Hector stymies Conway Christian to seize 2A‑1 second seed

Hector 32, Conway Christian 12

Hector stymied defending champion Conway Christian Friday, riding a fast start and a takeaway‑hungry defense to a 32–12 2A‑1 win at Mission Field. The Wildcats surged to a 16–6 first‑quarter lead with two successful two‑point tries, then leaned on quarterback Drew Newport and running back Lucas Baker to control the clock before halftime. Newport powered in on a keeper for a second‑quarter score, and Baker punctuated the night with a fourth‑quarter touchdown followed by Newport’s conversion run to seal it. Up front, Hector’s line created rushing lanes and protected the pocket.

Hector’s defense supplied the difference. Defensive back Grayson Mulder and two‑way standout Brewer Storey each intercepted passes, and defensive end Braxton Noles recovered a fumble to blunt Conway Christian drives. Noles teamed with tackle Trae Replogle to compress the pocket, while center/nose guard Forrest Chronister anchored protection and the kickoff unit. Baker entered averaging nearly 190 rushing yards per game and Noles led the Wildcats in sacks; both trends were evident as Hector limited risk, flipped field position and finished drives.

Conway Christian answered with a third‑quarter march led by quarterback Xander Stone, with wideout Kyle Cain moving the chains and fullback Caleb McKinney grinding for tough yards. Linebacker Beau Campbell delivered several open‑field tackles to keep the Eagles within reach late. The hosts, last year’s 2A state champions, slipped to 4–2 in league play but showed the mettle that fueled their title run. Hector improved to 8–1 and stayed in the hunt for positioning entering the regular‑season finale.

Scoring Summary
1st Quarter
Hector – Rushing TD (two‑point run), 8–0
Hector – Rushing TD (two‑point run), 16–0
Conway Christian – TD pass (conversion failed), 16–6

2nd Quarter
Hector – Drew Newport keeper (conversion failed), 22–6
Hector – Team safety (snap through end zone), 24–6

3rd Quarter
Conway Christian – TD pass (two‑point pass failed), 24–12

4th Quarter
Hector – Lucas Baker run (Drew Newport run), 32–12

Players who stood out

• Lucas Baker (RB, Hector) — 1 rushing TD; late clock‑killer runs.

• Drew Newport (QB, Hector) — 1 rushing TD; 1 two‑point run; steady command.

• Brewer Storey (WR/FS, Hector) — 1 interception; chain‑moving receptions.

• Braxton Noles (DE/TE, Hector) — Fumble recovery; backfield pressure.

• Xander Stone (QB, Conway Christian) — Led a third‑quarter scoring drive; poised under pressure.