CONWAY DOWNS FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE

FORT SMITH -- For most of the season, Conway's offensive attack has been fueled by running back Michael George. Against Fort Smith Northside, it was quarterback Andrew Hreha's turn. Hreha threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Wampus Cats to a 49-29 victory over Northside in 7A-Central Conference action Friday at Mayo-Thompson Stadium. Conway (5-2, 3-1) gained 506 total yards of offense. Hreha did most of his damage in the first half, while George dominated the second half, rushing for 118 yards. George finished with 173 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Against the Grizzlies (2-5, 1-3), it was the Wampus Cat defense that opened the scoring. Northside had a third-and-goal at the Conway 4, but a pass by Derrick Wise was tipped and picked off by Will Kennedy, who scampered 96 yards for a touchdown. Jordan Wicks' kick was good for a 7-0 lead with 3 minutes, 41 seconds left in the first quarter. From there, the Wampus Cats offense would dominate the rest of the first half, gaining 312 total yards. Hreha finished the first half 9-of-11 passing for 267 yards and two touchdowns. Richmond had four catches for 154 yards and a score. On its next possession, Conway started at its 6, but three plays later, Hreha hit Richmond for an 89-yard touchdown pass for a 14-0 lead after a quarter of play. Hreha's screen pass to Kris Anderson turned into a 53-yard touchdown pass early in the second period, then George added a 7-yard run to give Conway a commanding 28-0 lead with 4:34 left in the first half. Northside finally got on the board late in the first half when quarterback Derrick Wise hit tight end James Clayton on a 5-yard pass with 38 second left. Wise finished the game rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown while passing for 143 yards and two scores. Though trailing by 42-15 early in the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies tried to battle back. Northside got a 24-yard flanker pass from T.J. Thorne to Clayton for one score, and then a 10-yard keeper by Wise got the Grizzlies to within 42-29 with 3:04 left. The Wampus Cats, though, recovered the onside kick and George would score three plays later when he recovered his own fumble into the end zone to set the final score. Conway host Little Rock Central next week while Northside travels to North Little Rock.

CONWAY DOWNS FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE

WALTER WOODIE

Arkansas Online | 10/14/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Northside Athletics