There was some breaking news today concerning the No. 1 Bentonville Tigers. Bentonville coach Barry Lunney confirmed today that he indefinitely suspended two defensive starters.

When I talked to Lunney about the situation, he obviously didn’t seem happy talking about it, but also seemed a bit frustrated, as any coach would be having to do this.

I guess the obvious question is how bad will this hurt Bentonville’s chances against Fort Smith Northside this week? Well, that’s hard to say. It obviously hurts them, especially since both players are returning starters and have been so vital to this Bentonville defense all season long. I guess the truth will come out on Friday night in Tiger Stadium.

Here is the story below that I wrote for Wednesday’s newspaper:

BENTONVILLE – Two of Bentonville’s senior defensive starters have been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules, Bentonville coach Barry Lunney said on Tuesday.

Defensive back Zac Barczewski (5-foot-9, 155 pounds) and linebacker Torery Garrison (5-10, 181) have both been a part of a defense that’s given up only 9.7 points per game this season, by far the best in the 7A-West Conference.

Lunney, who declined to say what the violation was, also declined comment about the situation.

No. 1 Bentonville (7-0, 4-0) hosts No. 7 Fort Smith Northside on Friday.

The Grizzlies (6-1, 4-0) have the best offense in the conference, averaging 480.9 yards and 38 points per game.