Broncs fall in OT to S-E

By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos controlled the game in regulation for the most part Friday night playing against a good Spring Lake-Earth team. After a 14-all tie after four, the Broncos lost 14-20 in the overtime period.

The Broncos took control early as they were able to put the first points on the board when they made good on a one-yard run and put the extra point through the goal post. The Wolverines would tie the score before the break, but the Broncos were able to get seven more in the third quarter.

However, Spring Lake-Earth came back to score as well and take the game to OT. In the overtime period, the Broncos failed to score and the Wolverines put in six on their first play to end the game.

“It was a tough game and we played hard,” head coach Gary Jack said. “We never trailed in the game until that final play, but we were never able to put them away when we had the chance.”

Despite the loss, the Broncos never gave up and learned valuable experience in the game.

“We don’t have much experience in overtime periods,” Jack said. “But I was proud of the kids. They kept fighting and it was exciting.”

The Broncos struggled with offensive consistency and Jack felt that was key.

“We played hard, but our consistency on offense wasn’t there. We had trouble picking up on what their defense was doing at times. And we were never able to put them away in regulation. We didn’t execute on offense when we needed to. We drove the ball well, but there were times we should have scored but didn’t get it in the end zone.”

Several Broncos made a good showing on both sides of the ball and Jack noted their performances in the game.

“Junior Ceniceros had an excellent game on both sides of the ball,” Jack said. “He went up against one of their best receivers and didn’t give them much. He also had four tackles on defense.”

Jack noted that Keandre Cortez had five tackles and two interceptions, Clay Koetting had fumble recovery and 12 tackles, Nick Shadle had eight tackles and caused one fumble, Caleb Cobb had eight tackles, Taylon Knorpp had nine tackles, and Riley Shadle had eight tackles.

“We have things to work on and we will learn from it,” Jack said. “I am proud that they kept fighting and we are ready for Highland Park this week. It will be a tough game for us, but we will be ready.”

The Broncos play at Highland Park in Friday, September 11, at 7 p.m.