HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Senior Will Perrigo stole the spotlight Friday night at Hot Springs Lakeside as the Rams defeated Vilonia in the 5A playoffs, 31-22.
Perrigo, one of the best defensive players in the state, scored two rushing touchdowns, and returned an interception inside Vilonia’s 5 yard line to set up another score.
Coach McBride praises Perrigo
“Will was our standout tonight,” said Lakeside coach Jared McBride. “Besides his touchdowns and interception, he had a lot of tackles like always. Will ran the ball a lot tonight. Our quarterback Will Ross also played extremely well.”
The Rams (7-3) got off to a slow start when Vilonia took over a blocked punt inside Lakeside’s 10. The Eagles could not put the ball in the end zone and had to settle for a field goal.
That momentum, and a spectacular catch at midfield led to the Rams’ first touchdown. Andrew Degrasse added a field goal in the second quarter. After another defensive stand, Lakeside made it 17-3. The Eagles answered before intermission to make it 17-9.
Vilonia pulled within two points early in the third quarter. Both teams added another six-pointer to make it 24-22, and the Rams it out of reach with a late touchdown.
Lakeside gets to host another playoff game next Friday when Little Rock Christian comes calling. LRC eliminated Clarksville Friday night, 48-19.