ARP -- Ford Merritt shook off two missed extra point kicks for a 38-yard beauty on the game's final play to give Arp a 35-32 win against Crockett in the Class 3A Division II, Region III semifinal round at Palestine Westwood's Panther Stadium.

Merritt got put just inside his range with the aid of a Bulldogs' offsides penalty. The infraction occurred just before Tigers quarterback Tyler Stewart threw an incomplete pass that otherwise would have forced the contest to overtime.

Instead, Merritt got to go for the win with one untimed down.

It was a back-and-forth contest, and it was clear one team would suffer a heartbreaking loss after three quarters of play.

Arp (11-2) owned a 12-7 lead at halftime, but it trailed 25-24 after the third quarter.

The Tigers drew first blood in the final period and converted a two-point try for a seven-point lead. Crockett (11-2) scored in the final 1:08 and overtime loomed large.

Arp (11-2) will face unbeaten Newton at 7 p.m. next Friday at Nacogdoches' Dragon Stadium for the Region III crown and a berth into the state semifinals.

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