By Demetrice Elmore, Amanda Smallwood and Julie Storing
UCA sportswriting
GREENBRIER—The Greenbrier Panthers crushed the Morrilton Devil Dogs, 56-33, in a 5A-West conference game on Friday at Don Jones Stadium.
The victory moves Greenbrier to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play. The Panthers are tied for second in the West behind unbeaten Siloam Springs.
“Well, it was kind of wild,” Greenbrier coach Randy Tribble said. “They scored too many points, but our offense answered back.”
Junior Hunter Winston tied the school record for most touchdowns in a single game with six — a record that has stood since 1995.
“It’s pretty special,” Tribble said of Winston’s achievement. “He’s a good hard-nosed, fast running back.”
Greenbrier struck early in the first quarter with a touchdown by Winston in the first three minutes. Greenbrier went up 7-0 after a PAT by senior TJ Tapley — who has yet to miss a PAT this season.
Morrilton drove 46 yards from its 27 on six carries by Justin Criswell. A penalty against Greenbrier pushed Morrilton to the 14, and Criswell brought the ball in for a 14-yard touchdown.
Morrilton missed the PAT, putting the score at 7-6.
Greenbrier took control of the ball again and Winston scored on a 22-yard touchdown with five minutes left in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, sophomore Neal Burcham fumbled the ball, recovered it and then passed it to senior Tyler Hardee for 21 yards. Greenbrier scored a touchdown on the next play on a 14-yard pass to Winston.
Morrilton took the ball, but the Greenbrier defense held for three plays before Morrilton punted for 31 yards.
Greenbrier scored a touchdown on a 6-yard pass to Winston, and the PAT put the Panthers up, 28-6.
Morrilton was the next to score a touchdown on a four-yard run by Criswell with 37 seconds left in the first half.
In the third quarter, Burcham fumbled, and Morrilton recovered it and scored a 1-yard touchdown. After completing the two-point conversion, Morillton closed the score to 28-20.
Greenbrier drove for 43 yards from its 49 before senior Justin Head scored on a pass by Burcham.
Criswell scored another touchdown for Morrilton after rushing 37 yards on the first play of the fourth quarter. Morrilton failed to execute the two-point conversion when Head tackled Criswell.
Greenbrier drove for 11 yards from its 47 before Winston rushed 42 yards for a touchdown.
Morrilton fumbled after receiving the kickoff, and senior Brady Day recovered it for Greenbrier on Morrilton’s 20.
Winston then rushed 20 yards for his record-tying touchdown. After Tapley kicked the PAT, Greenbrier went ahead 49-26.
Greenbrier’s defense stepped up to keep Morrilton at its 39 for three consecutive plays. Morrilton was forced to punt on its fourth down for 55 yards.
Burcham then rushed 48 yards for a Greenbrier touchdown.
The last touchdown of the game went to Morrilton after a 22-yard rush by Criswell to leave the score at 56-33.
Winston rushed for 186 yards on 15 carries. Burcham completed 21 of 34 attempted passes for 330 yards and three touchdowns.
This game was Greenbrier’s last home game for the regular season and Senior Night.
Tribble said that he hadn’t even begun to think about losing the seniors yet but would miss them.
“I think they will be remembered as the class that turned it around,” Tribble said. “They’ve been through a lot, and they set the groundwork. We were very proud of them even when they went 1-9 last year and 2-8 the previous year.”
Winston said that he would miss playing with the seniors next year.
“It’s kind of sad,” he said. “It’s the last home game with the seniors, and I’ve really enjoyed playing with them.”
Greenbrier will hit the road to play Harrison next Friday in a 5A-West conference game that will end the regular season.
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