Foreman Coach Mark King said his game plan in a rematch against 7-2A rival and defending state champion Mount Ida was simple.
It was to ride prized junior quarterback/safety Kyren Batey all the way to the school's first state championship recognized by the Arkansas Activities Association.
"A lot like a government mule, I'll tell you right now," said King, a former Henderson State University offensive lineman. "He knew it coming in."
Batey delivered, earning most valuable player honors in Foreman's 24-21 victory over Mount Ida in the Class 2A final Friday night at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
Batey rushed 21 times for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns, recorded a critical fourth-quarter tackle for loss and blocked a field-goal attempt in ending Mount Ida's 21-game winning streak.
"We knew he was good," Mount Ida Coach Michael White said. "He's been like that all year. Hat's off to him."
Batey, 5-10, 180 pounds, was a difference-maker offensively, defensively and on special teams against Mount Ida, which had beaten Foreman 36-7 on Oct. 13.
Triggering an option-oriented Double-Slot attack that mirrors Harding University, Batey scored the clinching touchdown by sweeping 20 yards around left end with 3:39 remaining in the game, a bust that extended the Gators' lead to 24-14.
"I told Coach, 'Just put the ball in my hands,' " Batey said. "I told my teammates that I had them. Just get on my back, and I'll promise you I'll have you."
Batey atoned for one of his few mistakes -- he lost a fumble on the game's third play from scrimmage -- by racing 58 yards for the game's first touchdown with 9:08 remaining in the opening quarter.
Batey surpassed 2,000 rushing yards this fall on his second carry of the fourth quarter.
"He's the perfect quarterback to have in the Flexbone and run the triple option," King said.
The Lions had a chance to break a 14-14 tie in the second quarter, but Batey blocked a 27-yard field-goal attempt.
Two plays later, Batey ran 69 yards to the Mount Ida 19, setting up senior Sam Gamble's 30-yard field goal with 5:11 remaining in the first half.
The kick gave the Gators (13-1) the lead for good, 17-14.
Foreman was still leading 17-14 when Batey, on fourth and 4 from the Foreman 43, tackled junior Gage Dyer for a 3-yard loss with 5:59 remaining in the game.
Batey's 20-yard touchdown run came six plays later.
"He's just an all-around player," King said. "He can play it all. The sky's the limit for him. He can go play running back in college, defensive back. Every school in the country wants him for track. He's a big track guy, too."
Sports on 12/16/2017