Lions hold Tigers to single field goal for win

GRAVETTE — The Green Forest Tigers scored first in Gravette’s homecoming game at Lion Stadium, kicking a fourthdown field goal in the first quarter, but that was the end of the Tiger’s offensive successes, and the Lions were just ready to get started in the 43-3 homecoming victory on Friday night in Gravette.

Six different players scored a touchdown as Gravette claimed its fourth straight conference victory and secured a spot in the Class 4A State Playoffs.

Green Forest (1-7, 0-5) took an early 3-0 lead on Jesus Castillo’s 35-yard field goal before Gravette (5-3, 4-1) went in front to stay on Kyler Austin’s 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Rhett Hilger added an 8-yard touchdown run and hit Kais Patton with a 15-yard touchdown pass to give the Lions a 20-3 halftime cushion.

Gravette scored three more touchdowns in the second half — a 29-yard run by Gabe Holmes, a 20-yard pass from Hilger to Mason Meeker, and an 11-yard by Josiah McGee. The Lions then added a 30-yard field goal by Liam McGuire.

Westside Eagle Observer/RANDY MOLL While the offensive line holds out the Green Forest defense, Lion quarterback Rhett Hilger fires a pass to a downfield receiver during play in Lion Stadium on Friday.

Gravette senior Mason Meeker leaps up to intercept a Green Forest pass, with Eric Voigt behind the Green Forest receiver. Pass interference was called against Gravette on the play.

Hilger passes off the ball to Kyler Austin.