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NORTH RICHLAND HILLS — The first time this season Darrion Browers scored four touchdowns, it took an entire game.
On Friday night in a matchup of District 8-6A playoff contenders, the senior running back found the end zone four times in the first half, helping Arlington Bowie breeze past Haltom 41-7 at Birdville ISD Fine Arts/Athletic Complex.
“No matter how many I get, I want more,’’ said Bowers, who ran for 232 yards on 22 carries despite resting for much of the second half with the win tucked away.
Bowers had touchdown runs of 35, 18 and 4 yards in the opening quarter and 30 yards in the second period. Another potential scoring run was nullified by a penalty.
“Darrion did a great job running with the ball, and the offensive line did its part, too,’’ said Bowie coach Joseph Sam.
Bowie (5-3, 5-0) extended its winning streak to five after an 0-3 start and clinched its 17th playoff berth in the last 19 seasons. The Volunteers retain their one-game lead in the district standings and are closing in on their first district championship since 2012.
The Volunteers showed great offensive balance, rushing for 255 yards and passing for 247.
Haltom (4-4, 3-2) remains in contention for its first playoff trip since 2020 and has an opportunity for its first winning season since reaching the regional semifinals in 2018.
“We still have a good shot at the playoffs,’’ said Haltom coach Jason Tucker. “It could come down to us beating Arlington Sam Houston the last week.’’
The Buffalos gave up four turnovers in the first half and Bowie capitalized with touchdowns on three of the ensuing drives.
Bowie defensive back Johnnie Macon intercepted both of Haltom’s first-half passes, the first stopping a red-zone scoring threat and the second leading to a 70-yard touchdown pass from Larry Nichols III to speedy sophomore Antonio Birdow for a 34-7 lead at intermission.
“Bowie’s defense had a lot to do with two of the turnovers,’’ said Tucker. “If we just don’t turn it over early ...’’
Fumble recoveries by Okello Okello and Princeton Campbell meant Bowie had to travel only 31 and 4 yards for its second and third touchdowns.
When it could avoid turnovers, Haltom moved the ball steadily with its running game. Keenan Jackson, who led Haltom with 147 yards on 22 rushes, bolted 43 yards for Haltom’s touchdown midway through the second quarter, capping a four-play, 69-yard drive, to cut the Bowie lead to 21-7.
The Buffalos held the ball for seven minutes, running 15 plays, but came up empty on a fourth-down interception earlier in the second quarter.
“Haltom’s offense scared the heck out of me because they are unorthodox and they put up 56 points on [Arlington] Martin last week,’’ said Sam. “Our defense did a great job.’’
The Haltom ground attack that ran for over 500 yards against Martin was held to 262 yards.
Bowie took the wind out of any Haltom comeback hopes by beginning the second half with an 83-yard, nine-play drive, the scoring play a 15-yard pass from Nichols to Bowling Green pledge Dilon Tallie for a 41-7 cushion.
Keidric Osunde-Brown led Bowie receivers with six catches for 81 yards.
Steven McQueen’s end zone interception in the final six minutes, the fifth turnover recorded by the Bowie defense, staved off Haltom’s best second-half scoring threat.
Haltom defenders Logan Lange and Damien Wayne stopped Bowie possessions with fumble recoveries in the second half.
Bowie trails 7-4 in the all-time series, which dates to 1976.
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