Nashville faces Malvern in state semis

Nashville' Sloan Perrin scrambles away from Bauxite defenders to gain big yards during the first half of their game Friday, Nov. 11, 2022 in Bauxite, Arkansas. (Photo by Stephen B. Thornton/Special to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)
Nashville' Sloan Perrin scrambles away from Bauxite defenders to gain big yards during the first half of their game Friday, Nov. 11, 2022 in Bauxite, Arkansas. (Photo by Stephen B. Thornton/Special to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

MALVERN, Ark. -- Nashville gets its second shot at Malvern this season.

The pair of 7-4A teams collide in the Class 4A state semifinals at 7 p.m. today at Leopard Stadium.

Nashville outlasted Elkins, 63-62, in the state quarterfinals, and the Leopards survived Warren, 27-21 in overtime, last week. In the regular season meeting, Malvern beat the Scrappers, 48-34, and Nashville has won four straight since that setback.

"The kids are playing hard; we're playing our best football right now," Scrapper head coach Mike Volarvich said. "The guys are doing a good job and things are falling into place, doing what we need to get done.

"Turnovers are a big turning point; we had several turnovers in our last meeting (during the regular season). We had a fumble on a punt return, we were going in to score and fumble inside the red zone, and then we had a fourth-and-1 inside the 5 that we didn't convert for a turnover on downs. Those are three crucial plays that we have to do a better job on in that area."

Nashville is averaging 38.2 points and allowing 27.5 points per game this season. In three playoff games, the Scrappers have outscored their opponents, 128-76.

Malvern averages 40.5 points and gives up 23.9 points per outing. In their three postseason games, the Leopards have outscored their opposition, 102-66.

"From a defensive standpoint against Malvern, it starts with stopping the run and being physical up front," Volarvich said. "Malvern does a great job of running the football; they've got two guys back there with their running back and quarterback who have a bunch of yards rushing. We have to take away what I feel they do best.

"Offensively, we moved the ball fairly well against them last time. We've got to continue to execute. The last couple of weeks, our offense has been clicking pretty good; we've got to continue to do that, get some explosive plays and protect the football."

The winner plays either Harding Academy (11-0) or Arkadelphia (11-0) for the Class 4A state championship at noon on Saturday, Dec. 10 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

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