Interceptions dash Lions' hope of win

Photo by Randy Moll Gravette’s quarterback, Bryce Moorman, carries the ball while Gravette senior Jacob Bookout blocks during play against Pottsville on Friday in Gravette.
Photo by Randy Moll Gravette’s quarterback, Bryce Moorman, carries the ball while Gravette senior Jacob Bookout blocks during play against Pottsville on Friday in Gravette.

GRAVETTE -- Logan Hunt drifted back into perfect position as the pass floated his way. The Pottsville defensive back wrapped two hands around the ball and was off to the races, covering 70 yards.

Hunt's interception was one of four by the ball-hawking Apaches' defense, but his counted for six points as Pottsville rolled to a 36-10 victory over Gravette in the season opener for both teams Friday night in Lions Stadium.

The Apaches (1-0) led just 7-0 before Hunt's interception, but both coaches agreed that the pick-six was a huge turning point in the game.

"No question that was a big play," Gravette coach Bill Harrelson said. "We were moving the ball and we throw that pick-six and it's 14-0. It got away from us in a hurry."

"It was huge momentum-wise," Pottsville coach Bryan Rust said. "Coming into the year, we felt like we would be a good defensive team. Every time we got our backs against the wall tonight, the defense stood up."

The Lions turned the ball over five times, four on interceptions. But the biggest play early in the game was a penalty after Gravette (0-1) had moved to the Pottsville 7. An illegal formation penalty moved the ball back to the 12 and the Lions could not connect on a pass in the end zone, coming away without points. Hunt's interception came just a few plays later.

Pottsville twins Josh and Jake Dugger were big for the Apaches on both sides of the ball. Josh Dugger scored two touchdowns and Jake Dugger added another along with an interception.

"They are both about 135, 140 pounds soaking wet," Rust said. "They both play with a lot of heart and desire. They just don't like to lose."

Pottsville had four turnovers, but Gravette could not overcome the five costly mistakes.

"We never gave ourselves a chance," Harrelson said. "Pottsville is a good team and we knew they were. They are picked to win their conference. You can't give a good team that many turnovers and expect to win."

How They Scored

Pottsville 36

Gravette 10

Pottsville 7 13 8 8 -- 36

Gravette 0 0 0 10 -- 10

First Quarter

Pottsville -- Josh Dugger 39 run (Torres kick), 7:55.

Second Quarter

Pottsville -- Hunt 70 interception return (Torres kick), 8:58.

Pottsville -- Josh Dugger 9 run (kick fails), :55.

Third Quarter

Pottsville -- Waddell 3 run (McNeely pass from Jake Dugger), 5:45.

Fourth Quarter

Pottsville -- Jake Dugger 2 run (Waddell run good), 11:51.

Gravette -- Duarte 71 run (Duarte kick), 10:11.

Gravette -- FG Duarte 28, 3:32.

Extra Points:

• Gravette, Cedric Duarte was the lone bright spot offensively, rushing for 159 yards and a touchdown, and adding a 28-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

• Josh Dugger rushed for 127 yards on just 8 carries for Pottsville and Taylor Waddell added 75 yards on 14 carries. As a team, the Apaches rushed for 281 yards.

Up Next: The Lions are on the road for the next three weeks. Gravette travels to Mayflower next Friday, then has road games at Jay, Okla., and at Lincoln to open 4A-1 Conference action.

Sports on 09/10/2014