Trailing 21-14 late in the fourth quarter Friday against Little Rock Christian, El Dorado quarterback Cannon Jacobs lofted a pass into the end zone to Paxton Strong. Strong leaped up over two defenders but had the ball knocked away as he landed in the end zone.
If the Wildcats had been able to score there, Coach Chris Hill was asked if he would’ve gone for two and the win.
“Absolutely,” he answered quickly. “We had the play called. We’d talked about it. We knew what play we wanted to run and felt good about it. Yeah, we were definitely going for two.”
There were a few what ifs in El Dorado’s 21-14 season-opening loss. The Wildcats’ defense, however, played well - no ifs, ands or what ifs about it.
Little Rock Christian threw for 152 yards on 16-of-32 attempts with two interceptions. The interceptions by Jakori Lumsey and Jaquaviun Hampton set up both of El Dorado’s scores, including Hampton’s return for a touchdown.
“Defense played well, just too many snaps. I’ll take giving up 21 points to Little Rock Christian most Friday nights,” said El Dorado defensive coordinator Wes Ables. “If we can keep our starters on the field for the entire game, we have a chance to be good.”
Lumsey had 10 tackles, including two for losses with an interception. Tahmadai White had six tackles. Jervalen Junior had five tackles, including a tackle for loss. Bretaveon Brown had 5.5 tackles with a forced fumble and a pass breakup. Spencer Poole had 4.5 tackles. Evan Wilson had 3.5 tackles and two pass breakups.”
Offensively, the Wildcats struggled to run the football, amassing just 56 yards on the ground. El Dorado ran the ball well a week earlier against North Little Rock in the benefit scrimmage.
Was Little Rock Christian’s defense solely responsible for stuffing the run or did the Wildcats contribute to their own demise?
“I’m going to have to watch the film first. I think it’s probably a combination of the two,” said Hill. “I know we missed some blocks early. You’ve got to be sound up front, technically sound. You’ve got to know your assignments and play with great technique. I will have to watch the film but I feel confident in saying it’s a little bit of both.”
Jacobs completed 9-of-20 passes for 125 yards with three interceptions. Strong had four receptions for 57 yards, all on the same drive.
“They were bringing pressure off the edge and leaving him uncovered. A lot of times we checked down and he made a couple great catches,” said Hill. “He has the ability to know when to settle in zone and when to run through it. He had that one in the end zone at the very end. It just popped out of his hands. It would’ve been an ESPN highlight reel catch. He’s going to be a big part for us. You could see that tonight.”
AJ Gilmore had three receptions for 49 yards and blocked a field goal. Hill said the senior played every snap on offense, defense and special teams.
El Dorado will host Camden Fairview next Friday. The Cardinals beat Arkadelphia 40-25 last week.