Cats fall to Carlisle

Walnut Ridge's Brandon Dawson (#22) runs the ball as a teammate blocks a defender in the background during Friday night's game. The Bobcats came up short against Carlisle, falling 38-6. Submitted Photo ~ Ashley George

The Carlisle Bison, one of the top AA football teams in the state, visited Walnut Ridge on Friday and defeated the host Bobcats 38-6 in the regular season finale.

Carlisle led 35-0 at halftime. Walnut Ridge avoided the shutout when Brandon Dawson scored on a 12-yard run on the game's final play.

"Carlisle proved to be the powerhouse team that we thought they were," said Walnut Ridge head coach Larry Treadway.

"Coach Waymire does a great job with them. They are probably the best team we have played all year. They have a chance to win a lot of games in the playoffs," added Treadway

Dawson led the Bobcats' offense, with 118 rushing yards on 16 carries.

"Brian Archibald had a good night running the ball, too. We had a tough time finding our receivers, but we will work on that this week," said Treadway.

Corey Sellers led the Bobcats' defensive effort with seven unassisted tackles.