Branson-Harrison Game Called at Half, Other Area Teams Win

Fans attending the Pella Windows and Doors Border Battle between the Harrison Goblins and Branson Pirates spent a full night at the stadium but only say half a game.

The two teams, meeting in varsity football for the first time in 40 years, were playing in an electric atmosphere with the biggest crowd in many years, but lighting played havoc with the game, delaying it in the second quarter with 8:59 left and the Pirates leading 3-0 on a Dane Effird kick in the final minute of the first quarter. The game resume after an over an hour and a half later with the Pirates on the move again, but a fumble gave the Goblins the ball back and taking advantage of some Pirate penalties, was able to get into the end zone with 15 seconds left in the half on a Jaxon Ramsey two yard run. 

Although the two teams took an abbreviated halftime break, lighting struck again just before the start of the second half when the officials and administrators decided to call the game. As of late Friday night, there was still no official ruling on whether the game would be a Harrison win or no contest. There was also some discussion about trying to finish the game Saturday by the availability of officials was an issue with that option. 

Meanwhile, the other Arkansas vs. Missouri High School Battle in the Lakes Region also had to go through a couple of delays but did eventually finish up with Hollister holding off Green Forest 32-20. Hollister's Bryson Whitman had a long touchdown run in the third quarter to break a 14-all tie as Hollister grabbed their first win since Week 10 of the 2022 season. 

The other Lakes Area Teams get shutouts on the road with Reeds Spring winning a defensive battle with Rogersville 8-0 while Forsyth defeated Father Tolton 30-0.

Friday Scores
MOARK Teams
Harrison 7 Branson 3 (Game Called at Halftime due to Weather)
Hollister 32 Green Forest 20
Reeds Spring 8 Rogersville 0
Forsyth 30 Father Tolton 0

Ozark Mountain Conference Teams
Marshfield 12 Parkview 0
Hillcrest 33 Central 0
Mountain Home 43 West Plains 21
Osage 35 Bolivar 0
Capital City 45 Carl Junction 7

Mid-Lakes Conference Teams
Ava 56 Buffalo 14
Clever 23 Miller 12
East Newton 21 Catholic 13
Fair Grove 41 Mountain Grove 20