Springdale Football Rolls Into Postseason

The Mary Walker High School football team closed out October like the scary part of a slasher movie, scoring a combined 156 points in back-to-back victories over Columbia-Hunters and Republic. “The guys are really finding their feet and understanding the scheme at a high level,” Springdale Head Coach Wyatt Edwards said. “Our run game as been exploding due to great blocking and violent running.” The Chargers traveled to Hunters on Friday, Oct. 23, and rolled past Columbia 76-36 before returning home Friday, Oct. 30, to dismantle Republic 80-28. The consecutive victories improved Springdale’s record to 4-5 and showcased a rushing attack that accumulated 732 yards and 15 touchdowns over the two games. “The O line has really started to mesh and again understand the scheme and are getting a hat on a hat all the way downfield,” Edwards said. “The running backs have been doing great at trusting them and running violent behind them.” It also earned them a spot in the 1B playoffs when they’ll face Pomeroy at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6.

“Pomeroy is a great team and going to be a great challenge for the team,” Edwards said. “Our message is simple tho trust your brothers and do your job. Trying to prepare these young guys is going to be a challenge but they are ecstatic and ready for the challenge just have to keep them focused.” Junior Jonas Dean delivered the most impressive individual performance of the stretch, rushing for 318 yards and seven touchdowns in the victory over Columbia. Senior Marc Andrew was equally effective when called upon, carrying seven times for 96 yards and three touchdowns. Andrew averaged 13.7 yards per carry and broke off a 49-yard run. Freshman Zach Gilman added 85 yards on 10 carries, giving the Chargers yet another weapon. As a team, Springdale finished with 499 rushing yards on just 32 attempts, averaging 15.6 yards per carry. All 10 of the Chargers’ recorded offensive touchdowns came on the ground.

Dean was a force on both sides of the ball, recording a team-high 14 tackles, including three tackles for loss and a sack. Senior Tyson Kane finished with six tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks, while freshman Levi Lane contributed nine tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. Andrew also recorded six tackles, while freshman Cable Turner finished with six. A week later, Springdale continued its offensive surge against a winless Republic squad, building a commanding first-half lead on its way to an 80-28 victory. The Chargers exploded for 40 points in the opening quarter, while Republic managed 12. Springdale added another 26 points in the second quarter, taking a 66- 20 advantage into halftime.

The Chargers extended their lead with 14 unanswered points in the third quarter before Republic added eight points in the fourth to account for the final margin. Springdale’s offense again relied heavily on its ground game, rushing for 233 yards and five touchdowns on 19 carries. The Chargers averaged 12.3 yards per rushing attempt. Dean led the rushing attack with 78 yards on just four carries, averaging 19.5 yards per attempt. Andrew contributed a 15-yard touchdown run on his only carry, while freshman Nolan Swearngin added 38 yards and two touchdowns on four carries. The Chargers also found success through the air. Andrew completed both of his pass attempts for 64 yards and a touchdown, finishing with a perfect completion percentage.

Gilman hauled in a 30-yard touchdown reception, adding another scoring play to Springdale’s offensive performance. In total, the Chargers recorded 297 yards of offense in the victory, with 233 rushing and 64 passing. Kane led the Chargers with 10 total tackles, including four tackles for loss and a sack. Dean continued his strong two-way play, finishing with nine tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. Gilman contributed six tackles, while Lane added five tackles, a tackle for loss, and an interception. Freshman Cable Turner recorded three tackles, while sophomore Mikel Ford added three tackles and a tackle for loss. Junior Trystyn Pinyan also contributed a sack as the Chargers combined for three sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

“Man having this roster is amazing the boys are just getting started they just keep getting better I can’t wait to see what they do in a couple years,” Edwards said about his underclassmen laden roster. The two victories represented an impressive offensive stretch for Mary Walker, which outscored its opponents 156-64 over the two weeks. Over the two games, Dean rushed for 396 yards and seven touchdowns on just 19 carries, averaging more than 20 yards per attempt. Andrew contributed 111 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns while also adding a passing touchdown against Republic. “This team has improved dramatically,” Edwards said. “In so many aspects. I couldn’t be more proud of how they have come together with a brand new system and taken huge steps forward.