Now.

It's day two of the Arkansas high school football state championships.

The eight man state title was awarded last night, and it's time to turn it up a notch.

As we head to this two AA state title game, Conway, Christian and Eastpointe set County as we welcome you into the booth here at War Memorial Stadium.

JB Brazil alongside Bobby Swofford.

Bobby, these are two really good teams you got to be to get to this point.

But it is a little bit colder.

And we saw that come into play last night.

Yeah a lot of times the conditions are going to affect how the outcome of the game is.

And last night six fumbles in the eight man championship game.

Midland put the ball on the ground too many times and it resulted in too much of this.

The strong Bulldogs scored three times on the non offensive fashion, and strong posted a 66 to 14 victory and their third state title in school history.

It was a monumental win for strong, the two a game today, but there's a little bit more coming up ahead here in this weekend.

You see the ice baths.

Boy it was cold.

You know, that did not feel great.

Aside from the fact that you just won the eight man state title game.

Tonight's game, you got the five day championship.

Parkview looking to go for a three peat.

That should be a game.

Yeah Farmington has been an upstart team.

Won 12 games in a row.

But can they slay Goliath.

That's going to be the big question.

And of course coming up tomorrow six 8 in 7 eight.

We keep turning that volume up.

The big boys here in War Memorial Stadium tomorrow.

That should be a lot of fun.

East point set County, though.

They're trying to take care of business, making it back to back trips.

They fell last year in a heartbreaker to Bigelow.

Yeah, they went back and forth with Dick a little bit early on.

They struck first, but Bigelow had too many answers.

The Panthers get their first championship in school history.

They continue to make big plays, Eastpoint said.

County hoping to right that wrong there ten and three.

They're back here but standing in their way.

An undefeated Conway Christian team who's also looking for their first ever state title.

Only one team can come out victorious.

We continue on getting set for kickoff for the two AA state title game.

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Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.

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East point set County.

They are the 2A2 champs.

They come in with a ten and three record.

Come on, Christian, they're 13 zero.

The two A1 champs.

They have had a great season.

It kept rolling into the playoffs.

As we take a look at how they got here a first round matchup with Hayes in a 4816 victory moved on against Denmark in the quarterfinals.

That was a close look when Collin Christian edge at the end.

The big one was the win against Junction City, a nail biter 25 unanswered for the Eagles as they come from behind to win.

They're trying to make it their first ever state title.

If they can knock off EPC.

A Jared Thomas likely going to be the guy that gets the job done if they do it.

The moxie of the quarterback from Conway Christian to lead his team to the state championship game after being down two touchdowns in both the quarterfinals against Denmark and then the semifinals down 21 to nothing against Junction City, you see the numbers 1400 yards through the air, 1100 on the ground, 32 total touchdowns.

He's the straw that stirs a drink for this county Christian rushing attack.

As much as he's so good offensively you look at the keys of the game.

Defensively you got to find a way to limit Buchanan and gain to the big play.

As good as the Conway Christian offense has been all season long, the key today is going to be the defense.

They've got to limit the big plays from each point.

Set County.

They've got a pair of 1500 yard rushers.

They've got to find a way to win the turnover battle.

We saw last night.

Two teams that we thought might have been pretty evenly matched on paper.

Turnovers turned that game into an absolute blowout.

Gotta take care of the football here for the Eagles.

And it come with Christian coming in.

Only four turnovers on the year.

They expect to win that turnover battle.

But you got to find a way to do it against a good Warriors team EPC.

We mentioned ten and three on the year.

Let's take a look at how the Warriors made it to today's Friday state title matchup.

It started in the first round probably their closest and toughest matchup.

The Guard and Go Devils a 2620 victory from the four seed.

There.

They moved on into the quarterfinals.

They got revenge.

They avenge last year's state title game 3612 over Bigelow.

And in the semis, that game was a little closer than the score might indicate.

54 to 33 epic over Mount Ida with a 21 point victory.

And Bobby, if EPC is going to be Conway Christian, what's it going to take?

It's going to take a two headed monster of a rushing attack between Buchanan and Jacob Gaines with their keys to the football.

Got to find a contain the quarterback.

We talked about how electric Jaren Thomas is for Conway.

Christian keep him in the pocket because the option game, the scramble on attempted passes is a big reason why they were able to come back in the last two contests, and they've got to win that battle of the trenches.

More importantly, when APC has the football, they have to have success running it because this is a team that runs the football first, runs the football second and then third.

They still don't want to throw it.

They still want to try to run the football between Buchanan, who has got almost 1400 yards, Jacob Gaines, who's over 1400 yards, 36 combined rushing touchdown between those two players as the Warriors hit the field, they want to hit the ground running and dominate up front.

Both teams really good rushing attack.

They've also been very disciplined throughout, but the refereeing crew is going to keep them in check.

Tonight it's Joe Slone, the head referee.

Rico Boyd, the umpire Bill Robinson will be the linesman.

Our line judge Winfred Falls back judge Jared Miller and center judge Lane Jean.

We thank all of those gentlemen for coming out and taking the duties.

It's tough when you're when you're playing in a game like this, being the referees, it's a big game for these kids.

It's a big game for these towns.

Also a big game for the officiating crew.

Some graduations get to the ultimate prize, which is calling a state title game.

But we didn't forget about EPC.

We talked about Jared Thomas, a player to watch.

They get a guy that can really pound the Rock a senior and Buchanan.

Yeah, DB cannon has waited his turn.

We've sold Dennis Gaines carry the football so many times for the Warriors.

Get to the championship game last year.

If he had more carries he to have a whole lot more yards.

You can do the average there 108 carries 1392 yards 18 scores.

He is dynamic.

When he gets the football in his hands.

We got one more guy to go down and talk to Tyler Cass.

The state title game on the line for both teams.

Yeah that's right guys.

And as you've mentioned, not just a state title game, but a shot at the first state championship for both of these schools.

For Conway Christian, this is the year they've been building to.

It's a senior class that suffered through one two win seasons.

Now a perfect season on the line the night and for Epq.

Well last year kind of felt like the year making it to that state title game where they lost this year.

Not a lot of upperclassmen, but they find themselves with another shot at a ring.

So no matter what someone's working on, their first piece of hardware tonight should be a lot of fun.

Thanks, Tyler.

Stay warm out there, my friend is.

We are underway in the two AA state title game.

Eli Blagg was the one with the onside kick.

It was recovered by Bryce Keithley.

A nice job there to secure things.

And we'll get our first look at the Conway Christian offense.

Talking with coach Justin Kramer from Conway Christian before the game he was worried about the onside kick.

That's an element that Epq has this year.

Have to make sure you maintain the football and maximize the number of possessions that you get.

And no question about that, turnover is going to be key.

And you got to make sure you hold on to things.

Come with Christian.

They come in averaging 43.2 points per game.

They only give up 13.7 is a shotgun formation for Jaren Thomas to get things rolling.

He's going to give it off to one of his tailbacks.

Lovelace trying to bounce it outside.

Nowhere to go.

Great job to set the edge there for East Points.

Set County.

Nothing going for a loveless first kick of the game.

Nothing doing.

Cam Thomas came over a little bit.

Made a big stop there from the safety position.

That's good coverage to come in there and read that play.

As Lovelace tried to bounce it outside.

It's second down at ten, right at midfield, just underway from War Memorial Stadium.

J.B. Bazil, Bobby Swofford, Tyler Cash, the rest of the crew.

Glad you were with us.

Back to the ground again to Marcus, the hand off his first touch of the ball game undercut at the 44 for a six yard gain.

That one had the making of even more than just that six yards.

JB as DeMarcus had a nice hole on the left side of the offensive line.

Just tripped up third and manageable.

Now for the Eagles.

Boy, the way this offense rolls, if they get that ground game rolling they can also sling it through the air.

Same formation EPC loading with four.

They'll give it to them Marcus again slips through a hole and he's got enough to move the chains.

That's a nice job to follow.

The lead blocker 65.

Maddox Jones, the junior offensive lineman pulling from his right guard position to the left side.

Leads the way, creates a hole.

First down.

Conway Christian.

That's a big there you come a Christian.

Their first ever state title appearance.

You know the jitters play.

In fact Epic's been here before.

They've been able to handle it.

I think this first possession is key for Christian to settle in.

Thomas got to keep it QB read it was read though all the way.

Good closeout to cover things up.

Zane Spencer, the senior Spencer did not bite on that but play fake and he was just going one on one with Jaren Thomas.

And you see the strength there.

Just got a hand on the back of the jersey of the quarterback Thomas, and did not let him go.

Big boy for Spencer as he drops Conway Christian for a loss.

Boy Thomas is a guy with great speed.

Fooled everybody.

Fooled us up here in the booth.

The camera crew as well.

And Spencer, though, was not fooled one bit to have the angle to cut off Thomas.

Now at second down and long he's going to keep it this time.

Slips a hole carrying tacklers near the line to gain.

He's shy but a great run for Jaren Thomas that time.

The option read Eastpoint set County collapses with the the play fake to the running back creates just enough of a seam for Jaren.

Thomas carries a defender near the first down marker.

Jacob Gaines younger brother of Dennis Gaines, a freshman at UCA this past year.

One of the best running backs in epic history.

It was Gaines that made the tackle third down and short for Conway Christian, likely for down territory.

No matter what they give, DeMarcus tries to go outside left tackle, first down yardage and more.

Starting to get a push up front is Conway Christian.

You're seeing that offensive line move that line of scrimmage.

College Christian on the move knocking on the door of the red zone APC.

The defense trying to come in and make some noise.

The Warriors offense averaging 36 points a game.

Their defense gives up 24.8 points per game.

They're just trying to limit that run game.

And thus far we've seen Lovelace touch it.

DeMarcus and Thomas.

You got to keep your eyes on all three.

That makes it difficult.

Thomas in the gun with the ball on the far hash.

They'll give it to Lovelace under court that time.

Nowhere to go there on that right side APC.

He's in a lot better job on the right tackle right guard side it to read that play and snuff out Lovelace.

That's a good look at Eli Black as well.

He comes from the from the weak side.

Recognizing that this handoff going to the running back fights off a blocker and does his job makes the play in the backfield.

That was a great read to get out there and make that stop.

Second down and long for Conway Christian has the first possession of the ballgame.

Give it to DeMarcus.

Cuts it up in the middle.

Not a whole lot there.

The EPC front line did a good job of closing the hole.

Not much.

Do it for Collin Christian took the opening drive of this contest.

Conway Christian looks to be dominating up front with the last two plays.

First down and that second down carry no push up front because the the stout defensive line for EPC stacking things up, allowing the linebackers to clean up the mess.

Third down and about eight yards.

Jared Thomas and the offense marching down the field.

They started around their own 48 yard line.

Thomas going to throw first passing play of the game.

He's scrambling left side trying to break free inside the 20 finally brought down at the 19.

Good tackle from Ashton Real the sophomore to keep Thomas from slipping away.

And will you look at the replay of that last play.

You see the number of players in the box.

Conway Christian wants to spread out a defense, but EPC is going to continue to stack numbers in the box.

The no.

No high safety man to man on the outside.

They're going to get seven, maybe even eight defenders within the tackle box to try to slow down this Christian Rice rushing attack.

We're going to see this a lot today.

Big play of the game.

The largest of the game thus far.

Early on.

Fourth down and short Colin Christian trying to make a big play.

I see the number of players in the box right there for EPC there.

They're going to stick it up trying to force Christian to throw the football.

Eagles need three.

They're trying to get near the 16 there at the 19 Thomas going to keep it.

He's got the first down inside the ten.

It's first and goal for the Eagles Conway Christian.

Obviously we're down here in the red zone now so you don't have to worry about that.

Safety high help.

But as they break through that first wave there's nobody back there for APC.

So it's going to be so important to wrap up if you're the warrior defense.

Because if you let Thomas run through an arm tackle, he could be running for a while.

Well that fake there the handoff kind of fullback front line led the whole open.

They bit for Thomas.

Made a pay first and goal at the warrior eight yard line.

Thomas from the gun going to give it off to Marcus.

Cuts it inside the five.

And he's brought down near the end zone.

Line down around the one yard line a nice tackle to save it.

Nice job to get to that second level by the Conway Christian offensive line.

Get up to the linebackers.

Create some some holes some second chance opportunities for the running game.

That was Cam Thomas the only one there.

Second down and goal Colin Christian knocking on the door.

Give it to DeMarcus and he's got nowhere to go Eli Black blew up the play.

Yeah he was coming on as soon as they snapped the football.

Black from his linebacker spot.

Recognize that blows it up in the backfield.

That's a big play.

Third down and goal now Conway Christian losing three yards.

They're now at the four.

Let's see what they dial up here.

Offensively APC trying to make a goal line stance.

Eight defenders in the box Thomas going to keep it trying to bounce it outside losing yardage balls on the turf.

Scramble for APC.

It's still loose and I think Conway Christian might finally jump on that.

My goodness it's a monumental loss though.

Back outside the 20 yard line, 17 yard set back there for Conway Christian trying to do what you can on third down but got to protect the football.

Just got a little loose outside the body there and a great job just to punch it out.

That looks like 11 deep.

Buchanan who makes the big play now it's fourth and goal all the way back at the 21.

Wow for Conway Christian not the look you want to give epic credit.

That was going to be a tackle for loss.

Regardless Thomas was caught dead to rights trying to go right side.

The ball squirted loose lost even more.

Now you're just hoping that you get some kind of play.

If you don't get in the end zone, get it close to the end zone and it looks like we may have our first time out of the ballgame.

Call me.

Christian wants to talk things over.

We're scoreless with 602 to play in the first.

Here in the two state title game.

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Second and goal Collin Christian at the one.

But they kept moving backwards.

Here's a look at that third and goal fumble that really set Collin Christian backwards.

Buchanan does a nice job of one getting his arms around Thomas the quarterback for Conway Christian.

Then on offense comes in and swipes it away.

Huge loss for Conway.

Christian now face was fourth and goal from outside their own 20.

And now EPC going to change up the defense.

You can see him all the way back out of the screen.

They've added a safety for the first time at least out of the safety box.

They're going to try to prevent that big play.

Yeah they can allow 1520 yards.

They just can't allow a touchdown here Kelvin Christian trying to pull off a big fourth down play.

