Broncos dominate WT

By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos recovered nicely from a slow start in the first half of play in their 35-6 win over West Texas High at home Friday night. The Broncos only led WT by a touchdown at the break at 14-6 but were able to turn up the heat in the second half to get their first District win.

Trajen Johnson put the Broncos on the scoreboard first when he scampered in from 23 yards out, and Ryan Isbell added the bonus. Trevor Cobb added another before halftime on a nine-yard pass from Chance McAnear with Isbell adding another kick for the PAT. WT managed to get six points before the break on a one-yard run, but would fail to cross the goal line again.

“It was a good game for us,” head coach Gary Jack said. “We did what we had to do. Our first half was a little flat after not playing last week, but we tightened up in the second half.”

Defensively, the Broncos had a huge game and several players racked up good stats. Diego Santos and Trevor Cobb each had 12 tackles, and Cobb added one sack and one caused fumble. J.D. Baxter added 11 tackles while Jonah Sell and Tyler Burch helped with 10. Burch also got to the quarterback twice for two sacks. Isbell had eight tackles, and Johnson had seven with one sack. Adam Topper had four tackles and a sack, and John Pigg added four tackles. Tres Hommel had three tackles and a sack, and Charles Mason had two tackles and one fumble recovery.

“Our defense held them in check all night,” Jack said. “These guys played well against them. They were big inside, but we never let them in the end zone.”

Offensively, the Broncos were on the money. McAnear threw for 153 yards going 10-18 with no interceptions. The Broncos dominated on the ground as well and racked up 187 yards. Johnson scored again from 13 yards out, and McAnear punched one through from the nine-yard line. Mitchell Parry scored the Broncos’ last touchdown for the night on a 13-yard pass from McAnear.

“We were balanced in everything we did,” Jack said. “Our offensive line played well. The receivers caught the ball well and our running backs ran hard. It was a good solid game on offense.”

The Broncos will continue their district schedule with a tough game on the road against Panhandle.

“Panhandle is a big game for us,” Jack said. “We have three key games in a row with big opponents that are solid teams. Panhandle, Stratford, and Sunray are back to back. It is a big challenge for us, but we are looking forward to it.”

The Broncos will travel to Panhandle Friday, October 19, and play at 7:00 p.m.