ELK-HUNTING | Josh Smith goes for 300 yards, 5 TDs in Arp’s 62-48 win over Elkhart

Arp High School’s Josh Smith (6) ran all over Elkhart Friday night: 300 yards rushing and five touchdowns, as well as two two-point conversions, in Arp’s 62-38 win. Below: Tigers defenders collapse on an Elk ball-carrier. (Photos by RONNIE SARTORS – SPORT SHOT PHOTOGRAPHY / ETBLITZ.COM)

They tell us it’s great to be an Arp Tiger.

It’s definitely great to be Josh Smith.

Arp routed Elkhart, 62-38, on Friday night for its second straight win, and fourth win in the last five games. Smith had a huge game: 300 yards rushing and five touchdowns on just 17 carries, and also a couple of two-point conversions.

Coach Wes Schminkey’s Tigers are 5-2 overall this season, and 2-1 in District 11-3A, Division II play – their only loss was to Troup on Sept. 27.

Arp, trying to be one of the top four teams in the district and extend the season into the UIL’s Class 3A playoffs, have three games left: this coming Friday, Oct. 25, against one-win Winona; at home against New Diana, the No. 5 team in the state, on Nov. 1; and at defending district champion West Rusk on Nov. 8 in the regular season finale.

Friday night, Elkhart (2-6, 1-3) was outmatched, although they were able to ultimately put up 38 points.

In addition to Smith, Thomas McKelvey had 68 yards on seven carries and two touchdowns, and Zane Borque had 54 yards on five carries and a touchdown, and also a conversion. Hudson Orpineda had 72 yards on 13 carries, and in all, Arp dropped 494 yards, eight touchdowns and four two-point conversions on the Elks.

Borque went 4-of-5 in passing for 53 yards and an interception, and McKelvey completed a 10-yard pass.

Demarcus Wade had two catches for 22 yards for the Tigers, and Wyatt Johnson (27 yards), Layton Shelburne (10 yards) and Jaxon Schminkey (4 yards) each had a catch.

Defensively for coach Schminkey’s Tigers, senior Chadster Ellis had an interception.