In a strong start to the 2026 high‑school football season, the Bentonville Tigers defeated Union of Oklahoma 24‑7 at Tiger Stadium on Monday night. The win gave the Tigers an early confidence boost and set the tone for what coaches hope will be a successful campaign.

Early momentum from special teams

Junior returner Judson Brown sparked the opening drive with a punt return that carried the ball past midfield. Although the Tigers could not convert the favorable field position into points, the play energized the home crowd and demonstrated the unit’s readiness.

Defensive play changes the game

Union’s defense held firm early, sacking quarterback Evan Canode for a nine‑yard loss on the Tigers’ first possession. The Tigers finally broke the deadlock in the second quarter when senior safety Silas Brock intercepted a deep pass, delivering the first forced turnover of the season for Bentonville.

Offensive execution follows

Capitalizing on the turnover, Canode handed the ball to running back Stephen Shafer, who powered through the Union defense for a 17‑yard gain, moving the Tigers into scoring range. Later, senior running back Nathan Clouston capped the drive with a short plunge into the end zone, giving Bentonville a 7‑0 lead with 4:14 left in the first half.

Second‑half dominance

The Tigers’ defense continued to stifle Union’s offense, limiting the Redhawks to just a single field‑goal in the second half. Bentonville added two more touchdowns on sustained drives, extending the margin to 24‑7. Union’s attempts to rally were thwarted by consistent pressure on the quarterback and disciplined tackling by the Tigers’ defensive line.

Looking ahead

Coach John Miller praised his team’s effort, noting that the early turnover and solid run game were key factors in the victory. “We executed the fundamentals we’ve been working on all offseason,” he said. “If we keep this level of focus, we’ll be competitive in the conference.”

The Tigers will return to practice on Tuesday, preparing for their next matchup against Rogers High School next Saturday. Union will look to regroup and address the defensive lapses that cost them the game.

Community support

Local fans filled the stands, showing strong community backing for the high‑school program. The win adds to Bentonville’s growing reputation for supporting youth athletics and underscores the importance of family‑centered activities in the town.

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