Smith’s two interceptions lead Bentonville’s shutout at Springdale

Bentonville 29, Springdale 0

October 30, 2026

SPRINGDALE — Narae Smith intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown as Bentonville (8-1, 5-1) shut out Springdale (2-7, 2-4) 29-0 Friday night at Gerald Williams Bulldog Stadium.

The Tigers intercepted four passes, with Davis Kulka and Jeremiah Chavis adding one apiece. Smith’s first interception stopped a third-quarter drive after the Bulldogs reached the Bentonville 12. His second produced the game’s final touchdown with 11:18 remaining.

Bentonville broke a scoreless tie with 7:24 left in the second quarter when Stephen Schafer ran for a one-yard touchdown. Evan Canode’s fourth-down completion to Garrett Wolfe had moved the Tigers to the 1, and Schafer scored on third down after Springdale stopped the first two attempts.

Wolfe added a two-yard touchdown run with 1:39 left in the half. A mishandled snap spoiled the extra-point attempt, leaving Bentonville ahead 13-0.

Kulka intercepted a pass and returned it into field-goal range in the closing seconds of the half. Porter Fertig made a 39-yard field goal as time expired, extending the margin to 16-0.

Springdale threatened in the third quarter before Smith intercepted a pass toward the end zone. Canode then found Will Genglebach for a sideline reception that helped launch Bentonville’s next scoring drive. The possession ended with Canode’s six-yard touchdown pass to Genglebach with one second remaining in the quarter. The extra point missed.

Smith intercepted again on Springdale’s next possession and reached the end zone. Fertig’s kick made it 29-0. Chavis later intercepted a deep pass for Bentonville’s fourth interception, helping the Tigers maintain the shutout.

Springdale’s defense produced stops near the goal line, including a tackle for loss by Leron Jackson before Genglebach’s touchdown. The Bulldogs nevertheless could not overcome Bentonville’s takeaways or put points on the board.

Scoring Summary

Second quarter

7:24 — Bentonville: Stephen Schafer one-yard run (Porter Fertig kick). Bentonville 7, Springdale 0.

1:39 — Bentonville: Garrett Wolfe two-yard run (extra-point attempt unsuccessful after mishandled snap). Bentonville 13, Springdale 0.

0:00 — Bentonville: Porter Fertig 39-yard field goal. Bentonville 16, Springdale 0.

Third quarter

0:01 — Bentonville: Will Genglebach six-yard pass from Evan Canode (kick unsuccessful). Bentonville 22, Springdale 0.

Fourth quarter

11:18 — Bentonville: Narae Smith interception return for a touchdown (Porter Fertig kick; return distance unavailable). Bentonville 29, Springdale 0.

Players Who Stood Out

Narae Smith, Bentonville — Two interceptions, including an end-zone interception and a fourth-quarter touchdown return.

Davis Kulka, Bentonville — Interception and return set up Fertig’s field goal on the final play of the first half.

Jeremiah Chavis, Bentonville — Fourth-quarter interception, the Tigers’ fourth of the game.

Stephen Schafer, Bentonville — One-yard touchdown run to open the scoring.

Garrett Wolfe, Bentonville — Two-yard touchdown run; fourth-down reception set up Schafer’s score.

Will Genglebach, Bentonville — Six-yard touchdown reception; sideline catch helped start the scoring drive.

Evan Canode, Bentonville — Six-yard touchdown pass to Genglebach and fourth-down completion to Wolfe.

Porter Fertig, Bentonville — 39-yard field goal as the first half expired and two successful extra points.

Leron Jackson, Springdale — Tackle for loss near the goal line before Bentonville’s third-quarter touchdown.