SPRINGDALE — Two area prep quarterbacks were honored Wednesday afternoon for their impressive performances during the regular season.
The Northwest Arkansas Touchdown Club and ARPreps.com honored Bentonville senior Dallas Hardison as its Player of the Year, and named Rogers Heritage sophomore Josh Qualls as its Newcomer of the Year. Bentonville coach Barry Lunney was also honored as the Coach of the Year.
All three individuals were presented plaques during a Wednesday luncheon at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center, where former Tennessee football coach Philip Fulmer was the featured guest speaker.
Although Heritage only won one game this season, and failed to make the Class 7A state playoffs for a second straight year, Qualls was the third-best quarterback statistically in the 7A-West Conference. He completed 168 of 279 passes for 2,487 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Hardison, who became Bentonville’s starting quarterback last season, has helped lead the Tigers to 23 straight victories, including 21 as a starter. Bentonville is the defending state champions after going 13-0 last fall.
This season, Hardison has completed 143 passes for 2,360 yards and 31 touchdowns. The top-ranked Tigers (10-0) host West Memphis on Friday in the second round of the state playoffs.
The senior signal-caller will also likely break his own single-season state record pass completion percentage, set last year.
Since 2008, Lunney has guided Bentonville to a 44-3 record and two state championships with the opportunity to win another this season.
“It’s been an unbelievable ride this season and we’re hoping it keeps going,” Lunney told the crowd on Wednesday. “We have outstanding players and assistant coaches to make our program one of the best in the state, so this honor is a credit to everyone who works hard in our district.”
2011 Northwest Arkansas Touchdown Club/ARPreps.com Award Winners
Coach of the Year
Barry Lunney, Bentonville
Notablle: Tigers posted second straight 10-0 regular season
Player of the Year
Dallas Hardison, Bentonville
Notable: Senior QB has passed for 2,360 yards and 31 TDs
Newcomer of the Year
Josh Qualls, Rogers Heritage
Notable: Sophomore QB was 168-of-279 for 2,487 yards and 25 TDs