Ballard’s three touchdowns power Pocahontas past Blytheville

Pocahontas 46, Blytheville 12

BLYTHEVILLE — Xavyer Ballard ran for 197 yards and three touchdowns as Pocahontas built a 33-point halftime lead and defeated Blytheville 46-12 Friday night.

Ballard carried 22 times, according to the Redskin Broadcasting Network’s postgame statistics, and scored all three of his touchdowns before halftime. Spencer James threw touchdown passes to Ryder Baltz and Parker Radcliff, while Baltz and Ace Brooks added fourth-quarter rushing scores.

Pocahontas turned an early Blytheville mistake into the game’s first points. The Chickasaws advanced into Redskins territory before penalties and a low snap disrupted the possession. Lane Thielemier recovered the loose ball, and Ballard finished the ensuing drive with a touchdown run with 7:57 left in the first quarter. Jaxon McDonald’s extra point struck an upright and went through for a 7-0 lead.

The Redskins converted fourth down for their next score. Facing fourth-and-six at the Blytheville 20, James looked toward his receivers before finding Baltz, who completed the touchdown with 3:09 remaining in the quarter. The missed extra point left Pocahontas ahead 13-0.

Bruce Recio intercepted a pass on Blytheville’s next possession, giving the Redskins another scoring opportunity. Ballard supplied his second touchdown with 1:44 left, and Pocahontas led 19-0 after a failed two-point pass.

Ballard made it three touchdowns early in the second quarter, breaking into open space on the left side for a 36-yard score with 11:02 remaining. McDonald’s kick extended the lead to 26-0.

James then delivered another fourth-down touchdown. On fourth-and-nine at the 22, he found Radcliff in the corner of the end zone despite double coverage. Radcliff held on, and McDonald’s extra point made it 33-0 with 6:57 left before halftime.

Blytheville ended the shutout in the third quarter, but Brooks intercepted a later pass to stop another Chickasaws possession. Pocahontas subsequently drove to the goal line, where Baltz took a snap under center and pushed in for a 2-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. The two-point run failed, leaving the Redskins ahead 39-6.

Brooks later kept the ball on a fake and scored, with McDonald’s kick producing a 46-6 advantage. Blytheville answered with a late 56-yard touchdown pass after a deflection, completing the scoring.

James added 49 rushing yards on seven carries. McDonald had 32 yards on 10 attempts, and Brooks finished with 22 yards and a touchdown on four carries.

Scoring summary

First Quarter

Pocahontas: Xavyer Ballard touchdown run (Jaxon McDonald kick), 7:57. Pocahontas 7, Blytheville 0.

Pocahontas: Ryder Baltz 20-yard pass from Spencer James (kick failed), 3:09. Pocahontas 13, Blytheville 0.

Pocahontas: Ballard touchdown run (pass failed), 1:44. Pocahontas 19, Blytheville 0.

Second Quarter

Pocahontas: Ballard 36-yard run (McDonald kick), 11:02. Pocahontas 26, Blytheville 0.

Pocahontas: Parker Radcliff 22-yard pass from James (McDonald kick), 6:57. Pocahontas 33, Blytheville 0.

Fourth Quarter

Pocahontas: Baltz 2-yard run (run failed), 11:17. Pocahontas 39, Blytheville 6.

Pocahontas: Ace Brooks touchdown run (McDonald kick). Pocahontas 46, Blytheville 6.

Players who stood out

Xavyer Ballard, Pocahontas: 22 carries for 197 yards and three touchdowns, including a 36-yard second-quarter score.

Spencer James, Pocahontas: Two touchdown passes on fourth down and 49 rushing yards on seven carries.

Ryder Baltz, Pocahontas: A 20-yard touchdown reception and a 2-yard touchdown run.

Ace Brooks, Pocahontas: Four carries for 22 yards and a touchdown, plus a second-half interception.

Lane Thielemier and Bruce Recio, Pocahontas: A fumble recovery and an interception, respectively, that set up first-quarter touchdowns.