Bentonville took care of business and flat out took over the game in the final 4 minutes and 19 seconds Friday at Harmon Stadium in its showdown against rival Fayetteville.

In a back-and-forth physical slugfest, the Tigers trailed 26-23 after a Jon Fagg field goal put Fayetteville ahead at the 4:19 mark of the 4th quarter. But Bentonville (9-1, 6-1 7A-West) didn’t panic. Instead, the run game went to work — with quarterback Kasey Ford chipping in a key third down pass conversion — and the Tigers went on a clock-consuming, 8 play, 72-yard drive capped by David Nichols five-yard TD run to take a 30-26 lead with just 1:11 left.

Fayetteville’s high speed offense still had 71 seconds to come back, but an interception and Bentonville return for the TD on the very next play iced the win. And with, the Tigers secured a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

Player of the Game: Nichols rushed for just 61 yards on 11 carries, but some of his most important carries were on the game-winning drive.

Play of the Game: Taylor Powell’s screen pass attempt intercepted by Tim Fernandez on the very first play following the Bentonville go-ahead touchdown was the dealbreaker. Powell had thrown just three interceptions all season long entering the game but tossed two against the Tigers.

Injuries: There were several players who were banged up in this physical game. Most notably, Tigers’ QB Kasey Ford rolled his ankle and took awhile getting off the ground on the last play of the first half. The senior played out the game, but will need some rest.

“That’s why I’m glad we have the bye week,” Bentonville coach Jody Grant said. “We need to get him healthy.”

Notable: Kam’ ron Mays’Hunt had 12 receptions for 83 yards for Bentonville. … Tyson Morris countered with 10 catches for 165 yards for the Bulldogs. … Fayetteville hosts West Memphis in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs Friday. … Bentonville faces the winner of North Little Rock-Fort Smith Northside in two weeks.
