Jesse Thompson and Nick Smith scored touchdowns Friday as the Arlington football team earned its first win of the fall, 12-6, at Omaha Concordia.
Both the Eagles (1-5 overall) and Mustangs (0-6) scored their points during the first half in what proved to be a defensive battle. AHS notched 326 offensive yards — 173 rushing and 153 passing — while Concordia notched just 211.
The victory was Arlington's first of the 2020 season, but also the first for first-year coach Colter Mattson. He took over the program this fall after the retirement of longtime coach Steven Gubbels.
“A win is a win,” Mattson said. “It felt good to the get the first one, however, we have a lot we have to improve on if we want to continue to be successful.”
Concordia opened scoring with a 25-yard pass during the first quarter. In the second, however, Thompson reached the end zone on a 15-yard run before Smith's 3-yard pass reception from quarterback Josh Miller.
The 12-6 lead held as Arlington intercepted two passes — 1 apiece for Logan Kaup and Frankie Rosenbalm — and committed just two penalties for 25 yards.
“Defensively, when we did our jobs, we were successful. When we did not complete our assignments we had some issues,” Mattson said. “Our cornerbacks did a good job in run support and Frankie Rosenbalm had a big interception in the fourth. Our linebackers, Collin Burdess and Isaac Foust, played a good game as well.”
Offensively, Thompson finished with 56 rushing yards and 27 receiving. Miller added 79 rushing and completed 13 of his 22 passes for 153 yards.
The Eagles' Kaden Pittman, meanwhile, had a 63-yard reception. Dustin Kirk caught four balls for 33 yards, while Smith and Isaac Foust combined for three catches and 33 yards. Foust also totaled 34 rushing yards on the day.
“As a new staff, we were excited (to win),” Mattson said. “But we also knew that we have a lot to fix. We enjoyed the momen,t but knew we had to get our kids prepared for the next one and build.”
AHS next plays Fort Calhoun on Friday. The Eagles host the game at 7 p.m.
