Har‑Ber Wildcats opened the Arkansas high‑school football playoffs with a decisive 42‑6 home win over the Cabot Panthers, earning a berth in the 7A state quarterfinals where they will face North Little Rock.

Early scoring set the tone

Quarterback Brice Owens sparked the offense on the opening drive. After a quick hand‑off to Reed McAllister, Owens received a pitch back and lofted a perfect pass to wide‑receiver Gibson Greene, who raced into the end zone for the game’s first touchdown.

Special teams and defense added pressure

Special‑teams ace Sutton Reed returned a long punt, giving Har‑Ber excellent field position. The Wildcats capitalized on the short field, extending the lead to 14‑0 early in the second quarter.

Defensively, Har‑Ber’s front line kept Cabot’s offense in check. Sophomore linebacker Eli Roper recorded a key tackle that helped stifle the Panthers’ drive, and the defensive unit continued to apply pressure throughout the game.

Owens’ dual‑threat performance

Owens added a rushing touchdown from the red‑zone, slicing the lead to 21‑0. He demonstrated his dual‑threat ability, showing both poise in the pocket and the willingness to attack the line of scrimmage.

Final stretch and quarterfinal outlook

Har‑Ber kept the momentum rolling, scoring two more touchdowns to close the game at 42‑6. The Wildcats’ balanced attack—efficient passing, strong running, and a disciplined defense—proved too much for Cabot.

With the win, Har‑Ber advances to the 7A state quarterfinals, where they will travel to face North Little Rock. The Wildcats will look to build on their dominant performance and continue their pursuit of a state championship.

Key takeaways

• Har‑Ber’s offense produced 42 points on a mix of passing and rushing plays.
• Quarterback Brice Owens accounted for two touchdowns, one passing and one rushing.
• The defense limited Cabot to just six points, with sophomore Eli Roper making a notable tackle.
• Special‑teams contributions, especially Sutton Reed’s punt return, gave Har‑Ber advantageous field position.
• Har‑Ber now prepares for a quarterfinal showdown with North Little Rock.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.