WMCS loses late lead

WMCS loses late lead

Black Knights slip up against Kirk

Sports Editor West Memphis Christian lost a chance to solidify its postseason status last Friday night at Knights Field II.

The Black Knights (1-4 overall, 1-0 in district) took an 8-7 lead in the second half, but watched as Kirk Academy finished stronger in a 23-14 win for the visitors.

“We came out pretty flat, to be honest,” said West Memphis Christian head coach Darrow Anderson.

“We made too many mistakes early on, we had some holding calls. We had a block in the back on a 15-yard run. A penalty killed our second drive. We dropped a pass on our fourth series that would have went for a touchdown.”

Those mistakes allowed Kirk Academy to take a 70 lead with it to halftime.

However, West Memphis Christian responded positively after halftime, when it took that 8-7 lead that also doubled as the tally after three quarters.

Kirk scored first in the fourth quarter, for a 15-8 lead, but West Memphis Christian was undaunted, scoring on the following drive to get within 15-14, but a bobbled snap kept the Black Knights from tying the game.

“We had every opportunity to go out and win that game, we just weren’t up to par,” Anderson said.

It was the second consecutive week that West Memphis Christian lost a late lead.

“You can’t dwell on stuff, or beat yourself up over it,” Anderson said. “I feel like sometimes when we get late in these games, we get a little tired, and when you get tired, you’re more likely to make mistakes.

Unfortunately, those mistakes were crucial the other day and cost us.”

Sophomore Parker Benson finished 2 of 6 passing for 18 yards and a touchdown, good for a quarterback rating of 81.9.

Benson also added a rushing touchdown.

Junior Matthew Baker led the Black Knights 95 yards rushing on 11 carries, while senior Jameson Smith chipped in with 49 yards on 10 carries.

Thomas Warren also toted the ball 7 times for 43 yards.

Warren and Smith also caught a pass apiece, for 8 and 10 yards, respectively.

Senior Hunter Weathers led West Memphis Christian with 10 tackles, including a tackle for loss and freshman Daniel Rivera was next up with 6 tackles. Warren added 5 tackles of his own.

Weathers and junior Charlie Farr each had a sack against Kirk, while Evin Cooper forced a fumble that Baker recovered.

West Memphis Christian leaps back into district play this week when they travel to play Lee Academy in Helena-West

Helena for its second league game this year.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

By Chuck Livingston