Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Wolves pull out late 20-7 win over Bearcats, Fouke next

Two late touchdowns propelled the Curley Wolves by the Mena Bearcats 20-7.

However, the outcome of the game was in doubt until the final three minutes of the contest, as the Cats had led 7-6 since the first quarter.

The win almost guarantees the Wolves of a playoff berth with two regular season games left, both in the friendly confines of Cummins Field.

Prescott Head Coach Greg Smith said this was a good win for the Wolves, and something the team needed as it prepares for the playoffs.

The Wolves, if the team beats both Fouke and Ashdown, could share the district title, and, if Nashville loses one more game, could be the outright 7AAA champs with two more victories.

Friday night's game was played under less than ideal conditions as Bearcat Stadium was a muddy quagmire.

The Wolves won the opening toss, and got the game started from the Mena 48 after a solid return from A. J. Lewis.

Prescott moved to the Cat 11 before turning the ball over on downs.

Mena, being more familiar with the field, managed to move out of the shadow of its goal to the Cat 45 before punting to the Wolf 32.

This was pretty much how the first 12 minutes of the game went as neither team was able to move consistently in the mud.

Prescott did manage to get to the Mena 38, but fumbled with the Cats recovering at midfield as players from both teams were unsuccessful at trying to pick up the errant pigskin.

The Cats took over with 2:19 left in the opening period and moved to Prescott's six as time ran out.

Two plays into the second quarter, Mena managed to score on a two-yard plunge. The point after made it 7-0.

Prescott began its next offensive series at the Wolf 28, but was unable to get anywhere and had to punt.

The punt was tipped, but made it to the Mena 49.

The Cats returned the favor three plays later as Mena was unable to penetrate Prescott's defensive front.

The Mena punt rolled dead at the Wolf 15.

This series would prove to be Prescott's only scoring drive of the night.

The Wolves utilized draws to R.J. Vanhook and Chris Hopper to move downfield, with the drive being capped by a 12-yard touchdown pass from Zack Martin to Jarrod Norwood.

The point after was no good, with the score 7-6 in Mena's favor with 4:05 left in the half.

Smith said the Wolves had worked on the kicking game all week, finding four players who showed potential.

These players, he said, were put under pressure and showed the ability to make the kicks during practice. However, practice wasn't done in ankle-deep mud.

The remainder of the second period was punts and fumbles as neither offense could get anywhere.

Prescott's defense shut the Cats down in the second half, starting with the opening drive.

Mena ran three plays and punted, with Prescott taking over at its 30.

But, the Prescott offense had its problems as well and was unable to generate any points.

The third quarter was marred by penalties and turnovers, along with Prescott being pinned against its own goal line.

The period came to an end with Mena still leading 7-6 and Prescott fans starting to get nervous.

The final 12 minutes began with Mena driving at the Prescott 18. However, an option lost five yards on third down, and Mena's fourth down pass fell incomplete, giving Prescott the ball.

Vanhook's rushing moved the ball into Mena territory, with the Wolves getting to the Cat 39 before turning it over on downs.

It was three and out for Mena, with the Wolves starting at the Prescott 37 with 7:10 remaining in the game.

Prescott forgot about passing the ball as receivers had not been able to hold onto passes all night.

This meant the Wolves relied on the legs of Vanhook, Lewis and Martin in driving 67 yards in 10 plays, with Martel Woodley scoring from a yard out.

It took a while to figure out who scored because of the muddy jerseys and pile of bodies at the goal line. But, with 3:18 on the clock, Prescott had its first lead at 12-7. The two-point conversion was good, giving the Wolves a 14-7 lead.

Mena began its next drive at the Cat 33. The drive ended after one play when Joe Stueart picked off a pass at midfield and was tackled at the Mena 48 with 3:04 showing.

Seven plays later, Vanhook scored on a 27-yard scamper, his longest run of the night, with 12 seconds left.

The point after was no good, but the Wolves had a 13-point lead at 20-7. The 13 points could come into play for the playoffs, depending on what happens the rest of the year.

The Cats ran a screen, which was almost intercepted as the buzzer sounded ending the game.

Statistics show Prescott had 12 first downs to four for Mena.

The Wolves rushed for 168 yards, while giving up 44.

Prescott was 12 of 27 in passing with one interception for 123 yards. Mena's aerial attack was four of 14 with one pick for 64 yards.

The Wolves tallied 291 total yards while giving up 108.

Offensively, Prescott ran 65 plays, while Mena snapped the ball 45 times.

One of the most impressive statistics was in penalties. The Wolves were flagged but once in the game for 15 yards, while Mena was penalized four times for 28 yards.

Next up for the Wolves will be the Fouke Panthers on Nov. 1. This will be homecoming for Prescott, with festivities scheduled to start at 7 p.m., with the game to begin at 7:30.