QB Powell throws Mounties for loop

NO. 7 BENTONVILLE 63, ROGERS 10

ROGERS — Fayetteville quarterback Taylor Powell threw four touchdown passes and running back Javontae Smith rushed for two more as the Bulldogs jumped on Rogers early and often in a 63-10 victory Friday night.

Powell was 11-of-12 passing for 131 yards with 3 touchdowns in the first half as the Bulldogs took a 35-3 lead. He finished 18 of 20 for 182 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Fayetteville finished with 247 yards passing as three different quarterbacks completed 21 passes to nine different receivers. Terrance Rock had five catches for 59 yards, and Barrett Banister had five receptions for 47 yards.

“Offense did a good job of finishing off plays, drives and getting points,” Fayetteville Coach Daryl Patton said. “Taylor Powell is on every week, and he does such a great job. He throws the ball very well, and he is smart and accurate. We have a lot of receivers that can play.

“It’s a fun offense to be around.”

Rogers Coach Shawn Flannigan said the Mounties had no answer for the Bulldogs’ offense. Rogers finished with 132 total yards, including 102 yards rushing on 43 carries.

“They have a lot of very talented players, and their coaches do a good job of utilizing them,” Flannigan said. “They are just a very good football team.”

Rogers lost a fumble on the first play of the game and Fayetteville took a 6-0 lead five plays later when Smith scored from the 3.

Fayetteville (8-1, 5-1 7A-West) scored on its next three possessions as Powell threw touchdown passes of 35, 27 and 4 yards for a 27-0 lead with 8:36 left in the second quarter.

Jay Young ended the Bulldogs’ next possession when the Mounties senior intercepted Powell in the end zone, but Fayetteville’s defense got the ball back quickly for its offense and Smith capped a 25-yard scoring drive with an 11-yard run for a 35-0 lead.

Rogers (1-8, 1-5) drove to the Fayetteville 22 late in the first half and Chris Lopez kicked a 38-yard field goal as the first half ended.