Devil Dogs surge past Arkansas High 41–25 with big plays in all phases

Published On: September 6, 2025Categories: High School, News

Morrilton 41, Arkansas High 25

TEXARKANA — Morrilton stacked explosive plays and timely defense to top Arkansas High 41–25 in a lively Week 1 opener, pairing a three‑touchdown passing night with a game‑breaking return to keep the Razorbacks at arm’s length.

Quarterback Maddox Berry delivered three scores through the air, finding Jamarcus Sandidge (WR/CB) on strikes of 39 and 3 yards and Reed Brown (WR) from 19. Sandidge also sprang the night’s signature moment with an 89‑yard kickoff return. Jeremiah Smallwood (WR/FS) opened the ledger with a 54‑yard interception return, and Brelan Criswell (RB) added a 23‑yard burst behind a disciplined front. Kicker Aaron Echalaz was steady on extra points.

Arkansas High answered with resilience and speed. Quarterback CJ Cleveland extended plays and hit Deandre Burnell (WR/FS) for an 18‑yard score before halftime, while running back Tony Noble Jr. powered in a first‑quarter touchdown to steady the early surge. The Razorbacks’ defense produced a momentum flip when Xavier Crawford(DB) jumped a route for a pick‑six. After the break, quarterback Eli Wall (QB) directed a crisp march and found Burnell on a 6‑yard throw to draw within two scores. Arkansas flipped field position with improved coverage and two second‑half stops.

Both programs showed plenty to build on. Morrilton’s vertical rhythm, special‑teams spark and red‑zone poise carried the final margin; Arkansas High countered with playmaking on the perimeter, improved second‑half defense and a two‑quarterback plan that moved the chains. Opening night delivered toughness, tempo and proof that conference play should be compelling for both sidelines.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Morrilton – Jeremiah Smallwood 54-yd interception return (Aaron Echalaz kick), Morrilton 7–0
Morrilton – Jamarcus Sandidge 39-yd pass from Maddox Berry (Echalaz kick), Morrilton 14–0
Arkansas High – Tony Noble Jr. run (kick blocked), Morrilton 14–6
Arkansas High – Xavier Crawford interception return (2-pt run no good), Morrilton 14–12
Morrilton – Jamarcus Sandidge 89-yd kickoff return (Echalaz kick), Morrilton 21–12

2nd Quarter
Morrilton – Brelan Criswell 23-yd run (Echalaz kick), Morrilton 28–12
Arkansas High – Deandre Burnell 18-yd pass from CJ Cleveland (kick no good), Morrilton 28–18
Morrilton – Jamarcus Sandidge 3-yd pass from Maddox Berry (kick no good), Morrilton 34–18
Morrilton – Reed Brown 19-yd pass from Maddox Berry (Echalaz kick), Morrilton 41–18

3rd Quarter
Arkansas High – Deandre Burnell 6-yd pass from Eli Wall (kick good), Morrilton 41–25

4th Quarter
No scoring.