Pea Ridge High School celebrated a milestone on Saturday night, earning its first home victory over longtime rival Alma with a 35‑21 win. The game, played at the Blackhawks’ home field, featured a series of turnovers that swung momentum firmly in Pea Ridge’s favor.
Turnover battle decides the outcome
Alma opened the contest with a quick 7‑0 lead, but the Blackhawks responded by forcing multiple turnovers that set up scoring opportunities. Early in the first quarter, Dallas Perkins fumbled after a handoff, and Pea Ridge recovered at the Alma 16‑yard line, giving the home team a short field.
Alma answered with an interception by Nate Risley, catching Pea Ridge quarterback Hudson White off‑guard. However, the Airedales could not capitalize on the takeaway, and the score remained unchanged.
White answered in the second quarter with a precise touchdown pass to Isaiah Cruz, tying the game at 7‑7. The momentum shift continued when Alma’s Quinton Broadway fumbled while fighting for extra yards after a reception from Jay Lemieux. Pea Ridge’s Cannon Bennett recovered the ball, and the Blackhawks turned the turnover into points on the next play.
White connected with Boone Bennoch for a touchdown, giving Pea Ridge a 14‑7 lead. Later in the half, another Alma fumble was recovered by Pea Ridge, and running back Rhett Hargiss broke free for a long touchdown run, extending the lead to two scores.
Key performances
Quarterback Hudson White was instrumental, throwing for two touchdowns and managing the offense efficiently after the early turnover scare. Wide receiver Isaiah Cruz provided a reliable target, while Boone Bennoch contributed a crucial score in the second quarter.
Defensively, Pea Ridge’s secondary forced three turnovers, a performance that Coach John Miller praised after the game. “Our kids showed resilience and capitalized on every opportunity,” Miller said. “Turning those mistakes into points is what wins games.”
Alma’s offense struggled to regain its early rhythm, despite a promising start. The Airedales’ inability to convert turnovers into points ultimately cost them the contest.
Looking ahead
With the win, Pea Ridge improves to 2‑0 on the season and builds confidence heading into the next round of the district schedule. Alma, now 1‑1, will look to rebound in its upcoming matchup against Rogers High School, hoping to correct the turnover issues that plagued this game.
The victory also underscores the importance of disciplined play and ball security in high‑school football, lessons that both teams will carry forward as the season progresses.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
