HOT SPRINGS, Ark. -- Hot Springs made it official with its 20-13 Friday night victory over Arkansas High -- the Razorbacks are eliminated from the postseason this year.
Hot Springs (4-3, 2-1 Conference 5A-South) scored all the points the Trojans would need, 14, in the opening quarter. The Razorbacks (1-6, 0-4) made a game out of it, battling to a 6-all deadline in the second half, but the never led in the game.
Hot Springs, which clinched a spot in the state playoffs, broke on top midway in the first quarter. Quarterback Isaac Shelor passed 5 yards to Blake McLelland for the TD with 5:48 showing on the clock. The kick was good, giving the hosts a 7-0 lead. The Trojans made 43 yards in nine plays for the score.
Arkansas High responded on the next kickoff, which was returned 60 yards by Logan Williams. The Hogs went the final 33 in five plays, with quarterback Layton Lammers connecting with Rickie Williams for an 18-yard scoring strike. Christian Stewart's PAT tied the score at 7-all wit 4:09 remaining in the first period.
But Hot Springs answered back, with Zay Wilson fielding the kickoff and dashing 92 yards to paydirt. Again the PAT was good, and the Trojans led 14-7 with 3:51 showing on the clock.
That would complete all the first-half scoring.
The Hogs received the second-half kickoff and were quickly forced on a three-and-out. The hosts then took over possession -- time wise -- of the third quarter, putting together an 18-play, 71-yard drive that culminated in a 27-yard goal. Arkansas High did not run another play in the third quarter after it ran its three plays to start the third stanza.
Hot Springs running back Pierce Smalley carried the brunt of the offensive workload, rushing for 156 yards on 21 carries. His teammate, Akeem Dorsey, added 38 yards on nine totes.
Arkansas High closed the gap in the final period when Lammers passed 12 yards to Jeremiah Jones for a TD with 5:42 left in the game. The kick failed, leaving Hot Springs up 17-13.
The Trojans added a 29-yard field goal to complete the scoring.
Lammers completed 5 of 12 passes for 52 yards, two TDs and two interceptions. His first pass was intercepted and his last of the game also was intercepted.
Tryston Powell led the Hogs with 84 yards on 21 carries. He was also his team's leading receiver with 21 yards.
Shelor completed 11 of 19 passes for 62 yards for one score and no interceptions.
Hope gave conference leader Camden Fairview a scare Friday, battling to a 27-27 tie at halftime. The Cardinals (8-1, 5-0), however, rallied for a 42-27 victory.