KENT — Arlington quarterback Skylor Elgarico threw three touchdown passes and ran for 101 yards and the Eagles upset previously undefeated Kentwood in a 4A District playoff game to advance to the state tournament against Camas.
“We outplayed (Kentwood) tonight,” said Eagles head coach Greg Dailer. “It wasn’t a fluke or anything…I felt if (the team) believed in what we’re doing and could do it at full speed we could play with anyone.”
The Eagles defense held the run=happy Conquerors to just 68 yards rushing and 305 yards overall. Meanwhile, Arlington put up 403 yards of total offense.
“Our D just played awesome,” said Dailer.
Offensely, the Eagles gave the Conquerors a different look in the first half. Dailer thought the Kentwood defense would primarily key on the run, so Elgarico took to the air, passing for 133 yards and two touchdowns in the first two quarters.
“We wanted to be balanced in the first half,” said Dailer. “Our passing game opened up the run.”
Elgarico connected with Connor Bovard for a 20-yard score and Austin Wells made a spectacular, one-handed catch while leaning backward for Arlington’s second score of the night. Overall, Elgarico was 15-of-31 for 177 yards and also threw two interceptions.
After managing just two field goals, Kentwood found the end zone late in the second quarter on a Jackson Huerta 38-yard touchdown reception and the score was tied 14-14 going into the half.
After half time, Arlington’s run game, and John Decker, took over. Decker finished with 114 yards on 20 carries, with 98 coming in the second half. Still it was another Elgarico 21-yard TD pass to Wells in the third quarter that proved to be the winning score.
The Conquerors’ had a chance on their final drive, getting the ball near midfield with just over a minute to go in the fourth quarter. But the Eagles’ Nathan Kehler came up with a huge sack on first down and three incompletions later sealed the win for Arlington.
At French Field
Arlington7770—21
Kentwood31100—14
K—Mitchell Cox 21 FG
A—Connor Bovard 20 pass from Skylar Elgarico (Sergio Hall kick)
K—Cox 30 FG
A—Austin Wells 21 pass from from Elgarico (Hall kick)
K—Jackson Huerta 38 pass from Dane Hernandez-Manio (Huerta run)
A—Austin Wells 21 pass from from Elgarico (Hall kick)
Records—Arlington 4-5 overall. Kentwood 9-1.
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