EL DORADO, Ark. – The El Dorado Wildcats of Arkansas’s 6A East fell to Little Rock Christian in a hard-fought non-conference season opener, losing 21-14 at home at First Financial Field at Memorial Stadium on Friday night in Week Zero of the Arkansas High School Football Season.
The LR Christian Warriors were the first to get on the board, as junior running back Jackson Ward powered through the El Dorado defense for a 5-yard rushing touchdown. However, the extra point attempt failed, leaving the Warriors with a 6-0 lead.
Late in the first quarter, the Warriors extended their lead. Quarterback Kemp Keller connected with junior wide receiver Tristian Watson on a 9-yard touchdown pass on a crucial fourth-down play. Charlie Hasbrouck successfully converted the extra point, bringing the score to 13-0 in favor of LR Christian.
El Dorado responded with determination in the second quarter. Junior tailback Jeremy Samuel found the end zone with a 3-yard rush out of the flexbone formation, narrowing the gap to 13-6. Cooper Henry’s PAT brought the Wildcats within striking distance at 13-7.
Momentum swung in El Dorado’s favor just minutes later when sophomore cornerback Jaquaviun Hampton intercepted a Keller pass and returned it 24 yards for a pick-six. Henry’s reliable leg gave El Dorado a 14-13 lead with just over three minutes remaining in the first half.
However, LR Christian regained control in the third quarter. Keller found wide receiver Pete Greenwood on a 6-yard hitch route for a touchdown, putting the Warriors back on top 19-14. A successful two-point conversion extended their lead to 21-14, which would ultimately be the game’s final score as both teams went scoreless in the fourth quarter.
El Dorado will look to bounce back next Friday, September 6, as they host Camden Fairview in what promises to be another exciting matchup.
