Gentry goes down fighting

Pioneers start strong but turnovers and penalties cost them game against Shiloh Christian

Gentry senior Jordan Cousins puts an end to a run by Shiloh Christian Friday night in Springdale.

Gentry senior Jordan Cousins puts an end to a run by Shiloh Christian Friday night in Springdale.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

— Penalties and turnovers proved costly for Gentry (0-7, 0-4) after starting out strong against Shiloh, moving the ball and making plays behind senior running back Tanner Coy.

An inadvertent whistle call cost Gentry a big gain by Coy in the opening quarter, but the Pioneers moved past that and scored the opening touchdown on a 20-yard pass from Dylan Ochs to Coy. The Pioneers later tied the score at 14-14 on Ochs’ 27-yard pass to Jarod Cousins after a lengthy Coy kickoff return.

But things went south for the Pioneers when Coy fumbled twice and an 8-yardpunt gave Shiloh Christian another short field. Penalties, too, proved costly. The result was three Saints touchdowns and a close game turned into a rout.

“You ask any coach about this game and what kills you, and turnovers and field position are in the top three or four for sure,” Gentry coach Brian Little said. “When you’re struggling like we are with some other issues, like depth and injuries, you can’t allow those things.”

Shiloh freshman quarterback Drew Tyler found his comfort level midway through the first quarter and scored two rushing touchdowns, leading the Saints to a 49-14 mercy-rule winagainst Gentry in 4A-1 Conference action.

The Pioneers will host the Berryville Bobcats Friday forhomecoming in a battle of winless teams.

Chip Souza contributed to this article.

Sports, Pages 10 on 10/18/2011