contest goes the way of the Mustangs.

This quarterback could not handle the snap ball shot straight up in the air.

But somebody in a white jersey finally came out of the pile with it.

Yeah, that's big for Midland because you don't want early in a contest in the state title game to to lose momentum with a turnover like that.

If strong jumps on that, they're in plus territory in a really good position.

The so the negative play puts them behind the chains.

It's third and six for Midland line up in the shotgun.

It's on the option to read the quarterback keeper Rasco.

He's bottled up though and he's going backwards.

The strong defense flexed on the opening drive and Caden McKendree makes the play in the backfield.

Boy a really good two way.

Got quarterback this time.

Rushing on the end there.

Bottled up the QB.

He was on the QB, his counterpart.

It just blew that play up.

Read that perfectly.

Cut off the edge.

We talked about how many points these two teams are averaging Midland putting up 40 plus points per game strong.

They're giving up 6.8 points per contest.

They can they can play on that side of the football.

So brings up the fourth down.

The punt unit is on for Midland.

Snap goes over the punters head going to try to backtrack and pick it up.

Can't get the punt off and it's going to be recovered inside the two yard line by strong.

The first huge break goes away.

The Bulldogs.

Wow.

You just almost had the turnover earlier.

It's fourth down.

Didn't matter.

The punt for the snap goes over the punters head issues of playing a strong didn't need much help and they've got it right now knocking on the door.

I think we could.

Read between the lines, talking with Coach Pugh that his team was going to have some nerves and more times than not, nerves are going to show up on special teams.

That time, the snap air mills, the punters head in strong has got it inside the two of a chance to take an early lead.

So strong.

Going to line up in the pistol.

McHenry is your quarterback.

He takes a snap straight.

Give the two of the one touchdown.

Bulldogs strike first every.

German Myron McHenry first cousin of Kaden McHenry.

It's the Henrys that do the job for strong first.

Great field position.

Taken advantage of by the Bulldogs.

And they're quickly going to line up and go for two.

McHenry and an overload to the right.

That's the way he's going McHenry looking for the corner.

But he's stuffed there.

So the two point tries no good.

But the strong Bulldogs because of the bad snap on the punt one play two yards touchdown have a six nothing lead.

That's a great.

Start to have there.

But how about Chase Roscoe making a big stop on a two point play.

Those could be big in games like this where we expect a shootout.

Points are going to be plenty to get the stops when they come.

You got to get them.

And talk with Coach Pugh.

I sense that, you know, he tried to calm his team down.

He knew he was.

They were a little amped up when they came out here to practice earlier this week.

You never know how the nerves are going to be.

The lights are on, the cameras are out, the fans are out, and obviously the nerves got the better of the Midland special teams and now they're in a six nothing home.

Yeah a great.

Start for strong.

You got to give their credit to their defense a little bit for kind of causing some panic.

Perhaps in the middle of that snap that ended up resulting in the one yard touchdown one play later.

Big for strong for the.

So we'll see how Midland handles their second possession.

For the most today.

As Dan Crayton kicks it off deep.

That's going to go right to York.

He fields it at the 20 York.

Now the 25 stops his momentum.

And that's where he stopped by the Bulldogs special teams unit right at the 30 yard line.

So better field position for the Mustangs.

But they went for an ounce on their opening possession.

See what drive number two has in store.

Yeah.

You got to be able to get some offense this time.

You just kind of really gifted strong with points on the previous possession.

You need to get some yardage plus yardage 2 or 3 here.

Try to kind of punch him in the mouth a little bit, kind of kind of bounce back.

First down or two to help settle the nerves.

It's going to be huge for the guys.

Klatt and White tonight.

Chase Roscoe, the junior quarterback sends York in motion straight give finds some opening space on the right side.

That's about seven maybe eight yards for number two Jace Adams the fullback I really like that play a little misdirection.

And they're going to hand it off outside to Adams.

Not a whole lot there.

Woods was going to make the tackle though for strong.

You're going to hear his name a lot there on the defensive line.

Woods 59 tackles on the season 11 sacks.

And that's including being double team pretty much all season long.

So it's second now and call it three for Midland.

They're in the shotgun again.

Straight give to the fullback Adams has got the first down and then some.

Adams carrying defenders three four tacklers finally get him down.

But not until Midland's across midfield for the first time.

Boy Jace Adams really running hard right now.

Churning with those legs laid at 3 or 4 tacklers all around.

The blocking was great cut inside and then Adams with a little white keep on driving, a little extracurricular for him in terms of yardage.

15 yards to the 48 yard line of strong goes Adams and Midland's got a new set of downs.

Starting to settle in offensively.

Low snap though handled by Roscoe.

That's just that lunge forward.

Picks up a couple.

Going to be second.

Down and eight.

That's a play though that could have gotten blown up if you saw Jace Adams.

Been a really nice tackle there on that low snap.

He kind of comes back that early.

Would have been a tackle for loss, but that block saved him.

So second and eight you like what you see from Midland here.

Start to settle in.

Get your offensive linemen engage in this contest and start start what you do is which is lean on the defense.

Even though it's been a very good defensive unit from strong all season long.

Yeah, you got five offensive linemen, right.

So you're hoping to win with a little bit of bully ball up front.

Rascal on a quarterback keeper submarine there right as he crosses the 45 down to the 44.

So it's going to be third and medium money down for the strong defense.

A little QB choice capped it to undercut there those whistle.

Those are staying a little bit I think strong trying to make a little bit of statement.

I don't come back this way.

I won't make him make you feel that one.

The Rasco goes all the way to the sideline to get the call from his coaching staff.

A big third down here.

You got to believe this is going to be four down territory across midfield.

You need to get the momentum and keep it your way.

If you're Midland.

The give right back to Adams Adams has enough for another first down.

Finally swung down at the 35 yard line.

Really like what we're seeing from Jace Adams here on drive.

Number two.

Has a really nice set up.

Just going back to the well they're a play that worked a moment ago.

Outside edge to the right.

Outside the right tackle.

Big yardage for.

Adams.

Picked up 15 yards on a carry earlier.

Picks up nine there.

But more importantly it's a new set of downs for the Mustangs.

And this is kind of what we talked about controlling the clock right.

It's just methodically moving down the field so far Midland's doing that that the only problem is you can't have turnovers.

And they almost had one on that first possession.

Four carries 34 yards.

Now for J.C. Adams.

It's time they go to the outside.

Nice dip under there by Braden York who's been a bit a bit of a decoy for Midland early on.

But he picks up nine there and almost enough for another first down.

I like to coach the play call there for Coach Pugh right.

He's kind of deceived everybody getting Adams going to kind of using that decoy in York.

But then York touches it looking for Adams perhaps.

And York's busted for a good game.

So Midland churning up the yards on the ground here on this possession four carries 34 yards for Adams.

Four carries four yards for rascal.

Don't have the carry for York in there.

He picked up nine movement before the snap.

And our first flag of the game.

This one looks like it's going to be on the defense though.

And a free first down for the Mustangs.

Like any type of gift that you can get you will absolutely take it.

A hard snap.

Got the strong defense, the jump into the neutral zone and high school football.

As soon as they cross that neutral zone automatically blown dead free five yards.

There and a first down for Midland.

And this is going to be big for the Mustangs after that first possession kind of went awry.

You're marching down the field.

You're getting settled in really with the nerves.

It's important here that you find a way to finish.

Close to the red zone.

Adams flanked to the right of Roscoe.

They give it to him and he's going nowhere.

Instant penetration in the backfield and immediately taken down by the strong defense.

And I believe that was 17 Dan is great.

Boy he sure was.

He was all over that.

Read that perfectly good IQ.

There and good angle to cut him off from the edge.

Adams has got speed and great knew it.

Dropped for a four yard loss all the way back to the 25.

So second and 14 as Midland falls behind the sticks.

It's one thing they've done well on this drive as they played in front of the chains able to to kind of keep that full playbook.

We haven't seen Midland throw a pass just yet.

And you know if it's up to Coach Pugh and company, they don't want to throw many of them because that means a ground game is working.

They try the double handoff and the fumble is picked up again by Creighton.

Creighton with back to back huge plays for the strong defense.

What a play from Creighton.

Just a little bit of a snap there.

The hand they were trying to do the double reverse and the ball pops right to them.

Creighton right place right time.

Big turnover for Strome.

So Strong's got a chance to add to their six nothing lead as they force another turnover.

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Just one across the street got me eyeballing that.

I can see that neon here in the the dark skies here at a little rock, but it's been dark times for the Midland offense as they've turned the football over and strong has with a six nothing lead after recovering a fumble and another big play by Dan Quest, Creighton has the offense set up and their own 38 yard line.

This is going to be our first real look at Strong's offense.

First drive went for just two yards, but that's all he needed.

Quarterback keeper for McHenry.

Running right side finally pushed out of bounds.

But not till he gets up to the 43.

I think he's going to be a guy that's going to be tough to contain.

If Midland's able to do that and they might find some success.

But boy when he gets out on the tackle, McHenry just knows how to turn it to that next gear.

It looked like he was going to get a couple.

Boy ends up getting near five.

Second down.

And five and a half or so.

Call it a long four for a second down.

As strong was looking to add to this six nothing lead.

There's a good look at Coach Jason Porter of the strong Bulldogs, at least in the back of his head.

Never a good look, but look at mine I guess.

Second and four for the Bulldogs.

McHenry now we got flags.

And this one.

This one.

Blown dead.

Going to be a false start on the offense.

Just kind of takes away from everything.

He just got.

So the five and a half yards they picked up.

They're going to give five of those back.

So it's going to be second and nine and nine and a half or so for strong.

Neither of these teams really talked about penalties a whole lot in our conversations leading up to this championship game.

Normally if you're playing at this point, you're a pretty disciplined football team.

But Tom strong move a little early.

Will Lansing back him up five I think for for.

Midland coach you talked about you know this place a very strong and athletic teams.

Brinkley marble Elaine.

But this is a strong team that they feel like it's just a little bit above that.

They've got to figure out a way to shut down the athleticism a little bit.

A little bit of confusion in the formation for the Bulldogs.

They finally get set.

Here's McHenry.

He fumbles the snap though able to corral it.

Tries to roll around the right side but nowhere to go.

Great job of keeping contain on the far side from a hunter.

Maye the senior for Midland I.

That really was a big play for me.

Good job of cutting.

See him step back here to the left is trying to cut off McHenry angle.

He knew he was going to scoop it up.

Really good anticipation for May.

May averages ten tackles per contest for this Midland team.

He's a leader on that side of the football.

Also has multiple fun.

The ball returns for a touchdown.

He's an impact player.

And that time he drops McHenry for a huge loss.

And it's third and a while for the strong Bulldogs.

It's where we see our first pass attempt of the contest.

Twin receivers to the right of the formation for the Bulldogs quarterback keepers McKenna.

And he's going backwards again.

Hunter Williford, the outside linebacker junior makes another big play and strong is going to have to send out the punt team.

Boy thought perhaps going to go on a pass.

Play it I think they drew it out.

Maybe thinking that Midland was going to get back in coverage.

Well they may have been, but Williford sure wouldn't blow that one up.

Really nice job there to cover.

So we'll see with how strong lines up.

First time that they've sent the special teams unit at least will believe it's going to be the special teams unit and stand strong is going to take a quick timeout and discuss things or maybe settle the nerves.

You saw what Midland did the first time they sent the punt team out there.

As the snaps nailed, it sailed over their punter's head, maybe kind of discussed things and also maybe maybe you roll the dice and go for it as you get the ball in your own 29 yard line.

Might be a little bit risky.

Yeah, yeah, I think so.

I think risky, certainly.

But you want to make certain that whatever you dial up, you don't mess up.

You don't want a turnover of any kind.

So whatever you're doing here, likely punting, you would think you got to make sure that you execute perfectly.

Get that punt away.

Good.

Look at Coach Jason Porter there.

This team has gone through a lot in the last year.

They had to forfeit a conference championship and the number one seed in the playoffs last year due to an ineligible player.

We asked him how long did it take you to get over that?

A week, a month, two months, he said.

The next day, he said, the next time we were together as a team, we moved past it and we started the march toward little Rock.

It's immediately afterwards.

It's called some quick short term memory right there.

Wipe it, move on.

So Midland does in the punt team outs or excuse me, strong tough snap there but handled by Creighton does get it away.

Nice punt end over end fielded by York.

Picks it up off the turf at the 37.

But he fumbles the football again.

Balls on the ground.

And strong has their third force turnover of this first quarter.

Wow.

Once again you saw that a little bit of a muff when York first touched it I thought that was going to be problematic.

And in that swipe tackle there jarred that one loose.

And it falls down for strong.

Another big turnover there in plus territory.

39 Dalian for the tight end.

The junior gets down the field makes the big play on special teams.

The offense couldn't get the job done but now they get another chance.

Strong already forced three turnovers in the first 7.5 minutes of this contest.

That just goes to show you right there.

Big time turnovers can play big.

Midland got a big stop defensively.

But then giving it right back.

So here's McKendree gives it to Coomer.

Coomer on the right side.

He's at the 2015 ten five Bulldogs back in the end zone.

That is the second one tonight for JR Myron McHenry going on the outside edge.

Good blocking on.

He got into the second level.

You can forget.

About it McHenry just has that burst.

And you look at the season numbers for Strong's leading running back.

And you can see why they're putting up 50 points per contest.

Once he gets into the open field he's tough to bring down.

Lucky touchdown number 13 on the season for McHenry.

12 nothing is the lead for strong.

They're going to line up go for two.

You know I think.

For Midland I mean you hate that it's a gut punch right.

But at least you didn't have to let it go methodically.

You just got to keep getting back up play by play trying to get a stop here.

On the two point conversion.

Empty backfield for McHenry.

Trips to his left.

They try to go quarterback draw with this.

