Curley Wolves to face Harding in state semifinal
SEARCY, Ark.—Prescott is riding a wave of success. So is Harding Academy. The Curley Wolves (11-2) put their 10-game win streak on the line against the Wildcats’ 11-game streak today at Alumni Field at First Security Stadium in Searcy, Ark., at 7 p.m. The victor advances for a shot at the 3A state title.
Prescott has outscored opponents 589-318, while Harding Academy has put up 487 points and given up 214. Curley Wolf head coach Tommy Poole is confident.
“We can’t turn the ball over and have to capitalize on offense,” Poole said. “We can’t give up any assignments on defense or give up big plays. I feel like our defense is playing
at a high level right now. I like what the defense has been doing.”
Nikkel Davis, a junior defensive end, leads Prescott in tackles with 136. Fellow lineman Derrick Flynn is second on the list with 126 stops. Senior linebacker Maleric Butler has 117 tackles.
Senior receiver/corner back Dequan Malone has five interceptions to go along with 44 catches for 660 yards for the Curley Wolves. Teammate senior receiver Brandon Walker leads the team with 77 grabs for 1,115 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Prescott senior quarterback Trevor Pipkin has hit on 277 of 370 passes for 3,965 yards and 44 TDs. Junior running back Carlos Vanhook has 1,326 yards on 125 carries and 24 TDs.
Four of Vanhook’s 24 scores came in the Curley Wolves’ 53-28 win over Lamar last week in the Class 3A state quarterfinals.
With such an experienced team, Coach Poole says that nerves are not an issue—even with the Curley Wolves just one step away from playing for a state title.
“There is no pressure,” Poole said. “Our kids are well prepared; we’re just having fun and playing football. The kids are enjoying every moment of it.”
Senior quarterback Alex Francis is what Poole calls the backbone of the Harding Academy offense. Francis has hit on 246 of 376 passes for 42 scores and 3,262 yards. Francis has pounded the ground for 303 yards on 77 totes.
“Francis is good,” Poole said. “He has receivers to throw to, and we will have to get in the right coverage at the right time. They are a good, solid team on defense.”
The Wildcats run a 3-4 defense and are led by senior linebacker Ty Mote. Mote has 70 solo tackles and two fumble recoveries. Mote is the son of Harding Academy head coach Roddy Mote.
Prescott’s size on its offensive and defensive lines is about even with the Wildcats. Harding Academy defeated Danville, 22-14, last week in the Class 3A state quarterfinals.
The other state semifinal game features Smackover and Rivercrest. The winners will meet at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock at noon on Saturday, Dec. 12 for the state championship.