Bulldogs look to ’stache for energy

Greenwood probably doesn’t need a lot of gimmicks or fads to give the team a little more juice in championships games. But that hasn’t stopped a group of fuzzy-faced defensive linemen from having a little fun as Greenwood is set to take on 6A-West rival Benton for the Class 6A state championship on Saturday in War Memorial Stadium.

Austin Archer, Greenwood’s sack-machine at defensive end, is one of about 8-10 members of the defensive line who are sporting mustaches this week. Some of the group have an impressive patch of actual whiskers, while others have used alternative measures for a little lip shade. The mustached mob fancies itself as the “Nasty Boys,” Archer said.

“The defensive line all dyed their mustaches black as just a kind of extra motivation,” said Archer, who has 11 sacks this season. “Some of the guys have a little bit of an issue growing hair, so they have to kind of paint theirs on. They use mascara every morning.”

The Bulldogs (11-1) are set for a rematch with Benton at noon Saturday as they defend their state championship. In the first meeting this season Oct. 19, Greenwood rolled to a 62-33 win at home.

Greenwood has won 11 straight games since a season-opening loss to Fort Smith Northside. Senior quarterback Peyton Holt has led the team back to the championship in his first season as the starter. In the first meeting against Benton. Holt was 20 of 28 passing for 286 yards and four touchdowns, and rushed for 83 yards and another score.

The Bulldogs are seeking the program’s eighth state championship in coach Rick Jones’ 15th season.