Sports

By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos opened their 2016-17 season with a big 76-42 win over Shamrock at home last Friday night.

Bryce Grahn recorded a triple double in the game with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Chance Lockhart and Marshal Johnson also finished with 17 points.

The win, which was a total team effort, gave the Broncos a little momentum going into their season. Offensively, the Broncos tapped off early as they turned a three-point lead after one turned into a 10-point lead at the break. The Broncos were on fire from the bonus line as well, putting in 15 of 19 for 79 percent.

Defensively, the Broncos handed the Irish all they wanted as they were able to stop everything Shamrock tried. Colt Wood had three steals and Jacob Jeffers had two. The Broncos were hot on the boards as they grabbed several rebounds on both ends of the court. Lockhart added nine rebounds to Grahn’s 12 and Wood also had six assists on offense.

The Broncos were able to put the game out of reach for Shamrock in the third quarter when they outscored their opponent 16-5.

“I thought we played wee, considering it was our first game,” coach Brandt Lockhart said. “We were able to dominate the second half.”

The Broncos will travel to River Road on Tuesday, November 29, and participate in the Miami Tournament December 1-3.

By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Lady Broncos have practiced all year and proved they were ready for their first games of the season last Tuesday and Friday night when they hosted Follett and Miami. They coasted to a 63-19 win over Follett and grabbed a 42-25 win over Miami.

In the first game, the ladies took full control of the court and the game proving they were too much for the Lady Panthers. Because of their quick defense, the Lady Panthers were only able to score 12 points in the first half of play compared to 39 for the Lady Broncos. The second half was much of the same as they executed their offense just the way they wanted while staying solid on defense.

Hannah Howard led the ladies on the scoreboard with 13, which included one three-pointer and two for two from the free throw line. As a team, the Lady Broncos made 21 out of 32 attempts from the charity stripe for 66%, which is a good showing for the first game. Shaelyn Owiti turned in nine points, Brianna Butler put in eight, and Hannah Hommel and Berkeley Alexander each put in seven from their post position. Brandalyn Ellis racked up four, and Emily Johnson, Briley Chadwick, and Madi Gay each put in three, while Kira Weatherton, Aliyah Hill, and Eboni Butler each helped with two.

New coach and Clarendon High School alumni Korey Conkin was proud of the way her team began their season.

“Wow! What a great start to the season for these girls,” Conkin said. “They have worked extremely hard and deserved the win due to their defensive intensity. (I am) looking forward to seeing them grow and improve throughout the season. We are playing three Varsity games to start the season, so our younger girls are getting the opportunity to step up to the higher level of competition and get some experience. Twelve of the fourteen girls scored in our first match up.”

The game with Miami was somewhat tighter, but the ladies stayed solid to get the win. Clarendon led through the entire game and left no doubt as to their strength on both ends of the court. The Lady Broncos used good teamwork and hustle to get the job done and everyone contributed to the win. Owiti put in 11 points to lead the Lady Broncos and Butler and Howard helped with nine each. Hommel racked up five and Weatherton and Chadwick each had four.

“Another great defensive battle for the Lady Broncos,” Conkin said. “Great first quarter of play, marking the score at the end of the quarter, 15-2. We need to do a better job of dealing with adversity; be mature and handle it. We will continue to work hard in practice and improve.”

The Lady Broncos will travel to San Jacinto November 18 beginning with the junior varsity at 5:30 and varsity at 7:00 and will play at home on Tuesday, November 22, at 6:30 p.m. against Lockney.

By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos ended their stellar season at 8-3 in the first round of the playoffs against Wheeler at 18-20 at River Road High School.

“This was a tough game for us,” head coach Gary Jack said. “We played pretty good, but the first two times we touched the ball, we turned it over.”

The Bronco went on to post five turnovers in the game, which proved to hurt them in their fight.

“Our defense stepped up and played well, and offensively we were moving the ball well,” Jack said. “We had our opportunities, but it just didn’t work out.”

The Broncos got behind early, but were able to recover and actually take the lead at 18-14 with minutes left in the game.

But with only 2:49 left in the game, Wheeler’s quarterback busted a 40-yard run to put six on the board and take the lead.

“Overall we played hard,” Jack said. “But just a couple of little things went wrong. We needed a stop, but it didn’t happen.”

The Broncos took the loss pretty hard as they felt they were back playing like they needed to.

“This was a tough loss for all of us, but especially our nine seniors,” Jack said. “We just needed one more play either way to win the game.”

