Loyd leads resilient Mounties to first win of the year

Coaches can preach, teach and plead, but nothing registers with players more than winning a game.

Rogers High experienced winning for the first time Friday in a 27-17 victory over Springdale High at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium. Not only did the Mounties (1-6, 1-3) win a road game, they kept their postseason hopes alive in Arkansas’ bloated playoff system.

Rogers senior quarterback Hunter Loyd threw two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to overcome a 1714 deficit. Loyd, who publicly committed to Missouri State over the weekend, completed 28 of 37 passes for 337 yards. For his effort, Loyd is the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Player of the Week.

“Getting the win is a big moral-booster, for sure, and it brings us closer together,” Loyd said. “We’ve kind of been in a storm and the storm has past. We’re going to get back to work.”

Loyd has had better games, statistically, but none of those resulted in a win. He had plenty of help on offense Friday and Rogers received big plays from special teams and a defense that played its best game of the year.

Joey Lien blocked a punt that led to Loyd’s touchdown pass to Christian Francisco with just under five minutes to play. Jordan McKibbon then sealed the victory when he intercepted a pass from Connor Hutchins with two minutes, 41 seconds left in the game.

“Our defense played exceptionally well,” Loyd said. “The blocked punt by Joey was a game-changer and our defense had three sacks before Jordan intercepted the pass, which was huge.”

Rogers coach Mike Loyd praised his son’s play, but also commended the work of the Mounties receivers and linemen who allowed plays to develop. He is especially proud of his entire team for its refusal to quit after an 0-6 start.

“These kids deserve this,” Loyd said. “In 33 years of coaching, they’re one of the best group of kids I’ve ever been around. They’ve worked their tails off and this win gives them something to play for.”

Rogers hosts 7-0 Bentonville on Friday before returning to Springdale to face 4-3 Har-Ber. The Mounties will then conclude the regular season against Rogers Heritage, which fell to 0-7 after a 49-10 defeat to Van Buren.

Loyd