DECATUR - The Decatur Bulldogs faced off against the Gentry Pioneers in three benefi t games on Aug. 29 at Bulldog Stadium in Decatur. The scrimmage games were benefits for both schools.

The games were sponsored by the Arkansas Activities Association Catastrophic Insurance Fund which covers catastrophic insurance for all Arkansas athletes.

Events began at 5:30 p.m. and featured games between the following teams: seventh grade, junior high and senior high.

The seventh grade and junior high teams each played two 10-minute halves, with the offense and defense of each school playing an entire half. When Decatur’s offense was on the fi eld, Gentry’s defense opposed them and vice versa.

The Decatur seventh graders got off to an impressive start, both offensively and defensively. They defeated Gentry by the score of 6 to 0.

The junior high team was equally impressive for a first start. Many of the players have never played football in a game setting before. The Decatur offense struck early in the half with a touchdown. However, Gentry was able to score a touchdown to tie the game, making the fi nal for the junior high game 6 apiece.

Coaches for both teams were allowed to be on the field to help instruct their new players through the rules and playbooks of their teams.

The senior high teams played three 20-minute quarters in a normal conference game setting. Gentry scored the fi rst touchdown early in the first quarter and racked up three more scores, holding the Bulldogs to a single touchdown and a field goal. The fi nal score was 28 to 10.

The Bulldogs struggled on both offense anddefense throughout the night. The loss of veteran junior quarterback/linebacker Victor Urquidi, who is recovering from a shoulder injury and is out for the entire season, was evident.

Victor Urquidi’s twin brother, Mario, along with Allen Castaneda, the heart of Decatur’s running game, made several outstanding plays through the three quarters. However, Gentry’s defense held them to a single crossing of the goal line.

The Decatur Bulldogs will review the fi lms and work on their weaknesses to ready themselves for the season opener at home against Subiaco Academy on Friday at 7 p.m.

The Decatur Junior High team will open their season against the Gravette Lions at 5:30 on Thursday at Gravette.

Gentry junior high plays West Fork at West Fork at 7 p.m. Thursday. The senior high team plays West Fork at home at 7 p.m. on Friday.

Sports, Pages 9 on 09/04/2013