DIERKS, Ark.-Dierks is in a four-way tie for first place with two games remaining for the Outlaws, which hold their fate in their hands for a share of the Conference 7-2A title.
Dierks hosts Spring Hill Friday before finishing its regular season at home against Murfreesboro.The Outlaws are 4-1 in conference after doubling up on Mount Ida, 42-21, on the Lions' home turf last week. Mount Ida, Foreman, and Murfreesboro are 4-1 in conference. Dierks is averaging 39.6 points per game.
"The win against Mount Ida was huge for us," Outlaw head coach Vince Perrin said. "They have only been beaten twice in the past two years. Our kids played really, really well and hard. We're starting to click, and we're getting settled in defensively. The win gave us the confidence we need to move forward."
Senior Lane Woodruff had 220 total yards as he rushed for 134 on just seven carries and caught three passes for 86 yards. Woodruff scored two touchdowns for Dierks against Mount Ida and had a long run of 70 yards.
"Lane is explosive and his vision is unbelievable," Perrin said. "He is dangerous when he gets the ball in his hands. Sometimes he can make something happen when there's nothing there. It all starts with the offensive line, and they did a good job of controlling the line of scrimmage."
Brent Armstrong is the Outlaw's center, Gabe Humphreys and Dalton Sherk play at guard, Jeff Kompkoff and Cameron Pugh are the tackles, and Andrew Hilton rotates in at tackle. This experienced group of six provide running lanes for Dierks' ground attack.
Peyton Frachiseur, a senior, totaled 85 yards on eight totes for an average of 10.6 yards per carry. The Outlaws amassed 317 yards rushing on 35 carries.
"Peyton has done a great job and is patient when he runs," Perrin said. "He is explosive, tough, and has good speed."
Cale Adams is one of Dierks' defensive leaders and totaled at least 20 tackles for the second time this season as he made 21 stops against Mount Ida. Adams plays at outside linebacker and had 21 tackles in a 45-41 loss to Fouke earlier in the season. He has 111 stops for the year.
Jarett Fox, who plays defensive end, made 14 tackles, 13 of which were solos, for the Outlaws.
"Cale, I believe, is the second-leading tackler in the state," Dierks' head coach said. "He's very sharp and reads plays well. Cale is a great tackler, is all over the field, and I couldn't be more proud of him.
"Jarrett is 6-foot-4 and is a college prospect. He played great technique all night and got to the ball quickly. Jarrett made his presence known; he's a really physical kid."
Jed Morrow had a good defensive game at defensive tackle as he sacked the quarterback once, caused a fumble, and returned a fumble for seven yards. Morrow added seven tackles.
Hilton is a two-way player and helps keep the outside contained at defensive end. Hilton returned a fumble five yards for a touchdown against Mount Ida. Perrin said that Hilton has been solid all year long and gets better every week.
"The defense as a whole plays extremely fast, and their pursuit to the football is second to none," Perrin said.
Caleb Adams is Dierks' quarterback and punter. Adams threw for 99 yards and one score and legged 2 of 6 punts inside the 20-yard line. His longest punt went 45 yards.
"Caleb did an awesome job punting the football," the Outlaws' head coach said. "He does a great job of managing the offense to keep us where we need to be."
If Dierks, Foreman, and Mount Ida win out, the Outlaws will tie for the Conference 7-2A championship. The Gators host Murfreesboro Friday and will pick up a forfeit win against Mountain Pine on Nov. 3. The Lions pick up a forfeit win against Mountain Pine Friday and finish the season at home against Lafayette County.
Senior place kicker Guillermo Sanz was a special teams standout. Perrin said that Sanz did a good job of booting extra points and kicking the ball off.