The crowd is certainly getting into the game after an exciting first half of football. There’s still a lot of time left, but so far Texas High has dominated with a score of 10-0.
Before the game, students and players were pumped about the Tigers’ biggest game of the year and were anticipating the start.
“I’m really excited about the game,” sophomore Chassity Jefferson said. “Mostly because of the bright lights, the game, the band and the experience overall. I think we are going to do great.”
Students were anxious about their team being able to live up to the expectations.
“I’m really nervous,” senior Madeleine Russell said. “Clete is a really good friend of mine, and I hope he does well. It’s his first game.”
Texas High Alumni Nathan Vasher was honored before the game for his football achievements at the University of Texas and NFL.
“It brings back great memories,” Vasher said. “I played against Arkansas High for three years and won every time, so I guess I just expect the win. I know how hard they worked this summer to get ready. I expect a lot out of them this year. I would put on pads and get out there if I could.”
The first quarter was completely back and forth. Neither team was able to get much separation. On their first play from scrimmage, the Razorbacks put the ball on the ground but managed to recover it. The Razorbacks ended up stalling and were forced to punt. The Tigers got the ball and managed to put the first points on the board with a field goal from place kicker Steven Crenshaw.
On the next Razorback possession, the offense used an effective read option attack. That, with some help from sloppy Tiger tackling, got the Razorbacks deep into Texas territory. Tiger cornerback Kevin Harris stepped up in the red zone and made some big plays to get the momentum.
“I had to do my job,” Harris said. “If I hadn’t had stopped them, I would have failed the team and would have given them a touchdown. I had to get inside and hit them hard.”
After Harris’ big plays, the Razorbacks attempted a short field goal but hit it wide left. Tiger junior running back Treveon Walker broke off a big run after the missed field goal, but the Tigers couldn’t turn the drive into points.
The second quarter was punctuated by a long touchdown pass by junior quarterback Clete Norton to senior receiver Ben Adams and a on-field brawl. The fight was started by Razorback players in response to a late hit on the quarterback. The fight resulted in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Arkansas High.
The first two epic quarters have left both the Razorback and Tiger fans hungry for some more, hopefully sportsmanlike, action.
Staff writers Robert Hoover and DJ Mack contributed to this story.
