MARYSVILLE — Eagles coach Greg Dailer described his defense best during a 42-33 winner-to-state victory over Graham-Kapowsin.

“Bend but don’t break,” he said. “We may give up 12 yards, but the thing I like about this defense is we don’t let those go for 60. We get to them fast before they can do some real damage.”

In fact, it was Arlington’s defense that did most of the damage in the state qualifier Nov. 6 at Quil Ceda Stadium on Marysville-Pilchuck’s campus, creating a handful of turnovers needed to extend its season at least another week.

The Eagles spent most of the contest playing catch-up, as G-K took a 14-0 lead in the first half, capitalizing on their own turnovers, but Arlington evened the score with Colton Hordyk’s scoring run (1 yard) and Skylor Elgarico’s 80-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Graham-Kapowsin ended the first half with a 21-13 lead, but the second half belonged to Arlington.

“That was a great second half,” said Dailer. “I couldn’t be more proud of these guys.”

While Arlington’s defense picked up key turnovers in their own territory, halting long G-K drives, Elgarico showed the poise of an upperclassmen, connecting on three touchdowns in the second half — two of which were to senior Griffin Ginnis.

But Ginnis’ most impressive catch might have come when he picked off one of G-K quarterback Drew Austin’s passes and ran it nearly 70 yards to the 1-yard line to stop a drive that looked bound for the end zone in the fourth quarter with the score 35-31. Instead, Arlington put the game out of reach.

Elgarico finished the game with four total touchdowns and completed 6 of 20 pass attempts for 89 yards.

The win gives Arlington its first state berth since 2005, which will be a home game, at Lake Stevens High School, against Bellermine Prep, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.