The Greenwood Bulldogs would pull off what seemed to be an improbable come from behind victory. 56-53 against Fort Smith Northside.
Seven Seconds. Seven Seconds is all Greenwood needed to cap one of the most memorable games in Bulldog football history. Why not? It is the 100th Anniversary of Greenwood Football. The win against Pulaski Academy in 2010, the “Fog Game” in the semi-finals against Malvern, down to Alma 21-7 to win Conference in 1996, these all have a place. Joining them now is the 2022 Northside vs Greenwood thriller.
With seven seconds left on the clock freshman Kane Archer, not only subbing for the injured Hunter Houston, stepped up in the pocket and threw a Hail Mary pass to Grant Karnes. Karnes turned at the 5 and dove to the end zone securing the win with no time left on the clock. It would be the only time Greenwood would have the lead and it was the most important time to have the lead.
“It is a night I will remember for the rest of my life”
– Head Coach Chris Young
Early on it looked as if Northside had the Greenwood Offense and Defense figured out. A deep pass on the first drive set Northside up for the quick first score. Greenwood would answer back driving down inside the Northside 5, where Senior QB Hunter Houston would punch it in. Northside when then drive down into Greenwood territory where a well executed reverse by T’Kavion King would put Northside up 14-7. On the ensuing Greenwood drive a snap would get past the QB and end up in the hands of Northside who would take it in for the score 21-7. Greenwood would get the ball and stall out and punt. Northside would take to the air again to find the end zone to go up 27-7.
Into the 2nd quarter, Hunter Houston would connect with Aiden Kennon to set up a 30 yard pass for a touchdown to sophomore Grant Karnes. Northside’s offense would hit a wall in the quarter, stalling on their first drive forcing them to punt within their own red zone. A toe dragging catch by Junior Peyton Presson and the catch and run to the 5 yard line by L.J. Robins was capped by Hunter Houston’s second rushing TD of the game. With the Dogs chipping away at the Northside lead. Northside would then drive down to the Greenwood 20 yard line and elect to attempt a field goal on 4th down. The kick would be blocked with Greenwood recovering. Houston would go out that drive with an injury opening the door for the touted Freshmen signal-caller an opportunity. Kane Archer got several plays in, when Hunter Houston would check back in. After a run down to the 5 the senior would check out of the rest of the game, bringing Archer back in at QB. A high pass on 4th down would stop the Bulldogs chances on scoring before the half. The score at halftime was 27-21 Northside on top.
Greenwood’s first drive of the second half would result in a fumble. On the other side, Northside’s first drive would see T’Kavion King taking the handoff and sprinting to the left for a TD, the extra point would be missed when the kick pinged off the upright. Greenwood would get the kickoff and drive down the field with passes to Presson and Noah Chaser. Several runs highlighted the drive, Archer escapes a would be tackle and keeps it sliding close to the first down marker to setup a run by Javon Williamson on the next play. Another run by Williamson put the Dogs on the Grizzly 13 yard line. Facing 4th and goal, Archer would find L.J. Robins in the back of the end zone for the TD. The extra point would be good bringing Greenwood within five, 33-28. Northside would face fourth and eight on their next drive with the Greenwood defense coming up with a big stop of elusive QB Pum Savoy. Greenwood’s next possession would end in a punt that put Northside deep in their own territory. A few plays later the quarter would come to an end. Northside on top 33-28. The fireworks were just about to begin.
Northside would overcome several penalties to score the touchdown on a Savoy pass. Greenwood’s drive would end with an interception, which Northside would capitalize on with another pass for the touchdown. The Bulldogs would then score again adding the extra point. with the score 46-35 with 5:54 left to play. On the ensuing kickoff, a penalty would have Greenwood kicking off from the Northside 45, Grant Karnes would come diving in for the onside recovery. Archer would get intercepted for the 2nd time. Northside’s Pum Savoy would take the quarterback keeper 64 yards for the touchdown, extra point was good making the score 53-35. Grant Karnes would take the kickoff down to the Northside 22, breathing life back into the Bulldogs with under four minutes left in the game. Archer would find Aiden Kennon at the 20 and he would take the ball inside the 5 yard line. Two plays later Payton Presson gets the touchdown off an Archer throw, extra point is good. The onside kick would be recovered by Northside. The Grizzlies would lean on their run game to help seal the win but would come up short on a crucial third down and have to punt.
Greenwood’s next series, Archer would spread the ball around getting passes to Kennon, Robins, Karnes, Williamson. Javon Williamson would punch it in from a yard out, with Kane getting the 2-point conversion. Greenwood would recover the onside. With 13 seconds left in the game Archer would keep the ball running out of bounds. Seven Seconds. The pass is thrown to the only spot it can go, Karnes makes the catch turns and dives into the end zone capping one of the most improbable come from behind victories. Northside 53, Greenwood 56
“Man, I’m just so proud of our kids. I told them it wasn’t about winning the ball game it’s about not giving up.” Head Coach Chris Young said. “We were getting our tail kicked and our kids didn’t make excuses. They didn’t gripe at each other. They said ‘Coach! We got it!'”
“I hate it for Northside, those kids played their tails off. There wasn’t a loser tonight. Everyone on the field was a winner, because they all kept playing.”
The win moved Greenwood to 51 straight home victories and their 14th straight home opener. Greenwood will be at home against Mountain Home next Friday to start 6A West Conference play.
