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26 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 ANDREW EPPERSON Special to the NWA Democrat-Gazette GENTRY —Gentry has had some ups and downs this season, but Peyton Wright has stayed steady for the Pioneers. Wright has been a contributor in the Pioneers' passing game, catching everything thrown his way. He is one of Northwest Arkansas' top receivers with 65 catches for 814 yards and seven touchdowns. He hauled in seven passes for 84 yards, and scored his team's only touchdown in a 38-9 loss to rival Gravette last week. at he's still playing football is a blessing for the junior two-way starter. Wright was injured when he was struck by a vehicle last year. "I got a phone call one night saying he was hit by a car," Gentry coach Paul Ernest said. "He missed our spring practice and missed a lot of the summer because of that and watching him work and rehab himself back into the fold again was big." Wright (5-10, 160 pounds) was able to rejoin the team for summer workouts, and he made an immediate impact. He gives credit for much of his success to his teammates, including quarterback Jon Faulkenberry. "I have a really good quarterback and he's one of the best in the state and our offensive line is really good, too," Wright said. "All I've got to do is get open and he throws me the ball and it's perfect every time." He recorded his first 100-yard receiving game on six receptions and one touchdown against Huntsville earlier this season. While Wright has compiled impressive offensive stats, he's been just as successful on defense. From the safety position, he has racked up 115 total tackles, 28 solos. He also has two interceptions, a forced fumble and two quarterback hurries. He had five tackles in the loss to Gravette. "We have good linebackers, good corners and everything," Wright said. "I just go where the ball is at pretty much and try to make a play." Still, Wright said there's no secret which position he enjoys playing most. "Definitely wide receiver because getting the touchdowns and getting your name called out and stuff is awesome," Wright said. "at's always fun." Ernest said he believes Wright is an important figure in his local community and does not truly understand his importance. "He doesn't understand that to a (Gentry) fourth-grader, he's no different than a Tom Brady or Ezekiel Elliot or whoever their hero is on Sunday," Ernest said. "ey just get to see them on Friday. He's a high-character kid and a good football player." He said his favorite moment of Wright's this season came in the team's first game against Lavaca when the offense was stalled on a third-down play. "Our quarterback is rolling out and sees him going down the field and makes a throw and the throw is off," Ernest said. "Peyton goes up with one hand and grabs it and it just sparked us. From there we went on to score like 40 straight points." e Pioneers (5-5) will travel to Southside (9-1, 6-1) tonight for a first-round playoff game. Wright said a run in the playoffs and a state championship would be a great way to transition to his senior year. "It would mean everything to win a state championship," Wright said. "at would be something I would remember for the rest of my life, for sure, and just share with my kids and my family." He said the lessons he's learned playing football at Gentry have carried over into his everyday life. "It's taught me to never give up," Wright said. "It taught me to be a better person and a better athlete and I just love it. It's been a big part of my life." Wright bounces back for breakout junior season NWA Democrat-Gazette/RANDY MOLL Gentry junior Peyton Wright has enjoyed a breakout season for the Pioneers with 65 catches on offense. Wright has also recorded 51 tackles on defense. The Pioneers travel to Southside tonight for a Class 4A state playoff game. AT A GLANCE PEYTON WRIGHT SCHOOL Gentry HEIGHT 5-10 WEIGHT 160 CLASS Junior POSITION Receiver/Defensive Back NOTABLE Has 65 catches for 814 yards and 7 touchdowns. … Averaged 12.5 yards per catch. … Scored one rushing touchdown. … Compiled 1,028 all- purpose yards as a receiver, rusher and kick returner. … Started at defensive back, where he recorded 51 tackles, including 28 solo stops and 2.o tackles for loss and had two interceptions. … Averaged 13.0 yards on six punt returns. Gentry Pioneers (5-5) DATE OPPONENT RESULT Sept. 1 ..............Lavaca .................................... W 50-0 Sept. 8 ..............Decatur .................................. W 56-7 Sept. 15 ...........at Greenland........................ L 76-71 Sept. 22 ...........at Pea Ridge* ....................... L 47-18 Sept. 29 ...........Berryville* ............................. W 21-0 Oct. 6 ................at Huntsville* ...................... W 42-28 Oct. 13 .............Shiloh Christian* ................ W 38-6 Oct. 20 .............at Prairie Grove* ................. W 32-7 Oct. 27 .............at Lincoln* ............................ W 34-14 Nov. 3 ...............Gravette* .............................. L 38-9 Nov. 10 .............at Batesville Southside .... 7pm * — Denotes 4A-1 Conference game CLASS 4A We match competitor's prices! SUPPLEMENTS • FITNESS EQUIPMENT • ACCESSORIES APPAREL • RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL FAYETTEVILLE | 479.521.3481 ROGERS | 479.633.9837 LITTLE ROCK | 501.954.9837 www.ytfs.com