Thomas going to throw.

Got nobody.

Now rolls right.

Reverses his field.

He's going to try to tuck it.

Lost the football.

Not going to matter.

He'll be down at the 18.

Ball I think still loose.

It's a turnover on downs regardless whoever picked it up looks like EPC jumped on it.

The first turnover of the game and the Warriors defense flex their muscles.

You never know how teams are going to react to the cold conditions.

The cold football out here obviously having to do a whole lot.

There is Thomas rolling out and just lost the football, lost the handle on it and not able to get back on.

It.

Doesn't matter if it's a fumble or a turnover on downs.

Efcc's defense comes up with a huge red zone stop.

J.B. Bobby, we talk.

We saw this last night.

Balls just scoreless.

It's just so hard because of how cold it is.

It's slippery.

And so it just changes things a little bit.

As we look here for the Warriors their first offensive possession of the game Eli Black became the starting quarterback after a week 1 or 2.

He was on the right guard position was the first play they're going to go with Gaines.

Jacob Gaines trying to follow his block outside the 20 to the 21 yard line.

The patience there by Gaines.

You see he's trying to let his blocker set up the defender.

Nice job by common Christian to really to stretch that out.

Let the rest of the defense rally to the football.

Keep that to a minimal gain.

Well Coach Powell talked about the season started with Tyrus Real.

He was the starting quarterback.

They felt like some things were better.

Was black.

They move black back there.

He's been really, really good and he's led them to a state title game.

Shotgun for black.

It'll go to Gaines.

Tries to cut it up the middle of the field.

Gets a little bit more spins for about 3 or 4 yards.

But Christian with a big stop.

And Tyler what's it looking like down there.

Value.

We'll check in with Tyler perhaps in just a moment.

You don't see a lot of you don't see a lot of lead blockers as your quarterback.

But Eli Black not your typical quarterback.

You remember he started the season opener this year free as a starting guard.

But the of let's move him back to quarterback.

He's got a little more abstract creates that push the ball down the field direct snap there to games.

Black is early blocker third and four big play games.

Going to toss it out into the flat.

Complete to real.

But he is swallowed up by Brady Johnson all over that one with a big tackle.

It's a great job by Brady Johnson to recognize a potential trick play direct snap to the running back.

But Gaines we heard from coach Brandon Powell said he's going to throw it a couple times in this contest.

They try the trick play there.

Number eight for the Conway Christian defense Brody Johnson not sucked into that play.

Fake to the to the trick play.

Pretty impressive.

Stop there for number eight.

Let's head down to Tyler now.

We will get that all figured out.

Our Tyler there you go ahead.

Yeah.

Guys, look, we just saw this from the last two possessions.

Both coaches told me they were confident in their defense is going into this game because of how similar their offenses are.

They both see rushing attacks like this in practice, all week, all season long.

So they know how to deal with it.

And we saw two turn a turnover and a turnover on downs.

And the defense is good for us there.

Thank you Tyler.

Sorry about the technical difficulties but both defenses hold up big Bobby Conway Christian drove first.

It was the Warriors defense getting the goal line stance lit up on a fourth down play.

And now come with Christian returns the favor.

It's a big star for Conway Christian.

You lose all the momentum by the third down.

Fumble and then the fourth down stop.

Then your defense comes down and gets an immediate three and out.

That's a huge confidence boost because all we've talked about all week, all they've heard all week is how good the APC rushing attack is.

They shut them down three plays in a row.

Now the offense back out there a chance to move the football again.

So first and ten at the count Christian 44 yard line Thomas in the gun for the Eagles their second possession of the game.

Trying to get Lovelace going.

But it's not happened in this play.

Three Warriors all over that and Eli Black once again leading the charge.

We keep calling the name of number 16 Eli Black.

He is all around the football for this epic defense.

Does a great job of reading the play.

Kind of stays behind it as you're taught as a linebacker.

Shuffles with it, then explodes through the hole, makes the play in the backfield.

So a loss of a yard for Conway Christian Warriors defense that front lines getting a good push there.

Reading things to Lovelace.

Well thus far DeMarcus has had a couple of good carries.

Thomas as well.

Good to throw this time.

Pump fakes.

Now he's going over the middle.

Tough catch.

It's complete in the open field Deegan.

Meeks to the 35 yard line.

It's a big throw there the first time Conway Christian this goes straight.

Drop back and a missile right across the middle.

The two is a leaping receiver.

Meeks makes the play back across the 50 inside.

Kind of a Christian territory.

This.

The what?

The defensive back was left wide open right before the snap I circled the play of Eli Black.

He blitzes from the linebacker spot.

That's exactly where the throw went JB boy that was a tough catch.

Goes up top with the cold like that.

Meeks showing the short handed this big catch in a big game.

First and ten moving the chains.

Now back in warrior territory.

DeMarcus going over left tackle slips one would be tackler but then he'll be wrapped up and pushed out of bounds.

Selma Christian felt like it was a little late, but it's a state title game.

The energies are flowing, nothing harmful.

There.

That was Doug Real went over there and made the play.

Second down brings up second down and five for Conway Christian with their second possession of the game.

Both teams scoreless on their first drives apiece.

It was the defense is coming up big right now Conway Christian marching down the field trying to get Lovelace going.

Cuts it inside on the right edge.

Couple of yards perhaps still shy of the line to gain, but a good run.

Lovelace is that third option, if you will.

You can't really call a thousand yard rusher a third option in the college Christian offense, but they haven't been able to get him established early in this contest as fourth carry now back into positive yards.

But you know he's almost been that decoy as DeMarcus and the quarterback Thomas have done all the damage with their legs third down and short for Conway Christian Thomas will give it to DeMarcus and it was ran.

He'll get maybe a little bit more coming on the backside.

Buchanan read that one and he wrapped up DeMarcus from behind.

That's a great job by Buchanan to read that.

That's not a read option.

That's a straight give.

And he did.

Not bad on that play.

Fake at all does come straight down the line.

Makes the play in the backfield.

And a huge fourth down coming up for the Conway Christian offense.

He may have lost a half yard.

It brings up fourth down and about one maybe one and a half.

They've got to get to the 26 yard line.

Ball's just inside the 2827.

They bring in for Colton Loper in the offensive backfield.

Look for him to be a lead blocker for college Christian.

He's lined up to the right of the quarterback.

They've got three in the backfield with Thomas and no boy Conway.

Christian might have jumped a little bit early.

He got startled by that giant yellow circle that was put on him.

And he moved too fast.

So that's a big mistake.

Costly for Conway Christian.

Fourth down would have been short.

Now at six it changes your play call perhaps a little bit.

Yeah.

That really has to open up the playbook if you're Conway Christian.

But more importantly it also starts to put a question mark on these points that county's defense.

Do you stack the box you think helmets Christian is going to run it.

Preachers try to try to have somebody over the top.

It looks like EPC is going to come out in the second look straight up man to man.

No safety help in the back of the defense Conway Christian.

They've made a lot of big plays this year, especially against Junction City on fourth down Thomas going to roll out going to unload deep down the sideline looking for makes it's complete inside the five.

Another big fourth down play for Conway Christian.

Just a one on one match up on the outside.

You roll the quarterback Thomas out there and and ten.

Tyrus real never got his head around.

Never located the football allowed an easy go up and get it type of catch for Conway Christian.

The Eagles got it first and goal.

How about it for Thomas.

Have an asset like make just a throw it up a 5050 guy to go up and make a play and makes it just that.

That's why it's so important to locate the football as a defensive back.

You throw a hand up there and knock that one away.

Now Conway Christian knocking on the door again.

They found problems in this position and their first drive.

DeMarcus carrying a tackler.

Touchdown Conway Christian.

Just too strong there for DeMarcus Buchanan.

Met him in the hole but could not get a good hold of him.

And he's just carried into the endzone as the Eagles strike first in the final minute this opening period.

So Conway Christian draws first.

Blood on Brady to Marcus.

He got hit right there at the line of scrimmage and slipped the tackle.

He's so shifty.

Big play from Brady DeMarcus and now Conway Christian a chance for the point after is Colton Loper the senior the left footed kicker.

It's a low line drive kick and it will be no good.

But calmly Christian strikes first.

They're up six to nothing on the blocked extra point.

Going to sting a little bit, but that's a big answer.

Drive for Conway Christian, the opening possession of the contest.

They march all the way down the field, shut down in the red zone, but this time able to cap it off as Conway, Christian and coach Justin Kramer out on front.

There's the run by DeMarcus.

I think you saw the pull from behind by Buchanan.

Might have gave up on that.

This a little bit.

He wasn't getting the help.

No one realized it.

DeMarcus the hard run for the Eagles.

Their rushing attack getting going as we look at their head coach Justin Kramer.

You know he talked about all year about the state title game.

That was obviously a goal.

But regardless of whether they made it or not he said we were fine with that.

We wanted to focus on other things, he said.

But now that we're here, I'm feeling maybe a little bit different.

Yeah, we're going to have to go ahead and play that 14th game well.

Might as well go ahead and try to run it, win it right.

And that's exactly what his Eagles have come to do.

Again.

They would be their first ever state championship in school history.

It's already their first ever trip to the state title game.

The furthest they made it previous to this was in 2015.

In similar fashion, they knocked off Junction City, broke their home streak, mind you, in a big way to the Dragons before falling to eventual 2015 state champions.

The McCrory two way champions had to battle some adversity this this year, though.

Down 14 points in the quarterfinals, down 21 last week in the semis is going to boom this kick back inside the 20.

It's going to take a bounce.

Picked up around the ten trying to dance to the sideline.

Not a whole lot of room to run for.

LaDainian Hillis in possession coming up for Eastpointe set County.

You go three and out on your opening drive.

You got to try to get that offense established, try to get the running game going to more importantly, try to give your defense a break because they've been on the field for the majority of that opening period.

Yeah, this is going to be a big drive for each point.

Set.

County offense was stifled a good bit really.

Just couldn't get anything going.

Now you're backed up at your own 17 yard line to begin your second possession.

What do you start to dial up here for East Points?

That kind county you got to get that running game going.

The play count 20 total plays run by Callaway Christian offense only three to East Point set County got to find a way to sustain a drive here.

And it'll be shotgun for black with two tailbacks in the backfield with him.

They'll go direct snap straight ahead across the 25 near the first down the marker came Buchanan with a big run.

Let's take a look at how this thing's rolling a little bit further.

Let's go to Tyler Cash first.

Yeah guys that touchdown they're huge for Conway Christian.

And a big point of emphasis this week.

They went down big in each of their first two playoff games.

It had to come back.

Coach Kramer told me.

It's nice knowing that we can come from behind, but we don't want to do that.

So getting on the board first is going to do big things for their confidence going forward.

Go outside Jacob Gaines with the short run.

Thank you.

Tyler 31 yard line is where APC will have it now on second down.

That's one.

Another thing I noticed as time is ticking down here in the first quarter.

The Conway Christian Student section have found the vuvuzelas.

Good crowd on hand for Conway Christian APC as well.

You can't try to bounce it to the outside edge.

Got room stumbles, lost the football.

Oh my goodness.

It's going to be out of bounds.

Conway Christian nearly forced the turnover as the fourth quarter comes to a close.

It's Conway Christian that lead after 12 minutes of play.

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This is the end of the road for a 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 and inside.

Good passing and look at the cutter.

Before you know it they'll be invading Bank Oak Arena in Hot Springs for the Centennial Bank state basketball finals.

12 championship games in three days mid-March.

It's going to be a tip off.

Is set for March 13th, and it's going to run all weekend long.

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

Well, each and every state title game.

Arkansas PBS likes to highlight a student all star and today's RPI student all star is Jaren Thomas.

Actually in the game today the senior quarterback.

He's really good on a 3.2 grade point average.

And I continue his education after college.

But he's trying to continue his success on the field today, as is Connor Christian.

Eagles have a six nothing lead as we hit quarter number two first quarter.

Both teams got their opening possessions.

Really not able to get anything going.

Defenses rained.

The turnover for Conway Christian was big.

Their second possession they capitalized.

They're up six nothing.

It's epic second possession of the game and they're trying to return the favor.

There's big to get that first down right before the quarter ended for East Point.

Set County get a little confidence for your offense.

They go with the direct snap two games that hand it off to Buchanan I believe up the gut.

Good game there on the handoff.

It's going to be all about the big guys up front.

We know that that's going to go to Buchanan.

It's going to go to Gaines for Eastpoint, said County.

They don't hide what they try to do.

They're going to hand it to 11 and 24.

But the big guys up front got to make some holes, create some things.

Second down at about six, Gaines was trying to give it off to Buchanan.

Might have been a little miscommunication.

The play was blown up on a busted play.

Caleb McKinney the junior with the tackle.

Yeah.

Miscommunication there.

Gaines is trying to hand off the football.

And once it wasn't there for you, Buchanan, he really didn't know what was going on and try to create something out of nothing.

Did a nice job of hanging on to the football, but now it's third and 11 for the Warriors situation in a spot they don't want to be in.

The Eagles try to make a statement again.

Defensively they did a forced a three and out last time APC moved the ball a little bit.

They started inside their own 20 there near the 40.

But it's a big third down play.

You got to make it close to the first down marker, perhaps to go for it on fourth.

Clark's going to throw for his first pass attempt of the day.

Rolling.

Got nobody open trying to scramble up the middle, slips a tackle, is submarine and bounced backwards before he lunges close to the first down.

And now it's decision time for Coach Powell.

That's a load to bring down in a quarterback.

And Eli Black does a nice job of keeping that play alive.

Nobody open down the field.

Picks up eight maybe nine.

But it's going to be fourth and two.

And coach Brandon Powell not wasting any time keeping the offense out there.

He knew he was going for it.

Fourth down and short.

Big play for East Points at County.

Blacks in the in the gun with Jacob Gaines to his left.

Fourth down and short black is going to keep it.

It's going to be close I don't think he got it Conway Christian stands tall and they force the turnover.

Run down a great job to recognize quarterback draw there from the Conway Christian defense.

And they did stack it up right in the middle.

Nowhere to go.

And a huge stop.

Turnover on downs.

Wow what a big play for the defense.

And the Eagles.

They've got plus territory.

Now they'll start in war.

