Moody’s goal‑line dash lifts Mills past Helena‑West Helena in thriller

Mills 40, Helena‑West Helena 38

LITTLE ROCK — Sophomore quarterback Elijah “Eli” Moody dove in from two yards out as time expired, nudging Mills past Helena‑West Helena 40–38 in a 4A first‑round classic Friday at The Galaxy. Moody finished with three rushing touchdowns, while junior back Za’Marion McDonald added two scores and a two‑point run as the Comets built a 21–6 first‑half lead.

The Cougars answered with 22 straight after the break, sparked by Zamarion Mckinney’s 80‑yard kickoff return to open the third and a red‑zone strike from freshman quarterback KJ Gilcreast, who also punched in a 1‑yard sneak. Two‑way force Keveahn Brown scored twice (screen catch, late go‑ahead run) while churning tough yardage behind a physical front, and the defense delivered multiple fourth‑down stops to seize momentum.

Mills’ defense produced the turning point late in the third when senior defensive back Aaron Frierson snatched a hook‑and‑ladder attempt and returned it for a go‑ahead touchdown. Receivers Chase Slater and Torrance “TJ” Talbot supplied timely receptions, and front‑seven anchors Daelan Coleman and Darrin Weston registered drive‑killing plays.

Down 38–34 in the final minute, Moody steered a no‑timeout march aided by penalties, then kept off right guard for the walk‑off winner, sending the Comets into Round 2.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Mills – Za’Marion McDonald run (kick good), 7–0.
Mills – McDonald run (kick failed), 13–0.

2nd Quarter
Helena‑West Helena – Keveahn Brown screen from KJ Gilcreast (conversion failed), 13–6.
Mills – Eli Moody run (McDonald 2‑pt run), 21–6.
Helena‑West Helena – KJ Gilcreast 1‑yd run (Gilcreast pass to Meldrick Gibson), 21–14.

3rd Quarter
Helena‑West Helena – Zamarion Mckinney 80‑yd KR (2‑pt run failed), 21–20.
Helena‑West Helena – KJ Gilcreast TD pass (conversion failed), 26–21.
Mills – Aaron Frierson return TD off lateral (2‑pt failed), 27–26.

4th Quarter
Helena‑West Helena – KJ Gilcreast 1‑yd run (conversion failed), 32–27.
Mills – Eli Moody run (kick good), 34–32.
Helena‑West Helena – Keveahn Brown run (conversion failed), 38–34.
Mills – Eli Moody 2‑yd run (no try), 40–38.

Standouts

• Elijah “Eli” Moody (QB, Mills) — 3 rushing TDs, game‑winner at :00.

• Za’Marion McDonald (RB, Mills) — 2 rushing TDs; 1 two‑point run.

• Aaron Frierson (Mills) — Defensive TD on stolen hook‑and‑ladder.

• KJ Gilcreast (QB, Helena‑West Helena) — 1 TD pass, 2 TD runs; poised throughout.

• Keveahn Brown (Helena‑West Helena) — 2 TDs (rush, reception) and power yards.