Wise leads Grizzlies to 35-7 victory over Little Rock Central

LITTLE ROCK — Senior quarterback Deuce Wise accounted for 282 yards running and passing and three touchdowns in Fort Smith Northside’s 35-7 victory over Little Rock Central in 7A-Central Conference action Friday night at Quigley Stadium.

Following a scoreless first quarter, Northside (4-1, 1-1) led 20-0 at halftime and invoked the Arkansas Activities Association’s sportsmanship rule, 35-0, after senior tailback Eli Bolton’s 1-yard touchdown run with 5 minutes, 2 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Wise ran 10 times for 71 yards and two touchdowns and completed 9 of 13 passes for 211 yards and another score. He directed the Grizzlies to touchdowns on five consecutive possessions.

“He never loses his cool,” Northside Coach Mike Falleur said. “He never gets too excited and he never gets too down. He just stays the same. He’s a great player. We’re glad he’s on our side.”

Northside, which has beaten Central five consecutive seasons, finished with a 395-167 advantage in total yardage. The Tigers (1-3, 0-2) averted the shutout when sophomore quarterback Lawson Gunn, on fourth and goal, threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Dajun Brewer with 7:59 remaining in the game.

Northside scored touchdowns on three consecutive second-quarter possessions to take a commanding 20-0 halftime lead.

Wise ran 21 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the second quarter, then added a 3-yard touchdown run with 6:16 remaining in the first half.

Wise capped a seven-play, 89-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Preston Baugh with 1:35 remaining in the first half. The drive included a 68-yard reception to the 8 by senior wide receiver Jeremy Maffei.

The Grizzlies scored touchdowns on their first two possessions of the second half — both 1-yard runs by Bolton. Following Bolton’s first touchdown with 10:34 remaining in the third quarter, Wise threw a two-point pass to junior wide receiver Jackson King for a 28-0 lead.

Central sophomore tailback Samuel Franklin finished with 86 yards rushing on 24 carries. The loss spoiled the home debut of first-year Tigers Coach Kent Laster.

“I was very happy with the way our kids played,” Falleur said. “They’re a good football team and they’re going to continue to get better. He’s got them playing hard. They’re as athletic as anybody we’ve played. My hat’s off to him in what he’s done in a short amount of time, but I’m proud of our kids.”