Going into Friday’s game at Memorial Stadium, West Memphis’ season high in scoring was 14 points in a loss to Sheridan. The Blue Devils scored 28 against El Dorado in the first half.
They didn’t score again as the Wildcats pitched a second half shutout in a 63-28 6A East victory.
After an unusually poor performance in the first half, El Dorado tightened the screws in a dominant third period. The Blue Devils earned one first down in the third and that was on a penalty.
West Memphis ran 11 offensive plays in the quarter for a total of negative 23 yards, including four sacks.
“We played like we are capable of playing,” said defensive coordinator Wes Ables. “We didn’t have the intensity in the first half.”
Linebacker Jakori Lumsey returned back to the field after missing the past couple of weeks due to an injury. The junior had 10 tackles, including one tackle for loss. Spencer Poole had five tackles and an interception, which he returned for a touchdown. Josiah Crosby had four tackles with two sacks. Jervalen Junior had five tackles, one tackle for loss with a half sack, fumble recovery and pass breakup.
According to statistics provided by Bill Evans of KIX 103, West Memphis finished the game with 92 yards rushing on 40 attempts and completed 10-of-27 passes for 139 yards with two interceptions.