GRAVETTE — Thomas Soehner scored three times and Prairie Grove returned two interceptions for touchdowns late as the Tigers stunned the Gravette Lions 44017 on Friday in 4A-1 Conference action.

Soehner gained 95 yards on 19 carries, scoring on runs of 32 and 3 yards and a 29-yard pass. Six other backs combined for another 120 yards rushing. Austin completed 6 of 11 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

Gravette coach Bill Harrelson said Prairie Grove (4-6, 4-3) was “just waiting to click.”

“Unfortunately, they did it on our field tonight,” Harrelson said. “Sometimes it happens that way. We didn’t stop the run or the pass. We didn’t play well.”

Prairie Grove coach Danny Abshier said his team mixed up the run with the pass, executing well.

“I think we surprised them by throwing,” Abshier said. “We haven’t been. Chad did a good job; the offensive line was blocking. They opened up some good holes.”

Tigers John Halburt and Nick Perez returned backto-back interceptions off Gravette quarterback Colton Davis for touchdowns in the fourth quarter, icing the victory.

The lead changed hands three times in the first half.

Soehner scored twice on fourth down in the second quarter. He slipped into the flat unnoticed on fourthand-12 at the 29 and took a pass untouched for a 22-10 lead. He broke two tackles on fourth-and-1 at the 32 and scored for a 16-10 lead.

Lions running back Michael Croasdell rushed 22times for 162 yards and scored on a 59-yard run, slipping past three defenders on Gravette’s opening possession of the second half.

“I believe in the character of the team, “Harrelson said. “I think we’ll bounce back.”

The win clinched the 4A-1 No. 4 playoff seed for the Tigers.

Montee hit a 37 yard field goal in the first quarter and was perfect on two extrapoint attempts.

Gravette (8-2, 5-2) hosts Valley View in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs this week.

Please Notice

Since Friday night’s game is under control of the Arkansas Activities Association, season and senior passes will not be honored.

Sports, Pages 11 on 11/11/2009