They do quarterback to the right side MC McHenry tries for the corner and he gets their two point.

Conversion is good for the strong Bulldogs.

And they push their lead to 14.

ZIP.

Yeah I like that play call.

You saw it coming.

That QB keep right side with his athleticism able to bounce it out.

And then how about this run for Myron McHenry.

Big hole.

And with his speed you can forget about it.

It's a great job of some pullers there for strong.

They get out in front and it's pave the way for Jeremiah and McHenry.

Strong is looking for their third straight third state championship in school history, and won an eight man title back in 2021, also won the two way title back in 2011.

And that that matchup in 2021 against Mountain Pines an absolute barnburner a. Shootout.

6660, I believe was the final somewhere near that.

And that was just it.

Just who could get the stop.

And strong was able to get the one that mattered the most.

Bulldogs felt like they had a chance to win a title last year, didn't get the opportunity because of the forfeiture, and they've been counting down the days to get back to little Rock.

I think it perhaps fueled them a little bit, right?

I mean, you got to think you felt like you got left out.

This is more reason to come and make a statement.

And their defense with turnovers has shown up early and often.

Great.

And with the onside kick handled by Midland nicely by Bradley Furrow, the offensive lineman, the sophomore makes the big play.

And Midland's got a great field position starting this drive at their own 48.

Yeah big time by furrow.

There the sophomore to get on that.

And now you're right.

Got good field position.

It's what do you do with it now.

Midland had a really good drive the last time but again stifled with that turnover.

Gave it right back to Midland.

And it hasn't been cold on many Friday nights in the state of Arkansas this year.

Maybe it's the temperature is starting to affect.

The Midland ball carries up three points of pressure.

They're putting the ball on the ground too many times.

And that's why Strong's been able to take advantage.

Rasco gets it straight.

Give to Adams Adam straight ahead across the 50.

Big hit delivered by Jay Taylor.

Boy Taylor did lay a lick.

Adams you could tell that time though.

He was covered up both hands making sure right here as he comes over gets that stiff arm.

And then he's trying to cover that ball up with two is he got the the hit there by Taylor.

Two on two.

It was Taylor got the hit.

But Adams picks up five yards.

Second and five for Midland.

That's the good drive starter for the Mustangs.

They just need to stay on the field offensively.

They got to give that defense a rest.

Let them catch their breath.

But more importantly you cannot afford to fall down more than two scores against a team that's been blowing everybody out all season long.

Ball production has got to be a large part of that here for Midland on this drive.

Rasco is going to keep it himself.

Blue shirt for in the backfield almost from the get there.

Did a nice job just to get back to the line of scrimmage.

Maybe lost a half a yard.

And now it's going to be another third and long for Midland.

And you're of in that middle part of the field.

You know you feel like your defense did a good job last time.

So you don't have to get it all right here.

Perhaps if you get it close fourth and short you're likely going for it.

So just get it manageable.

Run here for Midland.

Yep.

You got to treat this like four down territory if you're Midland.

As we're creeping up on the three minute mark here in this first quarter.

TJ Pugh head football coach at Midland.

What a turnaround they've had this year.

They go one and seven last year.

Averages 19 points a game as Roscoe drops back to pass for the first time.

And he's dumped in the backfield.

Another big play by the defensive front of the strong Bulldogs.

And this time number eight Jakeem Woods.

You knew his name was going to be called eventually.

And the defensive end makes a play.

Boy just beats his man on the edge.

Good job of reading the roll out there from Rasco trying to roll the dice.

Get a deep ball.

The problem with that is if you don't get it off in your sack now, you're really bad territory and you might have to punt.

Sack number 12 on the season for Jakeem woods.

The double team most of the year still has 60 plus tackles now a dozen sacks for the senior defensive end.

But teams out there for Midland this time the snap is good.

Kicks away spiraling kick finally fielded at the 16 yard line.

Dancing around as McHenry makes one two now three players miss for Midland with the pile finally catches up to him and he's dropped at the 25 yard line.

And that's where the Bulldogs will start.

Another drive already leading 14.

Nothing.

You like the fancy footwork though.

For McHenry, dancing around.

You just couldn't beat everybody.

Now he's got a chance here.

Two to drive it strong.

If you're up you know you're already up two scores have a chance to jump into a three score game and kind of feel like you're in control a good bit.

That's a scary thought to think about.

McHenry back there fielding punts.

Not only is your quarterback, but he's also broken the 110 meter hurdle state record twice in his career.

So he's got some burners, but he's dropped after just a couple yard return.

First and ten on their own 26 here's McHenry drops a snap now.

Shovels it out to his running back.

Here's Taylor.

Taylor scampers up close to the 35 yard line, dropped just shy of the yard to gain.

It's going to be a nine yard pickup on what looked like it was going to be a busted play, making something out of nothing.

Boy, Taylor just laid a lick on Rasco.

Brought him down.

Rasco was slow to get up after that play.

Did a good job, by the way.

Rasco hanging on to make sure Taylor went down, but that was a big hit.

First passing attempt there for strong.

Picks up nine, and that's pretty much what the strong passing game is going to be.

A lot of time, they just swing it out to their running back and try to make them create something in open space.

Now we'll get a timeout call on the field.

And Midland is going to talk about things defensively for the second and one coming up.

Minute 20 left here in the opening frame.

I think they're trying to you know dial something up here getting a stop that's big right now.

You know the turnovers are really the big issue for Midland thus far.

We've seen we've seen strong mishandle a couple of snaps things like that.

You feel like the weather certainly playing a factor.

But so far the Bulldogs have not given up any turnovers.

They're just trying to try to move down the field way some clock as well.

They've got the momentum.

The sudden change has certainly been a problem for Midland, as I believe strong has scored on the ensuing play after both fumbles.

One for obviously from the two yard line and the other from the 29.

That's right.

And so you know that's something that if you're Midland you look back man.

You know we've given up a couple of opportunities there.

On the turnovers their defense has looked good.

Midland has it for the most part when we've seen them.

But they've given strong really, really good opportunities and great field position.

You've got to be able to limit the big plays.

And Midland has not been able to do that.

That's what we talked about in the pregame.

That was the key to the contest.

You know keep strong in front of you.

But you also big plays could come up fumbled snaps, bad snaps on special teams.

Those big plays all going against Midland right now.

And that's why they're in a hole.

In a state title game.

You can't give your opponent opportunities in really good places to score, and that's what Midland has done.

Second and one now for strong McHenry lines up in the pistol.

He turns around straight.

Give to McHenry and looks like he's dropped just beyond the line of scrimmage but still short of the first down marker.

So third and short as Jeremiah McHenry bottled up on that attempt.

But the first time they've been able to to bottle up Jeremiah and McHenry, he's been explosive.

But a good job gang tackling there for Midland.

This is where the option reads always so dangerous.

You've got to focus on Jeremiah and McHenry who's got the tough running back in the backfield.

But you keep your eyes off of Caden McKendree, the quarterback.

He could be in the backfield in the secondary in a hurry.

Another bad snap and McHenry has to just jump on it.

Tough break there for strong.

They can't take advantage.

Look like it was going to be a quarterback sweep to the right side of the offensive line with the snap low and left McHenry just had does everything he can to jump on it.

And the punt team struck nine for the strong Bulldogs.

We've seen the miscues pile up for both teams.

That one big because now you're going to have to punt it if you're strong.

Midland's defense gets a stop with a little bit of help there on that low snap.

So big stop for Midland as they send Roscoe back deep.

Correction that's now York inside his own 40 yard line.

Snaps good kicks away and land over in wobbler near the strong sideline.

Going to bounce out of bounds at about the 45 yard line.

See where they spot it.

They spot it right there.

So Midland again great starting field position as we're going to start the second quarter right there.

We're through 12 minutes.

The Bulldogs have created three turnovers.

They've got 14 points because of it.

And the strong Bulldogs lead it.

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This is the end of the road for football season, but the guys that play on the hardwood, they're just getting warmed up.

Here comes game.

He's going to slam it home.

Send it inside.

Good passing.

And look at the cutter.

Before you know it, they'll be invading Bank Ozk Arena in Hot Springs.

For the Centennial Bank state basketball finals.

12 championship games.

In three days.

Mid-March is going to be elect.

Tipoff is set for March 13th and is going to run all weekend long.

For all the ways to watch this, log on my AARP PBS.org slash sports.

Tonight's PBS Student All Stars.

Hunter.

Made from Midland.

Senior linebacker and tight end combo.

Has a 3.7 GPA.

Future plans are to join the military.

Arkansas PBS salutes those who succeed on and off the field.

Congratulations to Hunter Maye from Midland.

Really good athlete leader for this Midland team vocally and I say flip sides going from now right to left.

Midland getting a defensive stop.

What do you do with it though.

Midland had good drives at times but the turnover bug's been big.

Big drive here for the Mustangs.

They go over right side and finally drop down is Roscoe as he his submarine at the 50 yard line.

Well you look at that first quarter Bobby 32 yards total for strong for for Midland.

And it just kind of goes to show you that the reason there weren't as many yards is the turnovers happened to it.

Plus field position for strong both times.

Got to be able to protect the football ball is on the ground too much for Midland and that's why they're an early hole.

Football right in the middle of a torch on the field.

Hopefully it didn't get too hot down there.

Full back Adams right over the right side is carrying defenders Jace Adams has been impressive carrying the football in this first quarter.

And some change.

Another first down for the Mustangs.

He leads all rushers now with over 40 yards.

Good job going there in between the guard and the tackle on the right side and just carrying tacklers.

What impresses me the most about him is not necessarily the way he finds the gaps.

It's when he takes that first contact.

He keeps turning those legs and moving down the field, getting very important yardage along the way.

So a big first down for Midland there again in strong territory.

But can they finish out a drive.

That's going to be the big question mark toss.

Now to Adams on the right side.

They're finding some some success on that right side.

But that time he's tripped up after a couple.

It kind of got it going.

Head of steam downhill.

But I think his momentum was carrying him downwards.

So he kind of fell before he could get the maximum amount of yardage.

And a really good, good look.

The one that Angie like going to Adams again.

But if strong finds a way to bottle him up a little bit, that could could pose problems for Midland.

I haven't seen them go to York too many times.

Maybe just kind of.

Is this the Novocain?

Use that heavy running back.

Use the fullback, try to to numb it up a little bit.

And all of a sudden you hit the big play on the outside.

Straight drop back.

Now, Roscoe.

Face some trouble in the backfield.

He scrambles around, but he's dropped.

Cannot get back to the line of scrimmage.

And well, guess who.

Mr. Jakeem woods in the backfield again.

Boy wreaking havoc.

Getting it breaking it free.

How about the play coverage though in the play set up there for strong.

They recognize that early get back in coverage.

Nobody open.

So what does Roscoe do.

He has to turn to tuck and run when you're trying to get away from woods.

Good luck.

Third and long now coming up for Midland you got to believe they've got two downs to convert this first down.

But they have not had success in long yardage situations.

And that's why that strong defense is only given up 6.8 points per game is when they can pin the years back.

They're dangerous.

I know, no kidding.

And if you're middle here, easier said than done.

But get 4 or 5 right here.

If you can't straight drop back going for the deep ball down the right side, battle for the football and a flag comes out.

Make it two.

He was looking for a hunter.

May his tight end down the right side across the top of the numbers.

They're going to stray a little too much.

Contact.

Should be a first down for the Mustangs.

Yeah.

Will face guarding on that right end if that ball's overthrown a little bit more though I don't think you see that.

But because the ball's underthrown just a tad, you get the contact penalty and Midland will take that all day long.

15 yard penalty from the previous spot first down.

So pass interference going to lead to the first down.

That's a look at Tanner McGuire.

He's the referee for tonight's crew.

Take a look at the rest of the his officiating crew tonight.

The umpire John Watson.

The linesman James Bray.

Line judge Jeff Everett's in the back.

Judge Steve Porter.

That's the officiating crew for tonight's eight man championship game.

Football is on the ground again for Midland on low snap.

And the defense quickly converges for the Bulldogs.

And Midland drop for a loss again.

Yep.

And once again it's due to that low snap.

Really good job though.

Again the defense recognizing that just bouncing through the offensive lineman and a good job tracking down Jamarion Mitchell.

He saw Rasco struggling fly towards the football.

Gets the tackle for loss.

Let's go down to a third member of our broadcast team Austin Waiters.

On the sideline Austin.

Hey guys.

So talking about the mud mud Midland must Mustangs.

They're now 14.

Nothing right now.

But Coach Pugh has told his team never to fall never to wow.

Can't think, never to fall behind early and let that get to them.

They fell behind some some games earlier this season but they never let that hurt them.

And that's why they're in this situation to game the night.

Shut a little fight there is finally go to Braden York on the outside.

He picks it up all the way down to the 15 yard line and a first down.

Austin, good work on the sideline.

It's cold out there man I appreciate it.

You know Kenny is very cold also with a good call there.

You're right I mean you know it's 14 nothing strong.

So Midland falling behind.

How do they respond.

Well you got the call there from Austin and Coach.

They've got to respond.

That's why they're here.

Really good.

Run on the outside for Braden York.

And it's good to see if you're Midland York getting into the action with a big game.

First and ten by far the deepest penetration after Midland has gotten so far.

Inside handoff York touchdown.

Midland.

They finally go on the inside the counter play in a wide open spaces for number 13.

Boy you talked about handling the counter.

Watch out for it.

And they dial it up to York untouched into the end zone for Midland's first score.

James Yates is looking for somebody to block out there and he's got nobody number 20.

He's got a head on a swivel who's looking to get hit somebody and they waltz into the end zone.

And Midland's on the board for the first time in state championship history.

What a chance to add to things more here with the two point conversion play.

Two point conversion.

Try to go around right in.

But he's had nowhere to go for the quarterback.

Orozco but Midland a big time answer drive and they needed it.

They pull within 14 six stick around.