Your side of the field first and 1076 right there on your camera Chris Garrison Greer the senior lineman sheds the block meets the quarterback right in the hole and make sure he's going nowhere.

Yeah that was that was a big play I mean that's what forced that turnover on downs.

Stood him up and then got the help from the defense as well.

First and ten on the third possession of the game.

Now for Conway Christian.

They lead it six to nothing trying to add to it.

And thus far in the game 93 total yards of offense 42 on the ground 51 through the air for the Eagles are going to give it off to DeMarcus.

Follows his block and then gets churning forward inside the 40 yard line.

Good play on first down for DeMarcus a little quick there for DeMarcus.

If he gives it just another half second allows.

And Maddox Jones 65 to get all the way across the pulling guard.

Maybe pops out one for a big play but still picks up six maybe seven.

Good first down drive starter.

You talked about it Bobby.

And Christian.

The way that they're blocking with that pull guard.

They're really doing a nice job a lot of times 65 the right guard for Conway Christian you see him right here.

If you follow him he's going to lead you to the football.

That's Maddox Jones the junior second down and three Thomas going to give it off to Lovelace.

Reverses his field cuts it inside.

He's met after a yard or two gain by a host of warriors.

And it's third down and short.

Nice job by Lovelace to avoid one defender in the background.

But the pursuit gets there for East points at County and now a critical third down for this warrior defense.

Got to find a way to get a stop.

Yeah definitely got to get stop.

You know it's likely four down territory for Conway Christian.

So you really need to get a big play here and back to back sequences.

The success has been there for Conway Christian maybe fall here.

Right guard Maddox Jones 65.

If it's not broke, don't fix it.

Maybe expect him to.

Here come pull out and see if that leads up to a first down.

Thomas going to keep it himself trying to find the hole.

It is not there.

APC swallowed it up, but he might have lost a yard.

That's exactly what they ran there.

They try to go quarterback counter on at the guard and tackle.

Both pull from the right side, but the penetration just too great.

The interior of the defensive line for APC.

They shed a block, blow it up before he can get behind those pulling guards.

Bobby, you talked about one of the keys for EPC.

They got a win on the trenches offensively for sure.

But defense big as well.

No no question about it.

Defensively, East said County has been able to stiffen at times been able to shed blocks.

It's a critical critical fourth down here.

Big stop needed for the warrior defense last time on fourth down and short they hit dig and makes for a big play that led to the touchdown.

It's fourth down again.

APC trying to get a stop Thomas was going to throw.

Now he's going to have to roll right trying to get to the edge.

He's not going to get the first down.

Epic holds and they force a turnover on downs.

Great job on the interior.

The exterior defense.

Excuse me for East Poinsett County two.

Cam Thomas 17 Devin McGee both out there going man to man.

Get away from the blocking receivers and deliver the big hit right before the sticks.

That's 17 McGee the sophomore makes the play gets his defense off the field.

We just talked about the key of winning the trenches.

The other key for epic contain Thomas.

They kept him from getting outside.

That was a big play.

That's a big play.

Nice job.

You know sometimes you never know how much a defensive player wants to hit somebody, especially in these cold temperatures.

McGee answered that question emphatically.

Right there on fourth down.

Play down the wood first and ten.

Now for epic.

After the stop flag fakes the handoff.

He's going to keep it.

The big fella lunging forward near the 45 before they'll finally bring him down.

It was black with a hard carry to the load.

The pull downs so much too focused on Buchanan or Gaines.

And also they go quarterback and run with Blagg.

Just moves your eye level a little bit as a defense.

And that's how they get.

They gash him for seven.

Second down and short.

So far the best look for EPCs been black.

He's trying to open it up for his other teammates.

Gains the carry this time and a hard run for a first down second effort.

The second push from that offensive lineman get a pass the first down marker just shy of midfield.

So a first down for the Warriors there just outside midfield trying to drive on the Eagles.

That'll be key two to get your defense off the field.

Give them a little bit of a break.

The flag again gives it off to Gaines.

He's hit low gets across midfield a couple perhaps over the right side.

Kind of just treat it like Novocaine a little bit.

And they have to numb them up.

This on the body blow after body blow in these points that count.

He's hoping that eventually is going to lead to bigger gains as this game progresses on and maybe pop a big one.

That was a good tackle.

Low driving in Beau Campbell, the junior stop.

Gaines.

You know his older brother Coach Powell talked about Dennis Gaines obviously a very, very good running back.

But he said Jacob might be a little bit bigger, might be a little bit faster.

Is that pass.

That's going to be a big penalty facemask.

He's still rolling though.

Gaines get some open space inside the 30 a great run for Gaines and he'll get a little bit more.

What a great job of awareness for Gaines to not stop one once the face Max happens a lot of times when that flag comes out in the head jerks around, you'll see that the players kind of stop and they start calling.

Christian defense certainly did that in tech.

15 more on that big run from Gaines.

That is a huge play for East Points at County.

Heads up play from Jacob Gaines and they'll get some more yardage after the penalty 27 yard gain down to the 23.

And they'll march it off half the distance to the goal from there.

Evans is the goal from the end of the run.

First down.

Here's a call from our head referee Joe Slone.

So half the distance to the goal and APC no question about it.

Their best field position of the game and a great big red zone possession here.

JB gotta find a way to punch it in, tie this game and maybe take a lead with an extra point conversion.

Yeah, there was that look.

But Gaines never quit.

Just kept churning.

The legs go up the middle this time.

Not a whole lot there.

I say that gets a couple more after contact.

It's when in third down.

It's the old school mentality of three yards in the cloud of rubber pellets.

I guess I want to play on dusty anymore.

Even though this is the first game of on the turf this year for SPC, but there's kind of grind it out and they're gonna bring in an extra lineman.

Are the Warriors 78, Zebari is Shepherd boy.

Bobby, you're always quick on your feet.

Wait, wait.

Adjust that right midair there.

Gotta go a little double reverse handoff inside Buchanan.

Inside the five.

Conway Christian.

Little late recognizing the play.

Good run for Buchanan.

He's shy of the first down.

It's third and short.

It's exactly the situation you want to be in.

The one if you're East Point, said County, they go double handoff.

That's a play you see a lot of times out of the wing T this time EPC runs it out of the shotgun.

But third and short, those big guys up front, those two talented running backs.

This is a situation the is going to feel pretty good.

Tell me Christian trying to make a goal line stand as well.

After EPC.

He's already done it.

Direct snap.

Gaines cuts it inside.

He looks like he's got the first down.

It'll be close.

It's going to be real close.

Boy the initial spot they looked like they moved it around the one.

Now they backed it up near the two.

If it's not a first down and this is a huge play up coming, it's going to be fourth down and less than a yard.

And calmly Christian looking for a big stop EPC trying to tie things up and then maybe take the lead.

Yeah that time they go direct snap and use the quarterback as their lead blocker one more time and expect something pretty similar here.

They're not going to get fancy is EPC.

This is going to be big boy football battle of 18in right here.

Can Christian get a fourth down stop EPC.

Get a fresh set of downs.

Oh boy that is huge.

Epic jumps early.

That'll back him up five football false start on the offense.

Five-Yard penalty remains fourth down.

That's a big penalty there.

If you're East Point said County you're going from 18in and now you've got to deal with a fourth and five and a half.

That changes the mentality, changes the playbook and Calais Christian can now come after it.

Yeah they felt this earlier.

They did come on Christian.

They had a fourth and short.

If you remember Bobby had the false start.

What did it lead to the big pass to Deegan makes as we look at head coach Brandon Powell for the Warriors, he might want to take a little bit longer to figure out what he wants to run here on fourth down.

So Coach Powell will bring up fourth down at about six after the false start.

And the Warriors boy had a great drive.

You got the help of the facemask.

They thought they had the first down.

And then the false start really changes things up.

Gives Conley Christian a little breathing room defensively.

But epic desperately wants to find the end zone.

Got to find a way to cap off this drive has been by far the most successful drive.

The most effective drive for East Point set County.

Can they finish it off though?

Come at Christian.

They had a drive stuffed inside the 15 yard line on their opening possession.

Bounce back.

Got a score.

EPC needs to to get back because this is really the first success they've had offensively.

Yeah you know Bobby you look at state title games like this.

And a lot of times it comes down to the end of the game.

You look at maybe one play that should have won the game.

Well it really happens is you look back at plays like this a fourth down and six.

These are typically the plays that decide the ballgame when they add up overtime.

This is a monumental fourth down for epic and comic Christian.

It really is.

And whatever you feel like your best play is in the in the low red zone is what you got to pull out here.

If you're EPC, you're inside the ten so it shrinks the field.

The defense doesn't have to cover as much ground.

Obviously east points said County.

Not a team that likes to throw the football.

So they're going to have to pull something down, something up here.

But it really is all about the five guys up front against the four who line up down for Conway Christmas.

If they can win the line of scrimmage, you got a chance to be successfu The coach Powell is going to line things up with trips out into the boundary shotgun for, and he'll move Buchanan in motion.

Karma Christian trying to jump the route.

They go backside screen to Buchanan and he is nowhere to go.

He is bottled up a fourth down stop for Conway.

Christian.

I like the in there for East Points at County.

They try to get the ball to Buchanan out in front with three lead blockers.

But Conway Christian does a great job right there at number ten for Conway.

Christian DeMarcus takes up two of those blockers.

Blows it up in the huge fourth down stop.

So Colin Christian a six nothing lead.

They'll have it when we come back.

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Com aggressive the big defensive stop.

Let's head back down to Tyler Cash for a sideline report.

Yeah guys we saw on that fourth and short when the when EPC jumped offsides.

Not saying the crowd had everything to do with it but it certainly couldn't have it couldn't have hurt.

Both teams told me before the game that they notice this place echos two way schools aren't used to playing in buildings this size.

And Conway Christian certainly brought a crowd.

The move was zealous.

The cowbells and they were making a lot of noise on that fourth down play, and maybe starting to help the Eagles out a little bit on defense.

Tyler, how does it feel a little cold down there on the sideline for you now?

The sun shines a little light up as long as we can.

Hey no breeze and no shade I think we're great with the giant bird behind you.

Be careful.

Conway Christian on first down.

Give it love.

Nice big run.

But it might be coming back a great run.

Another flag comes in after the play, so we got two, and they looked like they might be two different plays or two different play.

Got one from behind the play.

Likely going to be a hold is thrown from the umpire.

But you're exactly right JB.

A flag came in really late.

This is going to be some extracurriculars after.

We'll see if these two negate each other or going back both against Conway Christian.

They're trying to get it all sorted out.

We'll see our head ref Joe Sloan going to go talking, figure out what the first flag was after he got an explanation on the second flag.

This could be big.

If it's off setting they'll just replay the down.

The big key is going to be as the second penalty after the play.

That's true.

That's very true.

Blindside block on the offense.

That penalty is declined.

Holding on the offense.

So what has happened is this is the goal replay.

First down.

Or big stop.

The big penalty there backing up Conway Christian that's not what you wanted.

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Excuse me, epoch trying to make a big stop here.

They'd like to have great field position.

Colin Christian has got to be careful.

They'll go to the ground and DeMarcus, he's not got a whole lot there.

He'll get positive yardage but good defensive stance up front.

Once again Eli Flagg leading the charge for the yardage.

Not huge on that holding penalty but it negates the big gain they get out of the shadow of their own goalpost.

But now back to being the father.

But another great job.

16 Blagg again steps into the hole, makes the play minimal gain by just a football player.

I'm always around the football.

Yeah, he just got a nose for it offensively and defensively.

He's pretty easy to spot on the broadcast.

He's the one wearing all the red under the black right in the middle of the defense.

It'll be shotgun for Jaren Thomas on second and nine.

He's going to throw.

Doesn't have anybody rolls right side trying to throw off his back.

Foot unloads.

Just not enough real estate.

He wanted Bryce Keighley down the near sideline.

But too much mustard.

Yeah that play was blown up.

The big defensive lineman 55 Doug Real for East Point said County.

The good look at that face mask in the cage a lot guy.

He just gets penetration up front.

Forces Thomas to roll to his left.

It's going to be a punt from the end zone coming up.

More than likely for the Eagles.

Well the only problem is they had that penalty.

So reset the down.

So it's third down and long.

If they don't get a big play right here Bobby they're in trouble.

Hundred comma Christian who's 55.

See what kind of push it gets here on third down his passing situation Thomas not good a pass going to give it off to DeMarcus.

Got a whole first down yardage.

Still on his feet and wrapped up around the 30.

A big open field tackle from Devin Magee the sophomore.

But it was a little too late.

Might have caught EPC thinking exactly what I was thinking.

Brian that time they go lead play in the backfield and a huge gain to get him out of the shadow of their own goal.

A great job blocking on the outside by the receivers to Bryce Keighley.

It's not the most glamorous thing to do as a receiver, but that pops a big play.

Parker Whitson he's the wide receivers coach for Carmi Christian.

You could tell the emphasis is blocking with your receivers.

They've done that well today.

First down on a big play for Conway Christian now at their own 32.

Go back to DeMarcus going right side across the 35.

Good carry on first down.

And he gets the Christian side up and Cheering yeah that's starting to lean.

That offensive line is starting to move the line of scrimmage again.

We've really seen that through the first quarter.

And now ten minutes of this second period Conway Christian winning the battle up front Brady DeMarcus having a great game after he was stifled against Junction City, had a great quarterfinal matchup against Desert Junction.

City found a way to stop him.

Is Thomas going big ball wanting makes and it's in and out of his hand to the 25.

A good strike from Thomas but Deegan makes unable to haul it in.

Had a step on the defender.

Did Meeks and that was a perfect pass.

Just couldn't keep his footing.

Bounces right off his face mask and a chance at the big play goes awry.

Makes his already made one big catch, that one just out of his hands falling down.

That's a perfect pass.

You can't ask much more for your quarterback, because sometimes you get out there in open space and it gets in your own head.

Can't keep the footing.

Pass falls incomplete.

It's third down and short though.

Is Thomas from the gun again.

Two in the backfield.

He's going to keep it.

He pulled it from DeMarcus.

And he is some careened by Buchanan.

Yeah Buchanan one on one with the quarterback.

If he doesn't make that play Thomas may still be running but able to chop down Thomas in the backfield.

