GENTRY -- Though the Pioneers allowed the visiting Quitman Bulldogs 40 points, including three touchdowns in the final quarter, the Pioneers scored nine touchdowns in the game for a 63-40 win on Friday night.
The Pioneers jumped ahead early with two touchdowns in the opening quarter and another three in the second for a 34-19 halftime lead. The Pioneers allowed the Bulldogs on the board twice in the first half when Quitman receivers got ahead of the Gentry defense and were hit with a perfect pass from the Quitman quarterback.
By the end of the third quarter, the Pioneers led 44-19. The final quarter was a high-scoring quarter for both teams.
Caydon Koons and Addi Taylor each carried the ball across the goal line twice for the Pioneers. Bennett Roberts, Houston Nance, Dillon Owens and quarterback Talan Williams each carried the ball into the endzone once. Owens also caught a pass in the zone for Gentry's only passing TD of the night.
The Pioneers amassed 363 rushing yards in the game and another 276 through the air.
Cole Hays kicked one extra point, and Noah Palacio two in the game. Both kicked with 50% success.
"I thought our kids played hard and did some good things," said Gentry head coach Justin Bigham. "We were glad to get the win and keep everyone healthy going into a bye week before conference play."
The Pioneers next play at Huntsville at 7 p.m. on Sept. 22. They will be back home for their homecoming on the 29th, against Berryville.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Behind the blocking of Kydon Lynch and Dalton Richardson, Gentry quarterback Talan Williams looks for an open receiver downfield during play against Quitman in Pioneer Stadium on Friday.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Gentry senior Addi Taylor fights to pick up extra yards as defenders work to pull him down during play against Quitman in Pioneer Stadium on Friday.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Gentry senior Addi Taylor fights to pick up extra yards as Quitman defenders try to pull him down during play in Pioneer Stadium on Friday.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Gentry's Owen Foreman carries the ball around the left side during play against Quitman in Pioneer Stadium on Friday.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Behind the blocking of Addi Taylor, Caydon Koons powers the ball across the goal line in a first-half touchdown during play against Quitman in Pioneer Stadium on Friday.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Gentry's Briar Mayberry sacks the quarterback during play against Quitman in Pioneer Stadium on Friday.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
The Pioneer football team makes its entrance into Pioneer Stadium on Friday night for a game against Quitman.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
Gentry's cheerleaders lead the fans during play against Quitman in Pioneer Stadium on Friday.
Randy Moll/Westside Eagle Observer
The Pioneers line up to defend the kicker during a point-after attempt against Quitman in Pioneer Stadium on Friday.