ARLINGTON — The first football game of the season for Arlington’s Eagles and Marysville-Pilchuck’s Tomahawks ended with a resounding victory for the Tommies, despite an intense second quarter scoring streak for Arlington.
“There’s not much to say,” said Arlington Head Coach Greg Dailer. “We didn’t play very well, other than creating four turnovers.”
Those four turnovers helped the Eagles score three touchdowns in the second quarter — the first was the result of a botched snap that was recovered in the end zone by Noah Andal. Immediately following that touchdown, M-P’s quarterback Jake Luton took a hit and the ensuing fumble was recovered by Jon Raybourn. Arlington running back Deeshawn Benjamin made the ensuing touchdown to tie the game at 14. Yet another Tomahawk fumble was picked up by Arlington’s Saige Taylor for a 22-yard touchdown.
“We had to battle some adversity and I really was proud of the way our kids responded,” said M-P’s Head Coach Brandon Carson, of the Eagles’ three second-quarter touchdowns.
The Eagles’ lead was short-lived however, when M-P’s junior running back Austin Joyner scored his second touchdown of the night on a 7-yard run — and with a kick from Ryan Spiva, gave the Tommies a 7-point lead going into the second half.
“Dante Fields was outstanding all night on defense and Austin Joyner made some big plays for us offensively,” said Carson.
The Tomahawks shut out the Eagles for the remainder of the game, led by Joyner who had a total of 16 carries and 245 rushing yards. In the third quarter Joyner rushed 80-yard for the lone score of third-period.
In the final quarter of the season opener, Luton scored the Tommies’ fifth touch down with a 1-yard carry and Hunter Trueax rushed for 7 yards to top it off with the final touchdown of the game — which ended with a final score of 42-21.
Despite the victory, Carson is hoping that the Tomahawks can iron out some of their issues for upcoming games.
“We have to get better at taking care of the football,” he said. “Lake Stevens is a good football team we are going to have to limit our mistakes to be successful.”
The Tomahawks face Lake Stevens at home on Friday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m., while the Eagles travel to Oak Harbor.