And another big play for 11 in black.

That was all about the angle for Buchanan.

He anticipated a well he was fine going to force him to the middle as APC wants the time out on fourth down here.

Come on Christian got some decisions to make.

Are you going to punt or go for it?

They've gone for it on fourth down plenty of times throughout the year.

So that's been big.

He's point set.

County calls the timeout.

They're thinking they've got a chance to to maybe get the football back.

You get a fourth down stop or they force a punt here and maybe there's enough time for you.

Get on the scoreboard about a minute half to play until halftime.

Did you know the Razorbacks weren't always called the Razorbacks?

Bobby at the half David Basil will take you on a bit of a history lesson to let you know how one man's passionate outburst changed U of A sports forever.

Plus, Christina munoz will introduce you to the Arkansas PBS Student All Star team.

That's all coming up at our halftime show.

Bonus trivia question what the Razorbacks used to be called.

Oh, the Cardinals bingo.

Well, you don't have to tune into halftime now because, Bobby, you might have spoiled it.

Well, you know, it's called a tease in the business.

That's right.

Six nothing.

Conway Christian APC the timeout.

It's fourth down.

Likely going to be punting if you're Conway Christian this close to the half.

They're going to drop back to punt.

But that is the quarterback Thomas back there.

So I was going to be pay attention for the shenanigans.

As it looks like Tyrus Rio going to drop back to his own 30.

The field this punt for points at County.

He's a good in the special teams.

He's returned a kickoff back for a touchdown.

It is blocked.

Oh my goodness.

Slips through the blocks Aiden Spencer again.

It's always dangerous when you have a punter who rolls to his side.

And that time one on one was Spencer.

And he elevates and blocks it with his midsection.

What a huge turn in momentum for East Point.

Set County inside the final 90s textbook play from Spencer.

He slipped the tackle.

You see he went straight up, made himself as big as possible and swipes and gets a big block.

Conway Christian was hoping the penny picked deep and forced into a halftime with likely a six nothing score.

Now the Warriors get a chance to to take the lead here before the half, and plenty of time to do so.

Only one timeout left for the Warriors, but now in the red zone.

Tom not really a factor.

Black from the gun will be a direct snap to Gaines.

Trying to follow his blockers to the outside.

Cuts it up the field.

He's hit hard at this 16 yard line, but a good 4 or 5 yard carry on first down.

Yeah call me Christian.

Did did a pretty good job there setting the edge and allow the pursuit to get there.

But a good first down drive starter.

More importantly for Eastpointe, South County, the clock is rolling with minute six to play.

Still plenty of time.

Second down and about seven.

It'll be a short seven.

They're overloading the right side.

Got a bunch of receivers here.

See if they try to use them as blockers.

Flag double handoff this time.

Buchanan up the middle.

Tripped up inside the 15 now near the 12 yard line.

Will bring up third down and short.

But that clock still rolling with 42 to play.

You might call that convoy counter.

You've got that group of players on the right side.

They bring pretty much everybody back against the formation with a counter play.

Pick up a few more.

Now 31 seconds to go.

That clock continuing to roll.

APC doesn't seem to be in much of a hurry.

Gaines going to give it off to Buchanan trying to get the first down.

I don't think he got it all.

The ball's loose.

Conway Christian the turnover, they force it and they take it away.

What a big stop for Conway.

Christian backed against the wall after the special teams miscue and the big man in front.

Garrison Greer again steps up.

Has the football.

And what a turn of events in this final minute and a half for Kyle Christian in the emotions.

That was Colton Loper who stripped it from the tailback.

Big turnover there for Conway.

Christian.

Just fighting for extra yardage.

And it's a great job.

Great camerawork there to see Loper get his hands on the football and just rip it out for right here.

Able to get his hands on the football.

You see him ripping at it.

Ball comes out.

Conway Christian able to pounce on it.

Of course they'll take a look at it for the second down of that.

So Conway Christian wants to talk things over after the turnover with 16 seconds to play in the half.

UAMs provides orthopedic care, sports medicine expertise, therapy and support to athletic programs, organizations, and events across the state.

UAMs Health, orthopedics, and sports medicine clinics are conveniently located throughout Central and northwest Arkansas.

Can we talk a little bit about Colton Loper, though?

He missed his sophomore year, partly in his sophomore year due to a torn ACL, missed all of his junior year.

He's coming out in his senior year, his last hurrah, and he is making the most of it.

It's a big, big play defensively.

That's what you're always taught.

As soon as everybody gets around the football, you stand up the rusher, the the attacker and then you start just jabbing at the football, trying to do whatever you can to get it out and to force a turnover in the red zone is huge.

Right before the half.

So we're out of the timeout.

Conway Christian, will they be content to head to the locker room or will they try to run a big play?

Starting to keep East Poinsett County.

You can't see him back here, but they've got two high safeties.

They're going to make sure they don't give up a big play in the final 20s of this first half.

You definitely can if you're not going to throw.

As Thomas steps into the pocket outside route.

Almost intercepted a little bit behind the intended receiver.

Cam Thomas, the junior was all over that one.

Yeah it's great coverage there by Thomas.

The ball thrown a little bit behind the intended target.

But Thomas right there dangerous throw.

Now with just 11 seconds left we'll see how aggressive Conway Christian wants to be.

That was Kyle Kane the intended receiver 11 seconds now to play in the half.

Just trying to get a little bit there and try to maybe get yourself in a position to throw a last second heave.

But now not a whole lot of time left.

Jaren Thomas going to keep it.

Those right side cuts behind the block trying to get to the edge.

He'll get out of bounds shy of the line to gain six seconds to play.

Now in the half and half depending on how they line this up.

This could be the final play of the half.

You like the aggressiveness there, but goes out of bounds.

And now at least one more play.

Be careful.

The chain gang over there, they'll drop the stick.

Well, he was trying to show off his hops there.

Just couldn't get over the first down marker.

Never seen him.

They actually jumped over a yard marker.

So maybe to try to avoid it.

Or better yet, maybe see if you're holding that yard marker, drop it.

It's third down and two, but that doesn't really matter.

Six seconds to play in the half.

Oh boy.

Freebie.

They're free five yards.

They're going to be a first down.

It's really the down of not much count Scott encroachment on the defense five-yard penalty results in a first down.

That's the one that frustrates you though as a head coach.

I mean you're the nose tackle when you're literally right on top of the football.

You can't move until it does.

And that's right.

You give him a free first down, jumped into the neutral zone and it's Telma Christian the first down.

Not as costly due to the way this game's rolling, but certainly not a miscue.

You want to give up shotgun for Thomas with twins to that outside edge.

Single.

Excuse me.

Twins at left as well.

They moved to man in the boundary.

Thomas going to throw.

Got all kinds of time.

It's knocked down.

There was about one second I think it finally expired.

52 Zane Spencer does a great job of mirroring the quarterback and gets his hand on that pass the flex.

It's what we thought was going to be an offensive explosion has turned into a defensive slugfest here in the two way title game.

It's a six nothing Christian lead halftime show from Memorial Stadium.

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

And with coach.

Let's actually have.

Sorry about that.

Got a Tyler.

Yeah.

Down here now with Conway.

Christian head coach Justin Kramer.

Coach a lead going into halftime but still some frustration.

Yeah, yeah I mean it's just, you know well you kind of expect this in a game like this.

It takes a little bit to kind of get going.

I thought that first drive we had a pretty good chance to go up, and then we fumbled and ended up somehow from a second two to a fourth and 20.

So that was aggravating.

And then punting right into the only guy they brought on.

You know defense is playing well, keeping us in it.

Well playing some of this other stuff up and hopefully relax a little bit and have some fun.

It's supposed to be fun.

And it exactly is that you see the guys feel a little tight, maybe on the big stage or.

Yeah, I mean, I think they're just trying so hard to to win a state championship.

We just got to relax and play football, you know?

And so, we'll figure it out.

That'll be alright.

Regardless though, a lead going into halftime, something you guys haven't had yet in the playoffs.

What's the message now in the locker room I don't know I gotta figure something out.

I'm used to the other side of it so I'll figure it out.

All right I'll let you do that coach.

And we will be have our halftime report coming up right after the break.

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.

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, Cristina 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.

Soccer.

The first year is always in the supporting year and it looks great.

You got to get everybody's feet wet.

Okay, let's go to our jugs.

Permanent.

Okay.

Get job.

I always want to be to 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, okay.

And so many fan base for a cheer for the shoulder thing.

Yeah.

It's like I'm.

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 company to it, and they all have to be synchronized, and they all have to work together and create a flawless routine.

Do you like practices?

You like how challenging they can be?

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

What do you think?

Oh, most Tom styles, 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 300 yeah.

Oh oh.

Come on, come on, come on, come on.

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 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 team 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.

There's gold medals or 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.

Salad 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 is the Arkansas PBS Student All Stars, class of 2024.

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

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 today.

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 A.

Here's David McNamee 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 A5A, 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 U.A.

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 Babs 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 all win.

You know what 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 insight reflected into the way we played, 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, with playing for more than just us playing for the Searcy community, they're all pulling for as they're rooting for us.

And we just we want to make them proud.

Yeah.

What?

Wishbone was invented by, was Emory belonging to Texas A&M?

And taking those wishbone backs and putting them up there and slots.

And what the difference is between wishbone and flexible were emotional when to 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.

Who will coach up and made that decision?

You know, he 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, 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 me and and and and tasting that culture, I'd love to come coach with you guys.

Wow.

It's amazing.

The Godfather.

You know what, to come 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 you 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.

You 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 Oregon.

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 now.

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 Yugo 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.

Hugo Best Dec his association with what would change our mascot.

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

You go bears Dick.

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, had 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 very likely that his baseball players were more fundamentally sound than in 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 were like 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 Benedict 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 nonsense 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, 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.

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.

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.

Here we.

Welcome back to War Memorial Stadium.

Second half of action coming up here momentarily, but it looks like telecast might have Coach Powell on the sidelines.

Let's head down to Tyler.

Yeah.

Hi, guys.

You see, head coach.

We got to take with him about that one.

We'll talk to coach here maybe just a second.

Having some technical difficulties.

Bobby it's six nothing Conway Christian over EPC right now you look at how things have started rolling.

As we look at the halftime stats so far.

Conway Christian 140 yards of total offense 85 for EPC.

It's been pretty much a balanced game for both teams.

Yeah, it really has.

I mean, you look at the numbers and that's exactly what you expect to see from from these two teams that that run to run the football first but missed opportunities in the red zone.

Really the name of the game.

Both teams had the ball inside the opposing 20 yard line.

Couldn't get the job done.

Defenses have risen to the occasion.

And that's why it's only six.

Nothing.

Got a good crowd on hand for Conway Christian.

You see on the screen on the far side EPC on the near side, the home team come across for the visiting Eagles.

They've played well.

It's only been six to nothing so not a lot of scoring but there's plenty of highlights to go around.

Yeah the defense the offense was there for Conway Christian as they got things going on the ground.

But the defensively the line play for both EPC and the Eagles have showed up big.

And that's exactly what you would expect to see in a six nothing contest.

We've seen a lot of really nice plays from digging Meeks through the air.

The hard run for DeMarcus.

That one to put Conway Christian up six.

Nothing.

That was all the scoring on that defense and special teams aplenty.

And Spencer the blocked punt to no avail though is that PPC was unable to make anything happen.

The strip fumble there picked up by Conway Christian.

It's cold out there Bobby.

Animals floating around.

We'll head back down to Tyler now.

I think he's got a good position with Coach.

Yeah that's right guys.

All right coach going in the locker room a six nothing game defensively kept you in it.

Worth the offense after doing the second half.

You know we got to spread the football around.

We got to spread them out one more.

We're getting a lot of box.

So we got to spread it and get the ball space and the opportunities in the red zone.

What needs to change close to the goal line.

We just got to play better.

You know we got to better and we got to do a little things right and gives us a chance defense to give us a chance.

We just got to go.

Makes some points on offense.

Your guys obviously have been here before last year.

Just how much is that driven them in this game.

You know so far it hasn't looked like it.

But I hope the second half we come out, we play with some intensity and get after.

What were you just telling them in the locker room just now.

You know the stay focused defense is give you a chance.

Let's go play the second half the way we can and we'll have a chance at them.

All right.

Good luck out there in the second half coach.

Guys send it back up to you.

It's six.

Nothing.

Conway.

Christian.

Bobby.

Something we haven't mentioned yet.

But if you think about it.

Conway.

Christian.

Their last loss the year ago was the epic.

You think they've got revenge on their mind, perhaps?

Yeah, they certainly do.

And I think Coach Powell said some things there that both teams can take into this.

We're not taking advantage of the opportunities that we've given.

Your defense has given you a chance to win this football game.

Do you want to ask either coach, either team before this contest?

Hey, you're within six points at halftime of the two way state championship game.

They likely take it.

They're going to like their chances.

Both of them have placed at adversity all season long.

Conley Christian.

The last two weeks they've played from behind.

They know how to win football games that are close now.

How do you handle the moment of the second half every play is going to be so critical because it's going to be the difference between taking home that trophy that you like and the trophy that you want.

That's right.

Well, hey, it's always fun when it comes to title game.

We always have to have a trivia question or two.

And so why don't we get on that with the two a game?

Who holds the state record for most rushing yards in a season?

Oh, there's been some big time running backs in the state.

Darren McFadden Michael Dyer.

Yeah, we have Kenneth Dixon from Basil Shabazz from Pine Bluff.

Yeah, I mean, it's to Jason Sullivan from a couple years ago at Carlisle.

Had over 3000 yards played over at Hendrix.

Yeah there's a there's a lot of good towns.

So think on that a little bit.

Ponder it.

We'll give you the answer here momentarily.

As we're just about set for the second half of football epic.

They get the football to begin the second half.

Colton Loper set to kick things off for Conway Christian in the second half for the two state title game is underway.

It's a booming kick going to take LaDainian Hillis back at his own 16.

Hill lunge forward a good return and EPC will set up shop at their own 31 yard line.

Big possession here for East Point set County.

You turn the football over inside the red zone to close out the first half.

This is going to be our first look at them here after halftime.

One of the adjustments I like when Coach Powell came out said hey we got to throw the football.

They're hammering us inside the box.

