Henderson’s Arqez Walton is the ETSN.fm + Dairy Queen Defensive Player of the Week

In a clash of the past two Class 3A Division I state champions, Henderson's Arqez Walton came up big.

Walton, a 5-foot-8, 190-pound senior linebacker, made play after play Friday night, and Henderson shut down Chapel Hill in a 24-6 Lion victory, which was a rematch of the 2010 3A Division I state title game.

Walton had 12 tackles, two for loss, one sack, and one interception, and that's earned him the ETSN.fm Dairy Queen Defensive Player of the Week award.

"The thing that stands out with Arqez is he's just a good all-around athlete that gives a good effort on offense and defense. He's steady and doesn't make mistakes," said Henderson coach Dickey Meeks. "He's really good at a lot of things defensively. He's good in pass coverage, he's good against the run, and he's really good in our blitz package. Offensively, he may be one of the most consistent receivers."

Henderson (3-2, 1-0) continues to improve defensively. After surrendering 56 points in the season-opening loss to Plano Prestonwood Christian Academy, the Lions have allowed 13.5 points per game during a 3-1 stretch.

"We have more experience (on defense) and I think that the guys are really getting the concept of what coach (Jay) Brown really wants now," Meeks said.

Henderson is off this week, but faces Gilmer in a District 16-3A showdown 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 (Saturday) at Longview's Lobo Stadium.