Bowie’s stellar first half overpowers Arlington, leads Vols closer to district title

Arlington Martin has dominated against Arlington ISD teams during district play in recent memory.

The events of the 2024 high school football season, however, have suggested that the district championship is anyone’s to win. Bowie handed Martin a 34-24 loss , its first in nearly six years, to set up a clash with Arlington, another team with a flawless District 8-6A record.

Bowie (4-3, 4-0) capitalized on the momentum, defeating Arlington 48-21 to clinch a playoff spot and move one step closer to a district title, a feat they haven’t accomplished since the 2012 season.

“We’re blessed to have a playoff spot secured,” Sam said. “Now, we just got to finish the job, and we we are blessed to have the opportunity to play for a district title.”

Since Arlington won the district title in 2018, Martin has won five titles . The victory over Martin signifies a new era within Arlington ISD Class 6A football. With three regular-season games remaining, the Vols are now district title favorites.

“You’ve got to thank the Lord for every victory,” Sam said. “The game plan our coaches developed was solid; our kids just executed the game plan and didn’t let up.”

Bowie’s opening drive was kept alive by a 21-yard rush from quarterback Larry Nichols on third and long, and it ended with a three-yard rush from running back Darrion Bowers. Nichols continued to run, setting up the Vol’s next score, a 2-yard scamper from Bowers, with a 37-yard scramble.

“(Bowers) opens up the passing game because he can run the ball so well,” Sam said. “Credit to our O-line for opening up some holes for him.”

Facing a deficit, Arlington and SMU commit Isaiah Robertson struggled to make plays in Bowie territory. The Volunteers took advantage of the stops with a relentless offense; Nichols, on the first play of the next drive, executed a read option, beating two defenders and taking it 47 yards to the end zone.

“Most teams don’t take into account that he can house it at any time,” Sam said of Nichols. “You want to pay attention to Bowers, but once you pay attention to the home, you’ve got (Nichols) to worry about.”

Wide receiver Dilon Tallie , a Bowling Green commit, helped Bowie continue its stellar play with a highlight touchdown. He caught a quick pass from Nichols and shed three defenders en route to a 59-yard score.

“He is turning into the leader I thought he could be,” Sam said of Tallie.

The Volunteers’ sole setback in the first half was an errant snap that Sophomore Luis Mendoza recovered for a touchdown.

The Bowie offense shook off the mistake, and Nichols continued his elite play, adding to Bowie’s lead with a passing touchdown. He rolled to his right and faced pressure, sending a deep ball to Antonio Birdow, who made the catch for a 35-yard score.

“We talked about not losing our edge,” Sam said. “We’re an edgy group, and we want to keep using that for the good instead of bad. Our kids did a great job today, just pushing the pedal to the metal and doing everything we asked of them.”

In the second half, Arlington’s offense showed some improvements. The Colts cut the lead with a 12-yard rush from quarterback Coleman Cravens early in the third quarter.

The Bowie offense cooled off as the game continued, but Nichols did add another play to his extensive highlight reel. He dodged multiple tackles in the pocket with finesse and turned on the jets, racing to the sideline for a 79-yard touchdown.

Bowers put the finishing touches on a dominant performance with his third touchdown, a one-yarder. Arlington added a late 42-yard touchdown reception from Robertson, but the deficit was too large to overcome.

Arlington (5-2, 3-1) will face Lamar on Oct. 25. On the same day, Bowie will face Haltom on the road.

“Haltom is good,” Sam said. “They are unorthodox. We’ve got to put together a solid game plan and execute the game plan. The seniors are four years into the system, and they understand the expectation and the standard -- they’re starting to live up to it now.”

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