We got to spread the football around.

Typically you establish the run to open up the pass for EPC.

They might have to flip it around a little bit, get the passing game going to open up the run game.

Both of these teams have won in succession come at Christian and lost all year.

But APC they've won quite a bit in a row.

Their last lost across county event Pasco back on October 11th.

As we began loose football.

Black kind of picks it up bounces it to himself a lucky bounce for Blagg.

He gets positive yardage and it works out perfectly just like you draw it up.

But oblong football just bounces perfectly every time for you right now.

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.

That one bounces right back to the quarterback.

It does look like it's a designed play and picks up seven.

Good drive starter for APC.

Can you hand it off to yourself?

It's about like this.

Exactly.

So second down and about to an eight yard carry for Eli Black.

He looks to throw this time.

They're trying to open things up.

Unloads.

Got a man nearly intercepted.

Oh my goodness.

How about the receiver Quincy Perry breaking that one up from Kyle Kane.

That was nearly an interception.

That's a great job by Perry to recognize.

Hey this pass is about to be picked off.

He goes from receiver to defensive back in a hurry and set football loose.

Prevents disaster for the warrior offense I say Kane pardon me.

That was Johnson who nearly had the interception Brady Johnson a senior.

It's third down and short.

Clark's going to give it off to Gaines and he's not going to gain anything.

Go up in the backfield Greer again any time the Conway Christian defensive fronts needed a big play 76 right there has been Johnny on the spot.

Makes the play in the backfield.

Puts it back behind the sticks.

And now it's decision.

Time for the Warriors.

Saw Greer there.

He was saying the fly eagle fly flapping the wings a big fourth down play and APC.

We've seen him go for it here on fourth and short.

They're lining up looking like they might.

Flags in the shotgun moves gains in motion.

They're going for good a pass got a quick slant route.

It's incomplete.

Low throw and east points out.

County turns it over.

Had it had an open receiver Perry was wide open in the zone of the defense.

He tries to sit that down but the throw is just too low.

Can't go down and get it.

And Perry comes up a little lame off the field.

Boy that is one that APC wants back black.

Just a little bit low on that throw.

Perry certainly wants to catch that one.

There was no one around defensively.

It was a first down waiting to happen.

Just couldn't quite haul it in.

Yeah, that's the look you want.

If your EPC had your man in the slot in the open spot in the zone, just couldn't make the throw.

So now come with Christian.

Their first look in possession here in the second half they'll go to Lovelace on the right side.

He lunges for gets about four maybe five yards.

And that's and that's the drive starter there for Conway Christian.

If you're either one of these offenses they're not going to change what they do.

They want to run the football first.

And it's really all about first and second down success.

Staying in front of the chains.

Give yourself a chance on third down because you get third and six or more.

That's not when these two teams are at their best.

Second down six yards for Thomas.

Two in the backfield gives it off to the Marquis.

And he breaks one tackle and carries it inside the 30 a good hard run for DeMarcus.

Yeah.

Ran through the first arm tackle but it's not a lot going there EPC it continues to stack the box there eight in the tackle box when that football is snapped.

And there is Darren County Christian to throw the football.

And the Eagles are not obliging.

Third down and short for down territory regardless for Conway, Christians have got two chances, but they've been in third and shorts many times and EPC on this third down usually gets a tackle for loss or a big stop there.

Hoping to continue that.

Yeah, they're gonna continue to stack it.

You see eight players in the box for EPC.

Thomas gives it off to Lovelace slips a tackle.

He lunges.

But he's going to be shy of the line to gain.

Might have gotten back to the line of scrimmage and that's it depending on the spot.

Yeah we've called his name a ton in this game JB Eli Black 16 for East points at County.

He shoots the gap.

The blitzing linebacker doesn't make the play, but causes Lovelace to redirect.

Allowed the rest of the defense to get there to rally around the football.

Fourth down and about two big fourth down play once again Thomas the handoff.

DeMarcus he's got the first down good hard run once again.

And we've called DeMarcus time and time again.

He hasn't busted one.

But he's gotten the chunk plays that he needs.

That's a great job by DeMarcus to stay tight with his offensive line because black was untouched in the hole 16.

The linebacker that time.

He this kind of stays skinny inside the hole.

You could see 16 does reaching for him.

Can't quite get there big first down for Conway Christian.

And the Warriors continuing to load that box tight there with eight Conway Christian is just nickel and dime in them.

They're going to throw this time.

Pump fakes Thomas in trouble eludes the pressure.

He's bumped out for a loss.

But that could have been worse as Thomas makes a little bit of something with his legs.

Look good coverage on the outside that turned into a disaster.

Just something bad for Conway.

Christian could have been a loss or 6 or 7.

Does a nice job of scrambling.

You might like to see your quarterback just throw that away.

Save the save the hit.

Save the 2 or 3 yards that you're going to lose.

But it's a whole lot better than dropping 7 or 8.

So 842 clock stops here in the third quarter.

Come on Christian.

With the only scoring of the game, it was a one yard run by Bernie DeMarcus.

And that has been it.

Defenses have rained today.

Going to keep it Thomas after the handoff.

He's got room inside the red zone down to the 15.

Big run for Jaren Thomas.

That time it was Landon Stover 71 who pulled from the backside and sealed off the linebackers.

Coming across the middle creates a space for his quarterback and a big gain.

And a huge first down for Conway.

Christian boy something about Conway Christian over time and time again.

Neighbor of mine was actually a lumber Conway Christian Trey Starkey talked about.

He was part of that team that beat Junction City in 2015 that even though they're undersized.

Come on Christian, it seems like year in and year out, they're always put out a good product.

Conway Christian trying to bring home their first state title in school history.

Epoch trying to do the same, but they got to get a big stop right here on first and ten.

They're going to give it off to Marcus and he's wrapped up met by a couple of warriors.

First was Doug Real and then who else Eli Black to help clean up the mess a couple of yards lost there after the good stance for the defense.

Big stand there for East Point said County.

And this this red zone JV.

That's been the problem for both of these teams.

But also a big credit to the defense is stiffening once they get inside the 20.

Second and long inside the red zone.

Epic's defense has played big really all game.

But inside the red zone for sure.

Thomas to throw.

He's looking off his back foot.

Overthrows is intended.

Receiver might have got tangled up a little bit.

Brady to mark his hands in the air.

Wants to flag but that one slightly overthrown.

You had a couple of Christian receivers.

Both throw their hands up looking for a penalty, and East Point set county's defensive backs to their credit, physical while the footballs in the air and you can see might have got away with the hold their tug of the jersey.

But even without that tug, that pass was well overthrown.

And good job by Epps.

Defense is going man to man.

Said, hey, we're going to win the one on one battles.

And that's how they do.

Yeah, that's a that's a call right there.

If that ball's a little bit closer, more catchable you likely see the flag not going to be able if you're DaMarcus to go up and get that one even without the hole.

So now a big third down play for Conway Christian.

They're trying to make something happen.

Keeper is Thomas.

He pulled it for EPC Warriors all over it.

Nothing new one for Conway Christian I've been really really impressed with the play of 52 Saint Spencer.

And every time that Thomas pulls the football and he's out to the right side, he's always there and he makes another big play.

One on one.

The quarterback and his defense comes over and cleans it up the mess.

It seems like common Christian when they've been inside the red zone.

Epic's defense has just kicked it up a notch.

Taking it to another level, making big stops is a good assignment.

Football, which, you know, his eyes aren't getting out of place.

He's where he's supposed to be.

Forces things tough.

And now a long fourth down attempt likely going to be going to the air.

It's going to be important for epic.

If Thomas scrambles to contain him, he is going to throw.

Got all kinds of time.

Got a man broken up at the ten yard line.

Might have been underthrown a bit, but Cam Thomas knocks it away for sure.

Yeah great job by Cam Thomas.

If he doesn't make that play and the receiver catches it in stride, he may waltz into the end zone.

But Thomas does a great job of undercutting that throw Paul a little bit behind but still a decent pass across the middle.

Gets his hands on the football.

And another red zone stop for the warrior defense.

Well, they are coming up big when they need to.

Big stop for the Warriors.

They get the football back.

Well step aside Warriors trying to march down and perhaps take the lead for the first time.

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Well, we promised you an answer to the trivia question here.

The two A level.

The question was, who holds the state record for most rushing yards in a season?

Bobby, who was it?

Dennis Gaines from East Poinsett County just a couple seasons ago.

Get these numbers 3232 yards.

And of course, younger brother Jacob on the field right now for these points.

South County Warriors Gaines Jacob Gaines had a great year as well.

They're going to give it to Jacob Gaines slips a tackle.

Gets about five out to the 24 yard line.

He's points at County.

Just trying to make a big play.

Got a feel.

You feel like East points that county's do to break a big one.

They really haven't had anything break through that first wave of defenders.

For Colin Christian credit to the Eagle defense for that.

They're going to give it off again up the middle this time.

Not a whole lot there until they move the pile 40 still going.

You got to be kidding me Jacob Gaines churning the legs.

Get some help from the offensive line.

And that's a first down really, at least for these points.

That kind of crowd starting to get into it for the first time.

A nice second push there from East Point.

Set county shows.

The grit shows the fight.

Move the pile there out across to the 35, moving the chains first and ten once again go the outside edge trying to take it outside the tackles.

Open field slips one man, but that was it.

Thrown to the turf for the 37.

A great job.

Up for a pursuit by DeMarcus there for Conway Christian it looks like they've got the corner.

And Gaines may get there.

But the Marcus able to go stride for stride with him makes the play.

Tyler you got an update for us on the sideline.

Reason we've also mentioned how epic is going for their first football state title.

Remember they did win last year's two way basketball state championship.

That game required a second half comeback led by who else, Jacob Gaines.

And now if they're going to win football, it looks like it's going to be Gaines carrying them in the second half.

Again.

Gaines might be making the plays, but that time it was Tyrus Real, a big open field catch and a big gainer for PC there.

No, they're no strangers to big games in Lepanto in Northeast Arkansas.

That's a nice drop in for Tyler, Arkansas high school basketball state champions.

You can watch the basketball championships coming up in mid-March where you better shot that down.

Put it on your calendar here before you know it.

Going to give it off to Gaines EPC.

Certainly churning and moving the football down the field.

The pile still moving.

How about that push from EPC.

Looked like 1 or 2 yard gain.

Give him maybe 3 or 4.

Just that that fight that we're starting to see East Poinsett County a little grit.

We didn't see that in the first half.

Now we're seeing that more of a push up front.

Those guys taking a little ownership there kind of thinking to themselves, hey, we're not going back to Northeast Arkansas with a loss for a second straight year.

There's no question about that.

There has been some grit Bobby and EPC probably a little frustrated.

They've only been blanked one time this year, a 37 nothing loss early in non-conference to Walnut Ridge.

They haven't scored yet, but the first time we've seen their offense really come to life is real is hit hard on the outside sweep.

That was Bryce Keithley played a lick.

Yeah.

Nice job by Keith Lee to recognize hey they're going speed sweep here or option read on.

That comes flying up for the second there spot safety position and makes a big play that looked like it had a chance to maybe pop a big one.

The hole closed in a hurry.

Third down and six.

Yet if Keith Lee does it make that play likely?

Rules.

Got a lot more yardage.

Really nice job when you can go side to side and get up in the opening field.

That's where things can be problematic for the defense.

Good job there.

From Keith Lee to make sure that didn't happen.

One thing I'm really starting those with on this drive for FBC, they're spreading out.

Got trips to the right side forcing Conway Christian to move some defenders around.

Really good adjustments as they give it to Gaines up the gut.

Likely enough for a first down, but you're right.

Spreading things up.

What does that do?

It moves those linebackers and some of those safeties to the edge.

Gives you a less to work with up the middle, and you feel like you have a better matchup.

Yeah, we've got those three receivers to the to the near side.

Now the bottom of your screen.

And at least three defenders are having to come out for Conway Christian.

That creates just a little bit more of a gap for SPC to find a hole.

It's it's similar to like spacing in basketball.

You don't have to be all jumbled up.

You're seeing this defender here have to stretch out with the defense.

And now the pursuit doesn't get there quite as fast.

Up ahead another tackle after a couple of yards up the middle.

Because we've seen both of these defenses really be content with saying, hey we're going to put seven maybe even eight players in the box.

But now EPC spreading it out and forcing Conway Christian to go with him.

It's a really good adjustment offensively.

Coach Powell, he alluded to it.

We're going to need to spread things out.

Well that's what he's doing.

It's found some success going quickly.

They're going to go screenplay outside to real trying to get to the edge.

Not a whole lot of room.

And he won't do it a host of eagles to corral him.

But I think it was Brady Johnson that got him first.

Yeah Brady Johnson did a great job of recognizing screen sheds the block and able to make the play.

He's got a EPC receiver right in front of him.

He sheds that block in a hurry.

And he does a great job of breaking down allowing nowhere for real to go.

And the troops rally and they drop him for a loss of one.

Although Johnson got the tackle, you got to look at Keith Lee too.

There he was able to cut off that.

They tracked him.

He made sure he didn't come back inside.

Forced him out of bounds.

Really good job defensively to stay in your assignment.

Stay in your zone now two wins to each side for East Points.

Trying to force that county Christian defense to move.

Middle of fields wide open flags going to throw.

He's got time now.

He unloads deep over the middle overthrows Quincy Perry trying to go big incomplete flag.

Recognize that hole right in the middle.

You see that defense kind of part like the Red sea.

And all of a sudden they're trying to beat the seam with that throw.

Really thrown too far to the outside.

Didn't get it across the middle enough.

Didn't give his receiver a chance to make a play on the football.

You know, if you're black, though, you like the changes.

Unload it, give yourself a chance.

You're right.

Just overthrew that one a good bit.

Not ready to climb fourth down.

Well there you have.

It wouldn't have mattered anyways.

One of the blockers was blocking upfield as if it was a run play.

So you get an eligible receiver.

That play would have lost.

And now it's fourth down.

11 is.

Excuse me, comma Christian declined.

Big pass play.

It's complete to Perry.

First down yardage inside the 20.

They come right back to it.

They recognize Conway Christian's in that same defensive alignment.

Leave the middle of the field wide open and a dig right at the sticks.

And a great job by Perry to go up.

