Happy Friday! We’ve seen big games on the field and the diamond this week, with action heating up as we get deeper into the season 🔥

🎙️ Leighton Hardin on Conway baseball
📈 Keeping track of what’s happening around the state
👀 Our One to Watch
⚾️ Web Gem of the Week

Let’s get to it!

🎙️ The Hardin Era. After taking over for the legendary head coach Noel Boucher in 2020, Leighton Hardin has been able to set his own standard, leading Conway baseball while embracing the tradition set before him. He joins Alyssa Orange to talk about the current team, taking over the program, and where the ceiling is for Conway baseball.

🔥 Fast Start. Bentonville baseball built an early 5-0 lead and prevented a late War Eagle comeback, taking down Rogers Heritage for an 8-5 win. The Tigers’ offense was highlighted by strong performances from senior Will Carmichael and senior Connor Davis, who combined for six hits and four RBIs. On the mound, senior Cade Campbell struck out 10 over six innings to earn the win.

⚽️ Bulldog Brilliance. Springdale used a surge in the second half to rally past Bentonville for a 2-1 win. After trailing 1-0, the Bulldogs tied the game up with a goal courtesy of junior Junior Rodriguez. Just minutes later, Springdale claimed the lead with a goal from junior Joel Carranza. The victory helped the Bulldogs stay within two of the top spot in the 6A-West.

🔒 Locked Down. Bentonville West and Rogers battled to a 0-0 draw, leaving both teams s tied atop the 6A-West standings. Each side had its chances, but strong goalkeeping stole the show. Lady Wolverine Lyla Burleson and Rogers’ Skylar Eggers each had key saves that prevented scores on either side.

⚽️ Mateo Gomez-Soto put on a show this week, leading Bentonville West to a 4-1 win over Rogers. The senior delivered in multiple different ways, finding the net off a free kick, a penalty, and in open play to fuel West’s comeback after an early deficit. Gomez-Soto’s play is heating up, helping the Wolverines remain at the top of 6A-West standings.

⚾️ Fort Smith Southside dominated the Battle of Rogers Avenue, taking down rival Fort Smith Northside with a 12-0 win. The Mavericks racked up 10 hits, while Walker Allen looked locked in on the mound. The senior pitched five shutout innings and allowed just three hits. A six-run third inning broke things wide open for Southside, and senior Cayden Maness sealed the deal with a three-run homer.

April 17:
⚾️ 6A Fayetteville @ Aquinas (KS), 4:00 pm | Watch Here
⚾️ 6A Northside @ Conway, 5:00 pm | Watch Here
⚾️ 6A Springdale @ Webb City (MO), 4:30 pm | Watch Here
⚾️ 5A Mountain Home @ Russellville, 5:00 pm | Watch Here
🥎 6A/4A Pea Ridge @ Bentonville West, 5:00 pm | Watch Here
🥎 6A/4A Fayetteville @ Gravette, 5:00 pm | Watch Here
🥎 5A Mountain Home @ Russellville, 5:00 pm | Watch Here

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