Hope posts 14-12 victory over Ashdown

ASHDOWN, Ark. — After giving up an early touchdown, the Hope Bobcats’ dominating defense took over for a 14-12 victory over Ashdown on Friday night at Dick Hays Stadium.

Hope’s defense came up with six sacks for a total of minus-42 yards.

After victories over Hampton and De Queen, Ashdown falls to 2-1 on the season, while Hope evens its record at 1-1. The Bobcats’ loss came against Nashville, 24-21.

Whenever Hope needed a big play, it turned to senior running back Tamorian Lindsey, who gained 130 yards on 14 carries.

Ashdown got on the scoreboard on its first possession when quarterback Jarred Baker found Carson Horn on a 47-yard pass to give the Panthers a first down at the Bobcats’ 16-yard line.

Two plays later, Ty Marks scored on a 16-yard TD run. The point-after kick was blocked with the score remaining at 6-0.

Hope actually received the ball first after taking the kickoff at its own 41, but the drive ended at the Ashdown 26 after a fumble. Lindsey picked up 21 yards rushing on six attempts on the opening drive before the Bobcats turned it over.

Hope got on the scoreboard in the second quarter after starting on its 42. Five plays later, Lindsey dashed 20 yards and a 23-yard pass from Tyler Patterson to Ka’darius Gulley led to the halftime score, 7-6.

The Bobcats’ defense also appeared to have two interceptions in the first half, but both were nullified because of penalties.

A bright spot for the Panthers was a 60-yard punt by Hayden Zeigler, after a good roll to the 3-yard line.

With two minutes left until intermission, Ashdown drove to the Bobcats’ 29 as time ran out.

Midway in the third quarter, Hope increased its lead to 14-6.

After an Ashdown punt and return, Hope set up at the Panthers’ 40. Lindsey then broke loose for a 24-yard run, and two plays later, Issac Love scored on a 16-yard pass from Patterson.

Ashdown received a break when Hope was backed up at its 23 and forced to punt. Punter Cameron Wood was unable to handle a bad snap from center and the Panthers took over at the 9-yard line.

Quarterback Grayson Porter ran for 7 yards and the final 2 yards for the touchdown. Trying for the 2-point conversion, the Bobcats’ stopped Porter just short of the goal line, and the score remained, 14-12.