RUSSELLVILLE -- The Russellville Cyclones cashed in on two West Memphis mistakes in the first half on their way to a 34-7 victory in a Class 6A quarterfinal game.
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Junior Ryan Talley returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown on the game's second play from scrimmage, and the Cyclones (10-1) took advantage of a high snap to West Memphis punter Dylan Wigginton to set up a second-quarter touchdown as they built a 24-7 halftime lead.
That was more cushion than the Russellville defense, which limited West Memphis (7-4) to less than 140 total yards, needed.
"I've tried to get our defense to raise the bar the last couple of weeks," said Russellville Coach Billy Dawson, whose squad is just the third team in school history to win at least 10 games. "We didn't play very well on defense last week, but tonight I thought we played excellent."
Russellville took a 10-0 lead after a 21-yard field goal in the second quarter by Nate Turner, but West Memphis pulled to within 10-7 thanks to a 28-yard punt return by Rayshaad Hall that set up the Blue Devils inside the Russsellville 20.
On third and 7 from the Cyclones 9, West Memphis' Devonte Dean fumbled, but the ball squirted into the end zone. The Blue Devils Jonathan Craig scooped it up for a touchdown.
But the Cyclones reclaimed momentum when Josiah Woodard returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown and 17-7 Russellville lead.
With time winding down in the first half, a high snap on a punt attempt by West Memphis led to Cale Fulsom's 10-yard touchdown pass to Talley for the 24-7 halftime edge.
Fulsom added a 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter, and Turner kicked his second field goal, this one from 34 yards out with 6:11 to play in the game.
Sports on 11/19/2016