We got a good one brewing.

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Sports is so important to this state and the fabric of the state, and I appreciate Arkansas PBS doing all the state title games, and that makes it available for not just the fans in Central Arkansas, South Arkansas, but fans around the entire state.

I can only think of the kids in small towns, and this is the biggest moment, maybe in their sports careers, and they have that keepsake of having that game on TV to have with them the rest of their lives.

Back here for the eight man football championship.

We've got a little trivia for you.

Brought to you by Centennial Bank, who holds the record for the most rushing yards in state championship game history.

What?

You ponder that for a minute.

There's been some great running backs playing a high school football championship game in the state of Arkansas, and a guy who played in the NFL.

He may have a lot to do with the answer to this.

That's a good one.

I you know, you asked that question earlier and it took a little bit, but, but if you think about it long enough, I think you might guess who it might be.

So Midland's on the board for the first time, their first ever championship game appearance.

Brandon York it correction.

That's my fault.

Nolan.

Little got to tee this one up for Midland.

Let's see what kind of response strong has teed up from the 40.

Onside kick.

Hits a up man.

Midland thinks they've got it.

Believe strong though able to to rally back and jump on the football again Dan Creighton continues to make big plays in this contest.

A vacuum if you will.

And that ball's on the turf.

Hit a foot there and one of the strong up in there.

And it does a really nice job from Creighton to recognize and fall on it.

And it helps when it's looked like this.

The ball doesn't bounces much to just kind of spread those arms and squeeze it in.

And Creighton did that.

It's a great field position now for the Bulldogs take over on their own 48 yard line.

As we're inching towards the halfway mark here in quarter number two.

And is a cold night here at War Memorial.

These two teams handle the temperatures well.

Confusion lining up for the Bulldogs.

They finally do get lined up.

And Hendrix all alone in the backfield.

Quarterback draw wide open space in the middle.

Breaks a tackle.

And then another finally brought down from behind.

But not before he's across the 40 up to the 37, a big time run by the quarterback, Cade McHenry.

While you saw the front line here shift to the right, they kind of picked up that extra block, the tiny move to the left, that front line for the defense shifted that way.

McHenry a great job reading that.

When he snaps it, he goes, right, there's a big hole.

Anytime they've gone to an open backfield, have gone tried to go quarterback run.

Whether it's been a quarterback sweep that time that is go quarterback lead right up the middle.

And that time they finally pop a big one.

There's a perfect timing to kind of got the defense off kilter a little bit.

And McHenry made a play.

So first and ten inside the 40 yard line for strong McHenry.

Straight gift or Jamarion McHenry breaks a tackle and he's gone 2015 ten touchdowns strong.

It's Jamarion McHenry once again Bobby my goodness he gets to that second level so quick.

If you don't make the tackle you saw the one shoestring attempt there and try to get his jersey.

Once he broke free there there was no chance of getting Jermaine McHenry.

That nice little decides step there juke to his right and you could tell it was nothing but a wide open spaces for number one.

And McHenry has his third rushing touchdown in the first half.

He talked about Caden McHenry being a track star.

That boy I think Jamarion McHenry.

He's going to give him a run.

For his money.

Yeah.

You hand him the baton.

You're not losing any ground as well.

So 22 six is the lead strong now going for the two point conversion are the Bulldogs.

Get another some more confusion A strong is going to run a receiver off the field there.

There's still plenty of time on the play clock to settle down McHenry.

He rolls to his right.

Got a receiver in the end zone and going to keep it himself.

Lunges for the goal line.

Conversion is good and strong.

Pushes their lead out to 16.

It's 22 to 6.

But flexing the muscle a little bit there as Caden McHenry found that hole.

Just good job of patiently waiting.

Then he's able to find it.

But take a look back at that one that got him here.

Jeremiah and McHenry with the wheels bouncing into the second level.

It's a big touchdown.

That that touchdown run is really indicative of what eight man football can be.

Because if you miss a tackle and you all you allow just to the ball here to sneak through, break through an arm tackle.

He's gone because there's no second line of defense.

That's exactly.

Right.

There's only so many defenders on the field.

When you get past the first level.

You're right.

Good luck 22 to 6 is the score.

Strong is certainly flexing the muscles here in the first half defense leading to offense.

But that was the first time we've really seen strong methodically march it down the field.

But it all started with recovering the onside kick and the big play.

And they methodically like you said.

And then it was what what happened.

The big play something Midland trying to limit.

Kick off going to be fielded at Midland at the 23 York lunges past the 3031 yard line where they're going to mark it now.

Midland down 16 needs a response.

I like the way that Braden Yorke's handled things right with the being so cold.

We've already seen a lot of fumbles.

He's not going full speed when he picks up that ball.

He's kind of methodically getting the shoulder down, keeping it low, making sure no one can come in and knock that football out.

He's being protective and safe and you like that if you're Midland.

So early on we saw a heavy dose of Adams, the fullback for this Midland rushing attack.

But the last possession they got Yorke involved.

He's been their leading rusher averaging 172 yards of total offense a game.

Got him into the end zone on the last possession.

I think he got to go back to the will, lead it with the fullback starting to soften up that that strong body work on the bolts.

Bortles body blows.

He won't use the boxing analogy.

Yeah that's right.

They go counter again.

But this time a nice job by the defensive end on that far side Jamarion Mitchell to recognize.

Hey they're going counter.

He got in that hip pocket.

We talked about that with the coaches this week.

Got to get in that hip pocket follow those pullers and makes the play from behind.

Boy there was a hole to it.

Just wasn't able to get past that level because of Mitchell's awareness.

You're right really good job recognizing especially with so much misdirection, it's tough to keep your assignment.

Mitchell never gave up.

Pickup of three.

Now second and seven as we're inside.

Seven and 22nd.

Seven minutes.

20s left here in the second quarter.

Give to Adams.

Balls on the ground again.

Scooped up.

This could be a scoop and score.

Jakeem woods five.

Touchdown.

Bulldogs defense does it again.

We've seen three offensive touchdowns from strong.

And this one from who else.

Jakeem woods been the big man up front defensively all year long.

He's rewarded with scooping it up and taking it for six.

Strong's giving up 6.8 points per contest.

And that time there's can't handle the snap.

And woods right place at the right time.

And he looks like a running back with the football in his hand.

The defensive end does the rest.

And Strong's back in the end zone.

But you go back to Jamarion Mitchell.

He tackled Adams to make sure he couldn't get up and try to recover that fumble assignment.

Football on the defensive side for strong.

They've executed a strong leading 28 to 6 trying to add to it with the two point conversion McKendry tying the shoe.

But he's still got 15 on the play clock.

Empty backfield McKinnon.

He's going to keep it himself.

And he does it himself right across the goal line.

Strong starting to stretch it out a little bit.

Leads pushed up the 24.

Boy y'all go back to the turnover.

But for Midland that's where it really has been.

The turnovers were the difference right now and strong are doing what good teams do making you pay for giving it away.

Has an excellent point as Midland is has not been able to take care of the football and has led to immediately points on the board that time with the scoop and score.

The strong defense is giving this Midland offense fits.

What about the trivia question asked?

Who is the all time leading rusher?

Most rushing yards in the game in state championship game history.

You got to jump in the Wayback machine.

This happened 13 years ago.

It was a kid who played for one of these schools.

Kenneth Dixon from strong had 348 yards as his Bulldogs double up Carlisle 4221 Kenneth Dixon but pretty good at Louisiana Tech.

Pretty good.

The NFL with the Baltimore Ravens.

Yeah, I'd say it was indicative of what was to come putting that kind of a performance up in the state title game.

Kick off angling towards the sideline, but does not go out of bounds.

And a great job of the strong special teams gets down there.

Drops the return man.

That's Adams at the 15 yard line.

So tough field position for an offense that's struggling to hang on to the football.

And they moved York out.

Brought Adams in trying to get some speed.

He took a lick there on a little little bit hobbling after that hit.

It's cold out there.

It makes it sting and linger just a little bit longer but strong again defensively they're making statements right.

They're hitting hard.

Want you to feel it every time and know Adams slow to get up.

It's tough for teams who fall behind too because it always seems to get a little bit colder.

Those hits hurt a little bit more.

The big possession here is where, at the seven minute mark in the second quarter for Midland, they need to sustain a drive, keep the offense out there and start to get some confidence, get themselves back in the game because we know an eight man football score can change with the drop of a hat.

That's right.

This lead is not safe for strong by any means.

You just got to make plays.

Do what you're Midland.

Oh Roscoe's going the wrong direction though.

Is that quarterback keeper on the option.

And he's dropped in the backfield.

You want Mitchell coming in there Jamarion Mitchell once again I mean he's he did a really good job of keeping on that ball handler there.

And he just picked that one up.

Wasn't able to right Roscoe unable to get around.

And Mitchell speed closed out.

Did not bite on that ball.

Fake and Jamarion Mitchell in the backfield makes a big play there.

And maybe lucky that football didn't come out taking an extra look at that.

The the ball carrier might have been on top of the defender when the ball came out.

And that's the last thing Midland needs is another turnover.

Yeah I mean they've already got up to four right now already.

And that's that's been the the one that stung them.

The go counter room to run on the near side.

But right there is McHenry.

He drops the ball carry Adams.

Just pickup of a couple gets back to the original line of scrimmage.

And another third and long upcoming for the Mustangs.

Just good pursuit once again.

There's two defenders there to cut off Adams angle.

And they know they don't have to because of the way things are set up.

If you're strong give up 3 or 4 yards.

That's fine.

You just can't give up a big play.

And so far strong.

Done a pretty good job with that defensively.

And that play started open up.

You got the two pullers coming from the backside.

Look like there might have been some open territory, but the quickness and speed of strong showed up because that hole evaporated in a hurry.

Third down now Roscoe.

Straight drop back pass over the middle is deflected.

Just too tall for the intended target.

York and now fourth down up coming for Midland.

Now you got a punt boy.

You had a man too.

That's the one you want.

But York he's only so tall trying to tip.

Almost got it to where it was intercepted.

It was trying to tip it to himself.

Make a play.

It's unfortunate there for Midland.

They're gonna have to punt.

It could not climb the ladder.

So dropping deep to punt is James Yates the senior for Midland McHenry and a fall back for strong Bulldogs.

Going to get great field position on this one McHenry standing at the Midland 40.

That kick is almost straight up.

Lands and gets a nice Midland role.

But Henry picks up at the 45 and he's got room to run McHenry to the 30 to the 2520.

He's got the sideline to the house.

Another big play.

Strong in the end zone one more time.

And give it up for the special teams.

Boy that punt nearly got blocked.

It was high in the air.

It took a midland bounce.

But that only favored McHenry.

He timed it perfectly there and took it to the house.

The special teams started this four strong as they made the big play on special teams punt coverage.

And that time McHenry.

This catches the Midland special teams napping.

One play gets to the sideline.

It looks like Midland from our vantage point has the angle.

That's where speed shows up.

And that one little cut the little juke to that left side.

He had a Rasco kind of biting back and that's all he needed was just a little bit of a step.

Took it to the house.

The Bulldogs taking another bite out of Midland leads now up to 30.

Looking to add to it with another two point conversion.

McHenry the counter play to Jeremiah and he big takes a big shot there at the goal line.

And he is rejected.

Helmet comes off and McHenry is slow to get up.

Oh my goodness you hate to see that.

Take a look though.

That was York with a hit stick and he laid a lick on him.

It's just clean to shoulder there.

It's a really nice play of tracking.

The football is a good look at it.

He just lowers the shoulder.

No need to wrap up when he deliver a blow like that.

Two point conversion is no good.

But McHenry still down on the field.

It's a nice job from Aaron Bosma to the sophomore to kind of slow down.

McHenry well, he's in a lot of pain.

You hate to see that after that strong hit.

McHenry had such a.

Great.

Performance tonight.

McHenry took the big hit up top there looking at his lower body.

Left leg to be exact.

Hopefully he'll be all right then get him up off the field.

Also a play.

Shaken up player.

Shaken up for Midland.

Aiden MC Adams slow to get up for Midland.

The physical contest here.

They're both up and getting help off the field.

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Strong Bulldogs watching their leading running back helped off the field, but Jeremiah and McHenry put together plenty of highlights in this contest as the strong Bulldogs lead it 36 to 6.

And we're just now halfway home here in the second quarter.

Boys strong can score in a hurry.

I mean you've seen it on special teams play.

And here's the deal.

We've seen how strong has been so good.

They've got the momentum.

But for a team that that's good.

Midland knows that they can't give the freebies away with all these turnovers.

Now if you're Midland you've got to play and there's a lot left in the game.

You got to play pretty much air free to feel like you give yourself a chance before the half.

You know Midland averaging you know 450 yards of offense per contest.

They've been held in check 26 carries, just 46 yards in this first half for Midland.

Of course, the 25 yards on the bad punt snap on the punt go against that as well as that kickoff skips out of bounds.

They're going to be great field position coming up for Midland.

And they need points.

Yeah.

But you go back to that 46 yards for Midland.

You look on the defensive side.

They've only given up 84 to strong.

Granted some of you got two special teams.

And then good field position on the turnovers.

But so far if you take all that away Midland's not played poorly.

They've just turned it over too much.

Now like you said it's time to make something of it.

520 left and a half.

Plenty left to go for Midland.

But you've got to have good starts and you just can't turn it over.

You're exactly right.

You think, okay, they've got 84 yards of offense and they've got 36 points, but they had a drive that went two yards and also a scoop and score.

Yep.

And so in a punt return for a touchdown.

So all those things don't go to your offensive stats.

But Midland's making mistakes and strong like good teams do is taking advantage.

So first and ten for Midland on their own 35 yard line.

As we're back and ready to go.

Adams straight ahead.

Not much doing there.

Jace Adams has been the one bright spot for the rushing attack for Midland, but that time bottled up just after a gain of one.

