Arkansas Online

Talley, Panthers run over Blackhawks

GRAHAM THOMAS

SILOAM SPRINGS — Play after play, the Siloam Springs offensive line opened up big holes, and Hunter Talley and the Panthers took advantage.

Talley rushed 11 times for 246 yards and 5 touchdowns and threw for 181 yards and 2 more scores as Siloam Springs blew by Pea Ridge 53-14 in a nonconference game at Panther Stadium.

Talley had a 66-yard touchdown run on the Panthers’ first offensive play and a 55yard TD run on his second carry of the night. The 6-foot4, 200-pound senior gave credit to the big boys up front.

“It felt good to come out with a ‘W,’” Talley said. “The offensive line had a tremendous game. Those dudes are really, really good. It might be the best offensive line I’ve ever played for. They really handled their stuff today.”

The Panthers (1-2) rolled up 591 yards of offense despite missing 16 players due to covid-19 quarantine or injury.

“It was a tough week. We had a lot of kids out,” Siloam Springs Coach Brandon Craig said. “A lot of kids had to step up and play different positions. We had kids everywhere. It was almost like the first week of practice for us in some cases. For us to be able to go out there tonight, take control of the game and do what we did, I was really proud of our kids.”

Leading 12-0 after Talley’s first two TD runs, the Panthers got the ball back for their third possession and scored just as quick. Sophomore Jed Derwin blew through the middle of the Pea Ridge defense for a 73-yard run and a 19-0 lead.

The Blackhawks got a score back when Cade Mann recovered a fumble and ran 25 yards for a touchdown to make it 19-6.

But Siloam Springs answered with two more scores to go up 33-6. Talley ran for a 28-yard score, and on the next drive, he hit a 25-yard touchdown pass on fourth and 22 to Nick Driscoll.

Pea Ridge put together its most impressive drive right before halftime as quarterback Gavin Dixon hit four of five passes for 90 yards and found Trevor Blair for a touchdown and two-point conversion to get within 33-14 with 24.6 seconds left before halftime.

“That’s been the story of our season so far,” said Pea Ridge Coach Brey Cook. “It’s whenever we want to execute we do, but we have to make that decision every time.”

Patrick Church returned the ensuing squib kickoff 29 into Pea Ridge territory. Talley then rushed for 43 yards down to the 5-yard line with eight seconds left. Talley ran in from 5 yards out to give the Panthers a 39-14 halftime lead.

Siloam Springs scored quickly to start the second half as Talley hit Brendan Lashley for 25 yards and followed with a 38-yard score, his fifth TD of the night for a 46-14 lead.

High School Football

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2021-09-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-18T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://edition.arkansasonline.com/article/282961043267288

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