PEA RIDGE -- There's no easy way to get from Lincoln to Pea Ridge, especially on a Bikes, Blues & BBQ weekend with motorcycles adding to the congestion on the streets and highways of Northwest Arkansas.
A group of Lincoln fans came anyway to support the Wolves, who had won their first four games. Ryan Brown sat high in the bleachers on the visitors' side with his wife and in-laws to watch his son play.
"We definitely have a chance, but this is going to be their most difficult game of the season so far," Brown said shortly before kickoff. "We're real interested in seeing how it goes. Going forward, I think they can learn from this game whether it's a win or a loss."
Lincoln controlled much of the first half before Pea Ridge pulled away for a 24-14 victory. Still, it was a credible performance by the Wolves (4-1, 1-1), who will play Berryville and Green Forest before challenging Shiloh Christian on Oct. 19.
It was homecoming at Pea Ridge Friday, which can be a distraction for the players with pretty girls in pretty dresses sharing the spotlight. That may have been a factor early when Lincoln controlled the first quarter and led 7-0 lead until Pea Ridge tied the game late in the second quarter.
It was a good night for senior Peyton Galbraith, who caught a touchdown pass in the third quarter when Pea Ridge increased its lead to 24-7 over the Wolves. Galbraith also escorted Shelby Dunlap onto the field before the game and shared a fist bump and a hug with Dunlap after she was announced as the homecoming queen.
"When the vibes are good, you just got to break it down and have fun," said Galbraith, a wide receiver who the public address announcer listed hip-hop dancing as one of his interests. "I'm happy for Shelby. It's a great honor for her to be voted queen and it was an honor for me to be her escort."
Fireworks were shot off at halftime, which seemed only to infuriate hundreds, maybe a thousand mouths who appeared at Blackhawk Stadium. But the third quarter was pivotal for Pea Ridge, which took over the game.
Pea Ridge (3-2, 2-0) will carry a three-game winning streak into Friday's game at Gravette. The Blackhawks will then tangle with Prairie Grove, the team they defeated last year to end the Tigers' long 4A-1 Conference winning streak.
"We have great practices and great practices lead to great games," Galbraith said. "We're going to keep that rolling throughout the season."
Lincoln is an improved team with senior quarterback Caleb Lloyd and some talented, young players who are gaining experience. The Wolves have good balance in the backfield with fullback Christian "Critter" Crittenden and Christian Sellers, a speedster who returned the second half kickoff into Pea Ridge territory.
"We made a few mistakes that got us in trouble, but we played as hard as we could," Lincoln coach Don Harrison said. "We never gave up and I think that's going to be huge for us going forward."
Lincoln competed well and teams in the 4A-1 Conference should not overlook the Wolves. But this night belonged to the Blackhawks, moths, and pretty girls in pretty dresses.
Sports on 09/29/2018