And it's weird how momentum works.

You feel like you've been shot in the mouth.

That only gives that defense more energy to play.

And Mitchell certainly felt it there.

And then kind of that offensive line, I think, is where you feel a lot of times you feel like you're getting beat at the line when you things aren't going your way.

It's time for Midland to step up on the O-line, try to get some big blocks and get that offense churning.

I know we've already said it once, but there's a lot of time left in this football game.

There's no point letting the air out of it.

Midland can stay within their offense.

They don't have to change anything.

They're 11 and zero for a reason.

They've scored a bunch of points this year.

This got a ton to settle in.

And more importantly, take care of the football.

Rasco goes around right side and balls on the ground again and this time it's just caught mid air and Strong's defense is going to do it again.

Jamarion Mitchell another fumble return for a touchdown.

You have got to be kidding me.

Oh my goodness.

The defense for strong making plays I thought there's no way they get Rasco there on the wrap up.

But how about that Satan Williams the senior making a play for Mitchell to take it for the score.

Just the awareness not only to recognize that the football is in the air but catches it.

The stiff arm on the offensive lineman and does the rest himself.

Strong's defense looks like better than most offenses do at this stage.

Well, I wished I had them on my fantasy team.

Right.

Putting up two points.

How about Jayden Williams though?

Can.

He was blocked by two guys and a one arm tackle for Rasco and strips it out.

The strong defense came to play.

I can't even do the math on how many fantasy points that is.

It's too many.

McKendree now trying to add the two.

The quarterback keeper on the right side.

There's too many white jerseys there.

That two point conversions.

No good but strong.

The Bulldogs have opened up a 36 point advantage.

And they're doing it with their defense from.

The defense just shutting them down holding Midland to just 44 yards.

Great.

But Strong's only got 84 yards.

It's unbelievable to watch a defense take over a football game like this.

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36 points off of turnovers.

Oh my goodness.

In this first half.

That's the difference in the game first off but second off my goodness that's a lot.

In one.

Game alone let alone the first half.

She's got a couple scoop and scores a punt return for a touchdown one play on special teams.

That gives you a good drive on the opposing two yard line.

This has just been a. Treasure trove, if you will, of of defensive plays for the strong Bulldogs running out of adjectives here in the press box.

Onside kick and jumped on by Midland big number 80 William Parks makes the play there.

So great field position up coming for the Mustangs.

And they've just got to find a way to hold on to the football.

Yeah we're going to sound like a broken record right.

But that's that's really what this is.

It's cold out there.

That ball's coming loose.

You get hit hard.

Gotta get two hands on that ball with everything you got.

Even if you're only getting 1 or 2 yards, you'll take that as opposed to giving strong points and matter of seconds.

Their offense hasn't had to be on the field for very long because their defense and special teams is doing all the work.

Yeah.

If you're Midland, you just you you got to be beside yourself because you're, you're giving this football game away.

And fortunately with the turnovers oh absolutely.

I try to start to climb the mountain.

The handoff to Adams big hole right up the middle Adams picks up six yards.

That's a good drive starter as the Mustangs are across midfield.

Yeah they opened up that play a good job.

Offensive line spread it out.

Big hole for run with a little bit of help and a block leading the way.

Good start there on this drive.

And again it's going to take a lot here.

But you've just got to methodically if you're Midland I know it's early but you almost feel like you got to score just to shift some things a little bit here.

It starts with the first one.

You can't climb a mountain if you don't take the first step.

And Midland certainly has to do that.

And step number one, it's going to be taking care of the football and strong smells blood in the water.

They're going after the football.

Every time a defender gets around it they're they're drawing out.

They're raking at it.

They're trying to get that football out.

Pass complete to York down the left sideline a big hit.

But not before he's all the way down to the 30 yard line.

So back to back plays.

And Midland is knocking on the door.

Yeah you get them in chunks there.

Really good play call to find York there in the flat McHenry Kaden McHenry had to track him down and bump him out of bounds.

But not before York had the big Y back.

Giving Midland good field position is there at the 30.

First completed pass for the Mustangs and Rasco.

So it's first and ten at the 30.

Midland offense trying to chisel away at this 36 point advantage for the Bulldogs.

Adams right side big Cole Adams to the 2015 is dragging defenders not brought down.

Tell it all the way down to the ten.

It's a gain of 20.

Wow.

Hard nosed run once again.

We've seen that time and time again for Adams.

Again a hole.

He finds it.

He hits it so quick he's very shifty and he hits it really quickly with defenders all around him slipping tackles, people diving everywhere, but he's able to churn through and get the big yards.

Adams with another big carry Jace Adams 53 yards on the ground.

Make it 7313 carries.

Now is Midland.

Got it.

First and goal to ten as we inch towards the three minute mark.

This drives big but also big.

A touchdown would be huge here for Midland because you got to remember the mercy or the sportsmanship rules there.

There will be a running clock.

If the second half started right now.

Adams takes the option pitch pulls another defender all the way down to the two eight yard pickup.

Now for Midland.

Second and goal from the two.

Yeah on this toss play almost disastrous.

Again you saw Adams had almost lost it.

Had to go back down and catch it near his waist.

Take a look here.

It kind of slips through.

He's able to kind of catch it at the last moment.

But boy that's the last thing Midland needs is a turnover.

As you mentioned.

You're at the two.

You've got to find a way to pound it in.

So second and goal from the two.

You can see the big boys up front for Midland.

It's got to run right behind them.

You got to believe this is going to Adams.

Low snap.

They do get it to Adams.

Breaks a tackle in the backfield after the one stacked up at the goal line.

Does it get in.

He does.

Touchdown Midland.

Oh boy.

That is a must have for the Mustangs.

And how about the big fella's up front Adams didn't get it all by himself.

It was the big boys pushing him in for the score.

Good job.

From strong to wrap up he got snuck away and then look take a look right there.

It was Yates a little bit of Michael as well Alexander Michael pushing him in for the score.

Abe the runner.

If you have to just push whatever you can do.

Scratch, pull, claw.

Get your man in the end zone to Midland.

The big answer there.

Pull back within 30.

Try to get it to 28.

Now with a two point conversion.

The rollout man man's open in the back of the end zone.

Wide open two point conversion is good.

And that's Hunter.

Made the big tight end.

And well-designed play there.

Kind of got him creeping out there.

Nobody picked him up.

Design thought it was going to be a run play.

You leave May the senior wide open.

That's a big score for Mustang.

The six for sure.

The two point conversion more so.

Makes you feel like you just scored twice.

It's a big, big boost a shot in the arm.

A tough spot there for Jakeem Woods.

He had the the flats covered if you will.

But it was a two on one two receivers to the one defender and the right play was made by Roscoe and eight points on the board for Midland.

It's still a long way to go but a huge answer.

Drive for the Mustangs.

And there's there's no question about that.

Early I think you could argue a must have right there for for Midland.

Now if you're strong, you give those points.

You want to have a good drive right here.

Mustangs though got the momentum perhaps a little bit.

They can get a stop score once again before the half.

They feel like they're right back in this thing.

Strong does get the football to start the second half.

And they have 221 left here in the first half.

Pair of timeouts to go along with it.

So a lot of football to be played before we hit intermission.

I think we can close the window at halftime.

We're toughening out up here in the press box at the open air.

Yeah, we're in the elements if you will, but not but not really.

Have it at the temperature gauge in a while.

But it's not warm here, big man.

We're tough.

I used to be at least.

Well, as long as I don't hear any teeth chatter.

Yeah, I had to go.

There's a little onside kick attempt that goes right through the hands of one strong up man.

But another one right there.

Johnny on the spot.

So great field position for the Bulldogs.

Their own 48 I feel like I've been seeing that a lot today a lot of starting positions of the 48 yard line.

So 221 no time came off the clock there.

And the Bulldogs have a chance to add to a four score advantage.

You like the idea on that kick for Midland.

They're just trying to get that almost like an onside kick really.

You know the difference here.

It feels like Midland every turnover they've had it's gone to strong.

And the one opportunities a couple of opportunities strong has had where they've muffed something.

They've fallen back on it.

They've been able to capitalize it and minimize any miscues.

It's 815 on the clock here in little Rock.

221 on the game clock, though, as strong has a chance to add to their lead.

Here's McKendrick.

Quarterback keeper on the right side.

Makes a man miss across midfield for he's dumped at the 45 yard line.

Call it seven on the quarterback keeper was strong.

So hard to line up against right because McHenry you got to have speed to cover.

Emerson almost takes 1 or 2 guys to cut off his angle.

That leaves somebody open.

McHenry just makes one guy miss and then he's into that second level, driving through for a big gain.

Not a lot of size on McHenry, but he's got the lean always seems to fall forward.

That time picks up an extra couple after contact.

And I like his vision to just kind of be able to replay, see where the holes at.

Almost like a running back.

But he's a scrambler is McInerney.

It makes you pay.

Caden McHenry lines up in the pistol, turns around straight.

Give to Jay Taylor, but he's going nowhere.

The Midlands defense shows up big 22 Aaron Bozeman, the sophomore linebacker.

Boy.

He stood him up there at the line.

Hit him immediately.

Nice job hitting him low there and then kept driving him backwards.

Taylor tried to shake him, but to no avail.

That's a big play on second down now, third and medium for strong, as it were.

At the 115 mark left here in quarter number two.

McHenry again in the pistol.

High snap.

He's going to roll.

He's looking deep.

Got a man behind the defense.

And strong does it again Dan Quez Creighton all the.

Way to the House.

This 46 yard score and strong back in the end zone.

Creighton can do it all.

He can block.

He can tackle.

He can make play scoops and scores on all kinds of things.

But he can also get behind the defense and run a route.

Big pitch and catch to Creighton for six.

Seventh passing touchdown of the season for McHenry.

The six that went to Dan Quiz Creighton.

He's just a big play target.

The tight end can find ways to get it done.

And that time he goes 46 yards for the score.

The snap came there McHenry not ready for it.

And he's dropped in the backfield.

So another two point conversion goes awry.

But the strong Bulldogs to strike back the quick answer.

And they lead it 4814.

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These are a great championship keepsake.

And a lot of picture perfect moments.

If you're a strong Bulldog fan in this first half and that time the passing game, the reason why I 46 yards to the house.

The box score.

A quick look at it 136 yards of total offense for strong, 98 for Midland.

But it's all about the defense.

Four forced turnovers, a miscue on special teams.

That was of course fourth down.

That's why doesn't count in the turnover column.

But 36 points off of turnovers.

They only got a 32 point lead.

So our 34 point lead excuse me.

So you're starting to see why the game has already gotten out of hand.

And Strong's only had 13 offensive plays thus far.

If that tells you anything.

So Creighton coughed a touchdown pass.

Now he's going to kick it off that one right down the middle of the field.

Right to the return man for Midland.

Lowers the shoulder does Braden York and he gets up to the 35 yard line.

So the Mustangs give up the quick score.

But with two timeouts and 52 seconds to work, they've got a chance to get back to the end zone.

But and I will keep saying this.

But for Midland you almost feel like you've got to make some noise here.

You got to get six.

Feel like you're still around with after strong gave it that big punch in the mouth on the throw to Creighton.

Now for Midland.

You got to find a way to respond.

Was with under a minute.

Strong will receive the opening kickoff in the second half.

So this one this is a big posses 83 yards on 15 carries for Jason Adams.

He's leading the way for Midland.

Kind of the go go look.

They're two running backs to the right of the quarterback in the backfield.

Hit it as the ball comes out there.

No whistle.

And finally the whistle comes in.

And that one's called incomplete.

As Rasco took a huge shot in the back to his right as he delivered that football boy.

No kidding.

He got laid a lick.

He is not feeling well.

And that ball came loose.

Almost thought it was a fumble.

The way that ball came out, they finally blew it.

Dad, the coaching staff and the trainers out to look at the quarterback for Midland as he took a big shot from behind.

Well, the pressure from strong and that deep, they haven't given much time to throw it, even though Midland's not gone to the air very much strong and their front line, they beat the offensive line to get there quickly and wreaking havoc.

So as the training staff and coaching staff attends to the quarterback for Midland will step aside.

48 seconds left here in the second quarter, we'll be back here inside War Memorial Stadium.

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I love it.

We're on the precipice of a great discovery.

I love it.

Whoa, whoa, Nelly!

Let's set this palace on fire.

Welcome to the NewsHour.

What does it mean politically?

Oh, fasten your seatbelt.

I love it.

I will be delighted to hear it.

You make a good team.

Back inside, War Memorial Stadium is the quarterback for Midland's help to the sideline, chase Roscoe.

And here's a look at it.

Is right.

As soon as he's about to deliver the football.

This takes a big shot from Dan Creighton.

Defensive end for him.

Strong clean play.

Just a big shot you don't see coming.

So hopefully the quarterback for Midland's all right.

Back in action on second down a handoff goes right back to Adams.

York taking the snaps at quarterback now for Midland.

Yeah no no I mean I'm not sure what his arm is like.

But you naturally want to rely on Rasco.

You're almost in a throwing opportunity here with 26 seconds you kind of get down the field quick here.

Now do have two timeouts.

Both teams have two timeouts left as we're at the 22nd.

Mark Butler gets it off.

You're going to keep it.

Quarterback sweep on the right side.

Lowers the shoulder.

Going to be stopped before he gets to the first down marker.

Clarksville going to continue to run.

And both these teams may be content with letting it run out.

And it looks like that's how the first half is going to come to an end.

The strong defense flexing their muscles.

And that's why the Bulldogs have a 4814 lead that force four turnovers scored 36 points off of those, and the strong Bulldogs halfway home to a state championship, their first one since 2021.

We're going to head down to the sideline hear hear from coach Jason Quarter in just a moment.

And as he's making his way down to Austin and let's go down to Austin way, he's got the coach.

Hey coach Porter a dominant first half.

