Tigers attempt to reach full strength

Bentonville was without three starters last week when the Tigers completed nonconference play with a 19-7 victory at Conway.

Senior tailback Jacob Clark, linebacker Jared Ritchie and defensive lineman Jack Patterson were on the sidelines last week with injuries, and Bentonville coach Jody Grant is hopeful his team will be in better health this week for its 7A-West Conference opener Friday at Fayetteville.

“Having those starters out affected us a little bit,” Grant said. “But that’s part of the game, and we just moved the next man up.

“It’s the same situation this week. We’re hoping to get some of those guys back. We still have some that are banged up that aren’t practicing this week. We’re hoping we can make a game-time situation, but we’re going to make their health a priority.

Bentonville and Fayetteville have played the regular-season finale for the past four seasons, but now they will meet in the conference opener. Grant said he personally likes the idea of having the Purple’Dogs to start off league play.

“Fayetteville will traditionally be one of the best teams in our conference,” Grant said. “I want our kids to go and get them from the get-go.

“We understand that each and every week we’re going to see a good opponent. I would just assume to go and get the top opponents and see where our kids are at. That’s why we play such a tough nonconference schedule — for situations like this.”
