September19, 2012 Edition

Also in this issue...

Walnut Ridge defenders Matt Cox (#15), Cole Hicks (#21) and Rowdy Ditto (#58) wrap up a Westside ball carrier during the Bobcats' 41-7 home victory on Friday night. Also shown are Eric Wilcoxson (#2) and Ryan Vaughn (#81).
Submitted Photo ~ Ashley George

Bobcats dominate Westside

Nathan Hibbard
Staff Writer

The Walnut Ridge Bobcats made short work of Westside, putting up 41 first-half points in a 41-7 rout of the Warriors in senior high football action on Friday at Sexton Field.

The Bobcats struck quickly, as Eric Wilcoxson returned the opening kickoff 80 yards to the four-yard line. Quarterback Zach Crisler capped the short drive with a four-yard touchdown toss to Hunter Flippo. Ryan Vaughn added the PAT to give Walnut Ridge a 7-0 lead less than a minute into the contest.

Walnut Ridge's next drive ended with Crisler's four-yard run giving the Bobcats a 13-0 lead with 5:08 to play in the first quarter.

Crisler continued to have a hot hand in the second quarter, as he connected with Flippo on a 46-yard scoring play early in the period to extend the Bobcats' lead to 19-0.

Westside's ensuing drive ended when Crisler sacked Warrior quarterback Chase Mann, forcing a fumble that was recovered by the Bobcats' Robert Vaughn at the Westside 19-yard line. Tyler Clement capped another short Bobcat scoring drive with a short run three plays later. Wilcoxson ran in the two-point conversion to give Walnut Ridge a commanding 27-0 lead with 5:48 remaining in the second quarter.

Walnut Ridge capitalized on another Westside turnover when Crisler hit Cole Hicks with a touchdown pass. Wilcoxson again ran in the conversion for a 35-0 Bobcat lead.

The Bobcats closed out the first-half scoring when Hicks bolted 29 yards for his second touchdown of the game to make the score 41-0 at intermission.

The only points of the second half came on Mann's 67-yard run in the fourth quarter. Lane Campbell added the extra point.

Rowdy Ditto led the Walnut Ridge defense with nine tackles. Crisler had five tackles, including a sack and forced fumble, and Tyler Binkley registered five tackles.

Walnut Ridge improved to 2-0 on the season. The Bobcats travel to McCrory on Friday for their 2A-3 conference opener. Kickoff against the Jaguars is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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