KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Bentonville ushered in the Jody Grant era on a positive note Friday night as the Tigers claimed a 24-13 victory over Kansas City Rockhurst at Dasta Memorial Field.

Kasey Ford completed 18 of 23 yards for 185 yards and a touchdown, while running backs Avery Donson and Jacob Clark each ran for a score.

The Tigers jumped out to a 17-0 halftime lead as Clark scored on a 3-yard run, then Ford hit Kam’Ron Mayes-Hunt for a 25-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Hayden Moehring then added a 33-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, moments after his 48-yard attempt was nullified when Rockhurst (1-2) roughed up the Tigers’ kicker.

Wisconsin commit A.J. Taylor gave the Hawklets their first points on a 3-yard touchdown run on their opening drive of the second half, but Bentonville countered with Donson’s 4-yard touchdown run with 9 minutes, 11 seconds remaining.
Clark finished the game with 114 yards on 25 carries, while Donson added 53 yards on eight carries. Bentonville outgained Rockhurst by a 382-163 yards in total offense.
The Tigers return to action next week with their home opener against Highlands Ranch (Colo.) Valor Christian.
