BENTONVILLE HIGH Grant praises Tigers’ effort in 7A-West opener

Bentonville coach Jody Grant gave his players high praise in all three aspects of the game after the Tigers opened 7A-West Conference play with their 35-21 win over Springdale Har-Ber.

Bentonville (4-0, 1-0) forced five turnovers and a safety after an intentional grounding call in the end zone. The Tigers then had a plus in the kicking game as Logan Turner kicked four field goals, three of them in the fourth quarter.

“I thought our kids’ effort was phenomenal,” Grant said. “The defense was on the field a lot and had the task of tackling that big running back and covering those receivers. I thought we did a pretty good job of that. The more I watched that back, the more I realized how talented he is and tough to tackle.

“You can see our defensive line run to the ball and our linebackers flying to the ball. Our special teams play was really, really good. So I’m pleased with our performance. We still have some stuff to work on, but I appreciated their effort on Friday night.”

Bentonville returns to home for the first time since its Week 1 victory over Conway, and the Tigers welcome an improved Van Buren team. Friday’s winner will remain to have a share of first place in the league standings after two weeks.

“I was telling somebody the other day that it’s too early to say you can control your own destiny,” Grant said. “But when you’re on the left side of the column — 1-0 — it sure helps. We’re just taking things a week at a time, but right now we’re glad to be on the side of 1-0.”