WEST HELENA, Ark. – In a thrilling 8-4A Conference opener, the Central (Helena) Cougars pulled off a stunning upset over the Stuttgart Ricebirds, securing an 18-17 victory Friday night on their home turf. The Cougars’ late-game heroics spoiled what had been a hard-fought battle for Stuttgart, handing the Ricebirds their first conference loss of the season.
Stuttgart jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, capitalizing on a botched Helena snap that resulted in a safety, giving the Ricebirds a quick 2-0 advantage. Moments later, Cain Price connected with QT Johnson on a 27-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful extra point from Dawson McKelvey, extending Stuttgart’s lead to 9-0 with 6:22 left in the first.
Helena’s struggles continued on their next possession as another bad snap on a punt resulted in a second safety for Stuttgart, pushing the score to 11-0.
However, the Cougars began to rally in the second quarter. Helena running back Jamarious Parker punched in a 1-yard touchdown run up the middle, cutting the deficit to 11-6. The Cougars’ two-point conversion attempt failed, and Stuttgart carried that lead into halftime.
Helena’s momentum surged in the third quarter as they received the opening kickoff and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown after a miscue. The two-point conversion was unsuccessful, but the Cougars had pulled ahead 12-11 early in the third.
Stuttgart regained the lead when Price found De’ontae Clark for an 11-yard touchdown pass. The Ricebirds’ attempt for a two-point conversion fell short, but they led 17-12.
With just 53 seconds left in the game, Helena’s quarterback Greyson Miller delivered the game-winning strike, finding Jamarious Parker on an 11-yard wheel route for a touchdown. Although the two-point conversion failed, the Cougars had taken the lead 18-17. Helena’s defense held strong, sealing the win with a late interception.
Helena remains undefeated at 4-0 on the season and 1-0 in conference play. They will travel to Hamburg next week to face the Lions.
Stuttgart drops to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in conference play. The Ricebirds will host Crossett next Friday.
