In a game that saw 100 points scored between the two teams, a couple of defensive plays were the difference in the end of the season for the Harrison Goblins.

In Hot Springs to take on Lakeside Friday in the opening game of the 5A State Football Playoffs, a couple of turnovers the homestanding Rams converted into points proved to be the difference in their 58-42 win over the Goblins.

The first turnover happened late in the first quarter with the Rams leading 14-7, when a Mason Ketterman pass deflected off of the hands of the intended receiver and into the waiting hands of a defender who took the interception all the way for a touchdown putting the Rams up 21-7. 

The second turnover occurred on the first series of the second half, with the Goblins driving to try to cut the lead to three when they fumbled at the Rams 35 yard line. The Rams scored on the next play on a 65 yard run to go up 38-21. 

With all of that, the Goblins managed to get the lead down to three with a late third quarter touchdown but the Rams took momentum back on the ensuing drive early in the fourth quarter to secure the win. 

The Goblin offense did not lack for big plays during the game. Ketterman had a 66 yard scoring pass to Lucas Brumley with Braden Long adding touchdown runs of 50, 35, and 69 yards along with Eli McNutt running for scores of 64 and 40 yards. 

The Goblins end their 2023 season with a 7-4 record while Lakeside travels to Pine Bluff for their second round game next week.