EPC Outlasts Walnut Ridge in Rivalry Clash

EPC Outlasts Walnut Ridge in Rivalry Clash

East Poinsett County 30, Walnut Ridge 22

WALNUT RIDGE — East Poinsett County made the big plays when it mattered Friday night, outlasting Walnut Ridge 30-22 in a physical non-conference battle that highlighted both teams’ offensive firepower and rivalry intensity.

The Warriors (1-0) leaned on quarterback Eli Blagg, who completed 10 of 12 passes for 200 yards and tossed two first-half touchdowns — one to Quincy Perry and another to Devin Magee — to push EPC ahead 16-14 at halftime. Perry finished with four catches for 96 yards, while Magee added four grabs for 84.

Running back Jacob Gaines took over in the third quarter. Gaines burst through the Bobcats’ defense on a 15-yard scoring run, then later ripped a 40-yard touchdown to extend EPC’s lead to 30-14. He ended with 162 yards on 15 carries.

Walnut Ridge (0-1) kept the game close behind versatile quarterback Jace Blake, who tallied 83 rushing yards on five carries with two touchdowns, while also going 3-of-7 passing with a touchdown strike. Trevor Augustine hauled in that scoring pass, finishing with three catches for 27 yards.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Walnut Ridge – Jace Blake 12-yard run (kick good), WR 7-0
EPC – Quincy Perry 25-yard pass from Eli Blagg (2-pt good), EPC 8-7

2nd Quarter
EPC – Devin Magee 20-yard pass from Eli Blagg (2-pt good), EPC 16-7
Walnut Ridge – Trevor Augustine 15-yard pass from Jace Blake (kick good), EPC 16-14

3rd Quarter
EPC – Jacob Gaines 15-yard run (2-pt failed), EPC 22-14
EPC – Jacob Gaines 40-yard run (kick good), EPC 30-14

4th Quarter
Walnut Ridge – Jace Blake 35-yard run (2-pt good), EPC 30-22