Tomahawks fall to Arlington 45-28

In a matchup that will go far in determining the Wesco North champion this season, Arlington simply had more big plays and came away with a 45-28 win over Marysville-Pilchuck Sept. 23.

By Travis Sherer • September 29, 2011 12:11 pm
A deep M-P throw is just out of the reach of junior Kyle Nobach.
A deep M-P throw is just out of the reach of junior Kyle Nobach.

MARYSVILLE — In a matchup that will go far in determining the Wesco North champion this season, Arlington simply had more big plays and came away with a 45-28 win over Marysville-Pilchuck Sept. 23.

“I think when both teams have so many talented players, these kinds of games can happen,” said M-P head coach Brandon Carson. “Because you make a mistake and either side can really make you pay for it.”

Of course, in a game where the score was 14-7 inside the first three minutes, the fans in the nearly packed stands at Quil Ceda Stadium must have had a few cramps in their necks from watching the ball go so quickly from one side of the field to the other with both teams combining for 15 plays of 20 yards or more.

And more of those big plays came from the Tommies’ huddle, as they outgained the  Eagles 499 yards to 448 in total offense, but just didn’t have nearly as good of field position when starting their drives as Arlington did.

At times, however, that didn’t seem to matter as M-P scored all four of its touchdowns on plays of more than 25 yards. On the finishing end of two of those touchdowns was senior halfback Andre Pina, who at times was able to cut through Arlington’s defense. Pina posted scores of 80 and 57 yards en route to a staggering 269 yards on 20 carries.

But Pina wasn’t the Tommies’ only weapon. Senior back Cody House scored on a 77-yard run in the second quarter and sophomore quarterback Jake Luton connected with Deion Stell for a 26-yard score through the air. House finished with 144 yards on 12 carries.

“I think we moved the ball maybe the best all year,” said Carson. “Our offense is starting to get more balanced and that’s what we’re capable of when we’re all on the same page.”

The Eagles kept more than a one score advantage for most of the game, but M-P did make it interesting opening the second half with a touchdown to make the score 27-21 and an onside kick recovery. Then Arlington’s Adam Roehl recovered an M-P fumble on the ensuing possession to turn the ball over and let senior halfback Colton Hordyk run out the game.