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Wildcats Cap Turnaround
Har-Ber's Brinker, Fohner Account For 4 TDs In Victory Over Rival Bulldogs
Last updated Friday, November 2, 2007 11:45 PM CDT in Prep Sports
By Brandon Harris
SPECIAL TO THE MORNING NEWS
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SPRINGDALE -- From conference doormat to conference champion.
Springdale Har-Ber, in just its second year of varsity football, captured the 7A-West Conference championship on Friday after winning just two games a year ago. And now, the Wildcats aren't just in the playoffs -- they're a No. 1 seed.
Running back Derek Brinker and receiver Josh Fohner combined for 338 yards of offense and four touchdowns, and Springdale High had no answer as Har-Ber defeated the Bulldogs 38-14 at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium.
"The ball has bounced our way this season," Har-Ber coach Chris Wood said. "We're on top of the 7A-West now, and that's all that matters."
The victory gives Har-Ber (8-2, 6-1 7A-West) home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, beginning with a game against No. 4 seed Cabot next week. Springdale, meanwhile, misses out on the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Har-Ber's core of offensive weapons shredded the Springdale defense and kept the Bulldogs from keying on a single playmaker. The Bulldogs defended the run, only to have Har-Ber throw the ball deep. Then they'd sit back in coverage, only to have Brinker hurt them on the ground.
"We just couldn't stop their offense," Springdale coach Kevin Johnson said. "We went in wanting to stop the run, but they have so many weapons at receiver. It's hard to guard all their weapons."
Brinker rushed 30 times for 173 yards and two scores, and Fohner caught six passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns. In all, Har-Ber outgained Springdale 532-339.
Har-Ber controlled the pace of the game throughout the first half, largely on the legs of Brinker. The junior carried the ball 16 times for 114 yards in the first half, and the Wildcats paced themselves to a 17-7 halftime lead.
Brinker ran for a score, quarterback Zach Faust connected with Fohner on a 40-yard playaction pass, and Oscar Escobar added a 33-yard field goal.
Springdale (4-6, 2-5) and quarterback Ashton Glaser, meanwhile, struggled to finish on offense. Of the Bulldogs' five first-half drives, they managed points just once when Glaser completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Travis Sizemore.
On the others, Springdale threw two interceptions, punted and turned the ball over on downs. Glaser finished 15 of 30 for 267 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Glaser is also the Bulldogs' leading rusher, but he was held to just 44 yards on 15 attempts. He was sacked three times, including twice by Kevin Sbanotto.
GAME BREAKER
Springdale Har-Ber 38, Springdale High 14
Why The Wildcats Won
Har-Ber's balanced attack kept Springdale's defense honest, and the Wildcats' playmakers did the rest. Running back Derek Brinker and receiver Josh Fohner drilled Springdale for a combined 338 yards of offense and four total touchdowns.
Why The Bulldogs Lost
Springdale's offense couldn't maintain a drive. Quarterback Ashton Glaser struggled to run the ball and threw two interceptions while Har-Ber continued to pile up points.
That Figures
19.7 Average yards per touch for Har-Ber's Josh Fohner.
4 Fumbles by Springdale, three of which were recovered.
3 Sacks for Springdale's Jonathan Castillo.
134 Receiving yards for Springdale's Travis Sizemore, who played four weeks after rupturing his spleen.
Reader Comments (4 comment(s))
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bigmama wrote on Nov 3, 2007 1:28 PM:
wildcatfan007 wrote on Nov 3, 2007 2:31 PM:
bigmama wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:33 PM:
Not already registered?
madpotato wrote on Nov 3, 2007 8:27 AM: