With stadium packed, Razorbacks best Tigers

The Arkansas High Razorbacks narrowly escaped with a win against arch rival Texas High, 7-0, at a sold out Razorback Stadium.

The first quarter set the tone for the clash between the two schools for their 102nd meeting.

Hog junior free safety DeJordan Mask intercepted a Coltin Clack strike in the first quarter, while Tiger junior strong safety Davarian Malone picked off a Drake Browning dart, during the following possession.

“I thought we gave a tremendous effort defensively,” Texas High head coach Gerry Sanford said. “They've got great guys on offense to get the ball to but I can't say enough about our defense making plays, bowing their necks up all night long.”

Arkansas High senior defensive linemen Marcus Turner and junior end Demetrias Charles, led the Razorback defense from the interior.

“Our coaching staff did a phenomenal job of preparing our players,” Arkansas High head football coach Barry Norton said. “Andrew Morton and Jeff Harrell did a great job of preparing our kids on defense.”

Razorback junior signal-caller Drake Browning scored the game's only touchdown from 1-yard out in the second quarter with 11:55 remaining on the clock.

Tiger senior wideout Vonderic Stanley and junior Chris Lyles gave THS jolts of production when thrown to.

Stanley finished with two receptions for 28 yards and Lyles caught four passes for 36 yards.

“Defensively, we played shut

-out football all night long,” Sanford said. “We have to continue to build on that, so we can improve.”

“We have to continue to look at the film, evaluate scheme and personal to continue to get better.”

Tiger senior defensive specialist DeJontae Harper blocked a AHS field goal in the third quarter with 1:47 remaining to keep the Hogs off the board.

“They have great kids at Texas High and we have great kids here,” Norton said. “It was a great football game and I really enjoyed it. It was fun for my guys.”

“I'm having a blast with the opportunity to work with young people. I believe I was put here to work with these special guys and I'm going to make the most of it as long as they'll keep me here.”

Texas High hosts Bowie County rival Liberty-Eylau, Friday at 7 p.m., at Tiger Field in Grim Park.

The Hogs will host CamdenFairview to Razorback Stadium, Friday at 7 p.m.

Staff photo by Evan Lewis n Arkansas High wide receiver Irjah Price can't quite get his hands on the catch as Texas High's Darrell Webster dives to break up the play in Friday night's crosstown rivalry game. The Hogs beat the Tigers, 7-0.