By Shawn C. White, Special to The Press-Herald
District 1 is the toughest district in Class 1A in the state. Last year, four teams made it to the quarterfinals in the Division IV select and non-select playoffs.
Looking at the field of teams this year, three key games stick out and will likely determine who rules District 1-1A: Glenbrook at Haynesville, Glenbrook at Homer, and the granddaddy of them all, Haynesville at Homer.
Throw in an Arcadia upset and you have the chaos that is District 1-A.
Glenbrook lost round one of the three-team fight Friday night, falling to Haynesville 34-14 in a district opener at Red Franklin Memorial Stadium.
The Apaches (3-1) saw their remarkable 19-game regular-season winning streak come to an end. Haynesville, ranked No. 8 in the LSWA Class 1A poll, improved to 4-0.
If you’re familiar with Haynesville football, you know Coach David Franklin’s team ground-and-pound style.
The Tors introduced a new element to their offense with an air attack from Isaiah Washington. Add four touchdowns from Alonzo Jackson Jr. and it spelled disaster for the Apaches.
Haynesville had 353 yards of total offense.
Washington was only 3-for-8 but all three completions went for touchdowns covering a combined 163 yards.
Jackson had 162 yards of total offense (10 carries for 80 yards, two receptions for 82 yards)..
Glenbrook not only had to contain the offensive power from Haynesville. The Tors defense was also a challenge. Haynesville had four interceptions,
Landry Powell’s rushing game was a highlight for the Apaches. He had 14 carries for 124 yards and a touchdown.
Haynesville started early as Jackson broke loose on a 33-yard run for the opening score.
Washington let it fly as Jackson was the target on a 53-yard touchdown reception and Haynesville had a 14-0 lead less than four minutes into the game.
Glenbrook closed the gap as Powell crashed into the end zone with a 1-yard run.
Haynesville was up 14-7 at the end of the first quarter.
Washington struck again with an 81-yard touchdown pass to Damondra Martin.
Jackson scored his third touchdown of the night in the closing minute of the first half on a 15-yard run and the Tors led 28-7 lead at halftime.
Easton Sanders kept the Apaches within striking distance, connecting with Jackson Waller on a 20-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 28-14 with a little under ten minutes remaining in the game.
Washington dealt the final blow when he found Jackson on a 29-yard touchdown pass to close the game at 34-14.
Glenbrook will look to bounce back next week as they will face undefeated Arcadia on the road. Arcadia (4-0) defeated Bolton 44-6 Friday night.