Norwood’s five first-half touchdowns carry unbeaten Farmington past Morrilton

Farmington 51, Morrilton 28

October 9, 2026

FARMINGTON — Slade Norwood rushed for four first-half touchdowns and threw a 40-yard scoring pass to Tucker Wood as Farmington defeated Morrilton 51-28 Friday night, keeping the Cardinals unbeaten heading into a conference showdown at Greenwood.

Farmington improved to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in the 5A-West. Morrilton fell to 4-2 and 1-2. The Devil Dogs closed within 21-14 midway through the second quarter, but Norwood directed two touchdown drives before halftime, and Farmington scored the first 13 points after the break to build a 48-14 lead.

The Cardinals overcame a fumble on the opening kickoff. Morrilton took over in Farmington territory, but a fourth-down blitz produced a sack near midfield. Norwood then found Wood for the opening touchdown. Cooper Stoltz and Tage Pollard supplied first-down receptions on the next scoring drive, which Norwood finished with a short sneak for a 14-0 lead with 2:47 left in the first quarter.

Morrilton answered with a 45-yard touchdown run, cutting the lead to 14-7 with 54 seconds remaining in the quarter. Farmington’s special teams created another short field early in the second: Keaton Baltz and Crosby Schmitt helped stop the punter after a high snap. Norwood scored from five yards on the ensuing possession.

The Devil Dogs converted fourth-and-eight with a reception to the Farmington 3, and Caleb Hays scored on the next play. The successful kick made it 21-14 with 5:11 remaining before halftime.

Hudson Hammons returned the ensuing kickoff near midfield. Norwood moved the Cardinals downfield, and Jett Pierce converted third-and-11 with a screen reception before adding a run inside the 1. Norwood’s third rushing touchdown made it 27-14 with 2:43 left; a high snap spoiled the conversion attempt.

Farmington forced a punt and scored again without using a timeout during its final touchdown drive of the half. Norwood found Stoltz, Brenner Watkins and Pierce, then escaped toward the corner of the end zone with 21 seconds remaining. Stoltz caught the two-point pass for a 35-14 halftime lead.

Brayden Conran added a 32-yard field goal in the third quarter. Stoltz’s catches helped move another possession into scoring position, and Pierce finished it with a one-yard run. Conran’s extra point made it 45-14.

Another fourth-down sack gave Farmington possession early in the fourth quarter. Conran followed with a 36-yard field goal for the Cardinals’ largest lead. Morrilton scored on a 50-yard run before Conran connected from 38 yards, completing a three-for-three night on field goals. The Devil Dogs added their final touchdown and extra point with 32 seconds left.

Farmington’s defensive pressure also included a late sack by Stone Hardin, while the Hammons brothers contributed lead blocks in the Cardinals’ short-yardage package. Farmington travels to Greenwood on Oct. 16; Morrilton visits Clarksville.

Scoring summary

Q1 — Farmington — Tucker Wood 40-yard pass from Slade Norwood (Brayden Conran kick). Farmington 7, Morrilton 0.

Q1 2:47 — Farmington — Slade Norwood touchdown run (Brayden Conran kick). Farmington 14, Morrilton 0.

Q2 — Farmington — Slade Norwood five-yard run (Brayden Conran kick). Farmington 21, Morrilton 7.

Q2 5:11 — Morrilton — Caleb Hays three-yard run (kick good). Farmington 21, Morrilton 14.

Q2 2:43 — Farmington — Slade Norwood touchdown run (conversion unsuccessful). Farmington 27, Morrilton 14.

Q2 0:21 — Farmington — Slade Norwood touchdown run (Cooper Stoltz pass from Norwood). Farmington 35, Morrilton 14.

Q3 — Farmington — Brayden Conran 32-yard field goal. Farmington 38, Morrilton 14.

Q3 — Farmington — Jett Pierce one-yard run (Brayden Conran kick). Farmington 45, Morrilton 14.

Q4 9:45 — Farmington — Brayden Conran 36-yard field goal. Farmington 48, Morrilton 14.

Q4 3:16 — Farmington — Brayden Conran 38-yard field goal. Farmington 51, Morrilton 21.

Players who stood out

Slade Norwood, Farmington, quarterback — Four rushing touchdowns and a 40-yard touchdown pass, all before halftime; also threw the two-point conversion to Cooper Stoltz.

Brayden Conran, Farmington, kicker — Made all three field-goal attempts, from 32, 36 and 38 yards, and four extra points for 13 points.

Jett Pierce, Farmington, running back — Scored on a one-yard run, converted third-and-11 with a second-quarter screen reception and provided blitz protection and downfield blocking.

Cooper Stoltz, Farmington, receiver — Caught the two-point conversion and supplied multiple first-down receptions, including catches that helped set up both third-quarter scores.

Caleb Hays, Morrilton, running back — Scored from three yards with 5:11 remaining in the second quarter to pull the Devil Dogs within 21-14.