Clouston, Hendrick lead Bentonville’s 49-point answer at Heritage
Bentonville 49, Heritage 7
October 9 2026
ROGERS — Bentonville answered an early deficit with 49 consecutive points Friday, using two rushing touchdowns apiece from Nathan Clouston and Desi Hendrick to beat Heritage 49-7 at Gates Stadium. The Tigers scored three times in the second quarter, led 28-7 at halftime and held the War Eagles scoreless after their opening possession.
The victory moved Bentonville to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the 7A-West, restoring momentum after its loss to Shiloh Christian. Heritage fell to 0-6. Evan Canode directed the Tigers’ first five touchdown drives, while the defense supplied a short field with a second-quarter fumble recovery and an interception to close the half.
Heritage needed only three plays to cover 80 yards on its first series. Olajuwan Smith broke a 62-yard run on the opening snap, taking the ball to the Bentonville 18. Jayden Cortez finished the possession with a 16-yard touchdown run, and the extra point gave the War Eagles a 7-0 lead with 10:42 left in the first quarter.
Bentonville found its answer after a Heritage punt. Canode completed consecutive passes to Judson Brown, and Clouston followed a downfield surge by the offensive line to the 6. Clouston scored on the next play, taking a toss behind lead blocker Garrett Wolfe. Porter Fertig’s extra point tied the game with 4:45 remaining in the quarter.
Canode then helped the Tigers take control through the air. A completion to Ricky Brown carried Bentonville deep into Heritage territory, and Canode beat pressure with a quick screen to Will Genglebach. Genglebach slipped a defender and followed his blockers for a 20-yard touchdown, putting Bentonville ahead 14-7 with 9:04 left in the half.
Clouston added an 11-yard touchdown run with 4:54 remaining before the defense delivered another opportunity. Wolfe recovered a mishandled exchange at the Heritage 20. Hendrick carried the ball on the ensuing three plays, finishing with a 4-yard touchdown at the 3:45 mark. Mason Burnett intercepted a deep pass on the final play of the half to preserve the 21-point lead.
The Tigers extended the margin on their opening possession of the third quarter. Judson Brown’s contested catch created a goal-to-go opportunity, and two Heritage penalties turned an apparent field-goal attempt into fourth-and-goal at the 2. Hendrick scored from there, and Fertig’s kick made it 35-7 with 8:57 remaining.
Cole Martin provided the next rushing touchdown at 6:18 of the third quarter, stretching the lead to 42-7 and bringing on a running clock. Reserve quarterback Tanner Gallogly added the final score through the air, finding Ross Hagerman in the end zone with 11:15 left in the fourth. Fertig converted all seven Bentonville extra points.
Bentonville’s second-unit defense continued the shutout after the opening drive. Tripp McCulley broke up a third-down screen and later intercepted Jack Presley; a penalty erased McCulley’s return to the end zone. The Tigers return home to face Fayetteville next, while Heritage travels to Shiloh Christian.
Scoring Summary
First quarter
10:42 — Heritage: Jayden Cortez, 16-yard run (kick good). Heritage 7, Bentonville 0.
4:45 — Bentonville: Nathan Clouston, 6-yard run (Porter Fertig kick). Tied 7-7.
Second quarter
9:04 — Bentonville: Will Genglebach, 20-yard pass from Evan Canode (Porter Fertig kick). Bentonville 14, Heritage 7.
4:54 — Bentonville: Nathan Clouston, 11-yard run (Porter Fertig kick). Bentonville 21, Heritage 7.
3:45 — Bentonville: Desi Hendrick, 4-yard run (Porter Fertig kick). Bentonville 28, Heritage 7.
Third quarter
8:57 — Bentonville: Desi Hendrick, 2-yard run (Porter Fertig kick). Bentonville 35, Heritage 7.
6:18 — Bentonville: Cole Martin, touchdown run (Porter Fertig kick). Bentonville 42, Heritage 7.
Fourth quarter
11:15 — Bentonville: Ross Hagerman, touchdown pass from Tanner Gallogly (Porter Fertig kick). Bentonville 49, Heritage 7.
Players Who Stood Out
Nathan Clouston, Bentonville — Two rushing touchdowns, covering 6 and 11 yards; several additional runs and a reception helped sustain first-half scoring drives.
Desi Hendrick, Bentonville — Two rushing touchdowns, from 4 and 2 yards.
Evan Canode, Bentonville — 20-yard touchdown pass to Will Genglebach; directed the first five touchdown drives.
Garrett Wolfe, Bentonville — Recovered a second-quarter fumble at the Heritage 20 to set up a touchdown; supplied the lead block on Clouston’s first score.
Mason Burnett, Bentonville — Intercepted the final pass of the first half.
Porter Fertig, Bentonville — Seven successful extra points.
Olajuwan Smith, Heritage — 62-yard run on the opening play from scrimmage set up Heritage’s touchdown.
Jayden Cortez, Heritage — 16-yard touchdown run on the opening possession.