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2 PREP RALLY PLAYOFF: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 T R E E S E R V I C E PR A I R I E GR O V E 4 7 9 - 6 0 1 - 5 5 9 1 4 7 9 - 8 4 6 - 43 3 3 HENRY APPLE NWA Democrat-Gazette BENTONVILLE — It didn't rain Sept. 15 when Bentonville High's football team played its home opener against Conway, but it was still a dark and stormy night as far as Nathan Lyons was concerned. e Tigers' senior quarterback had just thrown two interceptions and lost a fumble in a 35-16 loss to the Wampus Cats. rough Bentonville's three nonconference games, he had more turnovers than he did touchdown passes, and he wasn't feeling too good about his performance up to that point. "I felt alone, honestly," Lyons said. "I wasn't playing very well, and people were starting to jump off the bandwagon a little bit. I didn't feel like anybody supported me at that point, except for the coaches. "It was a hard time to get through, especially through that Conway game because we were expected to win that game. It was a struggling moment at that point." If it's true the darkest moment comes just before dawn, then Lyons saw daylight break right before 7A-West Conference action began. Since that time, he's been a completely different player, having thrown for 20 touchdowns and no interceptions against Bentonville's league opponents. It made Bentonville coach Jody Grant appreciate the fact he decided from the outset he was sticking with Lyons, through thick and thin. Grant also noticed the moment when daylight appeared for Lyons, and it took place during the Tuesday practice before Bentonville played its 7A-West opener against Fayetteville. "We knew he had played only three games at quarterback at the varsity level," Grant said. "We felt like he gave us the best chance to win, so we stuck with him. en there was this situation in pass scale when I came to realization we need to do some things to make sure he understands coverages better. "We were doing some stuff with him to show him different looks, and it was almost like he got it and it clicked. We just piggy-backed off that and educated him more in the classroom through meetings and film. It's helped him tremendously. We simplified our schemes a little bit, but we've now brought them back up to where we're doing what we've done." Since that time, Grant said Lyons' leadership has changed significantly as he ran Bentonville's offense. He also marvels at his quarterback's practice habits as he has developed into what Grant believes is one of the top quarterbacks in the conference. But Lyons didn't stop at that point. He has become a devoted film watcher — by himself and with the team — and he has spent additional time in meetings with offensive coordinator Aaron Danenhauer and quarterbacks coach Kevin York. "I had to learn these things the hard way," Lyons said. "Varsity-level football is a different level than anything I've ever done before, and it's not enough to just to lean on our own athleticism and your own ability. You have to study teams now because everybody is just as athletic and as fast as you are. "Everything goes right along with film study, knowing where the receivers are going to be and throwing the ball before they are actually there. I remember a meeting with coach York where we pointed out one stat that separates the wins and losses — the turnover ratio. Ever since then, I've made it a key where I may have to take a sack but don't give the ball to the other team." at has led to smarter play, and with it has come the improved statistics as everything started to click for the Tigers. Lyons threw four touchdown passes in three straight games and had a season- high 313 yards in a win over Springdale High. "He understands his reads, and his ball placement has been good," Grant said. "He's getting decent protection, and guys are catching the football. "I think Nathan will tell you he's getting some help on this deal, and he's operating and doing things well. He's just being an intelligent player at this point of the season just because of some of the things he's been doing." Tigers' Lyons flourishes aer emerging from dark period AT A GLANCE NATHAN LYONS SCHOOL Bentonville High CLASS Senior POSITION Quarterback HEIGHT 5-11 WEIGHT 175 NOTABLE Started the season wearing No. 5, but changed to No. 20 to honor teammate Lucas Bowman, who suffered a broken ankle and has missed the entire season. … Threw for 20 touchdowns and no interceptions through 7A-West Conference play after throwing six interceptions and five touchdown passes in the Tigers' three nonconference play. … Threw four touchdown passes in three consecutive games and had a season- high 313 yards in a win over Springdale High on Oct. 21. … Verbally committed to play baseball at Arkansas-Little Rock following graduation. Bentonville Tigers (8-2) DATE OPPONENT RESULT Sept. 1 ..............at Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst ......... L 35-8 Sept. 8 ..............at Bixby, Okla ........................................... W 47-28 Sept. 15 ...........Conway ..................................................... L 35-16 Sept. 22 ...........Fayetteville ............................................... W 32-27 Sept. 29 ...........at Van Buren ............................................ W 38-6 Oct. 6 ................Springdale Har-Ber ............................... W24-21 Oct. 13 .............Springdale High ..................................... W 49-21 Oct. 20 .............at Rogers High ........................................ W 63-19 Oct. 27 .............Rogers Heritage ..................................... W 70-0 Nov. 3 ...............at Bentonville West ............................... W 37-28 Nov. 10 .............Bye Nov. 17 .............vs. Springdale or Cabot ....................... 7 p.m. CLASS 7A 1450 Southeast J St. Bentonville, AR 479-273-2639 www.brownscollisioncenter.com Proudly supporting Bentonville Athletics