Bulldogs find positives in loss

Springdale appeared to have all the momentum as the fourth quarter started in its opener against Van Buren last week.

After trailing 13-0, the Bulldogs rallied to take a 28-27 lead into the fourth quarter before the Pointers scored three touchdowns over the final 10:04 to claim a 48-28 win.

“At halftime, we told the kids, ‘hey, we can come back.

We’re more physical than they are,’” said Springdale coach Zak Clark. “I’ve never been in a game where you win 4-1 in the turnover margin and have a lead in the fourth quarter, then just literally just ran out of gas. We lost a bunch of guys to cramps and we have to do a better job with that. And their two studs played like it in the fourth quarter.”

It doesn’t get any easier this week as the Bulldogs will host Choctaw, Okla., a team that boasts a number of Power 5 recruits including wide receiver Chase Jackson, who is committed to TCU and defensive back Jordan Mukes, who is committed to Oklahoma.

Clark was pleased with several aspects of his team last week, including firstyear starting quarterback Landon Phipps, who scored three touchdowns and rushed for 121 yards.

“He is a tough kid, he’s athletic,” said Clark. “He really presents a lot of problems in the run game. We had a problem with snaps, with the ball being wet. We had three or four big lost-yardage plays because of that. I think we run for 250 if you take those plays out. He’s a dynamic guy with his legs, but we’ve got to develop him and get him more comfortable throwing the ball.”

Friday’s kickoff at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium is at 8 p.m.