NW Democrat-Gazette

Maumelle stung by close calls

By Erick Taylor

Conference action heats up this week, so there’s no need for Maumelle to press any kind of panic buttons just yet after suffering another close loss.

The Hornets (1-3) are mired in a three-game losing streak after Shreveport Byrd held on for a 24-21 victory Thursday night. Since beating Sylvan Hills 31-21 on Aug. 26, Maumelle’s next three games have been decided by a combined eight points. The Hornets also lost to Joe T. Robinson 47-44 in overtime on Sept. 3, and 34-32 to Vilonia last week.

But the most recent defeat was particularly tough, considering how the game played out late.

The teams were tied at 7-7 at halftime until Byrd stormed ahead in the third quarter. Maumelle did have a chance at a go-ahead score in the fourth after getting the ball at its own 17 with 4:26 left in the game before controversy caused the Hornets’ drive to stall.

On fourth and 8 from the Maumelle 41, quarterback Weston Pierce hit wide receiver Roderick Watts for what appeared to be a first down near midfield. But officials placed the ball just short of the 49, which was shy of where the Hornets needed to reach to maintain possession. The Yellow Jackets took over and were eventually able to run out the clock to win the game.

Pierce did what he could to keep his team afloat by completing 20 of 28 passes for 264 yards and 2 touchdowns for Maumelle, which held the Yellow Jackets to 225 yards rushing – 170 less than their season average. Watts totaled 12 catches for 169 yards and a score as well.

The good news for the Hornets is that all three setbacks were nonconference contests. League play officially begins Friday in the 5A-Central for the Hornets, who’ll start their playoff push at No. 10 Little Rock Christian.

Recruiting | High School Football

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2021-09-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://edition.nwaonline.com/article/283210151371931

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