Justin Howell (40) leads the way for Jim Threatt (23) as he prepares to take the pitch from quarterback Daniel Baldwin (2) in last week's game against Earle. Also shown are Mohawks Josh Moore (52) and Rob Rice (12). (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge]

Last Friday night's game at Parker Field can only be described as "ugly"…not just ugly, but downright ugly, despite the fact that it involved two talented teams. On the night both the Piggott Mohawks and the Earle Bulldogs had issues with turnovers and the penalty flags, but the Bulldogs were able to capitalize on their speed advantage to the tune of a lopsided 43-0 conference win.

Going into last week's game the Piggott coaching staff, and players, knew they would have their hands full. The Bulldogs, coming off a deep run into the playoffs last year as a 2A school, returned just about every starter from both sides of the football. The Bulldogs were also on a roll, having posted wins over a several non-conference foes and then blasting the Bobcats at Corning 46-14 in week four. Meanwhile the Tribe was coming off a home conference win over the Cave City Cavemen, and are currently mid-pack in the conference hunt. The Mohawks also found themselves facing what is likely the quickest team in conference without sophomore speedster Corbin Chase, who missed school due to illness and wasn't dressed for the ballgame.

The Mohawks won the coin toss before a packed homecoming crowd, and deferred to the second half of play. Alek Samples then squibbed the opening kickoff to Earle's Anthony Maples, and the Bulldogs set up on offense for the first time. The Bulldogs then marched downfield, despite facing a couple of fourth down situations, with Benequez Williams scoring the first touchdown of the game with 6:06 to go in the first quarter. The two point conversion attempt was no good as Earle took the lead 6-0.

Following the Bulldog kickoff the Mohawks would go on offense for the first time, and on the first play from scrimmage Earle would jump off-sides. Michael Morgan then carried the ball for about two yards, and followed that up with a gain for first-down yardage. But, the Mohawk drive stalled moments later though, and Samples was forced to punt the ball back to the Bulldogs.

Luckily the Tribe would get the ball back a short time later, and aided by several Bulldog penalty flags, were able to mount a drive behind the running of Morgan, Jim Threatt and Justin Howell. But again the Piggott drive stalled, this time at the Bulldog four yard line, as a pass attempt from Daniel Baldwin to Jim Threatt was tipped-away on fourth down.

On the first play following the turnover on downs, the Bulldog's Michael Wilson took the ball 91 yards for their second touchdown of the game. On the two point conversion attempt Piggott's Rob Rice chased down the scrambling Anthony Washington and the score remained 12-0.

Following the Earle touchdown the Tribe went back on offense, and were able to move the ball on their first several plays. But that drive ended as the Mohawks fumbled the ball back to the Bulldogs on a reverse, and moments later Williams scored to make it an 18-0 lead, though the two point conversion was no good.

The remainder of the first half saw the Mohawks fumble the ball away two more times, and draw a costly personnel foul penalty that would set-up the Bulldogs fourth score. That came on a 10 yard run by Wilson, and this time Derrick Jarrett completed the two point conversion to make it a 26-0 ballgame.

As the second quarter began to wind-down the Tribe got several strong runs from Howell, Threatt and Morgan but were unable to find paydirt. But the Bulldogs would score one more time before intermission, as they took a 34-0 lead into the locker room at the half.

During the second half the Bulldogs would extend their lead to 43-0, as the Tribe tried a variety of different sets and formations. The highlight of the half, and perhaps the game, for the Mohawks was an acrobatic diving catch on a 31 yard pass from Baldwin to Rice. Otherwise the Tribe was unable to move the ball against the tough Earle defense for much of the game.

Late in the contest the Mohawks also got a scare, as senior running back Justin Howell was shaken-up after making a short pass reception. Howell came down awkwardly and slammed the back of his helmet onto the turf, but jumped up and returned to the huddle. Seconds later he slumped to the ground, and was attended to by medical personnel. He was transported from the scene, against his will, to the emergency room of Piggott Community Hospital where he was reportedly checked-out and released. According to coaches he should be back in action this week at Harrisburg.

Late in the ballgame the Mohawks brought in their second string offense, and got several big carries from Samples. But the Piggott squad would come up short, and turned the ball over on downs once again deep in Earle territory with about two minutes to play. The Bulldogs would then score their final touchdown as they notched the win.

"Boys you just saw the best team in the conference," Coach Dave Hendrix told his team following the loss, "you don't have any reason to hang your heads, you played your best."

With the loss the Mohawks fall to 3-2 overall, and stand at 1-1 in 3A-3 conference play. This Friday night the Tribe will visit the Harrisburg Hornets with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. The Hornets and the Bulldogs are the only unbeaten teams in conference at 5-0 and 2-0. Hoxie, Piggott, Corning and the Rivercrest Colts all stand at 1-1 in conference play while Manila and Cave City have yet to win a conference game.