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Entering last Friday night’s matchup against White Sulphur Springs, Coach Jim Lawson’s Hot Springs Savage Heat had the opportunity to win the Class-C six-man western division with a victory. The division title wasn’t meant to be this season however, as the Hornets overcame the rain and the stout Savage Heat defense to emerge victorious by a score of 8-6. Defense reigned supreme Friday night as both teams reached the end zone just one time, the difference being an extra point conversion by White Sulphur Springs.

The loan Savage Heat score was delivered by senior Kyle Lawson on a one-yard rush. Coach Jim Lawson was proud of how Kyle and senior quarterback Jack McAllister ran the ball, citing a touchdown from McAllister that was called back due to a penalty. The Savage Heat head coach wanted to highlight the efforts from his defense post-game, though. “It was a big defensive battle. One of the lowest scoring six-man games you’ll ever see,” he said. “Both defenses played so well.” Coach Lawson went on to mention key performances from a pair of freshman defenders, “Weston Slonaker had maybe the best game he’s ever played with 13 tackles and two sacks. Johnny Waterbury had a big game, too.”

With the loss, the Savage Heat falls to the third seed in the division and will have to take the long 10-hour bus ride to face off against defending state champion and No. 1 ranked (courtesy of 406mtsports.com) Froid-Lake. Hot Springs will look to snap Froid-Lake’s 19-game winning streak. It will be a monumental task but coach Lawson remains confident. “We are up for the challenge.” Kickoff is set for 1 p.m on Saturday.