Arab Blasts Decatur 35-14, Race to 6-0 for First Time Since 1949
ARAB, AL – The Arab Arabian Knights turned homecoming night into a piece of school history Friday, rolling past the Decatur Red Raiders 35-14 at the Arab City Schools Sportsplex. The win pushed Arab to 6-0 for the first time since 1949, a milestone that had a program and its fans buzzing well into the night.
Quarterback Nic Stephens ran the show. He threw for three touchdowns and added a fourth on the ground, leading a Knights offense that jumped ahead early and never gave it back.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Arab put the game away almost before Decatur could settle in. The Knights piled up 21 points in the first quarter, starting with a 4-yard touchdown run from Mason Ingram.
Stephens struck next with the play of the night, connecting with Tucker Willis on a 78-yard scoring strike. Then he took matters into his own hands, breaking free for a 9-yard run to make it 21-0 after one quarter.
Willis and Stephens Keep Rolling
The second quarter brought more of the same. Stephens found Willis again, this time on a 14-yard touchdown pass that stretched the Arab lead to 28-0.
Decatur finally answered before the break. Ridge Tourney hit DeNarrius Lampkin on an 18-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 28-7 and giving the Red Raiders a spark heading into halftime.
Red Raiders Fight Back, Knights Seal It
Decatur kept scratching in the third quarter. Devin Haley pounded in a 2-yard touchdown run to trim the lead to 28-14 and keep the visitors within striking distance.
But Arab shut the door in the fourth. Stephens delivered his third touchdown pass of the night, a 28-yard throw to Owen Lambert, restoring the three-score cushion and locking up the 35-14 final.
Standout Performances
Stephens finished 7 of 10 through the air for 168 yards and added 92 yards on the ground, a dual-threat effort that Decatur never solved.
Willis was the top target, hauling in four catches for 132 yards and two scores. His long touchdown grab set the tone for the entire evening.
For Decatur, Haley carried the load, rushing for 110 yards and a touchdown. Tourney completed 6 of 13 passes for 68 yards and one score.
Looking Ahead
Arab (6-0, 3-0 in Class 5A, Region 8) stays home next week to host Fort Payne, with its undefeated season and region lead on the line.
Decatur (1-5, 0-3 in Class 5A, Region 7) returns home as well, welcoming Hartselle as the Red Raiders look to find their footing down the stretch.
