STAR CITY — Star City squandered a 28-7 halftime lead to Boonesville, but a 45-yard punt return by Lavonte Gardner kept the Bulldogs perfect start to the season alive with a 34-28 win.
Star City (3-0) got on the board in the first quarter when quarterback Zack House ran in a 30-yard score for the 6-0 lead with 3:30 left in the first quarter.
Boonesville responded with a score 2 minutes later and took its only lead 7-6.
Reshod Davis put Star City back on top at the 9:35 mark in the second quarter with a 6-yard touchdown run and a 14-7 lead.
With 7 minutes left in the half, Davis scored again on a 3-yard run. Star City then recovered a Boonesville fumble and House hit Davis for a 19-yard touchdown pass 2:17 before the half for the 28-7 lead.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Boonesville came back, though and tied the game with 7 minutes left in the game before Gardner’s winning score. Boonesville drove to the Star City 33-yard line, but was stopped for a loss of 6 yards on fourth down and the Bulldogs took over with 1:11 left.
Dajunn Harris led Star City with 86 yards rushing on 10 carries, House ran for 59 yards on 11 carries, Davis had 33 yards rushing and 33 yards receiving and Gardner ran for 68 yards on seven carries.
House finished 5 of 9 passing for 45 yards, a touchdown and one interception.
Darien Washington and Davis led Star City’s defense with eight tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery each. Austin Smith added seven tackles.