Southside defense protects scant lead in 4th

FORT SMITH -- The Fort Smith Southside defense did not give up the big play in the fourth quarter, which was enough to hold off Conway 23-20 on Friday night at Rowland Stadium.

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The Mavericks (2-2, 1-0 7A-Central) allowed only one third-down conversion by the Wampus Cats (0-4, 0-1) in the final quarter, with the longest play a 14-yard pass play on third and long.

In the final 12 minutes, the Mavericks pinned the Wampus Cats deep in their own territory as Conway never got past its 37.

"Our defense in the fourth quarter was outstanding," Southside Coach Jeff Williams said. "When we got them in third-down situations, we were able to get to the passer. We were able to get off the field in the second half. We did a good job.

"Bottom line, it is a win; and more importantly, a conference win."

Southside had taken a 23-20 lead late in the third quarter on a 20-yard sweep touchdown by receiver Brandon Ulrich, capping an 80-yard drive.

"He came through for us with the big run," Williams said. "We had some chances with the passing game and we missed, but he came through with the big play. He's a good player for us."

Williams said penalties (11 for 93 yards) to go along with two lost first-half fumbles, one of which led to a Conway touchdown, were areas of concern moving forward.

"At one point, I didn't think we shot ourselves in the foot ... we got the shotgun out and blew the foot off," Williams said. "We had a lot of penalties and turnovers. But we got a win. We got Cabot next week, and we need to work this week to get better."

The Mavericks trailed 14-9 at halftime, but they retook the lead on Taye Gatewood's 2-yard run capping a 53-yard drive. The big play of the drive was the first, a 34-yard pass from Graves Schmidley to David Matthews.

"Our offensive line did step up in the second half," Williams said. "Conway has a great defensive front, but I thought we got better. It was a tough, physical game tonight."

Conway got a fumble just before halftime and quickly went 44 yards in five plays, capped by a Parker Teague 17-yard touchdown pass to Marquis Pleasant to give the Wampus Cats a 14-9 lead.

Southside hosts Cabot next week, while Conway hosts North Little Rock.

Sports on 09/24/2016

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