By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Two Arlington defenders make a tackle on Millington Trojan receiver LaKeron Garcia Friday night in Arlington during the Tigers’ 21-13 win.
The Arlington Tigers recapture the District 14-3A crown beating the defending champion Millington Trojans tonight 21-13 in Arlington.
Now the Tigers wait to see where they will start the 2012 Class 6A State Football playoff with the announcement of seeding coming at 10 a.m. Saturday from the TSSAA. Meanwhile the Trojans at 5-5 have a tough night of sleep ahead just hoping for a spot in the postseason.
The Trojans were 5-2 after seven games. But close defeats to three of the top teams in Tennessee even out Millington’s record and left its playoff hopes in jeopardy.
The Tigers had to beat Millington to lock up the district title over Craigmont and earn a high seed. Arlington got off to a quick start Friday night when quarterback Hunter Sheffield connected with receiver Justin Boring for a 21-yard TD in the first quarter. Boring’s effort against Millington put him over the 1,000 yard receiving mark for the season, a first in Arlington history.
The 7-0 Arlington lead didn’t last for long. At the 5-minute and 43-second mark of the opening quarter Millington quarterback Eldon Tyms threw a deep ball over the middle to a wide open Myron Threlkeld for a 47 yard touchdown.
The first quarter ended 7-7. Then Arlington regained the advantage in the second quarter when Sheffield found wide out Omauri Hampton for a 1-yard TD pass.
The Tigers went into the locker room ahead 14-7. After a turnover filled third quarter by both teams, Arlington used the connection of Sheffield to Hampton to build the lead to 21-7 in the fourth quarter.
Millington made a late rally when senior quarterback Allen Moore came in to find receiver LaKeron Garcia on a fourth down and 10 play for a 32-yard score. But the Trojans could only cut into the deficit at 21-13.
