The Arp Tigers hadn’t taken part in a state qualifying 7-on-7 football tournament since 2002.
They decided to host one in conjunction with their seven-mile rival Troup Saturday.
And when the dust settled, they emerged as one of the two teams that punched themselves a ticket to College Station.
Arp defeated Carlisle 30-13 in one of the semifinals to qualify.
In the other semi, Palmer rallied from an early 13-0 deficit to beat Buffalo 40-27 to earn the state bid.
Arp won Pool A, also comprised of Scurry Rosser, Quitman, and Lovelady.
Palmer came out of Pool B, which included Waskom, Ore City, and Arp #3.
Carlisle was the Pool C winner, where they competed against Troup, Garrison, and Mount Enterprise.
Buffalo took Pool D, that also had Frankston, Tenaha, and Arp #2.
Watch the video to see highlights from the two semifinal contests.
Palmer and Arp decided not to play a championship game.
