Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Wisdom ends sophomore season in style
There were plenty of talented players on the field in Little Rock Saturday afternoon, but one stood out above the rest.
He is sophomore quarterback Eli Wisdom, who accounted for six touchdowns in Shiloh Christian’s 58-20 victory over Rivercrest in the Class 4A state championship game at War Memorial Stadium.
“We didn’t have an answer for him,” Rivercrest coach Johnny Fleming said. “That’s why you see 58 up on that scoreboard.”
Shiloh Christian ( 14- 1) claimed its eighth state championship and first since 2010.
There were some uncertainty about Shiloh Christian after the Saints graduated 24 seniors from a team that finished 14-1 after losing 56-28 to Joe T. Robinson in the Class 4A state championship game last year at War Memorial Stadium. But new stars emerged, including Wisdom, who completed 17 of 21 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 110 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries.
For his effort, Wisdom was named the game’s Most Valuable Player and he’s also the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Player of the Week.
“He’s a stone- cold killer,” Shiloh Christian coach Jeff Conaway said. “I’ve been telling him that because he has the ability to take over games. He’s got such a knack for making plays with his legs and throwing the football down the field. There’s nothing that this kid can’t do.”
Wisdom received plenty of support from teammates like Cam Wiedemann, who contributed nearly 180 yards running and catching the football, and a defense that held Rivercrest (131) to its lowest points total of the season. Rivercrest had a chance to cut into the Saints’ 35-13 lead on the last play of the first half, but the Colts were stopped at the 2. Rivercrest fumbled the second- half kickoff and Wisdom made the Colts pay for the mistake with a 41-yard touchdown pass to Wiedemann. Wisdom then added two more touchdown runs for the Saints, who re-established themselves as champions following a 10year drought.
There could be more titles to come with Wisdom guiding the Saints at quarterback for two more years.
“I’m trying to go for a threepeat,” Wisdom said shortly after the game. “I’m really excited for next year and the year after that. I’m looking forward to it.”