Three turnovers help Wynne

CLASS 5A

WYNNE 17, MORRILTON 14

WYNNE -- In a rematch from the first round of last year's playoffs, Wynne once again defeated Morrilton, only this time 17-14 in a defensive battle that was decided by three Morrilton turnovers.

Wynne senior fullback Tavon Hicks, who came into the game with 1,648 yards on the season and needing only 24 to become Wynne's career all-time leading rusher, finished with 116 yards and a score on 35 carries to pace a Wynne offense that only accumulated 239 yards total on the night, 178 on the ground. Hicks finished the first quarter with 9 carries for 25 yards to break the record and finished the first half with only 46 yards on 17 carries.

"We didn't give up, got a big play here or there, got a little momentum and pushed it in late," Wynne Coach Van Paschal said after the game. "Morrilton hasn't lost since that quarterback took over starting."

Morrilton sophomore quarterback Jacolby Criswell led the Devil Dogs with 13-of-29 passing for 144 yards to lead an offense that finished with 298 yards and three turnovers. Criswell was 3-of-7 in the first half for 33 yards, but did score Morrilton's lone first-half touchdown while rushing for 54 yards on 9 carries.

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Morrilton took the lead with 6:35 left in the game after Criswell found sophomore wideout Lamar Wofford open in the end zone for a 29-yard scoring pass to put the Devil Dogs ahead 14-10 after the extra point. Criswell kept the drive going on the play before with a 44-yard run, but it was Wynne taking control of the game again on their ensuing drive for a 17-14 lead after Hicks 2-yard scoring run with 2:35 left on the game clock.

"I'm just proud of the kids and the way they came back," Paschal said after the game. "We had a couple games like that this year, including Valley View down with under three minutes to go, but I'll say this, these kids don't quit."

Sports on 11/18/2017

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