Make the hands catch the sophomore fights.

The first down yardage that was Preston Elliott in coverage.

But oh goodness this one might be coming back.

Flag on the far side right at the line of scrimmage.

Ineligible player downfield on the offense.

Five-Yard penalty for the previous spot.

Replay fourth down.

Wow on back to back plays.

It's got to be an alignment issue.

That's that's likely not an alignment downfield.

As quickly as that football came out.

That means you maybe had too many players in the backfield either way what a great catch to go up and get it.

But it's all for not as the penalty wipes it off negated.

Yeah, you're right.

You got to have what seven on the line looks like there wasn't enough on the line.

That's a costly penalty.

You still got a chance to do it again.

But a gut punch a self-inflicted wound by EPK.

Got a check with the officials, say, hey, I'm on, I'm off, etc.. Notice the right tackle seems made.

He may be a little too far off the line of scrimmage.

You don't generally see that call in high school too often.

No flag trying to run.

He's fallen down left with his right foot.

It's complete, but it's not going to be enough for the first down.

Perry caught it.

I don't know how black stayed up to get that pass off, but it is a turnover on down.

That's a great job by black just to show the strength to fight off the defender.

Even though he's coming up limping and it's big on defense.

You see the strength of the quarterback to deliver this football as he's being hit.

Another great catch.

But hit as soon as he makes contact.

Might have been a turnover.

Either way it's like he took the football away on the pile.

Boy Brady Johnson has been huge defensively today.

I mean his breaks on the football and he's made so many one on one plays.

And that's what you have to do when you're on an island out there and your defensive coordinator has enough confidence, you say, hey, we're going man to man.

This is you versus him, and he's made some big plays.

So now Conway Christian, after the big defensive stop, APC marched down the field before they got the stop.

DeMarcus the carry for five yards over right guard.

Now if you're Eastpoint said County you've got to find a way to hold on to the rope and your offense is just not putting up points.

But defensively you've got to find a way to buckle in.

Good to see the flag trot back on their own.

Dismisses one play after being hit.

On offense on that last possession.

But you've got to find a way to keep this close because your offense eventually you feel like is going to pop a big one.

And come on, Christian, give them credit.

They've done a nice job of really bending but not breaking APC.

Much of the same for the Warriors here.

You can't allow Colin Christian to drive all the way down the field.

You need a stop.

Thomas steps up to throw.

Got all kinds of time.

Got a man over the middle.

It's intercepted over, thrown and picked off by Tyrus.

Really?

Still on his feet.

Eludes defenders across midfield.

They finally drag him down.

What a play from Tyrus Reed.

What a great play by real.

He he's he's that safety valve over the top of that pass.

Overthrown.

And he looked like at the intended target.

He quickly goes from deep back to receiver with the ball in his hands, breaks a couple tackles and a huge return.

Sets up the Warriors inside the 45 of Conway.

Christian boy he had an open man was wanting Kyle Kane.

Kane was there but he air mailed it.

Tyrus.

Real right place, right time.

Just playing over the top.

Nice hands in APC after their offense was stifled by Conway Christian, they'll get a chance to do it again in Eagle territory.

Feel like this is a big possession.

Final minute of the third quarter APC great starting position.

Got to find a way to take advantage offensively.

Looks like Buchanan's getting set to take the direct snap.

He'll give it on an end around to Gaines trying to get to the edge, and he is wrapped up and brought down by Bryce.

Keith Lee circled there.

Eastpoint Sack County's bringing in some extra beef Ashton Real offensive lineman, linebacker, sophomore, was 54.

They bring him in there as a lead blocker.

Is trying to get some extra bodies, some extra beef to maybe try to move that line of scrimmage when you like getting gains outside the tackles, right.

Get him an open field, force Conley Christian to make an open field tackle.

And that was a great one from Keith Lee because if Gaines escapes good luck trying to catch him.

I've been really impressed with the pursuit of this Christian defense.

They're not allowing any big plays because they're rallying to the football.

Final play of the third quarter.

Gaines, following his blocks dives inside the 40 to the 38 yard line.

Boy, we've got a good one a nail biter.

Only 12 minutes left to decide this one.

College Christian up six.

Nothing trying to hang on.

APC trying to come from behind.

Stick around.

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Welcome back to War Memorial Stadium, JB Brazil Bobby Swofford, glad you're with us.

Tyler Cass on the sidelines.

Well, it all comes down to this, Bobby, as you look back at how he got to this point.

Highlights aplenty.

But it was a Marcus with the one yard run that got things rolling.

Six to nothing.

That's all the scoring.

There's been some good runs at times, but really I think you look back of the defenses and the turnovers.

That's been the difference the been.

But don't break style of both of these defenses is why we've been here.

Multiple stops on both sides in the red zone you can give up the yards and the 20 is all you want.

But we're going to we're going to bend down buckle down inside the 20.

And that's why we're so locked in a tight one here.

Six nothing but EPC has got some momentum.

They've got a drive going.

They're trying to keep that drive going.

It ended there at the third quarter.

Third down and four to begin the fourth quarter.

Come Conway Christian.

Their defense has made the stops that they needed all game long EPC as well.

For the most part both teams darn nearly about as even as you can be 163 yards for Conway Christian, 155 for EPC.

They'll get a little bit more in the first down and a good hard run from Buchanan.

It's a great job by Buchanan.

And pick up the first down there on second down.

Because the third down defenses have been so big for both of these sides.

Three of ten for Conway Christian.

Just one of seven on third down for EPC.

Big conversion there at the 32 yard line are the Warriors trying to march down the field direct snap to Buchanan following his block.

He's inside the 30.

Not a whole lot.

Gets two maybe three yards.

APC just try to march down the field.

They got a little bit extra there.

So it's third down.

There's second down and six.

Excuse me.

Two of the backfield with black.

It'll be a direct to Gaines wrapped up from behind this time.

Not able to push the pile forward.

And it's third down and about five.

You're starting to see that Conway Christian defense start to stack the box a little bit more as we're advancing towards the red zone.

You're seeing calm Christian.

They've been content with six maybe walk a seventh player into the box.

At that time they had eight.

They're trying to do whatever they can to slow down this push from East Poinsett County.

That seems to be gaining a little confidence, a little momentum on this drive.

You talk about some great for EPC.

Marcus Mundt comes to mind.

Coach talk that he's been around the program.

He hangs out with the guys at times.

And so this is a big third down and six play direction there to Gaines undercut lunging for the line to gain.

He's going to be shy.

And oh my goodness it'll bring up fourth down on about one.

All 22 were in the tackle box there.

That's just hat on a hat.

You got a guy who wants it more.

Now I'd expect to see more of the same on this fourth down play coming up.

That was Colton Loper who hit Gaines.

And then Gaines took about 2 or 3 more yards after contact.

This is a big fourth down play.

Fourth and one Conway Christian needing a stop EPC needing a first down to keep the drive alive.

Loading up the right side is EPC.

They're going to go direct snap.

Oh my goodness is that a timeout perhaps indeed it will be EPC calls the timeout eight points that county the first time out of the half didn't like the look.

That's like it's a great job by Coach Powell and company.

You know that you've got to convert this fourth down.

You line up.

You don't necessarily like what you're seeing from the defense.

Take a timeout.

You've got plenty of those to burn and talk about things and and find your your best fourth and short play.

Yeah.

You got a feeling that this is going to be one of the bigger plays of the game.

So a great time to call it right.

When they did.

You want a copy of today's contest or any of the state championship games this weekend.

This go to Man Productions dot net and place your order.

And for one of these sides it's going to be a game.

They want to watch over and over, no matter how low scoring it is.

What's been a good one, right.

You felt like offenses could get things rolling.

Both teams averaging a lot of points.

But really it's been the defense's and that cold weather has played a little bit of a factor with some turnovers.

But defense is certainly showing up big today.

Yeah.

Looking at the stats coming into the contest, you think okay maybe we got a chance for a an offensive shootout.

But the defenses have really done a great job.

We've mentioned the red zone defense 170 yards of total offense for now for East points County 163 for Conway Christian and 90 of that came on their first two drives of the game.

EPC has done a really nice job defensively since that point, but it's going to be all about this fourth down play right now.

Who can get who can get the yard or prevent the yard?

Maybe the deciding outcome in this contest.

So Coach Powell talked it over with his team.

He feels like he's dialed up the right play Conway Christian.

They had a chance to talk about things defensively.

It's a tight bunch formation.

They load it up on that left side including the quarterback.

So this is going to be a direct snap to Gaines.

They'll go to Gaines trying to go left side.

He stood up slips around.

But there's flags on the field a this is a false start.

It's huge.

They're both false.

Start on the offense.

Five-Yard penalty remains fourth down.

It's the second time we've seen EPC jump on a fourth and short in this state.

Now fourth and one turns into fourth and six.

And now you've got to reassess things.

Instead of running straight ahead you've got to try to find a crack in this Conway Christian defense that's been so good today.

Boy you know you're trying to make a big play.

Might be a little amped up right.

Just trying to get the block.

Trying to get a little bit of an angle.

Jumps too early.

That's huge for these points at County.

If you go back and you look for the Warriors, if you know things don't go their way, you're going to look back at those types of plays.

And the reason why yeah, that's a big play.

There's still almost ten minutes left in the contest.

But you really felt like that was going to be a turning point in this contest.

So now it's fourth and six.

They converted one before on a big play trying to do it again.

Flag going to throw quick slant route.

Perry's all alone first down inside the 20 Perry was open on the slant and black threw it.

That's just great poise by the quarterback.

Blagg.

The junior starts the season as a guard but stood in there like a pro and waits till as deep as a receiver clears the zone.

Has that window for the slant.

Huge first down for the Warriors.

That was a big would on fourth down.

Now they're in the red zone.

Tight bunch again.

We saw this go a direct snap to Gaines.

It will be to Gaines.

Goes up the middle.

He bounces it outside as there wasn't a hole trying to get to the edge.

Stutter steps a man dives.

Touchdown, Warriors!

We're tied at six.

What a run by Gaines.

You think he's bottled up inside the box.

Uses a stiff arm.

Bounces it outside in the athleticism.

And this is a pure speed to get to the corner APC finally in the end zone wow.

Talk about turning a little something out of nothing.

Gaines was bottled up.

He was kind of lost in the shuffle.

Bounced it outside of his speed was on display.

This is going to be a great look at.

He's bottled up.

There might have been a facemask in that huddle, but able to to jump to the outside.

And that stiff arm right there.

Great job to extend the left arm create some space.

He gets into paydirt.

And now here's the biggest play of the game.

Now tied at 62. conversion for EPC.

If Conway Christian gets a stop we're tied.

They go to Gaines.

Got a hole to the pylon.

He's in.

The two point conversion is good and the Warriors take the lead.

Momentum has officially swung JB Brazil the Conway Christian faithful stunned as East said County finally able to put together a drive and more importantly, finish it.

They've got an eight six lead.

What a drive from EPC.

You go back to that fourth and six.

The pass play to Perry.

That was the shot in the arm that EPC needed.

And two plays later they found the House.

8 to 6 Warriors with their first lead of the contest.

Don't go anywhere.

This one's coming down to the wire.

You're watching.

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Well, East Point County finally finds the end zone.

It takes them to the fourth quarter.

The diving play from game to the two point try.

Sometimes you just got to put your teammates on your back and say, I'm going to take this game over.

And Jacob Gaines certainly did that there.

On that possession, Epix got a lead late in the fourth.

It was a great drive for EPC, and Tyler Cash got a front row seat.

Yeah.

Down here on the AP side of things, they're certainly much louder than they were about five minutes ago.

And the key play on that drive the fourth down completion to Quincy Perry.

Remember about 15 minutes ago he was targeted on the incompletion on fourth down, left the field limping.

Missed three plays on the defensive end.

Well they stretched him out.

This said he was just cramping.

Good to see him back in the game.

And then making that key catch on fourth down.

No kidding.

That's a that's what you like to see from a guy in Perry.

That onside kick looks like calmly Christian recovered.

Lovelace was there.

But going back to Perry, talk about knowing when you're a guy that your team is going to rely on to fight through some injury, perhaps, and get out and make a big play, you got to find out and find a way to make plays.

No matter what the case is going to be.

You don't get your number called a lot in this style of offense, but that time he found a play.

Third down.

Excuse me.

Fourth down.

Finds a hole, moves the chains.

That was a fourth down and one before the full start.

And Perry with the pressure building made a big play.

Come a Christian will start at their own 49.

So good field position.

But the defensive EPC has really done a nice job of late of limiting the run.

They'll give it off to DeMarcus at front lines pushing further about five yards, maybe six for DeMarcus on first down.

That's a good drive starter for Conway Christian.

They've been used to playing from behind.

We've talked about it.

They trailed by 14 in the quarterfinals 21 last week in the semis.

So they're not worried.

They scored with eight seconds left to beat Junction City a week ago.

So they know how to handle the moment because you never know how teams, especially 16 to 18 year olds, are going to handle adversity when the fourth quarter in a state championship game and you've never been here before, they've had some good teams come in.

Christian has in the past.

The guys have Tanner Stephenson winning play quarterback at line College and some other plays.

Andrew Day are Harding grad Rob Holgate, SMU.

They've got players, but this is the team that's all come together.

The chemistry is there.

They're trying to win their first ever state title.

They hand off DeMarcus again.

Good run on second down.

It's third and short the money down.

You're coming up now for Conway Christian third and short everybody watching on Arkansas PBS.

Everybody all 7500 was the announced attendance for today's game.

And here inside War Memorial Stadium everybody knows they're about to run the football.

Is it going to be Thomas on the keeper.

They're going to hand it off.

Those big guys up front got to find a way to create a seam, create a crack at these five guys right here.

But determine this play.

No question about that.

APC run to the same defense.

They jumped up the line loaded the box.

They're anticipating the run.

DeMarcus gets to the second level.

Nobody's going to get him DeMarcus to the house.

And Conway Christian responds what a big answer.

He's you know the offensive line says hey, run behind us.

Put it on our shoulders.

We're going to carry you.

And they move the line of scrimmage create a seam.

And that's all DeMarcus needed as he breaks a big one.

Wow.

The only problem with loading the box if you're epic is if DeMarcus makes you miss.

There's nobody back there to stop him.

No second line of defense there for Eastpointe County.

And that's why the big play.

But now a huge two point conversion as the lead now just sits right at four for the Eagles.

You get the two point try.

You'll put it back to a six point lead.

But wow what a run from Brady.

DeMarcus.

He has had a great state title game DeMarcus 133 yards on the ground.

The only two scores of the game for Conway Christian here's a two point try Thomas he's going to throw tries to throw back side overthrows Lovelace.

Might have been trying to go to Keith Lee as well but threw it in between.

Both had two receivers in the same area.

And that's that's always tough because the defenders can cover more space.

And I think you're right.

I think that pass wasn't intended for the farther receiver and that time deflected couldn't make the play.

Well Tyler you got to see PK drive down the field.

And how about that busted run from DeMarcus.

And actually transferred to Conway Christian High School.

So much of this team has been together for a decade or so.

He said.

They made the transfer super smooth for him, but right into the culture.

Said he came over here with the dream of winning a championship ring and he just did his part there to make that dream a reality.

Thank you Tyler, you've done great all game long there on the sideline.

752 to play in the fourth quarter Bobby this one has fit the billing.

It certainly has.

And we thought these two teams would be able to kind of trade blows.

And DeMarcus really delivered the first haymaker there 133 yards.

Now two touchdowns.

And that one along a 42.

So Conway Christian unable to convert on the two point try.

But they lead it 12 to 8 EPC.

Their offense.

They can handle this kickoff return now there.

They've had taken one back this year to go a kickoff back for six.

But in this case you'll take just getting the football back and trying to march your offense down the field.

Get your live action photos from the game at my ERP PBS.org slash photos.

Grab some free downloads.

You can have prints made a great championship keepsake.

The Eagles are trying to figure out their kickoff routine here.

But Cox rolling down.

They've still got plenty of time.

Now I think they've got it mostly sorted.

Loper getting set to boot it away.

We went from trying to chase down the lowest scoring championship games of all time to two touchdowns in about a minute and a half.

They heard us talking about it.

Tyrus really going to take this back at his own 12.

Trying to go to that left side.

Cuts him.

Makes a man.

Makes two men.

Is still on his feet and he's hit at the 31 yard line.

That was a big tackle there.

Because if real breaks that one there's not a whole lot of daylight.

That's a great job by real decent kind of create something.

There's nobody back there.

We've got three runners from Conway Christian coming at him from almost every angle.

You can see he's trying to come back.

Cut across the green.

Picks up 25 on the return and APC now back in business across the 30.

Seven minutes 44 seconds left to decide this one.

That's an eternity JB it is it.

Buckle up.

Lock in now.

Hope you've gone to the bathroom and gone to the Frigerator.

There's no point in getting up the rest of the way.

The first three quarters flew by on this fourth quarter bowl.

It is run by slowly, but the drama always seems to turn up in the fourth.

Warriors trying to make something happen here on this possession.

They'll give it off to Gaines.

He's got to see outside the tackles.

Big run there for Jacob Gaines I think what we're starting to see is what these two teams are built on the defensive lines that wear down the defense.

And in the fourth quarter, the money downs, the money plays.

That's when it comes to fruition.

They're starting to see the holes start to stretch out.

More running lanes for DeMarcus.

And that time more space for Gaines.

Second down and one.

They're going to throw it out to the edge.

Real too tall for Tyrus.

Real black overthrows him I like the idea because you know that you're having success running the football college Christian starting to to kind of shoot the gaps, if you will.

If you make that play, you make the throw a sudden you're one on one and you can be 60 to the house.

We've certainly seen them spread the football out epic.

And it has led to success.

We've seen it a couple of times.

Jalen Gaines runs it's third down and one right here though.

Black will be in the gun with twins to the near side.

Gaines is in the backfield box.

Going to throw a deep ball over the top.

But he overthrows his man.

He wanted Quincy Perry but that went a little off target.

It didn't work.

And it's going to bring up a fourth down which you never want to be in.

But I'll like the call.

JB you like the aggressive because everybody thinks, hey you're going to run the football.

You've got one on one in the slot.

Going right up to seeing just overshot him just a bit.

But you know 24 is about to get the football here.

Well you're probably going for the fourth down anyway.

Take a shot.

Well they may not be expecting it.

This is a big play.

How many times are we going to say that today.

Shotgun for black.

He's going to keep it to the left side.

The big fella gets it up for the first down and he moves the chain.

Yeah I couldn't tell if that was going to be an option a direct quarterback run but a great job from black to recognize all the eyes of the defense.

Going with Gaines 24, he just puts his head down and picks up the necessary yardage.

Well, how big is it to have a guy like black and short down yardage situations that you can go to his size?

Yeah, I mean, anytime you can, you can put up two 2230 back there and say, hey, you can go in one on one for for a yard.

I like my chances.

And remember black was it an offensive guard turned quarterback?

He's living everybody's dream to be quite honest.

Another option keeper keeps it is Underthrown now he's going to try to throw it.

That might be a loose football.

Conway Christian's got it miscue from black and the Eagles Bryce Keighley makes it pay trying to do just too much.

There was Blagg I mean you like the idea.

There's a receiver out here but he's hit.

As soon as he throws in that football comes out.

Of course we'll take a look at it as all turnovers are automatically reviewed.

The interest to see if that football's coming forward, even though he's hit as he's thrown, where does the ball land compared to where he lets it go.

Oh boy is that a forward pass.

Yeah.

They also got to think about too.

Was he past the line of scrimmage as well.

So I don't know that there's a flag coming in loose allegedly on the near side if that's a turnover.

That is huge Bobby.

Previous play is under further review.

Yeah I think this is a good idea.

Just go back and look at it.

Just double check it.

Yeah.

First thing you have to pay attention to is he crossed the line of scrimmage.

And the next one is obviously when the ball leaves his hands because his arms clearly coming forward, is the ball out of his hands.

And as it lands in front of where he's standing, obviously contact with the quarterback is going to come into play.

This is going to be a really interesting review, and I'm glad they stopped to take a look at it.

Yeah, I think that what you're going to see here, Bobby, is that replay as they throw it looks like the ball is going forward as a matter.

Did it get knocked out before he started unload it.

And then as well as you said is it past the line of scrimmage.

Yeah.

Here's a here's a great look at what they're looking at.

They have all the angles that we have a DV sport the official replay review.

Who does it on Sundays in the NFL.

Same guys doing it here on Arkansas PBS and the high school state championships.

So they've got a couple different things to look at.

Importantly, where does this football land when it comes out of his hand?

Let me see him right here.

He's trying to unload and throw it to end.

Does he have possession and is that ball moving before the arms coming forward?

There's a lot to unpack here and a lot of times here's also something to keep in mind.

Calling the field was a fumble.

That's right.

So you got to have enough to overturn that as well.

There's just so many different aspects of this.

You have to look at.

Point Bobby, this call is monumental.

I think they've already got a decision as a replay review.

The call on the field is make a firm first down Congressman.

So I think what you see there the ball looks like it's moving as his arms coming forward.

Which means it's going to be a fumble no matter where it lands.

Ball's already out already a fumble.

And that negates whether that's a forward pass or not because it becomes a fumble.

So whether he was past the line of scrimmage is negated at that point because the fumble occurred, that is a huge play for Conway.

Christian, what do they do with the gift they've been given?

DeMarcus able to to bust the big one.

And I think from Conway Christian you're going to see a lot more of that.

Maybe pull the right guard kick out.

Let's see if he can bust another big one Jaren and Thomas in the offense.

They'll go back to DeMarcus.

Boy spun around.

Looked like he was only going to get a couple.

Able to rotate push forward for 4 or 5.

You got a four point lead.

So if you're Conway Christian you really can't sit on the football.

Of course you want to be methodical, methodical, take as much time as you can, but you've got to put the ball in the endzone because it's still a one possession game.

This one definitely not out of reach.

You know, the real crushing is even if you get close enough, a field goal still makes it a seven point game.

You want to find the end zone for Conway Christian APC desperately needing a stop now on the defensive side, Eagles are content to let that clock roll down.

They're in no kind of hurry and move DeMarcus over to the flat.

QB Keep Thomas got a huge hole.

Bounces it outside inside the 20.

Bumped down inside the ten Jaren Thomas been contained all game but not that time I like what they do.

They move DeMarcus the running back out to the slot to the left side.

So you think okay maybe the defense is coming with him Thomas right back to the other side.

They win the game.

Their running back is your lead blocker and a great job to get a hat on a hat.

That's 22.

Lovelace delivers the pancake on Buchanan.

It's first and goal.

Eagles Conway Christian at the epic eight.

Jerry Thomas with a big run to set up comedy.

Christian and great field position.

Going to fake the handoff.

Throw it out in the flat.

Complete trying to get inside.

The five he struck down might have been pushed out of bounds.

That's Kyle Kane.

He stays inbound to the clock.

Will run a little bit of a sneaky play there for Conway.

Christian, you remember when your grandpa used to talk about all he ran the triple option back in my day.

That's today's version of the triple option.

You fake it inside, and all of a sudden you've got a receiver out there, you just flip it out to him.

It looks like it's a dangerous play, but that's when they practice over and over.

Sorry about your grandpa talking about the old school wishbone.

Second down and goal from the five I'm going to crush Christian.

Got to make sure they protect the football to try to get it into the end zone.

APC trying to show up big.

They give it to DeMarcus.

No where to go.

The edge was covered up but great job to set the edge defensively.

50 for Ashton.

Real shows up again for East Point, said County.

Now they need to find two more stops inside the five.

Boy, it's hard to believe that Ashton is a sophomore.

He certainly didn't play like one.

Future going to be bright for the defensive end.

See Conaway Christian content with this bleeding this clock still 15 to play on the on the play clock.

They're just going to try to stretch this out as long as possible.

It looks like they're going to let this wind down all the way to one and take a timeout to talk about this third down.

A tip coming up.

They know the importance of this sequence right here.

Arkansas PBS is the home for high school sports.

If you love seeing these high school championships live on and on demand, please consider making a gift to Arkansas PBS today.

Well, Bobby, if you're in that Conway Christian huddle, what do you dial it up?

You've got to dance.

We've talked about that.

I think field goal is probably out of the equation.

You had your extra point blocked and it wasn't even close.

So whatever.

Your two best plays are in the red zone.

We will go in.

It's not going to be fancy.

It's just going to be read option.

Yeah I mean you get the ball to democracy, pull the guard.

You try to get a kick out, you try to move that pile.

All you need is five yards and you got a chance to put this game out of reach.

It's going to be important for Thomas to read this.

Well, make sure he makes the correct decision and you're right.

You don't have to get it all right here.

You got two downs to get it.

Just maybe cut and a half.

Get it close to that goal line to set yourself up.

Well if you're the Warriors defense right here is monumental.

Absolutely.

Because they forced a turnover in the first half in the red zone.

You got one.

You got to rally to the football stand him up and teammates got to come and start jabbing at it.

Try to get that football out.

Still plenty of time left regardless for 72 downs for Conway Christian.

Whether they score or not.

Epic has time but they want the stop more than anything, especially after giving things up.

Eli Black on that fumble a moment ago.

He's had a great game, by the way, on both sides of the ball.

Just an untimely miscue.

Yeah I think you're going to see the linebackers using 16 here.

I think we're going to see one of the 16 or 50 are going to are going to be come in and try to blow something up in the backfield.

Third down and goal from the epic five Conway Christian trying to make it a two score game.

Thomas going to roll right side keeping himself.

Got a block into the end zone.

Touchdown Conway Christian.

Forget the option.

Forget the all the keys.

That's his big boy football.

That's a snap.

Running backs going to be your lead blocker.

That's the same play that we saw that Thomas broke to the outside.

That set up the first and goal that is straight downhill running.

Conway Christian's offensive line flexing their muscles.

No kidding.

Winning in the trenches Thomas had all kinds of space.

Thanks to the big boys up front.

And the Eagles appear to be attempting to point after Colton Loper trying to make it an 11 point advantage.

Miscue on the snap.

Loper just going to try to pick it up.

He's brought down so the extra point won't even occur.

Loper doesn't get a chance of the kick after the snap was high, but the Eagles extend the lead to ten with 413 to go.

They're feeling really good.

The Conway Christian crowd certainly likes it.

He's got work to do.

They've got work to do.

I mean, that being the extra point there, honestly, it kind of consequence APC has it kicked an extra point all season.

So they're not going to kick a field goal.

It's a 10 or 11 point game.

Doesn't matter as they're going to likely they're going to go for two.

And then obviously they need the possession two possessions anyway.

But a big big drive there for Conway Christian APC trying to do too much.

They they fumble the football and then Conway Christian.

We've seen both of these teams now take advantage of turnovers, just like we saw in the eight man game last night.

Turning the football over in a championship game can kill you.

And we've seen it on display today.

There's Jared Thomas getting handshakes from all his teammates.

Both his parents played basketball UCA Mario Thomas McKayla Thomas athletes of plenty Tyler you got to look at that big drive for Conway Christian a huge shot there.

Arm yeah guys like the last thing you're going to see on this sidewalk it's panic.

He's the kind of game it all year long.

Earlier in the season took a miss field goal against Athens to get a win.

I got to mountain.

I got to stop the conversion to seal the game last week.

It was a quick Christian down in the seconds that even got them here.

So trailing in the fourth quarter, no issue for them a ten point lead.

Now this is where they feel comfortable.

Come away Christian the 18 to 8 lead APC trying to make things work here in the final quarter.

Not a whole lot of time left as they'll get the return up to the 46 yard line point.

Again, we talked about the offense is time and time again but calm Christian's defense.

They have answered the call.

They've stifled Buchanan and Gaines both for the most part they have.

And I think what APC needs to do, they've got to try to find a way to get to the outside.

The only big play they've had is something that Gaines was able to the bounce to the outside.

They've got to get something going there because really between the tackles, it's been tough sledding.

That front four and that linebacking corps for Collin Christian has been up to the task in that play that Gaines ran wasn't designed to go outside.

He created that by getting outside the tackle.

You're exactly right.

Trying to spread things out, trips to the right side.

Now for black on the offense.

He'll give it off up the middle.

Gaines was hit a one arm tackle.

