By Sandy Anderberg
The Clarendon Broncos have had an up and down year. It has been a season filled with inexperience and injuries. But the 2014 Broncos have fought hard all the way and stayed true to the maroon and white. Their perseverance paid off Friday night in their last home game as they defeated Ralls 33-14 to keep their playoff chances alive.
Senior Charles Mason racked up 226 yards on 20 carries and three touchdowns to lead the Broncos to the win. Mason put the Broncos on the board first when he scored in the first quarter from six yards out. He struck again in the next quarter on a 10-yard romp.
After the Broncos put up 12 points, Ralls came back with 14 of their own to take a two-point lead. Head coach Gary Jack felt the Broncos could have put the Jackrabbits away early on, but they allowed Ralls to run back a kick off for six points that let them back in the game.
However, the Broncos stayed solid, and Cedrick McCampbell answered the two Ralls’ scores with a huge 59-yard score from a pass from Zack LaRoe. Mason scored one more and Keandre Cortez added another six in the fourth quarter from 42 yards out to seal the win for the Broncos.
“It was a good win,” Jack said. “It keeps us in the hunt for the playoffs. We played well and I am proud of the guys. Charles is hitting his stride after being sidelined from injuries and Cedrick is doing a good job of catching the ball. Our line is playing well. Montana Hysinger, Cooper Bilbrey, Taylon Knorpp, and Jonathan Taylor played well for us and freshmen Justin Christopher and Raylyn Shelton did a good job, too.”
Jack gave credit to the defensive line as well and several Broncos racked up a number of tackles. “Clay Koetting and Caleb Cobb finished with 14 tackles each,” Jack said. “Keandre had eight, Montana and Nick Shadle each had seven.”
Jack knows the Broncos control their own destiny when it comes to earning a spot in post-season play.
“The kids have played hard all year,” Jack said. “The scores of the games don’t tell the story of how hard they have played. The kids are young, but are playing well. It is really good to see. They are sticking it out and doing a good job. I am proud of the coaching staff for keeping them going. We control what we do. We win (against Memphis) we’re in the playoffs.”
The game with Memphis next week is crucial for both squads and is a must-win for both teams. Crosbyton has won the District outright, but Clarendon, Quanah, Memphis, and Lockney are tied at 2-2 and to get a spot the Broncos have to fight hard and finish it.
“We really need a good crowd in Memphis next week,” Jack said. “It really is going to be like the old-fashioned rivalry of years ago. We need people to come out and fill the stands. We’ve got something to play for.”
The Broncos will take on the Cyclones at 7:00 p.m. in Memphis Friday, November 7.
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