El Dorado’s defense forced a season-high six turnovers in a 54-14 win at Russellville on Friday. The Wildcats improved to 3-6 overall and punched their ticket into the 6A State playoffs.
El Dorado held the Cyclones to just 37 yards on the ground. Russellville completed 33 of 50 passes for 257 yards.
Sophomore cornerback Mario Ganter led the Wildcats with two interceptions to go with five tackles. Quentin Frazier had nine tackles. Jacoby Hankton had three tackles and recovered a fumble. Martavious Green had had three hurries and blocked a punt, which led to a scoop and score by Jarmel Love. Carmerious Rucks had three tackles, a tackle for loss, a fumble recovery and an interception at the goalline.
Jyrin Steward had eight tackles. Clasine Miller had five tackles and broke up a pass while Will Artis forced a fumble.
“Our (second team) played awesome, holding Russellville's starting offense to seven points,” said El Dorado defensive coordinator Trey Outlaw. “Really proud of our starting defense only giving up two touchdowns in two weeks with one of those TDs where the offense started on the 1.”
El Dorado hosts Little Rock Hall in the regular season finale on Friday. The defense hopes to take three consecutive solid performances into the playoffs.
“I really think we have some great momentum going into the last game of the year and the first round of the playoffs, which is huge,” said Outlaw. “Really excited where we’re at defensively coming off forcing six turnovers.”