The Arkansas High vs Texas High cross town rivalry, over 100 years strong was a defensive struggle all night long.

The Razorback defense proved to be the mightier last Friday night, shutting out the Tigers 7-0. It might have been a little bigger score but the Hogs had a touchdown called back because of a holding penalty, and a field goal blocked.

Arkansas High Coach, former Texas High leader Barry Norton was happy for his players, "It was a great win for our kids. It was the result we expected. I thought our kids did a really good job playing really hard. By no means did we play great but we played exceptionally hard. I am really proud of them."

The Razorback defense led the charge by holding the potentially explosive Texas High offense in check pretty much all night. Norton said they went into the contest with a specific defensive game plan. "Take Tevailance Hunt out of the game, pressure the QB, be physical." By taking Hunt out of the game the coach meant roll the coverage to him and keep him from getting going as far as catches are concerned. It worked as they limited him to a small handful of catches.

The defense also kept pressure on the Tiger quarterback, with at least 6 sacks and lots of pressure. Just what the doctor ordered for a Hog victory according to Norton, "Texas High has tremendous skill players and to hold them to zero points is a testament to our players and defensive coaches."

Offensively Arkansas High did just enough to secure the win. Coach Norton believes they left some points on the field. He says by design they played extremely conservative. The only threw the ball 11 times, but completed 7 of those and that created some big plays for the Hogs. Coach says statistically it may not have been the prettiest thing, but the only stat that matters was the Win! He adds that they will be expanding their offense weekly and find ways to win ball games.

Up next is the last non-conference contest for the Razorbacks, a home match up against the Camden-Fairview Cardinals. Norton has seen film on them and describes them as big and athletic, and he expects a really competitive game on Friday night.

Improvement each week is what coach wants to see out of his troops. "We played ok on Friday but we will have to be much better in order to get where we want to go. If we continue to improve daily then I believe we all will be really proud of the Razorbacks."

The Razorback fans were into the game from the start on Friday night and kept the emotions high and upbeat all night. I asked the coach how much a team feeds on that support," Lots!!!, the opening of the newly renovated stadium created a buzz and the fans were awesome from beginning to end. I thought everyone is red had a great time Friday night. Dr. Kessler and the board did a tremendous job with the stadium and I think our community is really proud."

Norton added that he is really proud of his players and the work and the fight they have exhibited so far. He says, as coaches, we challenge them daily to the be the best they can be on the field and most importantly in the classroom.

Having reported on and followed the coach for several decades, that is one thing you can be assured of, he always stresses the importance of the "kids" being successful both on and off the field.

The kids are priority one with Norton and that is something that Arkansas High and the community can be proud.

Kickoff for this Fridays home game against the Camden-Fairview Cardinals is 7:00PM.

 

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