Lions roar past Redskins

Gravette takes the lead over Pocahontas early and seals victory in the fourth quarter

November 16, 2011 at 2:28 a.m.

by Randy Moll

Gravette senior Darrick Strzelecki dives over the line to score in play against Pocahontas on Friday. Strzelecki led the Lions with 158 rushing yards against the Redskins.
Gravette senior Darrick Strzelecki dives over the line to score in play against Pocahontas on Friday. Strzelecki led the Lions with 158 rushing yards against the Redskins.

POCAHONTAS — Gravette’s Lions picked up 158 yards from Darrick Strzelecki and soundly defeated Pocahontas, 30-8, in a penalty-filled game at Schoonover Stadium.

Strzelecki scored on a 6-yard run midway through the first quarter, giving the Lions (9-2) a 7-0 edge.

Following Gravette’s kickoff, Glenn Overturf broke through and blocked a Pocahontas punt which then rolled through the end zone for a safety, putting the Lions up by 9.

In the second quarter, Strzelecki carried the ball over the line again in a 4-yard carry. With Kevin Amezcua on the mark with his kick, the Lions were up by 16 at the half with the Redskins still scoreless.

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Photo by Heather Brody

Gravette senior Dallas Kerley, airborne, picks off a pass in play against Pocahontas on Friday. Also pictured are Adam Roberts and Clayton Alexander.

In the second half, Seth Cannon intercepted a screen pass for the Redskins and returned it to the Lions’ 29-yard line. Logan Whisnant scored on a 1-yard run and Pocahontas added the 2-point conversion to pull within 16-8 early in the fourth quarter.

But that was all the Lions would allow the Redskins.

Gravette’s Lions tacked on two more touchdowns to seal their victory. Strzelecki scored on a 16-yard run with 7:24 left in the game, helping the Lions take a 23-8 lead, and Cody Robinson scored on a 13-yard run with 4:58 left to play.

Amezcua added two more points after touchdowns for Gravette, going four for four.

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Photo by Heather Brody

Gravette senior Dave Anderson pulls down a Pocahontas ball carrier during state play on Friday.

Clayton Alexander completed 11 of 19 passes for a total gain of 175 yards. Strzelecki led theLions with 158 rushing yards against the Redskins. Cody Robinson added 65. Tyler Greenhaw caught four passes for 95 yards. Strzelecki and Adam Roberts each received three.

Peyton Rose led in tackles, with four to his credit, and Brandon Meeks had three. Kelton McDougal, Tyler Greenhaw and David Anderson each had two.

Overturf and Meekseach sacked the Pocahontas quarterback - Overturf, three times for a total Pocahontas loss of 14 yards.

Dallas Kerley picked off three Pocahontas passes. Alexander grabbed one.

The Gravette Lions advance to play Warren (8-2) at Warren on Friday in the second round of state play. The Warren Lumberjacks took down Valley View at Jonesboro, 48-20.

Sports, Pages 9 on 11/16/2011