LITTLE ROCK – Four years removed from a winless season, Conway Christian left War Memorial Stadium on Friday afternoon as undefeated Class 2A state champions powered by a fourth quarter rally to take down East Poinsett County 18-8.
Conway Christian (14-0) took a 6-0 lead into halftime and kept the shutout going through the third quarter before an 18-yard interception return by East Poinsett County’s Tyrus Reel led to the Warriors’ first points on a 14-yard score by Jacob Gaines eight plays later. Gaines also converted the two-point conversion to put East Poinsett County (10-4) up 8-6 with 9:18 remaining in the game.
Conway Christian needed only three plays to respond as Brady Domokos, who was named the game’s Most Valuable Player with 137 yards and 2 scores on 22 carries, sprinted 42 yards for the go-ahead score. An unsuccessful two-point conversion made it 12-8 with 7:52 to go. Quarterback Jeryn Thomas’ 5-yard touchdown with just over four minutes left all but sealed the game for the Eagles.
Thomas completed 3 of 10 passes, two of those to Deagan Meeks for 51 yards, and rushed for 83 yards and a score. Defensively, Coleton Loper led both teams with 16 tackles, including one for loss, and forced a fumble. Beau Campbell logged 15 stops.
For EPC, Gaines finished with 112 rushing yards and a touchdown, Dee Buchanan had 36 yards on eight carries, while Eli Blagg added 29 yards while also completing 7 of his 14 passes for 64 yards. Additionally, Blagg had a quality outing on defense with two tackles for loss. Ashton Reel led the Warriors with 13 tackles.
Photos by Jimmy Jones
Kyle Sutherland is a journalist and podcast host (Arkansas Preps Weekly) for The Natural State Sports Network. His written work has been featured in outlets including the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Best of Arkansas Sports and Hooten’s Arkansas Football. He is also the color commentator for 103.7 The Buzz’s high school football Game of the Week. Email Kyle at kyle@naturalstatesports.com.