2011 HS Playoffs – Trinity vs Arlington Martin
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Trinity (12-0) was playing on their home field in front of a capacity crowd, the strong northwest wind favored their explosive running attack, and their opponent, Arlington Martin (11-1), had never won against them in the playoffs, it was a perfect storm for a Trinity win. The one thing that stood in their way was the Martin defense, which dominated the game and led their team to 19-7 win over top ranked Trinity.
On their first possession of the game, Arlington Martin started on their own 38 yard-line. Four plays and one minute and 9 seconds later quarterback Brodie Lambert completed the drive with a one yard run to put Arlington Martin on top 7-0. Trinity’s only score came with 11:32 remaining in the first quarter when running back Joel Kimpela broke free around the left side and ran for a 51-yard TD. At halftime the game was tied 7-7 and you could feel the confidence building in Arlington Martin.
The third quarter was uneventful with both teams exchanging punts and failing to put together a scoring drive. With 8:47 remaining in the fourth quarter, Ben Grogan, of Arlington Martin, kicked a 46-yard field goal to give Martin a 10 to 7 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, Trinity was stopped on their 10-yard line. Trinity was unable to move the ball against the dominating Martin defense. On fourth and eleven at their own 7-yard line, Trinity gambles and takes a safety instead of punting into the stiff wind. With 6:04 remaining in the game, Martin was leading 12 to 7.
On their next possession, Martin was unable to move the ball and was forced to punt. Trinity had one last chance to take the lead with 4:37 remaining. On fourth and 14, on their own 19-yard line, Trinity launches a desperation pass which falls incomplete. Martin takes over on downs, and on their first play, Kyle Hicks runs 19-yards for a TD. The final score is Arlington Martin 19 and Euless Trinity 7. Next week Arlington Martin will play Southlake Carroll in the regional final.
