BENTONVILLE — There won’t be a championship showdown between undefeated teams next week in Arkansas’ largest classification.

North Little Rock spoiled that dream scenario with a 42-24 victory over Benton-ville on Friday in the Class 7A state semifinals at Tiger Stadium. The Charging Wildcats handed Bentonville its first loss of the season and advanced to play Bryant in the championship game.

Bryant remained undefeated with a 35-0 victory over Bentonville West. The wins by the 7A-Central schools set up a rematch between Bryant (12-0) and North Little Rock (8-4) after the Hornets beat the Charging Wildcats in the championship game last year at War Memorial Stadium.

Making the long trip to Bentonville isn’t a problem for North Little Rock, which opened the season with a 19-0 shutout over Tulsa (Okla.) Booker T. Washington at Tiger Stadium. But winning a semifinal game against a Bentonville team that was 11-0 was more satisfying for the Charging Wildcats, who controlled the game after scoring on their first possession.
