GENTRY -- The Pioneers traveled to Berryville on Friday to take on the Bobcats on their home turf, and they came close to bringing home a victory in the high-scoring game but not quite close enough.
Gentry had the lead at the end of the first quarter, 15-14, and things were tied up at 22 midway through the game with each team scoring a touchdown in the second quarter but Berryville choosing to run in a two-point conversion rather than kicking a point after.
The Bobcats picked up three touchdowns in the third, and Gentry only two, making it a 44-36 game at the start of the final quarter. With each team getting another TD and a two-point conversion, the final was 52-44 in favor of the host team.
In spite of the loss, the game had its positive notes for Gentry. Jon Faulkenberry, Gentry's quarterback, scored five touchdowns and carried the ball for 297 yards in the game. He completed three passes to Cole Cripps, with Cripps scoring one TD. Garrett Matthews added four points for Gentry on point after attempts, and Cripps carried one across the line for a two-point conversion. Cripps also picked off two interceptions in the game and had a 29 yard punt return.
The Pioneers had a total of 338 rushing yards and 52 passing yards.
Unfortunately for the Pioneers, Bobcat quarterback Luke Britt was able to connect on an 82-yard pass play to Jacob Graham and a 48-yard play to Wyatt Poe, both resulting in touchdowns. Graham and Gaven Maxwell each carried in two for the Bobcats, along with one by Britt, to give the Bobcats the edge and the win.
The Pioneers host Huntsville at 7 p.m. on Friday. It is also homecoming for the Pioneers on Friday, with crowning ceremonies slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. in Pioneer Stadium.
Sports on 10/05/2016