Dardanelle 28, Nashville 26
DARDANELLE — The Sand Lizards survived a furious rally to edge Nashville 28–26 Friday night at Keenan Field, improving to 3–0 in non-conference play.
Senior quarterback Creed Vega led the way for Dardanelle, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another, while wideout Javvon Chatton made highlight-reel catches, including a one-hander in the end zone. Running back Ian Branson provided steady ground yardage to keep drives alive, and linebacker Padden Davis anchored the defense with key tackles in the fourth quarter.
Nashville, which trailed 21–14 at the half, nearly pulled off the comeback behind quarterback Jacobe Hopson and running back Tucker Dixon. Hopson threw a 25-yard strike to Cortez Cooper and kept several drives alive with scrambles. Dixon powered through the Sand Lizards’ front seven for two short-yardage touchdowns, while kicker Perezwas consistent on point-after tries.
The Scrappers pulled within two points in the final minutes, but Dardanelle’s defense forced a turnover on downs near midfield to clinch the win.
It was a physical, playoff-style contest between two tradition-rich programs, with Dardanelle matching Nashville’s explosive plays with timely execution.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Dardanelle – Javvon Chatton 9 yd pass from Creed Vega (Garcia kick), 7–0
Nashville – Tucker Dixon 4 yd run (Perez kick), 7–7
2nd Quarter
Dardanelle – Vega 12 yd run (Garcia kick), 14–7
Dardanelle – Chatton 22 yd pass from Vega (Garcia kick), 21–7
Nashville – Dixon 3 yd run (Perez kick), 21–14
3rd Quarter
Nashville – Cortez Cooper 25 yd pass from Hopson, Dardanelle 21–2o Nashville
Dardanelle – Vega 7 yd run (Garcia kick), 28–20
4th Quarter
Nashville – Dixon 5 yd run (kick failed), 28–26
Standout Players
- Creed Vega, QB, Dardanelle – 2 pass TDs, 2 rush TDs
- Javvon Chatton, WR, Dardanelle – 2 receiving TDs, one-handed grab
- Tucker Dixon, RB, Nashville – 3 rushing TDs
- Cortez Cooper, WR, Nashville – 1 TD, deep receptions
- Padden Davis, LB, Dardanelle – late defensive stop