CLARKSVILLE — Harrison had to win on Friday night to stay in the playoff picture hunt in the 5A-West.
The team was in a three-way tie for fourth place with Alma and Morrilton.
Clarksville allowed Harrison to do as it pleased on offense as the Goblins moved to a 35-3 win over the Panthers.
If the scores stand up, both Alma and Morrilton, the two teams tied with Harrison for fourth place, were on the losing end of the scoreboard late in their respective games on Friday night. Should Morrilton and Alma both lose, then the Goblins have a berth in the Class 5A Football Playoffs. Even if Harrison finishes in a tie with either school or both schools they own the tie-breaker over both.
The Goblins turned the corner in the game in the third period.
Harrison scored three times to break open.
Receiving the ball to start the second half, Harrison made two important fourth down conversions. Talon Stephens caught both of those passes. The last of those came from 13 yards out and gave the Goblins a big score.
Senior Goblin Brodey Gilliam scored the next touchdown for Harrison. The drive started after an interception by Alex Mills.
Quarterback Logan Plumlee found Tristan Thompson for a 5-yard touchdown pass.
Brock Bardwell hit all three point after attempts to give the Goblins a 28-0 lead.
Harrison put the game into mercy rule status with 7:29 left in the final period as Vann Richards scored on a short run.
Bardwell completed the 35-0 lead with the PAT.
Clarksville scored with a second left as they hit a 47-yard field goal.
The Goblins didn't have a successful first half. The squad only had two possessions in the first quarter.
Luckily Harrison was able to score on its second possession. Quarterback Plumlee hit Dylan Block for a 14-yard touchdown strike.
Bardwell made it a 7-0 with 6:24 left in the first half.
Clarksville held the ball on a single drive that carried over until the second period.
Over the rest of the second period, Harrison had the ball four times. On back-to-back possessions, Harrison was three-and-out.
On the last two Harrison attempts, the squad picked up a first down on the first attempt and two first downs on the last drive. The Goblins took two shots at the end zone.
Harrison moves to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in conference play. The Goblins will close the regular season at home as they will host Pea Ridge.
Clarksville falls to 1-8 overall and 0-6 in league play. They will close the season with a contest against Morrilton Friday night.
