LITTLE ROCK — Little Rock Catholic scored four third-quarter touchdowns, turning a 16-11 halftime advantage into a 51-31 7A/6A-Central victory over Little Rock Central at Quigley-Cox Stadium on Friday night.
Catholic (6-3, 4-2) came into the game tied for fourth in the conference with Central (5-4, 3-3).
Catholic Coach David Estes said the Rockets’ second-half performance was a matter of executing and keeping their defense off the field.
Two third-quarter touchdowns came from senior Quinta Thomas, who scored on a 45-yard run on the opening drive of the second half and added a 43-yard touchdown reception to give the Rockets a 37-11 lead with three minutes left in the third quarter.
“I like to be versatile,” Thomas said. “But when it comes to it ... I love running the ball.”
Thomas rushed 15 times for 167 yards, scoring 4 times.
Catholic senior quarterback Zach Conque overcame a second-quarter interception to finish 16 of 34 for 336 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Senior Marvell Harris led Little Rock Central’s offense, finishing with 92 yards on 22 carries.
Harris scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but the Tigers never threatened.
Playing with two quarterbacks, the Central Tigers had less success establishing a passing attack, putting together just 12 yards passing in the first half.
Sports, Pages 28 on 10/29/2011