Texarkana holds off Maumelle to advance

TEXARKANA 24, MAUMELLE 21

TEXARKANA — There will be another playoff game at Razorback Stadium after Texarkana (7-3) beat Maumelle (8-3) in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs 24-21 on Friday night.

Braylon Bishop scored his second touchdown of the game on a 4-yard run to the outside to give Texarkana a 21-14 lead in the third quarter with 10:04 remaining.

Brian Worsham scored his third touchdown for the Hornets on a 15-yard run in the third quarter with 7:07 left to tie the game.

Christian Stewart gave the Razorbacks the lead for good with a 34-yard field goal with 11:54 left in the contest.

Graydon Martin stopped a Maumelle drive with his interception and return, setting the Razorbacks up at midfield with 7:40 left in the fourth quarter.

Bishop ended with 16 carries for 25 yards and 2 touchdowns, and he completed 11 of 22 passes for 100 yards.

“Braylon played his best ball game of the year,” Texarkana Coach Barry Norton said. “The offensive line did a tremendous job blocking against a loaded box all night long. The coaches did a tremendous job of managing this football game today.

“We asked our offense to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them tonight, and they did everything we asked them.”

Torie Blair topped the Razorbacks’ ground attack by rushing for 66 yards on 21 carries.

“We told them before the game that there would be some highs and lows,” Norton said. “We’ve been in those situations this year and we did a good job. With a team as explosive as they are, you have to be able to manage those situations and keep playing.”