How about Garrison Greer, the senior Garrison Greer has really come to play on the inside.

That defensive front for Conway Christian again.

He's in the backfield and shuts down Gaines right at the line of scrimmage.

Well that was a one arm tackle from Greer.

Take a look.

He just does a great job of shooting the gap guard.

Can't get in front.

And he just blows it up.

He's getting blocked and just strings it out.

And that's a hard running back.

And Gaines as well.

Going to throw this time.

Black pumps got a man open in the flat.

Now he tries to cut it up the middle of the field.

First down yardage deep.

Buchanan with a nice catch.

You know it all started with the protection up front.

They double-team Greer.

They make sure he's not going to make the play there.

And you're starting to find where the hole is in the coming Christian defense.

And your best bet 10 to 12ft area between the numbers in the hash has been open.

This area right here is what I'm talking about.

That's been open a lot for the passing game for back to go with the Gaines this time trying to bounce it outside.

Not a whole lot of room inside the four and then lunges for a couple more.

My apologies on that reception early.

That was Devin McGee making a big catch earlier for the first down I think is obviously going to have to pick up the pace a little bit as we inch towards the three minute mark.

They do have two timeouts, but they're going to speed things up.

Try to get the football to the playmakers.

Clock rolling 307 to go flag all alone.

Stepping back.

He's going to throw hit as he throws.

Got a man Perry two tall in and out of the hands.

Perry's been good today but that one too tall.

Yeah that one too tall.

And he also I believe you heard the footsteps from the safety coming down.

He knew if he makes that play he's going to take a big hit.

Ball goes right through his hands.

Good route from Perry.

He had some space.

Black was hit as he threw.

That makes it tough.

I think Perry feels like he should have caught that though, even though it was too tall.

Yeah.

Anytime you get your hands on the football as a receiver, you feel like you're going to go big.

See, he kind of.

He kind of clenched the body.

He thought to set the safety.

I think that was Thomas coming over.

Yeah, that's a great call there.

But you know he feels like that pressure.

He might get hit right when he catches it.

Black's going to go again with those trips.

Now he's going to roll nearside.

Got a man over the middle underneath.

It's caught.

He stays on his feet.

What a catch from Tyrus.

Real knowing that the big hit was coming and he hung on.

Yeah that's a great job by one black the roll to his left is non throwing arm side and delivers a dart.

The receiver makes the big play even though he knows he's about to take a shot.

That's a senior in Tyrus real making a play for his team.

Gives it off to Gaines this time.

Does black a couple of yards up the middle to the 26.

Clock rolling down 239 to play.

Got to keep the defense honest.

But you really feel like you've got to get to the outside.

That's where APC starting to make some plays starting to hit those numbers up the seam.

See if they go back to the air here on second and seven from the gun.

Black Gaines in the backfield with trips to that right side behind Scott time.

Now he's in pressure trying to scramble hit as he throws.

Oh my goodness it's intercepted.

Intercepted by Lucas Corbin the senior black that takes a big hit.

He's still down on the ground.

And that affected the pass.

And Conway Christian's defense comes up with another big play.

Wow Corbin the ball was tipped a bit came in picks it off.

They may end up looking at this to see if it was actually an interception.

But black certainly shaken up on the field.

It's a big shot.

Here's going to be a good look at the there's the hit on the quarterback.

And it's certainly going to look at it.

All turnovers are going to be automatically reviewed.

Did he get his hands underneath the football to make the interception.

That looks clean.

Wow.

It looks like a really really good play Lucas Corbin the senior may have made the game sealing interception Corbin making a play that you don't see on Saturdays or Sundays very often.

That's an impressive if the interception stands to get underneath and cradle that football well, we certainly hope that Eli Black is okay.

Yeah.

Here's another good look at it.

Zoomed in, hands underneath it, body on top.

Looks like he has possession as he rolls over with it I call that a clean interception.

They haven't said they're reviewing but it is automatically reviewed either way.

But blacks today are still down on the field for his points at County.

Boy what a game from black.

He has played his heart out.

Took a shot on that throw.

Still getting tended to.

But man he's had a great game.

We'll step aside though right now in the two a state title game as they tend to black 18 eight Conway Christian at the pick holes.

They feel like they're going to win the football game.

You're watching the Centennial Bank state football Championships on Arkansas PBS sports.

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.

Well, good to see Eli Blagg getting off the field on his own power.

APC likely the interception they reviewed it come with Christian will end up with a football.

215 to go.

It's 18 to 8.

Conway Christian we're glad you're with us JP Brazil Bobby Swofford Tyler.

Cast the rest of the PBS crew.

It's been a lot of fun today.

Bobby Buchman Christian has made the plays that matter most to have, and the turnovers have started to pick up really on both sides.

But Conway Christian bending not breaking.

They give up the ten, 12, 14 yards a pop here.

But that time the pressure finally gets home.

Hit on the quarterback deflects the fly to the football.

And another great play by Corbin makes the interception.

Likely.

Puts this game out of reach.

Christian, we talked about a couple of their things they need to do was limit Gaines and Buchanan.

They've done that and they've got to win the turnover battle.

They're up one on that.

That likely is the difference.

So calmly, Christian, the interception.

Give it off up the middle to Lovelace.

Good run.

And he's doing what you want to do right.

Two hands on the football.

Make sure you don't lose it.

Two hands for safety.

Good job.

Good.

Run up the middle.

Two timeouts left.

Still for East points at County.

So you have to wonder okay when do you take that.

Because you give up a first down here you're starting to run out of opportunities and stop the clock.

Yeah.

But right here depending on what APC does defensively if Carmi Christian gets almost near a first down after you waited, you do let him have the first down.

You got to get a big stop right here so you could force that timeout.

You got to believe that that second timeout is going to come after this play regardless.

Even if they pick up the first down, you've got to find a way to stop that clock.

Give your defense a chance.

Conway Christian trying to seal the deal for their first ever state title.

They'll give it off.

Lovelace.

He's got the first down all the way out to the 29 yard line.

APC will call their second timeout on.

Fourth down.

Oh, that is just big boy football up front.

That offensive line for Conway Christian 55 Britton Taylor.

We've talked about that county.

The second Time-Out of the second half Maddox Jones 65 Landon Stover Landon Lowery.

Those guys up front have done a job for Conway Christian the big boys paving the way for the first title in school history.

You're exactly right.

That's where it all was.

I mean, you could talk about the highlight plays Thomas with Lovelace with DeMarcus running the ball.

Deacon Meeks has made some nice catches Kyle Cain Keith Lee two plays defensively from Johnson.

But the bottom line is it's the big fellas on both sides of the ball that have stepped up big.

The reason for Conway Christian yeah and we knew that was going to be the reason for either one of these teams.

That's why they're in the state championship game.

That's why Conway Christian's won 13 in a row this year.

That's why double digit victories for East points at County I mean these teams are built about running the football.

We didn't talk about it a whole lot.

There are five different players in this game who have a thousand yards or more rushing on the season.

It's amazing the amount of talent that these two teams have and they said, okay, we're just going to rely on the guys up front.

They don't get their names in the paper.

They're not talked about on television and in the broadcast very often, but they're the reason those guys up front for both these teams while they're playing today.

And Conway Christian guys have just a little bit better.

And that's why there is what a minute 27 away from Tyler.

And for EPC to go back on them.

Right.

They felt like getting here was a huge thing for them.

They were certainly looking forward to next year with the talent they had.

They had a great team this year, but unfortunately, barring a miracle, it looks like it's going to end here in a loss.

It's in the War Memorial Stadium shotgun for Thomas.

He's going to keep it.

Left side bounces it outside the edge.

He's got the first down and more.

Look at Thomas go.

They'll wrap him up from behind all the way down to the epic 35.

Huge run for Jaren Thomas.

We've been waiting for the big one really on both of these sides.

And you know it comes in pretty much emphatic fashion for Conway Christian the quarterback finally breaks one starting to see the defense wear down.

More importantly right here he had a chance to just go out of bounds smartly.

He stays in bounds.

Cuts it back into the green.

Picks up some more yardage but more importantly keeps the clock running.

And now they can get in the ultimate formation for every coach the victory formation.

And now it's Gatorade bucket time for Coach Kramer.

Keep your head on a swivel.

Well it's cold out there too.

But what do they say.

The best formation in football.

Right.

That's what it is.

Victory formation for Jaren Thomas.

The Eagles take a knee and it's all but procedural at this point.

They only have to seven one more time.

What a great job by East points at County to get here.

But Conway Christian in the fourth quarter just made the plays enough.

And they finally put a big crack in.

He's Poinsett county's defense made the big play.

And that's why commit Christian to kneel down away from winning it all.

Thomas snaps it for the final time and Conway Christian for the first time in school history, they are the two AA state champions.

The Gatorade bath for Coach Kramer fly Eagles fly to say.

Dominant performance in the second half on the ground and a perfect season.

Yeah, I don't know if it can be stated enough how difficult it is to go an entire year without being beaten.

Congratulations to Conway Christian.

Well-deserved for their first title in school history.

Our second state title game has come to an end.

We'll get you set for the trophy presentation and much, much more.

Stick around.

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The Dream Season A perfect 14 and over Conway Christian ends with the hoisting of this to a state title trophy.

What a game for Conway, Christian.

The goal for all 200 plus teams that play football in our state is to end doing that right there, and that's holding the trophy and posing for a picture.

Conway.

Christian.

It wasn't pretty, but they finally threw enough punches and landed enough body blows.

They wear down these points at County and take home the title a game that defense is ranked as we look at the final stats.

It was really kind of stifled until that fourth quarter.

Both offenses came to life.

As you look on with Christian 295 yards of total offense.

EPC 228.

You look at that line, you think, hey, that game was pretty close.

It was it was just 1 or 2 plays.

On turnovers that come with Christian took advantage.

Yeah the last quarterback scramble to buy Jaren Thomas.

It really adds to the total there.

Picked up about 35 yards.

This game was nip and tuck.

You circle the turnovers there.

Pretty much everything which is so close.

But red zone defense was the difference between this being an 18 to 8 game and this being 3224.

I mean, both teams played so well inside the 20.

And it is not going to be quite indicative of what this game really could have been.

But kudos to Coach Kramer and company as they got the job done.

Cramer talked about how his team was cool, calm and collected.

He was waiting for this moment and now he gets it tilers with it.

Now.

Bring.

It.

Yeah, I don't know.

Obviously very excited for our kids.

Very excited for for our fans and our program.

And it's a dream come true.

And I know it was kind of ugly at times, but, you know, I guess this is what happens with these types of games, but I'm just I'm glad.

I'm proud of our cause.

That's kind of our season.

Like we just kind of keep sticking, keep plugging, just stay with each other.

No one gets upset and no one will ever lose their job.

That was that game.

The a small part of our whole season.

So I'm just really, really proud.

You mentioned.

Is there any panic on the sideline when you go from, Well, I start getting worked.

Well, we hate to we can't get coach I having some technical difficulties.

But Bobby once again.

Oh well.

Fun game for my Christian 18 to 8.

The victory and win by ten.

But again that score was a lot closer than it indicated.

Yeah, it really was.

I mean these two teams are just you know went at it goes blow for blow.

And we talk about it so much with the offenses that it's all about the offense.

Points scored, points scored with the defenses showed up to play.

And if you want to told Conway Christian hey you're going to hold East Points at Kennedy to eight points and less than 200 yards rushing.

But they're going to take that all day.

And that's exactly the result they got.

That's why they won a title with the second fewest points that APC scored all year long.

Conway Christian's defense made a statement.

We talked about it.

Jared Thomas was held in check for most of the game.

Aaron Lovelace a little bit, but they just could not stop Brady DeMarcus yeah it's pick your poison when you've got 3000 yard rushers.

It's almost not fair when you've got to focus on the quarterback.

And you got both running backs that are such weapons.

You just have to find out okay.

Which one do we deal with?

DeMarcus fights his way in there for the first score.

Pops a big one later in the contest.

Number two in your state championship game MVP.

This found ways to get the job done 140 yards and the two scores.

Valiant effort from Jacob Ganz as well.

The only score for EPC.

They got the two point conversion from Gaines as well.

That was the one that DeMarcus busted free.

And that one right there to seal the deal.

Jared Thomas with a QB keeper to win it for Conway Christian.

The Gatorade bath for Coach Kramer.

It may be cold, but I guarantee you he doesn't care too much.

That's just game number two of the weekend.

We've got three more to go.

Five a state championship game coming up, later this evening.

Tyler is trying to track down Mr. DeMarcus for the Most valuable player.

But man, I'll just hope you're locked in for more good football this weekend.

That's right.

Parkview going for a three peat Farmington red hot of late.

We'll get you set for that one.

Tyler is down with Brady.

DeMarcus.

Game MVP obviously big season ends in a state championship.

First time in school history.

Just take me through that.

That final seconds there.

It feels great.

Once we kind of get up by a little bit, I can tell that they were, they were giving up, and, I'm just so proud of my guys.

I'm so proud of the work they put in this season.

And I'm proud of my offensive line, especially, I would have won this without them.

I love all my guys to death.

It feels great.

Like the whole college in the stands.

Is this mean to this whole program?

It means everything.

To go from a team four years ago with, I played as a freshman with one win.

It was the last game of the year to going undefeated and winning the state championship.

And having everybody out here seeing that is a great thing for the school.

But we really well supported.

I love everybody.

All right.

A perfect ending of a perfect season break.

Grats on game MVP.

We'll let you go back and celebrate Brady.

You can celebrate Conway Christian's victory with official championship gear and it's now available.

Visits Arkansas high school sports.com to find a parable and memorabilia commemorating this unforgettable and undefeated season.

That's Arkansas high school sports.com Conway Christian.

They limited the big plays of Buchanan and Gaines and they won the turnover battle.

They win their first state title at school history 18 to 8 over EPC, EPC back to back losses in the state title game.

They're hoping they'll be back here next year.

What a game it was.

Thanks for tuning in.

The five state title game coming up at 630 tonight.

Be sure to tune in for that.

But for now, that is all JB Brazile, Bobby Swofford, Tyler cast the rest of our crew.

Thanks for tuning in.

We'll see you next time.

You've been watching the two a state title game on the Centennial Bank state football Championships on Arkansas PBS sports.