SPRINGDALE — Cole Slepecki fired five touchdown passes to four different receivers as Bentonville defeated Har-Ber 38–7 in a 7A-West opener Friday at Wildcat Stadium.
DeQuane Prevo broke loose for a 68-yard catch-and-run to open the scoring, while Blair Irvin III hauled in two touchdowns, including a 43-yarder in the second quarter. Conrad Schmitz and Jack Dunn also grabbed scores, giving Slepecki four different targets in the end zone. Kicker Kylee Sallee was perfect on extra points, and Gio Puga added a 39-yard field goal.
The Bentonville defense stiffened after an early Har-Ber response, holding the Wildcats scoreless over the final three quarters. Defensive leaders included Lucas Cahill, who recorded multiple tackles, and linemen Robbie Dupre and Ethan Hoffman, who consistently pressured the quarterback. Running back Chris Ficklin provided balance with steady gains on the ground.
Har-Ber found life in the first quarter when quarterback Bryce Owens connected with Treyson Reith for a touchdown to tie it at 7–7. Owens showed poise under pressure, and running back Reed McAllister fought for yardage inside. Receiver/kicker Brody Roland-Reynolds narrowly missed on two field goal attempts, while linebacker Cahill kept making stops despite Bentonville’s depth wearing the Wildcats down.
Scoring Summary
1st Quarter — Bentonville, DeQuane Prevo 68-yd pass from Cole Slepecki (Kylee Sallee kick), Bentonville 7–0.
1st Quarter — Har-Ber, Treyson Reith pass from Bryce Owens (Brody Roland-Reynolds kick), 7–7.
2nd Quarter — Bentonville, Blair Irvin III 43-yd pass from Slepecki (Sallee kick), Bentonville 14–7.
2nd Quarter — Bentonville, Gio Puga 39-yd FG, Bentonville 17–7.
3rd Quarter — Bentonville, Conrad Schmitz TD pass from Slepecki (Sallee kick), Bentonville 24–7.
3rd Quarter — Bentonville, Jack Dunn TD pass from Slepecki (Sallee kick), Bentonville 31–7.
4th Quarter — Bentonville, Blair Irvin III TD pass from Slepecki (Sallee kick), Bentonville 38–7.
Standout Players
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Cole Slepecki (QB, Bentonville) — five TD passes
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Blair Irvin III (WR, Bentonville) — two TD receptions
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DeQuane Prevo (WR, Bentonville) — 68-yard TD catch
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Bryce Owens (QB, Har-Ber) — one TD pass
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Lucas Cahill (LB, Har-Ber) — defensive anchor
