Junior Wolves carry out home victory against Benton

PEARCY — Despite back-to-back losses for the Lake Hamilton junior Wolves, the squad managed to bounce back as they defeated Benton’s junior Panthers for a conference win Thursday night at Wolf Stadium, 14-12.

“I was super proud of our kids. We took two rough weeks on the chin, two rough losses,” said Lake Hamilton junior high head coach Shane Taylor. “We were able to come back, fight through adversity, show our true character and get back to Lake Hamilton football.”

The Wolves’ offense secured the final lead on a fourth-and-two situation as Owen Miller found the end zone with a 54-yard rush with 1:22 left in the third quarter.

Miller’s scoring touchdown, alongside a successful attempt on the 2-point conversion by Tevin Woodley.

Marion Conrad deflected a pass with 1:01 left in the fourth quarter to force a turnover on downs as the junior Wolves secured the victory.

Miller collected 10 carries for 67 yards, accounting for one touchdown. Conrad had six carries for 15 yards.

“I was super proud of our backfield,” said Taylor. “I was proud of Tevin Woodley for breaking off a long run, along with Owen Miller and Marion Conrad.

“I was really proud of our offensive line. We took a lot of bumps and bruises on the offensive line last week and were able to fight back and come back and piece together a good game.”

Benton was the first to break after a scoreless first quarter with an 11yard rush for a touchdown with 6:59 left in the second frame for a 6-0 lead. Lake Hamilton answered quickly with a 59-yard touchdown run by Woodley to tie the score at 6-6.

Woodley paced his team with 12 carries for 118 yards.

The junior Panthers’ aerial game picked up as they scored their second and final touchdown for the night.

They scored on a 42-yard pass play with 3:34 left in the second quarter to set the score, 12-6, going into halftime.

Defensively, Miller led with 10 tackles. Zach Roberts and Chase Jessup each tallied five tackles and one sack, while Titan Jackson and Noah Tiernan had four apiece.

“We’ve got corrections we need to make,” Taylor said. “I think we’re sitting okay right now, but we have to make those corrections and get everything taken care so we are ready to roll next week.”

The junior Wolves will travel on Thursday to face the Cabot White team.