Booneville’s big-game experience comes into play vs. Paris

PARIS — In a playoff-type atmosphere, Booneville’s experience turned out to be a difference-maker.

The Bearcats won another conference title Friday night, claiming the 3A-4 crown by holding off Paris 28-20 on Friday at Eagle Stadium.

The Eagles fell a yard short on a fourth-down running play at the Bearcats 11 with 59 seconds left allowing Booneville (7-2, 3-0) to escape.

“Our defense has been a tough, bend-but-don’t-break group,” Booneville Coach Doc Crowley said. “We only gave up one touchdown on defense tonight. [Defensive coordinator Arron] Kimes does an amazing job and the kids believe in everything he does. I am proud of them.”

The Eagles defense was no slouch either, especially coming up with big turnovers and converting them into points. Duke Walker returned two fumbles for touchdowns as Paris (8-1, 4-1) has now scored a defensive touchdown in seven of its past eight games.

“Our defense helped us out so many times and we lean on them so much because they are so good,” Paris Coach Tyler Clark said. “Our offense was a little off tonight and the biggest reason for that is Booneville. That was a great football team we just played. Overall I was proud of our effort.”

This i s Boonevill e ’s fourth consecutive conference title and Crowley said that experience cannot be overstated.

“Every year, goal No. 1 is to win a conference title,” Crowley said. “Goal No. 2 is to get to Little Rock [for the state final].”

Paris finished 3-7 in 2019 and suffered through a winless season two years ago. Clark said the Bearcats’ biggame experience was a factor in Friday’s game.

“Our kids have not played a big game before. Booneville always plays in big games, whether its conference or playoffs. That is why they are a great team.” Clark said. “To come from where we have been lately, it is nice to see how well we competed in a big ballgame.”

Quarterback Randon Ray’s 1-yard keeper and Gavin

Kent’s extra point with 41 second left in the third quarter gave Booneville the lead for good at 21-14.

Ray seemed to be poised to put the game away as the Bearcats had a second down at the Eagle 19. But Ray lost the ball and Walker for the second time in the game scooped up the ball and raced 82 yards for the touchdown with 3:06 left. The extra point was blocked leaving Booneville ahead 2120. In the first half, Walker scored on a 90-yard fumble recovery.

Booneville recovered the onside kick and scored three plays later on a Ty Goff 50yard touchdown with 2:49 left for a 28-20 lead.

Thanks to a 45-yard pass from Chase Watts to Cooper Haley for a first down at the Bearcats 21 with 1:41 left. Booneville though stopped Walker a yard short on the fourth-and-4 running play to end the game.

The Bearcats rushed for 376 yards, paced by Ray’s 193yard effort on 28 carries.

“We executed what we wanted to for the most part offensively,” Crowley said. “We just cannot put the ball on the ground. If we fix that, we will be all right.”