The Fayetteville Bulldogs accomplished something Friday night that is starting to become the norm for the Bulldogs. The Fayetteville Bulldogs won their fifth state championship in football since 2007. The title this season marks two in a row for Fayetteville in what has been two impressive seasons of football for the Purple Dogs.
The Purple Dogs found that having a new coach in Bill Blankenship would keep them on top of the 7-A conference in Arkansas. Fayetteville throughout the course of the season would defeat opponents with an explosive offense and a stifling defense. Both the offense and the defense would show just how strong they were against North Little Rock in the state championship.
North Little Rock came into the contest against Fayetteville undefeated on the season. The Charging Wildcats had ripped through the 7-A Central and the only goal left to complete was defeating Fayetteville. Fayetteville came into the contest having suffered only one defeat to Bentonville, a loss which would be avenged in the semi-finals of the playoffs. Fayetteville would present a different, tougher challenge for the Charging Wildcats.
During the first half, the Charging Wildcats were able to hang with the Purple Dogs. The second half was when Fayetteville would take control of the game. North Little Rock was able to close within a point in the third quarter to make it 20-19 Fayetteville, but that would be as close as they would get. North Little Rock could not find an answer for Fayetteville quarterback Taylor Powell. Powell would throw for four touchdown passes in the Purple Dogs victory over North Little Rock.
Fayetteville gets some time to celebrate this championship. The Purple Dogs returning players know that they have been in the state finals seven of the last 10 years and now have a tradition to keep. Bill Blankenship should be able to keep Fayetteville consistent playoff contenders down the road, but for now the Purple Dogs are once again kings of the 7-A Conference.