What's been working for y'all.

Well we've we've.

Got some turnovers and we've been able to convert them.

And we've been able to run the ball pretty good.

Hit a big play at the end and on a pass.

So, we just need to run this clock right here.

You're going to run the clock on second half.

What's the keys to keeping this lead?

Not turning the ball over?

Good ball security and.

Just playing hard.

Thank you.

Coach.

Back to you on the booth.

Thank you.

Austin.

That's that's pretty much the game plan.

The defense leads to offense and the defense will score scoring themselves for strong as they lead it 48 to 14.

So we'll step aside plenty coming up on the halftime show.

Stick around.

More eight man football coming your way as you're watching the Centennial Bank state football Championship on Arkansas PBS sports.

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We are the electric cooperatives of Arkansas power and people.

Hey, everybody.

David Bazzle here.

It's 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, Christina munoz will introduce you to some All-Stars both on the field and in the classroom.

We're going to check in on a hot spot in Arkansas football, and we're going to learn a little bit about some Arkansas sports history.

But first, starting from scratch can be a struggle.

But teamwork makes the dream work.

Siloam Springs begin this year with their first practice ever for their Special Olympics Unified Cheer team.

It took that collaboration all the way to the state finals.

Take a look back at school year requires you to how to raise your voice and be as loud as you want.

Your.

The first year is always the most important year.

You know, it's great.

You got to get everybody's feet wet.

Okay, let's go to our jumps permanent.

Okay.

Got it.

Yeah.

I always want to be under the stars.

So I really want to get some unified teams going in our in our community.

Because cheer has always been kind of a big thing in Siloam Springs.

Well, unified team is special Olympic partners and peer partners, and they work together to build their team and compete.

000 and so many.

Fan base for a cheer for the shoulder.

Yeah.

It's like I'm base and like, someone climbing my rooftop ladder and someone's on my roof.

It's really cool though.

So there's dancers tumbling.

There's the cheering aspect, there's the stunting.

I feel like our cheerleaders sometimes work the hardest because there are so.

Many components to it, and they all have to be synchronized and they all have to work together.

And a flawless routine.

Do you like.

Practices?

Do you like how challenging they can be?

You know, it could be the lifting or the tumbling.

What do you think?

Oh, that's tough stuff.

And from the first practice to state every single one of them, just take ownership of it.

And it was like how sports bring people together.

That's exactly what cheer has done in our state.

We are proud.

Yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Come on, come on.

Freeze!

Come on, man.

You know, the kids were so nervous because they had never competed before like that.

I mean, I knew that they were good, and I knew that they had a good routine, but I just didn't know what the scoring would be like.

But there wasn't anything that we were expecting.

Getting out in front of everyone and doing our routine and what we practiced.

We didn't really know what to expect going in, and they rocked.

We won the state competition in Benton, Arkansas and took home the gold.

They had the skills, but they also had the drive to be successful and they all work together as a team.

And it was like our first year.

And so, like we proved to people that you can do something in a short amount of time.

This team, this high school team, had the overall highest score out of the entire competition.

And I think that's what shocked us all the most.

And watching them win together was incredible.

And now now it's like, okay, we got to win again.

Like we can't stop now.

Now we got to defend it.

One, two three, four and here we go.

It's hard to win if you don't practice and chances of winning are low.

That's why we practice.

Otherwise you will be at the competition underprepared.

What I feel like makes the practice the most important is that's where the relationships are built.

And that's when the trust is built.

It's always important to hang out with the peers that are working with and like Haley.

She's always with my friends.

I always do that with my friends.

And I just love her.

I love you, too.

The relationships that we made.

Outweigh any metal that they'll ever win.

I mean, don't get me wrong, those gold medals are precious, but I think just the idea of inclusion in the team brought all these kids together from different backgrounds, from different grades.

They are so welcoming.

They are so loving, and it's just incredible to watch how they have been impacted by this experience, and to see those friendships and to see that joy on their face.

That's what makes it worth it.

Siloam Springs will be hosting their own Special Olympics cheer competition on February 27th, 2025.

We wish all the teams the best of luck.

Now let's turn to the student athlete with the emphasis on the student part.

Christina, what do you got for us?

Thanks, David.

We reached out to schools all over the state looking for athletes who not only excel on the field, but in the classroom, too.

Here's the Arkansas PBS student All Stars class of 2024.

We're going to start with our eight man honoree, Hunter Mae.

Hunter is a senior linebacker and tight end for the Midland High School Mustangs.

He has a 3.7 grade point average.

Following high school, he plans to go into the Army out of two.

Let's meet Jaron Thomas.

Jaron is a senior quarterback for the Conway Christian High School Eagles.

He maintains a 3.2 grade point average, and following high school, he plans to attend college, moving on to three AA.

Here's David McKinney with the Charleston Tigers.

This senior offensive and defensive lineman boasts a 3.4 GPA.

After high school, he wants to attend college and teach and coach our four.

A all star this year is Creed Vega.

Creed is a junior quarterback, running back and linebacker for the Dardanelle Sand Lizards.

He has a 4.0 grade point average.

Following high school, Creed plans to play college football and coach football as well.

Coming around to five A, we have Maddox Hampton of the Nettleton High School Raiders.

Maddox is a senior quarterback and has a 3.85 grade point average.

After high school, he plans to attend college at UVA Rich mountain to play baseball.

The six A representative this season is Magnus Golden, this senior defensive end and fullback for the Russellville High School Cyclones, maintains a 3.8 grade point average.

Magnus plans to go to college and play football while earning a degree in engineering.

And finally, we wrap up with our seven, a all star threat.

Tidwell threat is the senior linebacker for the Fayetteville High School Bulldogs.

He has a 3.8 grade point average.

After high school, he plans to attend college and major in business.

Congratulations to all of 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 Quiz Bowl, 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 this studio and square off not only for bragging rights, but for some pretty big checks, too.

And it is all live right here on Arkansas PBS.

Now let's throw it back to bass for a look at another hot spot for Arkansas football.

Thanks, Christina.

You know, they say big things come in small packages in the town of Searcy.

There is one school proving that to be even more true.

The Harding Bisons, a small school breaking NCAA records and making national headlines with their very unique brand of bison ball.

You know, there are some things that I think you know should be told.

We've got a special group, and, But it's hard to win.

You know.

The path certainly seems easier once you've been there.

I can tell you that.

You know, we got a fantastic coaching staff here.

You know, when everybody in America talks about culture and brotherhood and family.

It's something that we refine on a daily basis.

I think the success came from the guys buying into the culture, and that some only reflected into the way we play, because at the end of the day, it's about the guys out there in uniform.

I know that's the biggest game I've played in my life.

I've never played enough for something that important.

You know, we plan for more than just.

Us playing for the Searcy community.

They're all pulling for as they run for us.

And we just we want to make them proud.

Yeah.

What?

Wishbone was a man about, who was reborn at Texas A&M and taking those wishbone backs and putting them up there and slots.

And what the difference between wishbone and Flexible were emotional and didn't.

Put them in routes and stuff.

And the flexible is 11 guys, committed to executing their specific detail every single play.

If one guy is off, then the play won't work.

And so it is.

It's really a reflection of how everybody has to do their job every single play.

And, you know, there's a lot of things about this offense that make it a home run success for us.

But probably the biggest thing you know, it is a perfect fit for who we want to be in our culture.

We will coach up made that decision.

You know, he's sought out, the best.

And Coach Weeden is widely recognized.

Is is one of the best, if not the best, option mind in the country.

Coach Hawk reached out to me in 2010, and he said, hey, we want to bring you in and and install offense.

And we think it would fit our kids.

And, you know, he was right.

A couple of months later, he reached out and said, after watching your practice and being around your young men and tasting that culture, I'd love to come coach with you guys.

Wow.

It's amazing.

The Godfather.

You know what?

I can't be with us.

But at the time, we we didn't we didn't have a spot available.

We didn't have a salary available.

And coach waiting said it's okay, you know, I'll come work for free.

He definitely is a big deal, but, you wouldn't know it.

Just talking to him.

One thing I really appreciate about Coach Weeden is just the way he holds us accountable.

If you have something you need to get better, he will tell you straight up.

And he won't sugarcoat it, but he won't do it in a way that's demeaning, either.

And that makes you want to play harder for him because he expects a lot of you.

But it's a good thing.

It's about much more than just being a football player here.

You know, we always talk about unity.

We only talk about stuff that unites us.

We don't talk about stuff that divides us.

We don't.

We don't want it in the locker room.

We don't want it out here on the practice field.

You know, when you have guys that I buy into that I mean, especially the success that, that, we have received is a is a product of young men loving one another, being selfless and working like crazy to honor God.

No, no.

Kids are more deserving than our kids.

You know, I'm I'm very excited for this program, mainly because, you know, people know who we are and.

Good things are definitely brewing in Searcy.

Now let's take a look at a bit of Arkansas sports history.

In the early 1900s.

The University of Arkansas athletic program was still finding its identity.

That all changed when a young coach named Ugo Best Dec arrived on campus, bringing with him a fierce competitive spirit that would transform Arkansas sports forever.

Check out this story of how one man's passionate outburst gave birth to the legendary Arkansas Razorbacks.

The University of Arkansas hasn't always been the Razorbacks, you know, best act.

His association with what would change our mascot.

That one significant moment will always be part of the history of the university.

You go basic.

He immigrated from Bohemia.

He and his parents moved to Pennsylvania and then later to Chicago, where he literally fell in love with American sports.

He'd been mentored by his coach, Amos Alonzo Stagg, at the University of Chicago.

Looking for something to do in American sports really fill that void in his life.

Hugo Best Dec was selected really as the first paid coach, full time coach here at the University of Arkansas, and he arrived in 1908.

So he became the coach, which means he coached whatever they were playing.

You know, they were the Cardinals and the Cardinals, not the birds, but the color.

In those days, it was football in the fall and baseball in the spring.

He was equally prepared to coach.

Both had successful careers in both sports.

It's very likely that his baseball players were more fundamentally sound, but his football players, because, you know, baseball was kind of the town sport in those days.

He did produce great baseball teams.

There was a lot of success heralded on the football field.

Obviously for his teams are light, quick and furious.

They were swarming.

It was a very disciplined team and their style of play was, very successful with an undefeated season in 1909 and really helped define a style of football that wasn't seen, predominantly around the country at that time.

I think his wins and losses and his accomplishments as a coach were all secondary to the fact that he was in the right place at the right time to form a new image for the state that in 1909, when the University of Arkansas traveled to Memphis via train to play the mythical championship of the South, and coach Best Dec led Arkansas to a shutout victory.

And they returned to the train station and the train depot on Dickson Street.

So when they arrived, everyone knew what the score was.

And oh, Hugo stepped down off the train and spoke to the crowd.

He proclaimed that his team played like a wild band of razorbacks.

Everybody thought, well, that's better than being a cardinal.

And then in 1910, the University of Arkansas student body officially voted to change the name from Cardinals to Razorbacks.

It's not true that Dick invented the name.

They'd been called the Razorbacks prior to that, but it certainly wasn't embraced.

And so the name was more derogatory.

Arkansans were looked upon by their opponents as a bunch of rural, hillbilly, noncompetitive guys.

But I think what people quickly realized in this state is the Razorback represented the attributes of Arkansans, is fierce, is tireless, is very passionate.

I think they really identify with the attributes of a razorback of the hogs and having to work harder and having that success.

So I think when you look at an animal and you look at a mascot that represents the spirit of Arkansas, I think the Razorback is a perfect fit.

He was the first person to give that name significance.

I think that's a very important part of his legacy, setting us up for this competitive nature that goes far beyond what we might expect and not just in athletics that stems across the academic institution, campus community.

You know best.

Dick's perhaps biggest contribution to the University of Arkansas was the adoption of the Razorbacks, and a whole sense of pride for this state and for this university.

You know, Christina, from that memorable day in 1909, the Razorback has stood as a symbol of Arkansas pride and determination.

Absolutely.

You know, that is one of the things I love about sports on Arkansas PBS.

We get our dose of sports, of course, but we learn along the way.

That is a great history lesson.

Right in the Arkansas PBS student All-Stars.

That is one less you want to be on.

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

Now, let's get you back to War Memorial Stadium for the second half, right here on your home for the high school football state finals.

Arkansas PBS.

I love it.

We're on the precipice of a great discovery.

I love it.

Whoa.

Whoa, Nelly!

Let's set this palace on fire.

That.

Welcome to the NewsHour.

What does it mean politically?

Oh, fasten your seatbelts.

I love it.

I will be.

Delighted to hear it.

You make a good team.

Collectors, pickers and takers.

And directors of the natural state.

What's your latest or potentially greatest discovery?

Hi, I'm Kate asking you books, photography and paper goods evaluator for Arkansas Treasures.

See what your find is worth at the Arkansas Treasures Season two evaluation and taping event.

Learn how you can donate to get your tickets now at my RV s.org/arkansas Treasures.

Broadcast of this championship game is made possible by the electric cooperatives of Arkansas.

Over 2500 team members across 17 local electric distribution co-ops powering homes, farms and industries somewhere across Arkansas.

We are the electric cooperatives of Arkansas power and people.

The eight man state championship game is halfway home and strong.

Is there strong enough there for a 814 lead on Midland.

And their defense has certainly impressed.

Let's take a look at the first half highlights.

And there is plenty of them.

Plenty of big plays both sides.

But it really all started.

Midland could not hang on to the football strong reaching for scratching at it, grabbing at it.

Before we get to the highlights let's head down the sideline Austin Waiters there with coach TJ Pugh of the Midland Mustangs.

Yeah I am here I am with Coach Pugh.

Coach what are some things we're going to need to see to improve in the second half?

These go back to our base stuff and we just need to calm down and just do what we've done here and how we got here, where we're just struggling and trying to keep our composure a little bit.

We need to settle down.

