Goal-line stops, Knight’s running spark Smackover surge

Published On: October 11, 2026Categories: High School, News

Smackover 48, Centerpoint 20

October 9 2026

AMITY — Smackover’s defense protected an eight-point halftime lead, then delivered a goal-line stand that helped the Buckaroos pull away for a 48-20 victory over Centerpoint on Friday night.

Connor Knight supplied a crucial 44-yard run after that fourth-quarter stop, Derwin Goodwin finished the ensuing 99-yard drive with a touchdown, and Payton Teasley added a late score. Smackover outscored the Knights 20-0 after halftime to turn a competitive game into a comfortable finish.

Centerpoint struck first on a 67-yard touchdown pass on the game’s opening play. Its extra-point attempt failed, and Smackover answered with two touchdowns to go ahead 14-6 with 6:59 left in the first quarter. Knight converted a fourth-and-two during the second scoring possession, keeping the drive alive before a touchdown pass put the Buckaroos in front by eight.

Special teams supplied the next big play. Smackover blocked a Centerpoint punt, and Kieundre Billingly recovered it and carried it into the end zone. The extra point extended the advantage to 21-6 with 4:20 remaining in the opening period.

Braxton Bryant caught a six-yard touchdown pass with 9:38 left in the second quarter, helping Smackover build a 28-6 lead. Centerpoint fought back with a touchdown pass at the 5:08 mark, then recovered an onside kick to retain possession. The Knights finished the next drive with a 15-yard touchdown run and a successful two-point run, cutting the deficit to 28-20 with 2:11 left before halftime.

Centerpoint threatened again before the break, but Smackover held in the red zone. Slade Arnold broke up a third-down pass during that stand, and the Buckaroos reached halftime still ahead by eight.

Smackover extended its lead to 35-20 on a touchdown pass with 10:47 remaining in the third quarter. The defense then made its most important second-half stand after Centerpoint reached first-and-goal at the five early in the fourth. The Buckaroos kept the Knights out on four plays, stopping a disrupted fourth-down play inside the one.

Starting near its own goal line, Smackover turned to its heavy formation. Knight took a direct snap and powered out of danger, gaining 44 yards to the Buckaroos’ 48 with help from a Bryant block. The offense kept moving, and Goodwin scored on a reverse with 5:49 left. The extra point was blocked, leaving the score 41-20.

Teasley closed the scoring with a five-yard touchdown run at the 1:30 mark, and the successful kick made it 48-20. Knight, whose short-yardage running complemented his defensive work, was selected as the broadcast’s player of the game.

Verified Named Scoring Plays

First Quarter

Smackover — Kieundre Billingly blocked-punt return touchdown (Kick good), 21-6. 4:20 remaining.

Second Quarter

Smackover — 6-yard touchdown pass to Braxton Bryant (Successful extra point reflected in score), 28-6. 9:38 remaining.

Fourth Quarter

Smackover — Derwin Goodwin reverse for touchdown (Kick blocked), 41-20. 5:49 remaining.

Smackover — Payton Teasley 5-yard touchdown run (Kick good), 48-20. 1:30 remaining.

Players Who Stood Out

Connor Knight, Smackover — 44-yard fourth-quarter run, early fourth-down conversion and broadcast player of the game

Kieundre Billingly, Smackover — Blocked-punt return touchdown

Braxton Bryant, Smackover — Verified 6-yard touchdown reception; key block on Knight 44-yard run