by Mark Rico
Sports Editor
Vilonia — Although a late Russellville rally nearly spoiled senior night, the Vilonia Eagles defense turned away the Cyclones twice over the final eight minutes to help secure a 28-23 victory at Phillip Weaver Stadium behind a two touchdown night from junior tailback Seth Kirk.
The Eagles dominated play early, scoring on all four of their first half possessions – including an opening drive that chewed more than eight minutes off the clock – with senior quarterback Austin Meyers capping the 18-play, 85-yard drive with a short 4-yard scamper for a touchdown.
Noah Newman’s extra point made it 7-0.
After Jamison Hinsley picked off a pass by Cyclone quarterback Brayden Whitford on Russellville’s third play from scrimmage, Kirk would cash in the turnover with a 3-yard TD run and a 14-0 advantage.
Russellville would answer on their next drive with Damon Donoho scoring from a yard out to pull the Cyclones within 14-7 – catching two passes for 40 yards and carrying the ball for another 30 on the scoring drive – early in the second quarter.
It took the Eagles just under four minutes to respond.
On fourth-and-14 from the Cyclones’ 35, Vilonia elected to roll the dice and Myers would find Jamison Hinsley for a 35-yard scoring strike. Newman’s extra point helped Vilonia extend their lead to 21-7 with eight minutes remaining in the first half.
Trenton Stokes brought Russellville closer on a 5-yard TD slant from Brayden Whitford with 2:35 left in the second quarter but the extra point was blocked, leaving the score at 21-13.
But Vilonia wasn’t done yet as they managed to add another touchdown just before halftime after executing a fake punt 32-yard run on a fake punt on fourth down just before Kirk scored a 2-yard touchdown run with two seconds left to make it 28-13.
Russellville would score on their first possession of the second half with Whitford connecting with Gavin Graham on a 43-yard pass down to the Vilonia 15.
From there, a false start forced the Cyclones back five yards and Tristan Wheelus connected on a 30-yard field goal that cut the Vilonia lead to 28-16.
Then – after the Russellville defense forced the Eagles into their first of the game – Whitford broke free for a 22-yard run down to the Eagles 22-yard line.
After an additional 15 yards were added on to the end of the Whiford’s run for an unsportsmanlike conduct against Vilonia, the Golden Eagles were inside the 10-yard line.
A few plays later, Whitford tossed an 11-yard touchdown strike to Brady Burnett to cut the lead to 28-23 with just under three minutes left in the contest.
The Eagles got a couple of first downs on its next drive before attempting a punt which was blocked by the Cyclones near the end of the quarter.
Vilonia’s defense would eventually turn in a couple of big plays over the final ten minutes of the contest – a pass breakup on 4th-and-5 as Whitford overshot Burnett in the back of the end zone with 10:50 left and then Carter Archer would sack Whitford on another crucial fourth down play with 48 seconds remaining – to help the Eagles finally salt away the victory.
Vilonia (2-1) will travel to Clarksville on Friday.
PERRYVILLE THUMPS CONWAY CHRISTIAN 45-18
by Jason Ybarra
Conway – Senior Colten Wright’s 78-yard kick return for a TD highlighted a night of big plays for Perryville in their 45-18 pasting of Conway Christian at Eagle Field.
Easton Walker recovered a forced fumble and returned it five yards for another score as the Mustangs improved to 2-1 in non-conference play.
Conway Christian’s Tyler Cossey passed for 290 yards and three touchdowns in the loss.
Jeramya Brock caught a pair of touchdowns and Jace Kramer also had a touchdown catch for Conway Christian (0-3).
Sophomore quarterback Tyler Givens went 16-for-22 for 256 yards for Perryville while tailback Ethan Weaver scored three touchdowns and rushed for 48 yards on nine carries.
Mason Roland caught six passes for 198 yards for the Mustangs who will host Danville on Friday.
Conway Christian who will travel to Quitman on Friday.
Faulkner County Focus Sports 