By Sandy Anderberg
The Broncos took the field in Bronco Stadium Friday night knowing they had the ability and determination to defeat the Cyclones while spoiling their run at a tie for first place in the District contest.
With numerous emotions flowing, the Broncos were able to use an extra point kick to give them the needed points to win the game at 19-18. And a last second interception in the end zone by senior Chesson Sims helped to secure the Broncos’ win over their long-time rival.
“This was a good way to finish,” head coach Gary Jack said. “And it was even more special because it was Memphis. Our win knocked them down to third place (in the race for the number one seed).”
According to Jack, the Broncos struck early scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter of play.
“We played good for the most part,” Jack said. “Our offense got on them early and our defense did a good job of holding them in the first half.”
The Broncos scored all 19 of their points in the first half of play with senior quarterback Bryce Hatley crossing the goal line twice and firing a strike to Sims for a 25-yard score in the second quarter. Every extra point attempt had failed until the Sims TD and Richard Anderson nailed a kick straight through the uprights, which would later be the advantage they needed.
Nick Shadle led the Broncos on defense with 13 tackles and Justin Christopher racked up 12. Daquawne Oliver and Taylon Knorpp each had 11 tackles and one sack and Cobb and Clay Koetting had seven tackles. Damarjae Cortez hustled with six tackles, and Hatley had five. Junior Ceniceros, Cooper Bilbrey, and Sims each had four with Sims adding a sack and Keandre Cortez had one interception. The Bronco seniors shined Friday night as they played their last game wrapped in maroon in Bronco Stadium.
“It was a good night for our seniors,” Jack said. “Chesson had a good game. He had a touchdown catch and made a big interception for us at the end. Bryce threw and ran well for us. Caleb Cobb and Junior Ceniceros had some good catches, too. Richard was able to kick our extra point. Defensively, Blaine Ellis, Ray Jaramillo did a good job on special teams and Cooper Bilbrey has had a good year for us. I was excited for them.”
There were also three senior trainers on the field every night. Alysse Simpson, Kendra Davis, and Kelsey McAnear were also part of the team and have worked hard this season.The Broncos had close games all year while facing harsh diversity. The seniors will be missed, but Jack knows next year is another year.
“We’ve seen a lot of bright spots,” Jack said. “We have a good bunch of kids coming back next year. Our JV was 6-2 this year. They had a good year.”
The Broncos finished their season 5-5.
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