SATURDAY’S HIGH SCHOOL STATE SEMIFINALS

CLASS 4A JOE T. ROBINSON 24, DUMAS 20

Joe T. Robinson got big games from senior running backs Mekel Kentle and Tyler Jones, but it was its defense that stepped up as the Senators beat Dumas (12-2) in front of an overflow crowd at Charlie George Stadium in Little Rock.

The victory was the sixth in a row for Robinson (12-2).

Robinson’s defense was special when it needed to be, particularly after the way Dumas played in the first half. Behind junior quarterback Chris Harris, the Bobcats piled up 200 yards of offense and led 14-7 at halftime, but they barely generated half of that over the final two quarters.

Trailing 24-20, the Bobcats recovered a fumble at the Senators’ 39 with 4:21 remaining and had a first down at the 16 but went backwards on their next four snaps. Harris was sacked on second down and was hurried into throwing back-to-back incompletions on Dumas’ final two plays. Robinson was able to pick up one first down and ran out the clock.

CLASS 3A OSCEOLA 37, RISON 28

OSCEOLA — Osceola (12-2) set up its Class 3A state championship meeting with Booneville by handling previously undefeated Rison (13-1).

Kam Turner had 401 yards of total offense and accounted for six touchdowns for the Seminoles. He was 10-of-22 passing for 266 yards, and rushed for 135 yards on 15 carries. He had four touchdowns through the air and two on the ground.

Osceola led 25-20 at halftime with Turner accounting for 234 yards of offense and four touchdowns.

Rison’s Jamarien Frye had 17 carries for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns to keep the Wildcats close in the first half.

CLASS 2A HAZEN 42, MOUNT IDA 0

HAZEN — Tarrall Penn and a stiff defense were all the Hazen Hornets needed Saturday night.

Penn scored four touchdowns and the Hazen defense held Mount Ida to 53 yards of total offense, as the Hornets rolled over Mount Ida.

Hazen (13-0) scored on its first four possessions and held a 30-0 lead at the half.

Penn scored on runs of 11, 26, 27 and 1 yards. He finished with 110 yards on 13 carries.

Mount Ida (11-3) managed five first downs and committed three turnovers.

JUNCTION CITY 40, FOREMAN 20

FOREMAN — Dhante Gibson rushed for 277 yards and 2 touchdowns on 23 carries to lead Junction City past Foreman (10-2).

It’s the second consecutive season that the Dragons (11-2) will play in a state championship game. They played in last season’s Class 3A title game against Rivercrest.

Jakiron Cook rushed for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns on 8 carries for the Dragons. He also had an interception on defense.

Foreman (10-2) was led by Kyren Batey, who finished with 224 rushing yards and 1 touchdown on 31 carries.