Arlington Heights scores early and often to pick up district win against Saginaw
Through three weeks, Saginaw was averaging nearly 30 points and over 450 yards per game.
But in a meeting between 0-1 district teams on Saturday at Farrington Field, it was Arlington Heights that shut down the potent Rough Riders offense.
The Yellow Jackets scored the game’s first four touchdowns to beat Saginaw 42-14.
Heights improved to 2-2 on the season, 1-1 in District 3-5A Division I. Saginaw drops to 1-3 and 0-2.
“It’s great to get to 1-1 in a very tough and competitive district,” Heights coach Phil Young said. “It’s always sweet to get that first district win and gives you some momentum into the next week.”
The game didn’t get off to the greatest of starts in a wet environment following Friday night’s rain. Heights fumbled on the first drive, but got the football back two plays later when Jacorey Manear intercepted a pass and took it to the Saginaw 16.
Heights faced a third-and-14 when QB Deontre Jones hit Myles Brawley for a 20-yard TD at the 8:41 mark of the first quarter.
Saginaw moved the ball into Heights’ territory on its second drive, but a bad snap on fourth down set up the Yellow Jackets’ second TD – a 12-yard run by Darius McCloud.
McCloud scored his second of three TDs from the 2 to put Heights up 21-0 with 8:26 before halftime. His third score from 10 yards made it 28-0 with 7:31 in the third quarter.
“It was a big win and we needed it,” Jones said. “That’s our only option – to win – if we want to reach our goal of a district title.”
The Rough Riders got on the board on the ensuing possession when Noah Houston broke loose down the sideline for a 40-yard TD run.
Jones connected with Brawley for a 10-yard TD and hit Jake Vantilburg for a 37-yard score in the fourth quarter. Saginaw scored its second TD with a 22-yard pass from QB Kameron Williams to Blayne Taylor with 7:47 to play.
Heights held Saginaw to 154 yards and forced three turnovers. Carlton Coleman also recorded a pick and Javeon Moses recovered a fumble after Jordon Bowie knocked the ball loose on a Saginaw run.
“Saginaw came in playing well and putting up a lot of points, but we had a good game plan,” Young said. “We brought a lot of pressure in different areas and I think it confused their offense.”
Heights rushed 45 times for 221 yards. McCloud led the way with 23 carries, 123 yards and 3 TDs. Jones and Blake Benson rushed for 55 and 58 yards. Jones threw for 116 yards on 11 of 19 passing with 3 TDs. Brawley had four catches for 38 yards and Tamikeal Bibbs added 39 yards on five catches.
“We found where their weak spot was,” Jones said. “I had plenty of time to throw and Darius had space to run thanks to our offensive line. They did a great job today.”