2. East Poinsett County (Lepanto, Ark.) 73, Hughes (Ark.) 72 in 2006
Sometimes great games don't necessarily need great teams. Case in point is the 2006 matchup between East Poinsett County and Hughes. Both teams were winless entering this midseason contest: East Poinsett County was 0-6 while Hughes was 0-4.
Turns out, the contest produced one of the most thrilling individual performances in Arkansas prep history.
Hughes running back Kendric Smith rushed for 425 yards and scored nine touchdowns, including a 2-yard touchdown run in overtime after the game finished tied at 66 in regulation. Unfortunately for Hughes, the team had just 15 players and none of them could kick. A try for a 2-point conversion failed.
[Sports Illustrated Game of the Year]East Poinsett County, led by quarterback Brett Hardin, scored on a 2-yard run and kicked the extra point for the one-point victory. Hardin finished with five touchdown passes in the win and had 835 all-purpose yards.
The contest was called the "Game of the Year" by Sports Illustrated for 2006. East Poinsett lost its final three games of the season and finished the year 1-9. The one-point loss was the closest game of the season for Hughes, which finished the year 0-9. Smith, who had touchdown runs of 13, 20, 28, 35, 40, 45, 52, 53 and 2 yards, was nominated for an ESPY Award for his performance in a losing cause.
