Bulldogs clicking on all cylinders

After dropping the opening game of the season, the Greenwood offense has found its rhythm. The Bulldogs have scored 41 or more points in the past six games under senior first-year quarterback Peyton Holt.

“He is comfortable back there now,” Greenwood coach Rick Jones said. “We played him as a quarterback in junior high and got better as he went along then. He has a great feel for the game and has made progress every week. I’m very proud of him.”

Holt has completed 123 of his 177 passes for 1,624 yards with 10 touchdowns. He also leads the team in rushing with 464 yards on 80 carries with 10 touchdowns.

Greenwood (6-1, 4-0 6A-West) was limited on offense in a 31-16 loss to Fort Smith Northside to open the year, but the offense is averaging more than 46 points scored per game after that.

“All six of our skilled position players were playing new positions or haven’t started in a varsity game,” Jones said. “Northside is really, really solid on defense as well. We have been productive since then. We are making progress and getting better every week.”

The development of junior Treyton Dawson and senior Luke Leonard at the wide receiver position has helped the offense find success.

Dawson leads the team with 572 yards with 39 catches including four touchdowns. Leonard has caught 47 passes for 555 yards and also has four touchdowns.

“I can’t say enough about those guys,” Jones said. “They have been waiting in the wings. What I appreciate the most from those two is their ability to block in the passing game for each other. Often times when a play goes well it’s because of a good block from the other.”

It will be a matchup of unbeaten teams in conference play when Greenwood hosts Benton (6-1, 4-0) this week. The last loss in conference play for the Bulldogs was back in 2014.

“This will be a huge test,” Jones said. “They are a big, strong, physical football team. They will be the best football team we have played so far. They have big lines upfront and are aggressive on defense. They are tough on offense. They have some weapons.”