Following a nail-biting win for Har-Ber (6-1, 4-0) on Oct. 7 versus Rogers High, the Wildcats bounced back Friday night (Oct. 14) with a first half thrashing that left the Heritage (1-6, 0-4) crowd groaning from start to finish.

“We set out to run the ball most of the game,” said senior quarterback Austin Mayfield. “And it ended up working out pretty well.”

Har-Ber rushed for 330 yards and four touchdowns from 11 different ball carriers, led by senior Preston Pianalto and junior Tucker Lee.

Pianalto ran the ball six times for 59 yards, while Lee pounded it five times for 94 of them.

“I thought the line did a great job blocking this week,” said Pianalto. “And they drove the defense back all night long.”

After a running up of the score in the first half 42-0 and keeping Heritage scoreless, Har-Ber defense paced the game and kept the War Eagles on the wrong side of the field, allowing no points in the second half as well.  Senior defensive end Seth Gates also added to his enlarging sack column, with his ninth.

The only scoring in the second half came off of a one-yard touchdown run by senior wide receiver Isaac Herrera.  His first ever touch in a Har-Ber uniform.

“It felt good; like all the hard work in practice had finally paid off,” said Herrera. “More importantly, it felt good to win.”

Herrera finished with one carry and two receptions for 11 yards.

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After playing the four “preseason” 7A-West Conference games, the Wildcats will now be tested against Fort Smith Southside, Fayetteville, and Bentonville in upcoming weeks.

All four previous conference opponents have had a combined 7-21 total record, with a 3-13 conference record. The three wins have come amongst the four of them, facing off against each other. (see standings below)

Team (All, Conference)

Bentonville (7-0, 4-0)

Har-Ber (6-1, 4-0)

Fayetteville (6-1, 3-1)

Southside (4-3, 2-2)

Northside (3-4, 1-3)

Rogers (2-5, 1-3)

Springdale (1-6, 1-3)

Heritage (1-6, 0-4)