Colts drop district game against Mansfield

Tyler Seibold, Staff ReporterOctober 12, 20172 Comments

Gordon Smith

The Colts take the field before the game against Mansfield. Though they fell to the Tigers, the Colts are now in fourth place in district 4-6A with a 1-1 record in district play and a 4-1 overall record.

The Arlington High football team fell last Friday night to the Mansfield Tigers 34-13.

The first half did not start well for the Colts. The offense started strong, but did not get any points on a lengthy first drive. After this drive, Mansfield stopped the dual-threat running game of the Colts.

“Mansfield’s defense was really special,” head coach Scott Peach said. “They were as good as anybody in stopping the run. They did what we expected in playing a tough run defense.”

The second quarter mostly belonged to the running attack of the Tigers. Two running touchdowns gave Mansfield a 13-0 advantage. The Colts managed to score in the last four seconds of the half. Junior WR Trey Cleveland caught a tipped pass in the endzone to cut the Tiger lead to 13-7. 

A key development late in the second quarter was the injury of senior RB Kenland McCray. McCray was taken down hard on the track of the Arlington sideline, leading to a personal foul on Mansfield’s defense. McCray looked to injure his hand and did not return in the second half.

“It was huge,” Peach said. “To not have him on the field was a big deal. It hurts to not have him out there.”

The second half was controlled by Mansfield. The ground game of the Tigers led to another touchdown making it 20-7 with 4:43 remaining in the third quarter. They struck again with a 68 yard touchdown pass to Mansfield WR Jackson Gleeson, who is committed to Baylor University.

“He has world class speed,” Peach said. “He is an olympic style runner. You can’t practice against that speed. Credit to them because they are using him right.”

The Colts persevered, fighting until the end. Senior QB D’Montae Davis threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Cleveland to make the score 27-13. Mansfield added a touchdown late in the game to make the final score 34-13.

Arlington is now in fourth place in district 4-6A with a 1-1 record in district play and a 4-1 overall record.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE COLTS:

Lamar will host the Colts next for a district showdown. The Vikings are 3-2 this year with district wins coming against Sam Houston and North Crowley.

Arlington will go on the road to face Lamar this Friday, October 13 at 7:30 P.M. at Cravens Field.