Arlington tiptoes by Jackson

ARLINGTON — The Arlington Eagles’ 3-0 start this season might surprise area coaches who picked them to finish next-to-last in the Wesco North.

But Arlington quarterback Jake Parduhn isn’t shocked. He knew the Eagles were capable of this.

“It feels great to win,” Parduhn said, “because we put in, I think, more work than any team in the offseason.”

With performances like this, it’s hard to disagree.

Dylan Lindberg caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Parduhn that lifted the unbeaten Arlington High School football team to a 28-22 non-league victory over Jackson Friday in a non-division game at Larson Stadium.

Parduhn passed for three TDs and completed 17 of 25 passes for 261 yards. He also rushed for 97 yards, putting together another outstanding all-around effort.

On the winning play, Lindberg streaked up the middle, uncovered, and made his fifth reception of the game. It sent the home crowd into a frenzy, and handed Jackson (2-1) its first loss of the year.

“We started running the seam (route) down the middle and we had great success with that, so we just went with that at the end of the game and it worked out for us,” Parduhn said.

With about seven minutes to go in regulation, Jackson’s Taylor Cox made a leaping interception of a Parduhn pass. Jackson hoped to generate a clock-eating drive, but Arlington tightened up and forced a punt.

On third down Jackson came up just inches short.

“The bottom line,” Jackson head coach Joel Vincent said, “is we just couldn’t get it done.”

Arlington tied it with 1 minute, 35 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter when Parduhn scored on a 2-yard keeper run and then completed a two-point conversion pass to Sherman Pruitt.

The TD was set up by a 26-yard fourth-down completion to Jon Shell. Arlington head coach Greg Dailer called a timeout before the play and came up with some magic. Shell ran to the left corner and was wide open.

“Jon Shell made a huge catch there on the corner and Parduhn obviously threw an awesome ball,” Dailer said.

In overtime, Jackson had the ball first, starting from the 25-yard line. Arlington’s defense held their ground and Jackson’s Daniel Sullivan narrowly missed a 34-yard field goal attempt.

Arlington, which then started from the 25-yard line, won it on its third play. It gives the Eagles a boost heading into next week’s homecoming against Lake Stevens, Arlington’s first division opponent of the season.

“Coming into Wesco North next week, we were picked to be at the bottom of the division. But they better watch out because we’re coming,” Parduhn said.

Arlington accomplished something no team had done so far young season: score in the first quarter against Jackson. The Eagles, on their second possession of the game, jumped to a 7-0 lead when Conner Varnell caught a 2-yard TD pass.

It capped an efficient eight-play, 67-yard drive in which Parduhn was 4-for-4 passing for 51 yards and ran three times for 15 yards.

Jackson went three-and-out its first time with the ball. But, fueled by Riley Carr’s running and receiving, the Timberwolves cut it to 7-6 on their next possession. After plowing up the middle for a few good gains, Carr caught a short pass from Andy Gay, cut to the left sideline and dove into the corner of the end zone. The 27-yard scoring play got Jackson within one point.

Arlington overcame a few letdowns, including a second-quarter drive that ended at the Jackson 3-yard line when time expired. They also failed to convert a fake punt early in the fourth quarter that led to Jackson’s final TD.

But none of that mattered, because Parduhn and the Eagles found a way to slice through Jackson’s secondary when it mattered most.

“We played our heart out — just made a few mental mistakes, mental errors, and it cost us the game,” Jackson’s Cox said.

At Arlington H.S.

Jackson09670—22

Arlington70786—28

Arlington-Varnell 2 pass from Parduhn (Pierce kick)

Jackson-Carr 27 pass from Gay (Sullivan kick failed)

Jackson-FG Sullivan 25

Arlington-Varnell 29 pass from Parduhn (Pierce kick)

Jackson-Cox 6 run (Gay pass failed)

Jackson-Cox 35 run (Sullivan kick)

Arlington-Parduhn 2 run (Pruitt pass from Parduhn)

Arlington-Lindberg 23 pass from Parduhn

Records-Jackson 2-1 overall. Arlington 3-0.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Storm suffocates Valkyries late to knock off rivals

The Storm allowed just six points in the final six minutes to defeat Golden State 67-58.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a news conference following a meeting of the NBA's board of governors at the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens / Las Vegas Review-Journal / Tribune News Services)
NBA to conduct ‘in-depth analysis’ of possible expansion

The owners do not have timetable for potential return of Sonics

Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practices at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton on May 20, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks draft pick at the center of NFL contract intrigue

Nick Emmanwori is poised to be dynamic. Right away. He’s on his… Continue reading

Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting three home runs in the swing-off to decide the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/TNS)
MLB All-Star Game features a first-of-its-kind finish

Technically, by the time the clock hit midnight here in… Continue reading

Cal Raleigh wins 2025 MLB Home Run Derby

Cal Raleigh called his shot years ago. In a childhood video spreading… Continue reading

Silvertips forward Shea Busch participates in the Florida Panthers development camp at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on July 1, 2025. Florida selected Busch in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on June 28. (Photo courtesy Shea Busch)
Shea Busch experiences whirlwind NHL Draft week

The Florida Panthers selected the Silvertips forward in the fourth round on June 28.

Portland Fire unveil name, branding as WNBA’s 15th team

A flame is being reignited for Portland’s new WNBA franchise. On Tuesday,… Continue reading

Late Mystics surge dooms Storm as stars struggle

Seattle dropped to 13-9 after shooting 36.2% from the field.

Jorge Polanco (7), right, of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his ninth inning home run with J.P. Crawford (3) while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Detroit. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Mariners sweep Tigers on way to All-Star break

The Detroit Tigers still have the best record in baseball,… Continue reading

Mariners select LSU pitcher with No. 3 pick in MLB draft

College baseball’s best pitcher is coming to the Emerald City. The Seattle… Continue reading

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning championship point against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Gentlemen's Singles Final on day 14 of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London. (Julian Finney / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Sinner conquers Alcaraz for his first Wimbledon title

The vision of Jannik Sinner covered in sweat and… Continue reading

Rome Odunze scans the field in a scrimmage at his youth football camp at Archbishop Murphy High School on July 10, 2025. The former University of Washington star is entering his second NFL season with the Chicago Bears. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Odunze ‘gives back’ in Everett youth football camp

The former University of Washington star hosts a single-day camp at Archbishop Murphy on Thursday.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.