Bronchos Shutout Clinton and Advance to State Quarterfinals
Launch the media gallery 1 playerBethany, OK - The first round of the OSSAA playoffs started this past Friday evening and the Bronchos got things started on the right note with a 20-0 shutout victory over the Clinton Red Tornadoes. This was a highly anticipated re-match of the Class 4A Semi-Final game between these two squads a year ago in which Bethany won 31-30 in double overtime. This years matchup was a tough first round draw for the Bronchos as this Clinton team had a win over the District 4A-1 Champion, Weatherford, although they faltered in a few other district contests due to some mid-season injuries. The most notable injury of the season for Clinton was their tailback, Atrel Bryson, who had a 93 yard touchdown run in the semi-final game a year ago. Bryson missed some action throughout district play, but was back for this first round playoff matchup.
Bryson and the Clinton offense would have tough night running the football though as the Bronchos allowed just 97 yards total rushing on just 2.9 yards per carry for the Red Tornadoes. This defensive effort for the Bronchos was outstanding as eight different players had five tackles or more on the night along with four takeaways from the Clinton offense. Sam Brandt led the way for Bethany with 10 tackles while Jocelyn Malaska had four important pass break ups as well as an interception to spur the Broncho defense.
If stopping the run was the goal of the Broncho defense the offense had the goal of establishing the run and with over 200 rushing yards on the night they did just that. Quarterback Sam Brandt led the way with a fantastic 183 rushing yards including one touchdown in the 2nd quarter to give the Bronchos the lead. The Bronchos would also covert through the air with Brandt connecting with Ben Lawson four times for 136 total yards and two second half touchdowns to seal the victory.
Bethany advanced to the Class 4A Quarter-Finals for the third straight season and will have another home game against Wagoner on Friday, November 22 at 7:30 PM. This is a re-match of the quarterfinal game from a year ago that took place at Wagoner. Bethany came away with a 42-35 win in that game. Wagoner won three class 4A State Championships from 2014-2016.