Magnolia and Arkadelphia went back-and-forth in a high-scoring affair Thursday night at Panther Stadium.
The freshmen Cubs (2-1) managed to walk away with a 41-34 victory.
Robert Mack, James'Darius Smith and Javorrea Murphy provided the scoring for the Cubs, while quarterback Braden Thomas accounted for all of the Badgers' touchdowns. He threw two and ran for three more.
The teams traded punts and were scoreless throughout the first quarter. Defensive back Rakeem Beasley intercepted an Arkadelphia pass with 24 seconds left in the opening period.
On the first snap of the second period, Mack rambled 30 yards for the game's first score.
Jakamron Zachery added the PAT and the Cubs led 7-0.
Five plays later, Thomas threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to make it 7-6, following a failed two-point attempt.
Three scores were made in the final two minutes of the first half.
The Cubs got a 4-yard run from Murphy to make it 14-6. Mack and Smith had 20-yard run on the drive.
The Badgers, behind a 15-yard pass and a 15-yard run, narrowed the gap to 14-12 on a 9-yard touchdown pass by Thomas. The try for two points failed again.
Following a 45-yard kickoff return on the ensuing kickoff by Mack, Smith ran 40 yards to give the Cubs a 21-12 lead at half-time.
Lakarious Manning recovered an Arkadelphia fumble before the buzzer sounded.
Thomas opened the scoring in the second half with a 42-yard touchdown run. A third two-point attempt failed, leaving the Badgers trailing 21-18.
The Cubs were forced to punt on their next possession, with the ball landing at the Arkadelphia 26.
Thomas broke up the middle for a 74-yard touchdown run with 3:50 to play in the third period.
A successful two-point conversion gave the Badgers a 26-21 lead.
Late in the third quarter, MJHS quarterback Tanner Nielsen threw 24 yard to receiver Jaikeim Warren on a key fourth down play.
With five seconds on the clock, Mack scored from 6 to put the Cubs back up 28-26.
On the final play of the third period, Thomas had a 60-yard touchdown run brought back on a holding penalty.
But early in the final quarter and after completing a 28-yard pass, Thomas scored on a 42-yard run. The two-point conversion put the Badgers on top, 34-28.
The Cubs' game-winning touchdown drive started on their own 37.
Murphy had an 18-yard run before the Cubs were faced with a third-and-6 at the Arkadelphia 41.
Bell got loose and ran 31 yards to the 10. Two plays later, Smith scored from the 6 to make it 35-34 with 3:21 remaining in the game.
The Cubs had two huge defensive stands over the final three minutes.
On fourth-and-13, MJHS was able to contain Thomas and take over on downs.
With 1:04 remaining, the Cubs got an easy touchdown when Murphy went up the middle from 24 yards out.
Zachery's kick was not good, leaving Magnolia ahead 41-34.
The Badgers had one final opportunity, but linebacker Garrett Henderson came up with an interception with 40 seconds remaining in the game.
The Cubs will be on the road next Thursday at De Queen.