Warren’s late touchdown, interception lift Mills past Vilonia

Mills 36, Vilonia 24

LITTLE ROCK — DaKing Warren caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Kenneth “KJ” Gilcreast with 3:10 remaining, then intercepted Vilonia’s final scoring threat as Mills rallied for a 36-24 victory Friday night at Comet Stadium.

The Comets overcame a 17-13 halftime deficit and a 24-21 fourth-quarter deficit on senior night. Alan Hall’s kickoff-return touchdown opened the second half, and Gilcreast finished with two touchdown passes, a rushing touchdown and two successful two-point runs.

Vilonia quarterback Cooper Hanson ran for all three Eagles touchdowns. His opening score followed a patient drive that included two fourth-down conversions, and Luke Robinson’s extra point put Vilonia ahead 7-0. The Eagles immediately recovered an onside kick, with Jackson Ringgold securing the ball.

Mills eventually answered with an 80-yard scoring possession. Gilcreast supplied a 48-yard run, Maddox Parker caught a pass to set up first-and-goal, and Bryshun Cunningham scored from 5 yards out. The extra point tied the game 7-7 with 8:45 left in the second quarter.

Hanson reclaimed the lead on another short touchdown run with 4:48 remaining before halftime. Gilcreast answered with a 2-yard keeper, but the missed extra point left Mills trailing 14-13. Robinson then kicked a 30-yard field goal with 3.2 seconds left, giving Vilonia a four-point halftime advantage.

That lead disappeared on the opening kickoff of the third quarter. Hall collected another Vilonia onside attempt and raced to the end zone, scoring seven seconds into the half. Gilcreast ran for two points and a 21-17 Mills lead.

Vilonia responded with a scoring drive that crossed the quarter break. Hanson found Ringgold on fourth-and-six to keep the possession alive, then connected with Brody Williams to reach the 9. Hanson finished with a touchdown run, staying upright through contact, and Robinson’s kick put the Eagles ahead 24-21.

Warren delivered the decisive offensive play after Mills moved into scoring range but was pushed back by a holding penalty. Gilcreast used a pump fake before finding Warren for the 20-yard touchdown. The extra point made it 28-24.

Hanson drove Vilonia into Mills territory, but the Comets forced a long-yardage situation. On fourth down, Warren intercepted Hanson’s pass and returned it deep into Eagles territory before Hanson stopped him, leaving 56 seconds on the clock.

Gilcreast subsequently threw a touchdown pass to Parker with 6.5 seconds remaining. His two-point run completed the scoring, and Mills finished off the win after Vilonia’s final snap.

Scoring summary

First Quarter

Vilonia: Cooper Hanson touchdown run (Luke Robinson kick). Vilonia 7, Mills 0.

Second Quarter

Mills: Bryshun Cunningham 5-yard run (kick good), 8:45. Tied 7-7.

Vilonia: Hanson touchdown run (Robinson kick), 4:48. Vilonia 14, Mills 7.

Mills: Kenneth “KJ” Gilcreast 2-yard run (kick failed), 1:41. Vilonia 14, Mills 13.

Vilonia: Robinson 30-yard field goal, 0:03.2. Vilonia 17, Mills 13.

Third Quarter

Mills: Alan Hall kickoff-return touchdown (Gilcreast run), seven seconds into the quarter. Mills 21, Vilonia 17.

Fourth Quarter

Vilonia: Hanson 9-yard run (Robinson kick). Vilonia 24, Mills 21.

Mills: DaKing Warren 20-yard pass from Gilcreast (kick good), 3:10. Mills 28, Vilonia 24.

Mills: Maddox Parker touchdown pass from Gilcreast (Gilcreast run), 0:06.5. Mills 36, Vilonia 24.

Players who stood out

DaKing Warren, Mills: Caught the go-ahead 20-yard touchdown pass and intercepted Vilonia’s final scoring threat.

Kenneth “KJ” Gilcreast, Mills: Two touchdown passes, a rushing touchdown and two two-point conversion runs.

Alan Hall, Mills: Returned an onside kickoff for a touchdown to open the second half.

Cooper Hanson, Vilonia: Three rushing touchdowns, including a 9-yard score that gave the Eagles a fourth-quarter lead.

Luke Robinson, Vilonia: A 30-yard field goal and three extra points for six points.