By Sandy Anderberg

Clarendon’s last game in Bronco Stadium clearly did not go as planned Friday night. Not for the players, seniors, coaches, or fans.

However, the Broncos, who have secured a playoff spot, are still looking forward as they begin post-season play next Thursday in River Road. Their 7-40 loss to the Wellington Skyrockets was just a setback as they prepare to take on Wheeler in the opening round. They soundly defeated the Mustangs early in the season and are looking to repeat that win and continue on.

The Broncos, according to head coach Gary Jack, were not on their game Friday night.

“This was a tough way to finish,” Jack said. “I think it was our worst game of the year on both sides of the ball.”

Preston Elam scored the lone TD for the Broncos on a 40-yard pass from Damarjae Cortez in the fourth quarter and Koetting added the kick. Jack noted that Wellington’s defense bottled our offense up. The Broncos only had 118 total yards in the game.

Defensively, several Broncos posted good stats. Preston Elam and Nick Shadle had 11 tackles each and Damarjae Cortez added 10. Justin Christopher had nine, and Keandre Cortez, Bryce Grahn, and Koetting grabbed eight tackles apiece. Grahn also caused and recovered a fumble.

“Wellington and Memphis both are in the top 10 and are good teams,” Jack said. “Our guys played hard as a team, but we just didn’t play well.”

The Broncos will get back on track this week as they prepare for Wheeler in the first round of the playoffs.

“We will regroup and heal up,” Jack said. “We just need to get back to what we were doing. It is playoff time; it is critical.”

The Broncos will take on Wheeler at River Road High School on Thursday, November 10, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

By Sandy Anderberg

Clarendon athletes Bryce Grahn and Gavin Word ran hard for their opportunity to advance to the State Cross-Country Meet last Saturday. They were both able to advance to the next level.

Grahn will be making his third trip, and Word will be making his maiden run at the state meet. Both Broncos qualified in Lubbock at the Regional CC Meet, which was held in Mae Simmons Park.

Both Grahn and Word ran their personal best with Grahn placing 3rd and Word coming in 15th. Word was able to jump up to about eighth place after the other team runners advanced with their team. Grahn’s time was 17:03.76 and Word turned in an 18:16.62. Kenny Overstreet also ran finishing 57th with a time of 19:42.65.

“The entire team ran very well,” coach Kalen Grahn said. “Gavin Word, Kenny Overstreet, Jacob Casselberry, and Clay Ward all ran person records. Gavin ran out of his mind and came in 15th. We expected Bryce to come in around the top and it is very satisfying for him and the program.”

The Broncos have worked hard to prepare for this meet and are well deserving.

“We logged a lot of miles in the morning in the dark while everyone is still in bed,” Grahn said. “We are thrilled for Gavin to compete in his first state meet.”

The Broncos will travel to Round Rock on November 12 to run in the state meet. Coach Grahn knows they will have a lot of support from all of the Bronco fans.

“We had great support at regionals,” he said. “We are so blessed to have great parents and community members who came out to support the boys. Bryce and Gavin are both excited for one more race at Round Rock. I am confident they will represent themselves and our community with class.”

By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos have had a stellar start in their 2016 football season. Before entering the game with Memphis, the Broncos were 8-0 looking to add one more to their winning record and be in the driver’s seat for a District Championship. But the Cyclones had plans of their own and were able to capitalize on three key turnovers to get the 30-14 win over the Broncos in Cyclone Stadium last Friday night.

The Broncos jumped all over them early and earned the first six of the night when Clint Franks hustled across the goal line from 34 yards out. Clay Koetting added the bonus to put the Broncos up by seven.

After going scoreless in the first quarter, Memphis answered back with 18 points to take an 11-point lead at the break. They went on to add two more in the second half of play to only one more score for the Broncos. Preston Elam caught a 56-yard pass from Damarjae Cortez to five the Broncos 14.

“It was a tough game for us,” head coach Gary Jack said. “It was hard fought and had it not been for turnovers, it could have been a different turn out.”

The Broncos trailed at the end of the first half for the first time all season and it was a spot they were not used to being in.

“Trailing to Memphis was a new adventure for us,” Jack said. “We hadn’t been behind all year. We just could never recover.”

Jack felt the Bronco defense played well and their numbers showed that.

Justin Christopher had 13 tackles and a fumble recovery, while Koetting racked up 11 tackles with one caused fumble. Marshal Johnson grabbed seven tackles, Nick Shadle and Bear Smith each had nine, and Seth Greer and Andy Davis had six each.

“Defensively, we played well,” Jack said. “Offensively, they shut us down, and we gave them a short field. We have to eliminate the turnovers.”

