The Canutillo Eagles defeated the Arlignton Heights Yellow Jackets 21-14 in the Area Round of the Texas High School Football Playoofs Friday afternoon at Ratliff Stadium.
For most of the game Canutillo held firm control, scoring first late in the fourth quarter and scoring last to seal the deal. Two near identical teams went back and forth at Ratliff Stadium.
Going into halftime the score would read 14-7, LJ Martin threw for a touchdown off a halfback pass. Rene Huerta caught two touchdown passes that would give Canutillo the lead for most of the game.
The Eagles would have a chance to put the game away in the 3rd quarter but a costly fumble gave momentum back to Arlington Heights. Defense was the key for both teams. Play markers from both teams would never take the game over. Multiple punts and turn over and downs kept the game 14-7 going into the fourth. The Yellow Jackets would tie the game with 10 minutes in the fourth quarter after finding some consistency.
The field position battle would take place for the final 10 minutes both defense would lock down even tougher. Both rushing attacks were held reasonably well. The Eagles would have one last chance around the 3 minute mark to finish it off. Jeremiah Knox would have a rushing touchdown with 22 seconds left to win the game.
Canutillo will face Abilene Wylie next week in the 5A, Divison 2 Regionals.
Story by Christian Molinar