Do you have an update on quarterback Chase Rocco.

Where we're going to get an update.

We're going to watch him right here and see, I guess before they get the ball first.

And so we'll watch him here on the sideline see if he can go.

Thank you coach.

Back to you on the booth.

Thanks Austin.

It's going to be interesting to see if we can if Roscoe is going to be able to get back out there.

Obviously he's a big part of the reason why they're 11.

And oh, and playing in the state championship game.

So it's 4814 strong.

Now let's take a look at those highlights that I mentioned.

And there was certainly plenty of them in that opening half strong defensively JB Brazil just kind of created things defensively that sets up the short field.

And they were off to the races for that.

Jamari McHenry.

The first two scores one from one yard out the next one from 32 yards.

But hey you got a little bit of a counter for Midland.

They felt like they bounced back with that run from Braden York from 15.

But then it came back to Jeremiah.

And McHenry had the first three touchdowns for strong to give them the big lead.

And then it just kept rolling.

You had the fumble right here picked up by the big fella Jakeem woods.

The scoop and score made it 30 to 6.

And then how about this.

The defense coming up big.

They get the punt.

And it's Caden McHenry quarterback turned punt returner.

He gets the big score.

And then once again the defense popping one loose.

That was another fumble recovery Mitchell with the score to make it 42 to 6.

But Midland was able to get one back to cut it to 42 to 14 before Creighton and the offense punch it in again with that deep strike.

Dan Quinn is great and seem to always come up with the big play.

Number 17 for strong had several of them in that first half.

First half stats.

You know the do not indicate what the scoreboard says I'll be quite honest with you.

You see the score.

But the total yards just 136 to 106.

Midland actually has twice the number of first downs that strong does.

Time possession certainly leading the way in the Mustangs.

Well that stat near the bottom for turnovers leading to 36 points off of those turnovers is a reason why the strong Bulldogs have a big lead.

Yeah.

And if you go in there and you take away the turnovers, if you crossed a line through the four turnovers, you would think it's a maybe a 2414 lead for strong.

But now the turnovers have been the tale for this one.

And Midland's got to find a way to bounce back.

Gotta find a way to bounce back make some big plays.

And that's going to start on the defensive side of the football first.

As strong is going to receive the opening half.

Kickoff is opening second half kickoff likely an onside kick.

We've seen plenty of.

Those.

In this contest.

Is Midlands set to take the field here.

And they do so 12 on the board here in quarter number three as the temperatures continue to drop.

At least the wind has died down a little bit here inside War Memorial Stadium.

But this is just game one of five on the weekend.

So get locked in get some hot chocolates.

Don't even move from your chair.

Sleep where you're at right now because you're going to be watching Arkansas PBS all weekend long for more titles coming up over the next two days.

And in just a wonderful time of the year.

I mean, really, you love this level of football.

You get to watch it for the next couple of days.

The noon game, the 630 tomorrow on the same on Saturday.

Football's in the air and state championship time.

You got to love it.

So the onside kick from Lil going to be fielded by strong on the far sideline.

And then fielded cleanly 22 there for strong on the far sideline.

Qadree and Williams makes the play.

So the Bulldogs get possession.

They've got the 4814 lead.

You know one thing to pay attention to.

Do we see Jeremiah and McHenry again.

You know he went down on the two point conversion.

Did not finish out that drive that ended the first half.

Not going to be out there on the field to start the second half.

It looks like either looks like Jay Taylor is going to line up and running back.

This drive right here is very critical really for both teams.

Strong punches in.

They got the countdown on the clock.

Midland's got to have a stop here.

This is a very big drive for both teams.

Jamari McHenry is on the sideline and he's on the bench being tended to by a trainer.

It looks like.

So Jayden McHenry going to be the quarterback keeper.

And he's got the corner 4031 man to beat.

And he does it.

First play of the second half.

It's strong back in the end zone.

Wow.

You blink and you miss it McHenry.

He got outside the tackles in open space.

And he can absolutely fly.

No way to get him.

51 yard scamper down the sideline.

The safety had the angle but he couldn't make the play as McHenry a little stutter stepping up the sideline back into the end zone.

And the strong Bulldogs have been near unstoppable in the open field.

Once he got it from the midfield spot right.

Once he got to the first down line, it was like a 40 yard dash and he just made everybody kind of in the rearview, said waved at him goodbye.

So McHenry, now in a line out for the two point conversion as the lead has been stretched out to 40.

Tough snap there.

Taylor tries to pick it up.

And the two point conversion, that'd be the one blip on the radar for the strong Bulldogs today.

They haven't been quite successful in the two point tries, but they've scored a bunch otherwise though.

Offensively defensively special teams the guys and blue and whites they came to play well that they did.

Yeah I think they can live with perhaps the the two point conversion is not working when everything else has.

They've gotten gifts from Midland, no question about that.

But the thing that strong has done is they have capitalized on every single opportunity.

They've been the better team thus far tonight.

They have not been stopped on many possessions, and that one included another short drive, one play 51 yards up the sideline, and Caden McHenry in paydirt.

So now with the going to have the sportsmanship rules in effect anytime the second half, a team has a 35 point lead or more, the clock will continue to run.

The only exception is after scores or actual timeouts, so an incomplete pass is running out of bounds.

The clock will continue to run and a strong has just been too much to overcome for Midland, and the Mustangs have made their handful of mistakes turning the football over.

And that's how you get to a 5414 score.

Even though the stock the box score really says this should be a close contest.

Strong kicks it deep.

Going to be fielded by York.

He's going nowhere after he crosses the 30 yard line.

Call it a 3233.

Maybe they'll give him the nose of the football.

First and ten Mustangs.

So Midlands in control all season long 11 and zero on the season.

They've outscored their two playoff opponents no roughly 114 this year.

What are you telling your team here to get back to try to get back in the game.

At least get some confidence going here in the second half?

Yeah I think you want to you you alluded to it.

Calm things down a little bit with your players.

Just act like you've been there.

Kind of calm down, take a deep breath, but you've got to start getting some chunk place right.

You're running out of time because of the continuous clock.

Now.

Now it's time to go.

It's now or never.

Go back in at quarterback for Midland and they hands it off to James or Adams.

Excuse me.

That one's going nowhere.

Stuffed right up the middle.

Loss of a yard.

Oh, boy.

That's not what you wanted.

If you're Midland how about strong.

My goodness.

And again stayed with assignment there Mitchell comes in picks up the quarterback and it leaves that edge open for Zayden Williams.

They stayed with the assignment yet quarterback he had him Williams picked up the running back.

Good job.

Covered it up.

Jamarion Mitchell was there so fast he might I'm almost taking the handoff.

If it.

They've been they've been shooting the gap has strong all night long.

And they just were wreaking havoc in the backfield.

Right back to Adams.

Right back to going nowhere.

The strong defense again in the backfield making plays.

Well they had four down linemen and they just jumped everything.

Every single line of their beat.

The offensive line.

And really Adams didn't stand much of a chance here three there in the backfield.

And just nowhere to go.

Caden McHenry was right there two if Adams was able to escape yeah.

Shading should Aiden Williams again with another big play.

So back to back plays from 22 Williams to start this third quarter.

Defensively strong another force.

And Midland to another third.

And long.

Rasco drops back to pass looking for a tight end.

It's picked off right to the middle of two defenders and that one's picked off.

And the strong defense again flexing their muscles as Jay Taylor read that pass perfectly and picks it off.

For they're two.

They're in coverage.

They dropped back.

They knew what was coming.

Rascal.

And a third down there a passing down Taylor was all over that one.

We'll step aside.

Strong Bulldogs in the end zone one has already created another turnover here in the third quarter.

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Plenty of highlights to be had in this one.

The strong defense has given them the football back.

Once again.

They've got a 5414 lead.

Five turnovers forced now by the Bulldogs.

They start this drive at the Midland 32.

McHenry wide open is the tight end.

And that's going to be another one play touchdown as Dan Quez Creighton strolls into the end zone.

Strong just having a good time.

Creighton the wave in the arms after the touchdown pass.

That was an all out blitz from Midland.

Nobody home to pick up Creighton.

That was an easy six.

Creighton has been the the one target they've been able to to find all season long.

And he's got his second touchdown catch of the evening.

As.

JB just mentioned.

They send the house and Creighton able to leak out.

And he strolls on in.

And another easy score for strong.

As well.

Designed to good jump there for strong to kind of dial that up.

They realized that it seemed like Midland was bringing the box a lot of times there.

And they held it up at the right time.

Third one play drive of the evening for strong is another two point conversion is shut down in the backfield, but the Bulldogs put another one on the board.

60 to 14 is the score.

Offense, defense, special teams.

It's all been there.

And it's been a long, long night long frustrating night for the guys across the way for Midland.

Well I think it goes to show you something for Midland.

They're on those two point conversion.

They've gotten a lot of stops there right.

They like the short field because they have to worry about the passing.

That's what's allowed McKendree to roll out, make plays.

Have had some passing plays and their defense is good.

But strong has had a couple of plays go their way with the turnovers.

They've made them pay.

And and Midland kind of been back on their heels.

They're playing defensively and offensively a little bit out of style and they're panicking a bit.

I don't always get it right when you know what I was thinking about okay what are the keys to this contest?

You mentioned them before we started here today is Midland has to limit the big plays.

And in that first quarter all of the big plays were turnovers on themselves.

Since that point, quarters two and three, all of the big plays have been well, the definition of a big play, strong, breaking free, breaking a run miss tackle Leach, the quarterback getting out a busted coverage there.

Everything is just going the way of the straw bowl.

A couple scoop and scores as well.

The punt return.

I mean, you talk about explosive play strong had them on all three facets of the game offensively, defensively and special teams.

That's why they've got a 16 to 14 lead.

Soon as this possession goes I'm sure.

The clock should start.

To the fourth.

Quarter as well.

I believe that was my mistake.

Sportsmanship rule.

Sometimes eludes me, even so, the kick off goes out of bounds.

Going to be first down for Midland at their own 40.

It is good to see quarterback Chase Rasco back out there for Midland.

Took a big shot in the back in that first half.

But he's back out there for the second half.

Will try to finish things off the right way.

The junior quarterback does as they trail at 60 to 14.

Now the clock is running so it isn't any point in the second half.

Counter play and go to York for the defense right there for strong and limits that to a yard pickup.

Trying to pin and pull there.

Get over that right right guard.

But again strong doing what they've done most here that most of the game is that front lines got a really good push.

And they've pursued the football well to close out.

The strong defense as it's been lights out all season long, giving up 6.8 points per contest.

They've allowed only 12 points coming into the state championship game in the playoffs.

That's two games they haven't allowed more than 14 all season.

That's what Midland sitting at right now.

Adams with the big run over on the right side.

He's got call it a 11 across midfield.

And another first down for the Midland Mustang offense a.

Big hole opened up there on their outside it's tackle and guard kind of splitting things.

One going right one going left.

And then Adams came through right here.

You see the big hole.

They blocked their block there.

And he cuts into that right side edge.

Really nice job blocking to give Adams space and room to run.

Adams has had a nice evening 19 carries now 90 yards for the Midland offense.

They've got 92 rushing as a team.

But some fumbles some bad snaps obviously take away the the rushing totals.

York has 48 yards for Midland on just six carries.

So there's a little hitch in his giddyup.

You've seen a few times where they get to York right here.

I thought he had a lane but couldn't get the block that he needed, but still picks up three.

And nice job from five Cole five for strong.

The sophomore coming in kind of slipped that block there and was able to to pick up that tackle after a good run mind you by York.

But you're right.

Good job there defensively to close it out.

Inside 7.5 minutes to play here in the third quarter.

All strong.

Scored the first 12 points here in the second half.

Their defense is just continuing to create plays.

And the offense you knew would wake up eventually.

And the big plays have shown up for strong.

They've now have got more than 100 yards more than Midland does handoff to Adams again or straight ahead.

Not a lot doing.

There's three blue jerseys converge on the Midland fullback.

Oh boy.

This on the ground.

They're slow to get up again.

It's just hard nosed football.

It's rough out there.

It's cold.

Every hit stings a little bit more than it would normally.

Currently 34 degrees here in the capital city.

But boy yeah I mean in the way that these teams are going at it.

The thing for Midland is the way their style of play is they're not really built for for coming back from large deficits.

Right.

Especially there at milk the clock ground and pound.

You see here Adams taken two tackler that was a hard tackle though from strong to pound him to the turf.

Balls on the ground again.

And believe the quarterback was able to pick it up push the pile and they get the first down.

So nice hustle play there for a midland look.

Like it was going to be a busted play, but the Mustangs make something out of nothing.

It's a little bit of life.

You love to see that O-line kind of pushing their quarterback to the first down.

You got to have every little bit here.

If you're gonna have a chance to come back and be strong.

That was not the fumble.

Bruschi.

Rasco just dropped the snap, but able to pick it up himself and got a little help from his offensive line to move the chains.

So a first down for Midland again.

They continue to double up strong in the first down category.

They've got 12 compared to just six for strong.

But strong certainly has the lead and where it matters most on the scoreboard.

Rasco he's going to be chased down from behind.

That one recognized right off the snap from Jamarion Mitchell.

We've been calling number five name all night long Mitchell.

The ability that he has to kind of really play recognition comes down here under the edge.

He slips the block and then he traces down to Rasco.

And he softly talked him out of bounds so he doesn't get that late hit.

Really nice job for Mitchell again.

Awareness.

No one what the way this game is going get in the tackle.

We're not trying to do too much.

So Rasco kind of eases himself to the sideline and has a seat on the bench.

You can tell that that shot that he took in the first half, it's still taking a toll on him and that's a good look at the quarterback.

So they're going to go back to go to Braden York normally lines up at running back for Midland and he takes back over at quarterback.

The line up in the shotgun.

York keeps it on the left side.

Breaks one tackle.

But he's finally tracked down.

