Arlington shows sturdy defense against North Crowley

By Sam Morton

Special to the Star-Telegram

CROWLEY -- If the Arlington Colts needed a pick-me-up following last week's 31-point loss to Arlington Bowie, a trip to North Crowley did the trick.

A smothering defense held North Crowley to 146 yards as Arlington rolled to a 41-7 win at Panther Field on Friday night.

Arlington (8-2, 5-2 District 3-5A) was pretty much set for the playoffs coming into the game, only needing to not lose to the Panthers (3-7, 3-4) by 21. The dominating statement proved the Colts will be a tough team to eliminate starting next weekend. Keller Timber Creek, which beat Keller Fossil Ridge on Friday, gets first crack at Arlington.

The Colts defense stifled everything the North Crowley offense threw at it. When the Panthers switched to E.J. Speed at quarterback after the half, the Colts pressured him relentlessly. Speed eventually connected on a terrific 31-yard touchdown strike to Dre'Lyn Holley, but that was all the Panthers got.

Colts quarterback Connor Huffman connected on 8 of 16 passes for 117 passing yards and had 28 rushing yards, but he scored twice and frustrated the Panthers all night.

The Colts didn't exactly get off to the most inspiring start, sputtering to a pair of three-and-outs to open the game. But following a North Crowley punt that rolled 65 yards inside the Colts' 1, running back Brandon Washington kicked his game into gear.

Washington burst for rushes of 15, 42, 18 and 4 yards that brought Arlington 98 yards to the Panthers' one-yard line. Huffman capped the drive on the next play.

Washington finished his night with a 38-yard run that gave him 144 yards.

Raymond Sheard only had five carries, but found the end zone twice.

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