Cinematic Moments:

PRAIRIE GROVE LINEBACKER PLAYED LIKE FEARLESS ACTION HERO

seeing the quarterback drop back and he goes through and has one of the biggest hits of the season.”

Austin did not return and Prairie Grove rolled to a solid, 49-13 win, after falling behind early. The victory marked the first time Prairie Grove has won three consecutive games in the series since 2003-2005.

Laird identified Nodier’s number two biggest game-changing play from the 2013 season as his involvement in causing a fumble that led to a comeback win over Pea Ridge and there are some parallels to the TV episode.

In this episode the typically free- running good ol’ boys are taken captive by a corrupt sheriff in a neighboring county, and falsely condemned to two years forced labor on a road gang. Initially, their attempts to escape or get any relief from a pressure-cooker situation are repeatedly frustrated. At last, they are able to bust loose and turn the tables on their captors.

Prairie Grove handed Pea Ridge their only conference loss in 2012 during the Blackhawks’ breakthrough season, marking Pea Ridge’s first winning record since 2005. After graduating the core of that team, Pea Ridge constructed a new Blackhawk Stadium commemorating 50 years of football and won their first game in the hip facility in convincing fashion, 48-12, over Greenland on Sept. 20 to conclude nonconference play, 2-1.

In a controversial ruling in October the Arkansas Activities Association declared both wins as forfeits regarding an eligibility issue of a player, whose official residence shifted in a custody battle although locals said he was still living at least part-time within district boundaries.

This process left the Blackhawks winless and intensified their hunger to go after Prairie Grove (6-1,4-0) playing at home in week eight.

The Tigers took the field without playmakers, Nodier and halfback Logan Bartholomew. The Blackhawks pressed their emotions and were driving for a go-ahead touchdown with the score tied at 28 with less than a minute to go.

When another injury occurred among the Tiger defense, Prairie Grove head coach Danny Abshier and Laird were faced with a dilemma which quickly escalated into opportunity based on their choice to insert the hobbled Nodier at middle linebacker.

“When Brandon came in the game the defensive atmosphere was different,” Abshier said.

“He was only in three plays the whole game,” Laird said.

When Pea Ridge sent a rushing play up the middle, the Tiger defense, including Nodier, swarmed to the ball and the pigskin popped out. Prairie Grove defensive lineman Connor West picked up the fumble and returned the football 67 yards for the game-winning touchdown with 24 seconds left.

“No one knows who made the ball come out but Nodier was there,” Laird said.

Nodier missed 2.5 games with the injury, yet, topped the Tigers with 91 tackles receiving All-Conference and All-State honors. In addition 4A-1 coaches voted Nodier as outstanding lineman making him eligible to play in the All-Star game in June making 2013 the second consecutive year a Prairie Grove defender has received that designation. Defensive lineman Jared Murphy won the award in 2012.

Abshier attributes Nodier’s mentality as key to his success.

“He’s just got a nose for the ball. He’s pretty fearless, an elusive linebacker who can make blockers miss. He’s fearless on blitzing and stunts.”

As the credits began to roll as the 2013 season ended, those who listened intently could just about make out muffled groans from the soundtrack.

“Them Tigers, them Tigers, them Tigers.”

Suddenly another deep-sounding voice breaks in.

“Man has got to learn his limitations.”

MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER Remember this. Brandon Nodier did his best to discourage opposing backs and receivers from coming anywhere near him with the football as shown in this photo from the 2012 state playoffs. Nodier was involved in 91 tackles as a senior.