From behind is Jake Taylor.

Makes the play.

Taylor we've called his name a couple times.

Both sides of the ball should.

Darian Williams was there in coverage.

Two to try to close out on York.

Decent run though.

Found the angle.

Stiff arms at one man there and then try to cut it in between the block.

Williams there also to help make the play an inch in towards the four minute mark.

That clock of course is running.

That's why the second half is going to go pretty quickly.

I don't think the guys in blue and white are going to have too many arguments with that, as they're ready to celebrate.

So Midland facing the third and seven York drops back to pass.

He's got pressure in his face.

Lets one go.

And that's picked off.

Pass well under thrown intercepted Cole Fyfe trying to make something happen.

The sophomore finally goes down.

But another defensive stop another turnover forced by the strong defense.

Wow York trying to go back in this cold piercing weather.

Just ball didn't fly like he wanted to do.

Floated it up fifth was there and he snatches it out of the air.

And then he try to make a little something after the play.

But nowhere to go.

It give Midland credit not to give up on that pick there.

Stayed around with five and kept him from taking it to the house.

That's a big play for the sophomore.

Cole five.

Certainly going to remember that one.

He got his hands on the football.

And now Strong's offense going to be back out there.

We've already got 60 on the board.

We're wondering what the most points in the six eight man championship game is.

Well it's 66 from a couple of years ago.

Strong and Mountain Pine went to double overtime.

So it doesn't look like it's going to make it to double overtime.

It has been all strong as the Bulldogs looked like they're going to be content with running down the play clock on about every snap, trying to shorten this game as much as they can.

Here's McHenry, breaks one, tackle, breaks another.

He's finally brought down by York.

Not until he got to the secondary and eight more yards.

Well York makes that tackle there in the second level.

You're right.

But if he doesn't get McHenry right here take a look.

He tries to cut it.

Go trying to go this way right there to the right.

And York dives and makes that tackle.

And again if McHenry slips out it might be off to the races.

So strong.

Going to really take the air out of the football on this.

And we're inside three minutes already here in the third quarter.

But any time you can pick up seven, eight and nine yards, stay in front of the chains.

Strong is going to be successful.

Those guys up front have done a great job catching those names momentarily.

Sure.

Wondering where Jeremiah and McHenry is.

He's been on the on the sidelines, but sitting on the bench after he took that big shot on a two point conversion in the first half.

Nothing doing on that second down carry.

All thanks to and parks kind of jumped in there, beat his man and they made a big tackle there in the back.

Big 72 making plays for Midland.

Third down up coming for the strong Bulldogs.

Third down and the under the two minute mark in the third quarter.

By the time this one is snapped.

Got a quick turnaround here at the stadium.

Noon kickoff tomorrow.

The two way state championship game East Poinsett County back in the finals for the second consecutive year, looking to avenge a loss from last year.

But Conway Christian stands in their way.

McHenry on the quarterback.

Keeper breaks a tackle.

He's got the sideline now.

He just got one man to beat.

McHenry bumped out of bounds, but not before he picks up a huge chunk of yards all the way down to the Midland 41 yard line.

He is so elusive.

McHenry scampering away was looking for the pass.

Nobody there tucks it in runs.

And I'm telling you right now watch that play develop.

If Ashland does not take the angle that he takes.

Mike McHenry is going for six.

There's no question about it.

Great job from Christian for Ashland Junior cutting that angle off and save it a touchdown.

McHenry picks up 36 yards on the quarterback keeper there for the strong Bulldogs.

And another set a fresh set of downs.

And they can chew more clock.

But boy you know we talked about it Bobby.

Time and time again.

It's been big play after big play really offensively.

But you got the turnovers.

Special teams defense threw it through strong.

Had two big plays.

McHenry hands it off to Taylor.

Taylor uses a stiff arm up the sideline.

He is gone Jake Taylor 1510 five.

Touchdown.

Strong back in the end zone again.

And a flex of the muscle J Taylor breaking tackles.

Another big play for a strong.

And this time going on outside edge trying to make a diving tackle to save a touchdown.

But it didn't matter.

Jay Taylor was taken out.

Went all the way.

Hunter May had a bit of the angle, but Taylor just had too much speed and a little too much strength at the end.

Breaks the tackle back in the end zone.

66 points ties the state record for most points in an eight man championship game.

Two point conversion has a chance to break that record records for four years old now.

Strong got a chance to.

Break it again right?

Now.

McHenry in the pistol.

Taylor behind him.

Turn.

Play fake.

McHenry rolls to his right.

He'll try a little jump pass that one though.

Deflected pass incomplete and the margin will stay at 6614.

How about Mick Adams there.

He had to cover two guys.

Could have stayed back.

Really good job.

Almost a zone covers to cover both of them.

Let's head down to the sideline Austin later.

Hey guys.

So talking about this strong team and how dominant they have been tonight.

Coach Ford to talk to me on Tuesday about that fuel to the fire that they game with.

How last season unfortunately ended.

Tell me this team this year has been more of a businesslike attitude.

And I think it's safe to say you've seen it tonight with the amount of turnovers and the scoreboard, to say the least.

Thank you Austin.

He's an intern, right?

We can send him out for coffee and half chocolate.

We're cold up here, man.

You look a little cold down there too to be quite honest.

34 degrees in little Rock.

That's, 66 points.

They are.

Red hots are the Bulldogs.

And their offense, their defense, a score.

Their special teams have scored.

Everything has turned up gold for the guys from southern Arkansas.

Boy, they've flashed their speed.

It's come in handy tonight.

It no question about it.

The line drive kick going to be fielded and handoff.

And they don't think he tried to get the ball to York.

And he's going to be dumped at the 35.

So that's where Midland will take over on.

It's going to be the final posse Well I'll tell you Bobby one thing Midland has done is they've controlled the clock for 25 minutes, but unfortunately the turnovers have been too much.

Yeah.

One and two play possessions have been the name of the game for strong.

You know, I've always thought time of possession could be the most telling side of the most overrated stat in the column.

And tonight certainly it is the most overrated because Midland able to choose some clock.

They've had success.

They've moved the football.

They've been they've been on strong side of the 50 multiple times.

But there's too many turnovers too many miscues.

Can't get to cannot do that against a team as talented as the strong Bulldog squad.

In Midland hands right off to Adams.

Straight ahead is going to pick up about six.

And that's going to bring us to the end of the third quarter.

Strong continues to add to their lead 24 zip in that quarter.

And the Bulldogs are 12 minutes away from their third straight third state title in school history.

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It is all strong here in the eight man championship game.

6614.

Let's take a look at how we got to this point.

Turnovers and big plays.

Really the name of the game quit.

No question about that JR Myron McHenry had the first three touchdowns for strong to begin.

But oh boy it's been the turnovers.

Catastrophe struck for Midland a couple of scoop and scores for the Bulldogs.

Their defense has been big.

How about the strip pops out.

Mitchell takes it to the house for a strong offense defense and special teams.

And they've had a couple of good pass plays to Creighton.

This one over the top.

Nobody home.

And he'll score with ease.

6614 is the score.

We'll have a running clock here in the fourth quarter.

As strong going to win their third state championship in school history 2011 2021.

As we've got a whistle and a flag we hadn't seen one of those.

This half will be a false start.

Over to push Midland back.

False start on offense five-yard penalty second down.

It's been a really clean game to be quite honest.

Between these two penalties at least half concern turnovers.

It's a different story.

Yeah that's right.

In terms of discipline yeah they did a really nice job.

Both teams have you know again we keep harping on going back on it.

But man I tell you Midland you take away the turnovers.

You feel like this contest is a lot closer and you feel like you got a ball game.

But the turnovers have just really gifted it to strong.

And they've they've taken advantage and trying to run away with it.

Midland to start the half the toss to Adams.

He's bottled up and going nowhere.

Right there is the quarterback Caden McHenry making plays on defense.

He's done it time and time again.

Both sides of the ball.

His speed lined up there with Adams.

That pitch watch watch him come right there.

He read that perfectly.

And hey give credit to Adams though.

He's had a really nice game.

He's run hard.

He's trying to run through really tough defenders.

Just know where to go.

That time over 100 yards is Adams.

At least he was before that carry.

But third and 11 upcoming for Midland.

Coach Jason Porter a lot to smile about this year.

They've already started the countdown.

He's got to keep his head on a swivel.

It's cold out there I don't know if they can get the Gatorade bucket to him.

Hahaha.

Now I would be running for my life if I'm Coach Porter.

That about that.

Straight pass from Roscoe.

He's going up top, almost a diving catch.

A falling down catch by Braden York, but can't make the play.

Shaken up though is Cole Fyfe the sophomore corner?

A good coverage from five.

Almost a very acrobatic catch from New York.

Take another look there.

Swung that way down that sideline and York nearly hauled it in falling on the top.

You get to the one on one matchup down the sideline and gets a sophomore.

You like the play there of the two a receiver and the cornerback kind of get tangled up as good.

No call as the feet.

Kind of get tangled there.

But brings up a fourth down for Midland.

They probably I guess they're going to punt.

This is what it looks like.

Yeah.

Fourth and 11.

They're going to drop McHenry back.

It's always dangerous.

You're going to punt it to number four is already taken one back to the house tonight.

What about.

Play clock at zero.

And the flag finally does come out.

It's going to be a delay of game call on Midland.

Football late game.

They only that.

So back it up.

Five more.

Fourth and 11 turns into fourth and 16.

Now for Midlands.

They have not gotten anything going offensively in the second half.

Low snap there.

But they get it away and try to angle away from McHenry.

He thought about trying to go for it but does not pick it up and rolls out of bounds just outside the 35 yard line.

So we'll step aside with 915 left in the fourth quarter.

Strong gets the football back as you're watching the Centennial Football state championship games on Arkansas PBS sports.

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We're back here.

Strong is going to 6614.

Lee.

Let's head down to the sideline Austin.

Later on this Midland season Austin.

Yeah this Midland season has been incredible for them.

You talked about first state championship game appearance and a great crowd to come support them.

Not to mention their quarterback Chase Rocco.

How about him toughing it out in this fourth quarter.

We saw that hard hit he took in that late in that second quarter.

And he's been toughing out in the second half.

A lot to build on for this Midland Mustang season.

Thank you Austin.

You've been tough in and out there tonight in the elements as well.

Kudos to the PBS intern UK broadcast student chance to work on the broadcast.

Not doing an excellent job on the sidelines.

So we've got 915 left in the fourth.

We're set to get things going back here in quarter a number four strong has got the football, but once again there's the clock.

Continues to run McHenry quarterback sweep on that right side.

And Midland's right there.

Nice play by 44 Aiden McAdams.

The junior makes the play on the sideline.

Yeah you saw McHenry bounce it out.

Right side William Parks felt like he had an angle on him.

But McHenry speed too much trying to juke to the edge.

But again you're right.

Mike McAdams.

Really good job to close that out.

Make sure he had no way to get get around him.

McHenry trying to get the shoe back on on the far sideline.

This is not the type of weather you want to lose your shoes in from.

Well, I think we can all attest.

But Austin later certainly can't.

He's now the sidelines dealing with all kinds of weather.

And some strong of course content with this kind of wind in this one down.

Be sure to lock in all weekend two way championship tomorrow at noon.

Five a championship tomorrow night.

Farmington in the finals for the first time since 1973, it's the Cardinals looking for a title.

Big test.

Standing in front of them, though, the Parkview Patriots, gunning for their third consecutive five championship.

Got some offense.

Does Farmington they can sling it.

And they handle the big front for Parkview.

That's going to be the question of course in doubleheader coming up on Saturday to open things up with the six a pair of six a West teams Greenwood looking for another championship taking on Shiloh Christian two of the most storied programs in state history, going to meet one more time.

It was a good one when they met her in the regular season as well.

I think we anticipate a good one there.

I mean, you what do you ask at times?

What state championship game do you want to watch?

I mean, they're all good really, if you think about it, that one should be good.

The seven eight game, the two way game.

I mean, it should be a lot of fun.

Be tuning in for all those.

And we got Ali versus Foreman in the the nightcap on Saturday night.

Two big time heavyweights Bentonville Bryant.

What else can you say.

Third and short hand off to Taylor.

Straight ahead.

Takes it two blows and carries a couple of defenders.

Picks up four yards.

Tough run in from Jay Taylor for the first down.

Boy from the whistle.

Every time he snapped and gotten the ball he is ran hard.

Taylor with a big gain once again.

That's the one I've had circled for quite a while.

However, since we found out the matchups last week when Bentonville hits a field goal with the second left Bentonville.

Bryan, it's going to be a slobber knocker.

Oh, that was incredible.

You talk about that Bentonville kick.

Talk about ice in your veins.

To knock that down you got to think that's going to help his opportunities to play at the next level.

I'm not going to kick like that.

So that's the slate for this weekend.

We still got a trophy to hand out tonight.

A couple of them been in fact.

There's Caden McHenry Taylor Flakes to his right.

And play clock expired here on strong.

So it's going to be a delay of game.

And we'll pause the action again.

Late game offense has been a little too methodical.

Penalty.

First trying to milk that clock a little bit.

You like the idea.

Certainly doing just that I mean strong though if you look back it and I think you go back to one play, we talked about that drive at the start.

The second half.

We said it.

Midland had to have a stop.

The strong scored.

They put it to bed one play.

That's all it took.

Yeah.

You felt like when Midland scored late first half they had a chance.

Yep.

Been strong.

Goes and scores right before the half on the big play.

And obviously the first possession of this third quarter.

And it got out of hand.

It was going to take a monumental effort for Milton to get back in.

And either way.

But those two plays, you're exactly right JB.

Really the difference in what put this game out of reach?

Taylor straight ahead.

Tough sledding though on this possession for strong.

But they're content with just running that.

Clock and give strong credit to say they have not turned the football over.

