CABOT -- Senior safety Zhane Harper had two interceptions, returning one for the clinching fourth-quarter touchdown, in Cabot's 35-23 7A-Central victory over Fort Smith Northside on Friday night at Panther Stadium.
In what was likely the final home game in the legendary career of Cabot Coach Mike Malham, the Panthers (4-5, 2-4 7A-Central) kept their postseason hopes alive. It was the 301st career victory for Malham, who is retiring at the end of the season after leading the Lonoke County school since 1981.
Cabot finished with 235 total yards, fittingly, all rushing in Malham's trademark Dead-T scheme.
"That was nice to play good," said Malham, who guided Cabot to state championships in 1983 and 2000. "And 4-5 sounds a lot better than 3-6. It's been a tough year."
With Cabot leading 28-16, Harper punctuated the victory with a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown with 5:03 remaining in the game. Cabot led 21-10 at halftime, with Harper setting up the go-ahead touchdown late in the first half with an end-zone interception to stop a scoring threat. Northside senior quarterback Deuce Wise was intercepted four times.
"The defense played better tonight," Malham said. "Offensively, we've been moving the ball pretty good."
Cabot senior fullback Wyatt McMahan ran for two 1-yard touchdowns in the first half. Senior halfback TJ Rogers ran 9 times for 59 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown to give Cabot a 28-16 lead with 6:13 remaining in the game.
Wise completed 12 of 18 passes for 172 yards and 2 second-half touchdowns, both to senior wide receiver Preston Baugh (18 and 5 yards). Wise ran 23 times for 81 yards and a 1-yard touchdown with 5:09 to play in the first quarter to give the Grizzlies a 7-0 lead.
Northside (5-4, 2-4) was poised to extend a 10-7 lead when Wise was intercepted in the end zone by Harper, whose return to the Grizzlies 49 led to a 1-yard touchdown run by McMahan with 2:35 remaining in the first half.
Wise's next pass attempt was high and tipped into the arms of junior cornerback De'Kairo Rudolph, who returned the interception 39 yards to the Northside 1. McMahan scored two plays later to give the Panthers their 21-10 halftime lead.
Senior quarterback Jessie Windemaker scored Cabot's first touchdown on a 7-yard run with 19 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Northside took a 10-7 lead on a 27-yard field goal by senior Henry Hernandez with 10:32 remaining in the first half.
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Sports on 10/27/2018