IRVING, Texas - MacArthur sophomore running back Jayden Burnett delivered an explosive performance Thursday night, scoring on runs of 94, 98 and 38 yards as the Cardinals rallied from an early deficit to defeat the Carrollton Creekview Mustangs 32-26 in non-district action.
Creekview controlled much of the first half, but MacArthur took over in the third quarter behind big plays from its offense, defense and special teams.
The night began with fireworks from the Mustangs when senior Brandon Urista returned the opening kickoff 65 yards, immediately putting Creekview in favorable field position.
MacArthur's defense prevented the Mustangs from capitalizing on the return. Creekview quarterback Cason Garcia completed three passes to move the offense to the MacArthur 28-yard line, but his fourth pass of the drive was intercepted.
Creekview eventually struck first on a 9-yard touchdown run and finished the opening quarter with a 7-0 lead.
Burnett Breaks Loose for 94 Yards
MacArthur found its answer in the second quarter, and it came in spectacular fashion.
Burnett broke free for a 94-yard touchdown run to put the Cardinals on the scoreboard. MacArthur's extra-point attempt was blocked, leaving Creekview with a 7-6 advantage.
The Mustangs responded later in the quarter when Garcia connected with Tei Jeon for a 42-yard touchdown.
Creekview carried a 14-6 lead into halftime, but the momentum changed dramatically after the break.
Cardinals Take Over in Third Quarter
MacArthur's defense opened the third quarter by shutting down the Mustangs, and this time the Cardinals' special teams provided a major spark.
MacArthur blocked a Creekview punt and recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown, cutting the Mustangs' lead to 14-12. The Cardinals attempted a two-point conversion but were unable to convert.
Then Burnett struck again.
The sophomore running back exploded for a 98-yard touchdown run, his second scoring run of more than 90 yards in the game.
Another two-point conversion attempt failed, but MacArthur had its first lead of the night at 18-14.
The Cardinals weren't finished.
Late in the third quarter, senior quarterback Brock Casas-Willis connected with senior wide receiver Jaden Thomas for a 15-yard touchdown. MacArthur converted the extra point this time, extending its advantage to 25-14.
MacArthur had turned an eight-point halftime deficit into an 11-point lead in one quarter.
Burnett Adds Third Touchdown
Creekview mounted a comeback attempt during the fourth quarter, but MacArthur's offense came up with another big play when it needed one.
Burnett broke loose for a 38-yard touchdown, completing a three-touchdown night in which each of his scoring runs covered at least 38 yards.
MacArthur held off the Mustangs down the stretch to secure the 32-26 victory.
The Cardinals showed plenty of offensive potential in their non-district win, particularly with Casas-Willis leading the offense at quarterback and Burnett emerging as an explosive option in the backfield.
There are also areas for MacArthur to clean up as the season progresses. The Cardinals allowed Creekview to make the game close again in the fourth quarter and left points on the field with a blocked extra point and two unsuccessful two-point conversion attempts.
Still, MacArthur's ability to erase a 14-6 halftime deficit and produce big plays in all three phases proved enough to come away with the win.
The Cardinals will return to action Friday, September 4, when they travel to Fort Worth to face the Southwest Raiders.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at FWISD Handley Field, 6201 Craig Street in Fort Worth.
