The Junior High Bearcats topped Dardanelle 8-6 in a two quarter scrimmage Tuesday night in Dardanelle.
The Bearcats got a 6 yard rushing touchdown from Ayden Rhinehart and a two point conversion from Cooper Smithson with 2:07 to play in the first quarter/half.
It would be the first of two big two-point conversion plays for Smithson.
The Bearcat defense had forced a punt to open the game and would hold on downs with 6:38 to play, but a turnover gave the Sand Lizards life with 3:44 to go.
They almost gave the ball back with a fumble of their own but did manage to retain possession and took advantage of the break by converting a fourth-and-5 into a 14-yard touchdown pass with :06 remaining.
But Smithson led a stand on the two-point conversion attempt to tie it.
Edwin Garcia ran for 37 yards on his only carry of the game to lead the Bearcat offense. Other notable defensive statistics included sacks by Ayden Rhinehart and Ascher Penny.
The Bearcats will open the 2025 season by hosting Prairie Grove at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 28. A seventh grade game between the schools will open the evening at 5:30.
JUNIOR HIGH BEARCATS STOP CONVERSION ATTEMPT TO PRESERVE SCRIMMAGE WIN
