Smith throws for three touchdowns in cross-over win

EVERETT — Quarterback Andy Smith and the rest of the senior Eagles made the most of their last game.

Arlington dominated Cascade 29-7 in a Class 4A, District 1 cross-over game Nov. 5, finishing the year 5-5.

“That record doesn’t define these seniors,” said second-year coach Greg Dailer. “They are a great group of kids and gentlemen in the classroom. Our program has a great reputation around school because of their leadership.”

That leadership was shown at Everett Memorial Stadium Thursday, by Smith, who threw for a trio of touchdowns, starting with a 53-yard strike to Connor Varnell on the Eagles’ opening drive.

“Andy had a great game tonight,” Dailer said. “On both sides of the ball, he really showed what kind of a player he can be.”

Smith ran for a 5-yard score in the second quarter, helping the Eagles to a 14-7 halftime advantage.

Outside a long scoring run by speedy quarterback LeQuondis Bruce, the Eagles kept the Bruins’ offense in check.

“The key was just to contain him,” said senior linebacker Jeff Owen. “And make sure that when we were hitting him, to hit him high so he knew that we were going to come in hard.”

Combine hard hitting with perfectly timed safety blitzes by Smith, and Arlington shut down the Cascade run game, resulting in a couple of forced turnovers and a second half shutout.

Meanwhile, Smith and company put a couple more touchdowns on the board, starting with an 8-yard run by Jake Parduhn. The Eagles were able to throw against a faster, more athletic and seemingly throwing focused Bruins defense.

“They certainly lined up like they were ready (for the pass), but we had a lot of success going up and getting passes,” Dailer said.

The Eagles put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter with a 32-yard score from Smith to Brandon Pierce. Smith finished the game completing 15 of 18 aerial attempts for 268 yards.

“That is just a testament to our guys. Cascade is a 6-4 team and probably should be in the playoffs, but we showed just what teamwork and execution can do,” Dailer said.