Arp suffered their biggest loss since November 17, 2023 on Friday. They lost 41-16 to the New Diana Eagles. While losing is never fun, the Tigers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Texas football rankings (they are ranked 577th, while the Eagles are ranked 211th).
When it comes to explaining why Arp lost, don't look at Josh Smith. Despite the final result, he rushed for 196 yards and a touchdown. Smith also deserves a shoutout for his performance on D, picking up a sack and making eight total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Even though they lost, Arp was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 210 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 151 rushing yards in nine consecutive games.
New Diana found their leader in sophomore Dejuan Johnson, who threw for 250 yards and five touchdowns while completing 87.5% of his passes, and also rushed for 66 yards on only six carries. Those five passing touchdowns set a new season-high mark for Johnson. Davyon Mapps was another key rusher, gaining 99 total yards and two touchdowns.
The defeat snapped Arp's winning streak at three games and leaves them with a 6-3 record. As for New Diana, the victory for them keeps them at an undefeated 9-0.
Arp will square off against West Rusk at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Arp is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 39.3 points per game this season. As for New Diana, they will challenge Elkhart at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The timing is sure in New Diana's favor as the team sits on four straight wins at home while Elkhart has been banged up by four consecutive losses on the road.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