The Broncos will have the opportunity to regroup and claim the second seed in the playoff race. They will take on Wellington in their last regular season game this Friday night in Bronco Stadium.

“We are in the playoffs,” Jack said. “We are playing for that second seed. We have a lot of good things going for us and we have to move the ball better. We have to continue do play hard. We had a couple of injuries, but we will have to regroup and play hard.”

The game this Friday will be the last home game for the Bronco seniors and will begin at 7:00 pm. at Bronco Stadium.

By Sandy Anderberg

The Broncos’ running game steamrolled the Ralls Jackrabbits, 56-0, Friday night on the road.

The shutout was fifth for the Broncos whose defense is one of the best around, holding Ralls to -19 total yards in the game. The Bronco defense has only allowed 32 points all season to its opponents.

“It was another big win for us,” said head coach Gary Jack. “We started slow, but got things going. We had 530 total yards with 468 on the ground.”

Andy Davis set the tempo of the game on the first touchdown when he recovered a fumble in the end zone. Bear Smith caught the lone touchdown pass from Damarjae Cortez for the second six for the Broncos to go up 14-0 after the first eight minutes. Cortez scored the next two on 22 and 10 yards runs in the second quarter. Koetting got in on the action and ran it in from 16 yards out for a TD and Keandre Cortez scampered 23 yards for a score.

Ryan McCleskey got his hands on the ball at the 27-yard line and took it in for another six to end the third quarter. Clint Franks earned the last score of the game on a two-yard romp across the goal line. Clay Koetting kicked eight extra points on the night.

“We played well, but dropped two or three passes for touchdowns,” Jack said. “It could have been a lack of focus. But overall it was a good win.” The Cortez brothers racked up over a hundred yards rushing each on the night. “We have a lot of different people running the ball,” Jack said.

Defensively, the Broncos continued their dominance. Smith had nine tackles and three sacks and Nick Shadle and Koetting both had good games, according to Jack.

“This win keeps us perfect in our season and district,” Jack said. “But it also sets up two big games for us in the next two weeks. We will have our hands full with Memphis; they will be a big challenge for us. They are big and fast, but we are fairly healthy. And it is just another step toward a District Championship. It will be a great match up.”

The Broncos are hoping to stay away from major injuries; something they have struggled with in years past. But that will not stop them from their goal of becoming District champs.

“I would also like to give a shout-out to all the Bronco fans,” Jack said. “Come to Memphis; have fun and be loud. It will be a great game.”

The Broncos will take on the Cyclones Friday, October 28, at 7:00 p.m. on the road.

Competing in the district cross country meet on Monday, Hedley’s Varsity Boys and Girls had a pace quick enough to advance to the Regional Cross Country meet in Lubbock. Individual girl medalists were 6th place Bailey Downing, with a time of 13.53; and 9th place

Kenlee Lambert, with a time of 14.16. Also running on the Lady Owls team were Jayden Lambert, Ida Thomasen, Kylie Wood, Brittany Downing, and Misti Scott. Hedley Lady Owls tied for second with White Deer with a team score of 66.

Competing for the Hedley Owls was Brent Van Meterwith a time of 21.20, placing 7th and medaling individually. Collin Monroe also medaled, placing 8th with a time of 21.22. Also running on the Hedley Owls team was Marquis Lilly, Cameron Hunter, Paul Suarez, and Josh Fish. The Hedley Owls team had a combined total of 61 points, earning them bronze medal as a team and a bi-district spot.

Competing for the Hedley Junior High was Jordan Upton, who placed second overall with a time of 11.47. Greyson Waldrop and Elijah Booth also competed in the Junior High Race. Jade Fish, Emma Lambert, Marlee Barbee and Cara Lambert also ran for the Lady Junior High Owls.

By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos made quick work of the Lockney Longhorns Friday night on the Longhorn field. The Broncos stayed perfect in their season with their 51–6 win to go 6-0 overall and 1-0 in district play.

According to athletic director Gary Jack, there has not been a team go 6-0 since 1981.

Nick Shadle and Clay Koetting, both linebackers for the Broncos, and the entire defense put on a defensive show Friday night handing the Longhorns all they wanted. Shadle posted 20 tackles and four quarterback sacks, and Koetting had 18 tackles, one sack, and one recovered fumble.

“Nick and Clay had huge defensive games for us,” Jack said. “All of our defense played a great game and were swarming their offense. They played extremely well.”

