McClellan rallies past Jackrabbits, 21-20

The Lonoke Jackrabbits warm up prior to their game with Beebe on Sept. 12 (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

LITTLE ROCK — It was not a good ending for the Lonoke Jackrabbits football team.

The Little Rock McClellan Lions overcame a 20-6 deficit to beat the Jackrabbits 21-20 on Friday night. With the loss, Lonoke finishes non-conference play at 1-2. 

The Jackrabbits seemed to have everything going their way in the second half. They led 14-6 at halftime and pushed the lead to 20-6 in the third quarter on an 11-yard run by Logan Dozier. The extra point was no good. The score was set up by a 60-yard pass play from Savonte Rountree to Chandler Elmore down to the McClellan 9.

McClellan cut Lonoke's lead to 20-14 in the third quarter on an 11-yard touchdown pass and two-point conversion. 

The Jackrabbits were driving in the fourth quarter and had the ball at the McClellan 32 but consecutive penalties pushed the Jackrabbits back to the Lions 48. After an incomplete pass, Rountree was forced out of the pocket and he attempted a screen pass, which was intercepted and returned 48 yards for a McClellan touchdown. They kicked the extra point to lead 21-20.

Lonoke drove the ball into McClellan territory but could not score again. 

The Jackrabbits led 7-0 after the first possession of the game. Rountree threw a 54-yard touchdown pass to Justin Meadows. Jacob Vandiver kicked the extra point.

McClellan cut the deficit to 7-6 following a Lonoke penalty in the end zone. It looked as if Caleb Bailey had intercepted a pass but the Jackrabbits were called for pass interference. McClellan then scored on a 10-yard run. The Lions missed the extra point.

Lonoke pushed its lead to 14-6 on an 8-yard pass from Rountree to Meadows late in the first half. Vandiver kicked the extra point.

Rountree completed 13 of 30 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Elmore caught three passes for 84 yards. Meadows caught two for 60. Dozier caught four passes for 48 yards.

Devin Mosely led Lonoke with 60 yards rushing on 18 carries. Bailey had 55 yards on seven carries. 

Lonoke finished with 414 yards in total offense. McClellan had 164 yards.

Ethan Holland led Lonoke with 11 tackles. Bailey and Dylan Goforth had nine each. 

The Jackrabbits open 4A-2 conference play this Friday against the Heber Springs Panthers, which enter conference play at 2-1. Kickoff at James B. Abraham Stadium is set for 7 p.m.