CONWAY - Russellville dominated the first half, and its defensive line came up big in the third quarter to seal a 28-6 victory over Conway at John McConnell Stadium.
After taking a 21-0 lead into halftime, Russellville (6-3, 5-1 7ACentral) kept Conway (3-6, 2-4) from capitalizing on its opening drive of the second half.
Aided by a 38-yard kickoff return by senior Isaiah Jackson, Conway moved down the field early in the third quarter, setting up a first-and-goal at the Russellville 8-yard line. But the Cyclones held fast, forcing a turnover on downs when Jackson was stopped on fourth down at the 2.
Russellville senior quarterback Blake Humphrey then led his team on a 98-yard scoring drive that ended all Wampus Cats hopes of a comeback.
"That 98-yard drive, that's what did it for us," Russellville Coach Jeff Holt said.
Conway Coach Kenny Smith said his team's chances of coming back ended when they couldn't convert that first-and-goal.
"If we score there, it's 21-7," Smith said. "And that doesn't mean we'd come back, but at least it'd be a ballgame."
Humphrey was efficient against the Wampus Cats, completing 14 of 19 passes for 213 yards and 4 touchdowns. Three of those touchdowns were to senior wideout Derek Owens, who caught 5 passes for 100 yards and the 3 scores. Also catching a touchdown early for the Cyclones was senior Nathan Catchcart, who had fourcatches for 56 yards.
Jackson, Conway's standout tailback who also lined up at quarterback and receiver, finished the game with 98 rushing yards on 22 carries. After replacing sophomore quarterback Chase Calcagni in the fourth quarter, Jackson completed 3 of 5 passes for 44 yards and accounted for Conway's only score - a 37-yard completion to senior Mike Askew with 3:34 left in the game.
"We were scared to death of[Jackson]," Holt said. "But our defense played great. I can't say enough about it."
The Cyclones held Conway to 21 total yards in the first half.
Another key to Russellville's victory was its efficiency on third down. The Cyclones converted on four of six third-down situations in the first half, helping to wear down the Conway defense with time of possession.
"On any level, those third-down conversions are big," Holt said.
Sports, Pages 30 on 10/27/2007