Blackhawks have shown steady improvement

Pea Ridge dropped back-to-back games to open the season, but the Blackhawks are now playing for a 4A-1 Conference title on Friday.

The Blackhawks (7-2, 6-0 4A-1) will hit the road to face Shiloh Christian with the conference championship on the line. Pea Ridge gave up a combined total of 85 points in the first two weeks, but it has allowed only 56 in the last seven weeks combined.

Blackhawks coach Stephen Neal acknowledged his team has grown from those early experiences against two Class 5A opponents.

“Our intentions at the beginning was to see where we had to go,” Neal said. “We’ve gone through some adversity with some losses and some personnel changes. But our kids have responded over the last five or six weeks. On Friday, we’ll go do the best we can and let the scoreboard take care of itself.”

Senior Carson Rhine has stepped in at quarterback lately and done the job, Neal said.

“He hadn’t taken a snap at quarterback since he was a freshman, but what he’s done over the last three or four weeks is a testament to what he’s about.”

Neal also praised the work of his offensive line, which had only two returning starters.

“They have grown tremendously,” Neal said. “We had to replace seven or eight starters on offense. But we are coming together a little bit and gaining confidence. I think it will be a fantastic game.”