They've had a couple of times where it slipped through, but they've jumped back on it.

They've done a really good job with ball control and ball protection.

You go back to the very first possession of the game for Midland on fourth down, the punt that goes, the snap that goes over the punters head.

It was just downhill for Midland and they've never recovered.

They have six turnovers to none.

That's the big call them 48 points off of those turnovers.

That's wow.

That's just hard to believe to be quite honest.

Yeah no kidding.

It's different in the game.

Yeah almost kind of question the math.

There's like how is that possible.

Now the five minute Mark Taylor straight ahead.

But another big tackle by Aiden McAdams.

He's not giving up the junior linebacker out of.

You're going to hit a hard hit that's for sure.

Again that handoff to Taylor kind of bobbled a little bit.

But he did a good job with both hands making sure he controlled it.

Not that it really matters at this point anyway, but ball control has been certainly key for strong.

Yeah this is just one of those possessions that you just you know you have to finish the game the right way.

If you're strong you can't can't be too lackadaisical.

Got to take care of the football.

Can't just go through the motions.

They're facing third and ten here.

I think if you're Midland you just want close things out.

You know this one's over.

Close that on a high note.

You want things to look forward to next year.

An incredible season after 1 in 7 finished last year.

Yeah 1 in 7 a year ago to 11.

And oh to start this season and trip to the championship game for the first time in school history.

McHenry on the quarterback sweep right right side flag on the play and he's up the sideline 2015 ten five touchdown.

We got to check the laundry.

Yeah that one might be coming back for that one.

The flag that occurred a lot of times it's in the area of either a hold or a block in the back there already bringing this one back.

It looks like.

That flags right in front of the Midland bench between the 45 and 50.

And they are marching it back.

Got a good good seam there.

Good angle on the outside edge.

And again when McHenry gets out on the edge no.

No chance.

Illegal formation offense.

More than three players in the backfield five-yard penalty from the previous spot.

Third down third.

The call there from Tanner McGuire.

Illegal formation.

More than three players in the backfield of course with eight man you got different.

You know you're used to hearing more than four men in a 11 man football, but not enough guys there on a line of scrimmage.

And so that one's coming all the way back and wipe off the long touchdown run for McHenry.

They've got to have at least five guys on the line and eight man.

If you've got more than three in the backfield that means you don't have five of the one.

You only got four.

And that was the case for strong.

McHenry trying to add to his resume for tonight.

You got to believe he's going to be taking home an MVP championship trophy.

Buddy I don't know if you can give it to the entire defense, but the strong unit certainly deserves it.

McHenry tries the quarterback sweep again, but this time wrapped up around the ankles.

Bradley Furrow makes the play.

Time for a play for the sophomore.

There guys.

Johnson's off that block and then dive for the one leg.

Well nice job to fight through the block.

McHenry didn't necessarily like the end of that play.

That's cool.

The fourth and 15 for strong.

They've got the punt unit out there.

Clean snap kick is away.

And they run into the kicker but no flag.

This one fielded at York at the 21.

He's just going to coast out of bounds shy of the 30 yard line.

But a flag comes down after the play.

And usually it's something a little bit after maybe some extracurricular perhaps some things.

Getting a little testy here late as we're on the inside.

The final three minutes of this eight man championship game.

So Tanner McGuire going to confer with his crew.

It's John Watson is umpire.

Let's discuss things.

These are not dinner plans.

These are.

All right, let's figure out what's going on here.

You can get out of here.

Likely something that didn't affect the play at all.

They're just going to make sure they get it right and it's cold.

So you know they're wanting to get it get it rolling.

Yep.

Here's call.

Here's what an illegal block in the back on the return team penalties ten yards.

They the a run first down.

So blocking the backs called against Midland special teams miscue.

They're going to back him up even farther.

So that's going to push it all the way back to the 17.

And that's where Midland will start this possession with 240 left on the game clock.

And that will start to blow the whistle from McGuire.

The white hat.

I think again for Midland here.

It's just figuring out a way to end on a high note.

You'd love to score, to feel like you cap off the game.

Adams lines up behind Roscoe.

They go with the counter play to York.

York's got a wide open space down the right sideline.

30 pushed out of bounds right before the 40.

So another big gain though.

But you can see there's a little hitch.

And in the stride for York he may not be 100% healthy either.

Now.

Exactly.

He was kind of pulling up just a little bit as he got on the edge.

But a really good misdirection play.

Good lead block there and York with speed.

You'll see right here.

Kind of slows down a little bit.

Good close out tackle there.

Good speed for JaMarcus Perkins to get there and cut him off.

Big gain though for York.

Pushes the football all the way out to the 4023 yard gain for Midland.

It's good math there Bobby.

It's not just a hat rack over here a place to set my headset.

Oh I love it.

Third grade math teacher would be proud of me a low snap.

They get the ball to Adams Adams of space on that left side.

He's going to be wrestled down just beyond the 45 called the 46 gain of six.

There's just no eluding JaMarcus Perkins.

He goes on one end.

Now on this end you're not going to slip a tackle on Perkins.

He's a really good linebacker.

The sophomore plenty to be excited about watching him play.

You know it's a new bodies out on the field as we're at 70s to play here in the eight man championship game.

Tonight is seven minutes is all game.

The Mustangs helmet I love him.

Nice shot.

He looks like this.

Really?

Yeah.

Awesome helmet.

Now I miss.

This great pony up pony.

It's got that SMU feel to it.

That's right.

That's exactly it.

Yeah.

Rasco.

Rex Midland's going to take a timeout before that play clock expired.

So action stops with 41 seconds remaining is the strong faithful is on their feet.

They're starting to make their way to the railing.

In all 57.

And you know Bobby, this is a time two is a timeout.

You're probably talking about what you're going to run a little bit.

But I think two if you're coach both coaches, you're telling your guys, hey soak this moment in.

Yeah.

You know you're here.

You made it here.

It's a phenomenal season regardless of whether you win or loss.

Take it and look at the fans and enjoy the moment.

We knew that one of these undefeated teams would be heading home with their first loss of the season.

They kind of expected this one to be a really close contest.

But the turnovers, obviously against Midland and didn't handle the moments as well as they would have liked, but this is certainly a season they're going to remember for the rest of their lives.

So I'm with you, so soak this moment in and try to finish these last, probably this last play, with your head held high.

Yeah.

You go back to it.

You said it already.

Turnovers really were the difference in this game.

I really feel like that is the case.

Strong made the most of them.

They pulled away.

From.

So Rasco has got its clock has been wound down a snap.

Its straight handle.

But maybe a horse collar tackle there.

Nothing called.

As.

Broden saw the sophomore catch the carry and that clock continues to wind and now we got a player down for Midlands.

Right on the triple logo at the 50.

Look at this freshman Dwayne Wilson coming in tracking that down to make the big tackle.

We also saw time Derwin Williams into the game as well for a strong.

So the two teams taking me out on the field as they tend to the injured player for Midlands.

Take a look at the stats.

Going to finish this one up strong.

225 yards on the ground, 95 through the air 320 yards total.

Midlands up to 162 yards of total offense, 143 of that coming up on the ground.

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These are a great championship keepsake.

Pierce Barnhouse, a junior lineman able to walk off the field under his own power.

It's a great off.

That's a great lineman name.

You and I were talking about there in the pregame.

Big things going to be ahead for Pierce Barnhouse on this Midland team next year, but just did not go their way tonight.

The coach talked about Barnhouse and how hard of a player he is.

He's dislocated his shoulder quite a few times, but he still gets back out there and played.

He's a tough player.

That's Coach Porter making sure he's got enough players out there and they're going to start the celebration in 22 seconds.

As the clock has been wound, Midland does not have to run a play if they don't want to.

If they are going to get one more off, or least try to see if they break the huddle.

So Roscoe, with five Midland for the try to shift things around.

Try to snap it with one more.

They're going to play one more balls on the ground one more time.

And that's how this contest is going to come to an end.

As the strong Bulldogs are your state champs on the field and Coach Porter did not keep his head on a swivel long enough as the ice shower finally gets him and strong wins their second eight man title in the last four seasons.

Wow, what a performance from the Bulldogs.

Strong from the very first whistle for the dominant team.

And they made the plays that mattered the most.

Strong with a big performance.

The one that wins it all.

Handshakes and high fives all around for the strong Bulldogs.

They win it 6614.

Trophy presentation.

Strong is going to get what they came for.

Coming up.

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Good news indeed.

Many people will experience orthopedic or spine issues in their lifetime, and the pain that goes along with that can make you feel well, like a shadow of yourself.

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State champions say they get the hardware that they came for.

Nothing but a dominant effort.

That's really all you can say, JB, about the way the guys from southern Arkansas came out, including.

The athleticism was on display.

McHenry speed was on display.

And I don't mean necessarily Caden McHenry either.

Jeremiah.

And also with the wheels, you saw some big plays from Jakeem Ward Mitchell as well, and it was an all out team performance.

Creighton, the whole team, eight of them on the field at each time they made the plays.

That bulldog in the background can turn that frown upside down.

It's the third championship and it's it's 2011 for the strong Bulldogs.

Let's take a look at the final stats.

In this contest it really started to lean that halftime.

It was almost 5050 for the second half was certainly dominated in the stat column and the scoring column by the strong Bulldogs as they held Midland scoreless in the second half, 225 yards on the ground for strong 320 total.

But the turnover six turnovers in this contest for Midland, that's just too much to overcome.

You could tell the message at halftime was, hey, let's finish this.

They did it with one play to begin the second half.

And that was the deal.

The play that ended things.

Caden McKendry is your state championship game.

NVP his numbers.

Well, he was perfect through the air, 3 or 3 passing for 95 yards and a pair of touchdowns, 11 carries, 123 yards and another score on the ground had a long touchdown run called back.

The quarterback did it all on that side of the football.

So played pretty well defensively.

I'd say video game numbers in the game that matters most strong with the championship victory.

Austin is going to have the head coach and the MVP for us coming up in just a moment, but this one is all strong as the Bulldogs say, they had a chip on their shoulder.

They thought they should have been here last year.

They had their playoff season cut short because they had to forfeit due to an eligible player, and they started that process the Monday after they found out the news.

They found out the night before the first round that says we're moving past it after the weekend.

On that following Monday, they started towards the grind for today and today they finish it with a perfect season.

What a great.

Outlook by Coach Porter right.

There's no sense in moping about it.

Turn the page.

Move on.

It's almost really a whole extra year in advance to practice that other teams don't have, because their mindset has been on one thing and one thing a little, as you mentioned, come here and get the hardware and that they've done.

They're still celebrating with their team.

See if Austin can sneak in there and get their head coach in.

Austin has him.

Let's go down to Austin way there in the sea of humanity.

That is the strong celebration.

First off, congratulations.

What are the feelings right now?

Senior teams over a state championship they like.

And you know they've been through a lot.

And last year and just coming through that second half finish a lot.

It couldn't be everything.

You talked about with me standing on business.

These kids were on business to come back and finish the job.

What does it mean for some of these seniors to come out on top like this?

Hey, they want it tonight.

And coming back to win it, it's just, be two, two state champs is unbelievable.

How cool was that Gatorade bath?

It wasn't.

Have the rest of it.

Not at all.

Thank you.

Coach.

Congrats.

Go celebrate.

Thank you.

Austin.

I believe it was called.

He can say what he wants.

Thank you.

I get it.

There's no doubt about that.

Austin's going to try to track down Caden McHenry is his MVP for those four.

We get to that.

Let's take a look at the highlights.

And a lot of strong Midland had their chances.

But it started with Jeremiah and McHenry a couple touchdown runs to get things going and their defense took over.

It was just throughout really dominant performance.

McHenry you saw the touchdown from York right there.

Braden York the guy to watch out for for Midland.

He brought them close.

But the turnover bug was really the one that sealed the deal.

That one came loose.

Jamarion Mitchell took it to the house.

And then this was a touchdown pushed in the second.

The only other touchdown that Midland scored.

They're pushed in.

But Creighton responded with a McHenry pass over the top to Creighton.

That was a score to send it the half.

And that was enough to give them the win.

Let's go back down to Austin.

He's got our MVP Cade McHenry.

Yeah I am here with Caden McHenry.

First of all congratulations.

And you were all over the field tonight.

What was it about tonight?

Oh it was just a special night for me.

I put guy first, and I just said it's going to be what it's going to be.

I was right there.

Ready?

All week we practice every day and just came out on top.

Yeah.

And you talked about I talked with coach for about the way last season of y'all coming out and finishing the job.

What does it mean to finish the job this year?

Oh job well done.

So that was I that was our mission last week.

I ended early and we just took that into this year and it went on.

It didn't stop us.

Congratulations, Cain McHenry.

Go celebrate and back to on the booth.

Thank you.

Austin Cade McHenry, the eight man championship game most valuable player as he leads strong to a 6614 victory.

Well celebrate Strong's victory.

Official championship gear is now available.

Visit Arkansas High School sports.com to find apparel and memorabilia commemorating this unforgettable season.

That's why Arkansas high school sports.com.

Show the strong Bulldogs, for the third time in school history, able to host that trophy and take it back down to the Arkansas Louisiana border.

That's one game down.

Four games to go this weekend.

Coming up tomorrow, the two way state championship East Poinsett County back for the second consecutive season, but still looking for that first title.

Conway Christian in the championship game for the first time in school history, somebody is going to win the first crown and their school's history should be a good one.

No, we are excited for that one.

A nail biter indeed.

Hopefully two really good teams match it up.

We really expect a tight contest there.

The strong Bulldogs finish on top of eight man football in Arkansas 6614.

The final score here inside War Memorial Stadium for JB Brazil Austin Way there in the entire Arkansas PBS crew.

Appreciate you tuning in tonight.

We'll see you back here tomorrow at noon for that two way championship.

You've been watching the Centennial Bank State Football Championship on Arkansas PBS sports.