Bear Smith had 10 tackles one sack and one caused turnover in the game. Justin Christopher had nine tackles and a sack and Daquawne Oliver racked up seven tackles. Andy Davis had four tackles and one sack, and Bryce Grahn had six tackles from his cornerback position.

The Lockney offense also had trouble throwing over the strong Bronco defense as Marshal Johnson jumped up and intercepted a pass and ran it in from 18 yards out for the touchdown.

While the defense held Lockney to only 173 total yards, the offense was busy as well and racked up 477 total yards in their win. Clint Franks put the Broncos on the scoreboard first when he took it in from 5 yards out.

Koetting ran in the two-point bonus. After Johnson’s interception and TD, Damarjae Cortez added the two-points to go up 16-0 after the first eight minutes.

Franks came back in the second quarter to run it in from eight yards out and Keandre Cortez posted a five-yard score with Koetting adding the kick on both scores. K. Cortez earned the lone TD in the third with Koetting adding the run for the bonus. Oliver got busy on the offensive side and added a touchdown from eight yards out in the final period to put the game away (Koetting kick). D. Cortez sealed the deal with a huge 93-yard run with the Koetting kick.

“Our offense did a good job,” Jack said. “We had 304 yards rushing and 173 passing. Damarjae had a big run for a touchdown and Andy Davis and Preston Elam caught some big passes for us. Our line did a great job blocking. We finally have all of our linemen back since the first game and they all played well. It was good to see everybody pretty healthy.”

The Broncos will host Crosbyton next Friday night and are fully expecting to go 7-0.

“We have Crosbyton this week,” Jack said. “They are playing well. It will be a challenge for us, but our kids are practicing hard and the coaching staff is doing a great job. It will be a big game for us.”

The Broncos’ game will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, in Bronco Stadium.

By Sandy Anderberg

With their district season looming, the Clarendon Broncos are riding high on the positive momentum they have established in their pre-district schedule.

Making a solid statement in their first six games, the Broncos are in control of their game and district season. According to head coach Gary Jack, no team has gotten a 5-0 start since around 1992. Their 61-0 blowout against Booker has set the tempo and given the Broncos the confidence they need going into the second and most important half of their season.

Up by 35 points after the first eight minutes, the Broncos were able to coast to a big Homecoming win in Bronco Stadium Friday night before a huge crowd of supporters.

Quarterback Damarjae Cortez was unstoppable as he threw for 176 yards going six for seven and knocking down five touchdowns in the first quarter of play. Cortez threw a 41-yard strike to Andy Davis early in the game for the first six with Clay Koetting adding the kick. Keandre Cortez scored next on a 48-yard pass from D. Cortez, and Bryce Grahn caught the D. Cortez pass for two on the conversion. Bear Smith and Jacob Jeffers posted the next two touchdowns on a 37 and 20 yard pass respectively with Koetting adding the kick. K. Cortez struck again when he grabbed a 35-yard pass from D. Cortez to end the first quarter scoring frenzy.

“Damarjae had a great game for us,” Jack said. “He threw five touchdown passes in the first quarter and also took the ball in from 75 yards out on the first play of the third quarter. He had a big night.”

Koetting scored from six yards out in the second quarter and D. Cortez took it in for the bonus. D. Cortez added the next score on a 75-yard run and Ryan McCleskey added a 10-yard run in the third. McCleskey got the call again in the fourth and took it in from 27 yards out for the last Bronco score.

The Broncos offense went crazy racking up 471 yards with 289 of them on the ground. The Kiowas were helpless in any effort to stop the strength of the Bronco offense.

“Our offensive line did a great job blocking for us,” Jack said. “And we’ve got guys doing a great job catching the ball because of it. Seth Greer, Taylon Knorpp, Isaac Dunham, Justin Christopher, Nick Shadle, Marshal Johnson, and Jacob Jeffers all did a great job. Our offense really clicked.”

Booker struggled offensively and only mustered 28 total yards in the game.

“Our defense is playing well,” Jack said. “Dalton Benson and Nick Shadle each had 10 tackles, Daquawne Oliver, Jacob Jeffers, and Bear Smith each had seven, and Caton Grahn had six. A lot of guys got a lot of playing time and up and down the board, we did well. Our defense capitalized on mistakes from their offense.”

The Broncos will be off this Friday night, but in two weeks, they will begin district play. According to Jack, the district schedule will be a tough one, but he feels the Broncos are ready.

“It was a good homecoming win for us. There were lots of positives and we’re pretty excited. We are definitely playing well right now. We are getting better in all phases.”

The Broncos travel to Lockney Friday, Oct. 1, with a 7 p.m. kickoff.