The Conway Wampus Cats kicked off the 2022 season under the lights off John Mcconnell Stadium Friday night, playing host to a familiar out-of-conference foe in the Bentonville Tigers. Bentonville, the second ranked team in the state, played host to and defeated Broken Arrow (OK) before traveling to Conway for a top three showdown with the Cats.

The first half would see both defenses struggle as after Conway was held to an opening drive field goal deep in Bentonville territory, the two teams would trade touchdown drives for much of the rest of the half. Late in the half down 21-17, Conway would drive all the way down inside the Bentonville 10 yard line before being forced to kick another field goal to cut the Cat’s deficit to 21-20 at the break. 

After the Wampus Cat defense forced a three and out on the opening possesion of the third quarter, the Conway rushing game would begin to impose it’s will. The Cats would go on to score three rushing touchdowns in the third quarter, two belonging to All-State running back Boogie Carr as part of a 300+ all purpose yard night for the senior. “The win gave us confidence and gives us momentum going into the rest of our games,” said Carr after the win.

Bentonville would score two touchdowns in the second half, but would never regain the lead as Conway secured a big first win of the 2022 campaign

The Wampus will make their furthest regular season trip this week, as they travel to Springdale looking to go 2-0 on the young season.