Sports

By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos used their home field advantage and a great-scoring fourth quarter to stop the Gruver Greyhounds in their 21-7 win in Bronco Stadium last Friday night. Quarterback Bryce Hatley and receiver Junior Ceniceros teamed up twice to put points on the board and send Gruver

packing. Keandre Cortez added another six from fourteen yards out, and Clay Koetting kicked three bonus points for the Broncos. The Broncos racked up 338 total yards with 178 of those coming on their ground attack. The win moved the Broncos to 2-2 on the season.

“This was a good game for us,” head coach Gary Jack said. “It was tied 7-7 going into the fourth quarter and we dominated. We were able to score twice, and it was a good win.”

The Broncos have a couple of injured players and even though they were out, other players stepped up and did a good job for the team.

“We’ve had a couple of players hurt on our offensive line, but others filled in and played well,” Jack said. “Seth Greer, Cooper Bilbrey, Justin Christopher, Nick Shadle, Jack Moore, Isaac Dunham, and Chesson Sims did a solid job for us opening holes and providing protection.”

With that protection, Hatley was able to complete eight for seventeen passes for 160 yards in the air.

“We passed the ball better than we have all year,” Jack said. “And our receivers made some good catches. Jr. Ceniceros caught two touchdown passes and had other catches, too. Bryce Grahn caught a pass from a trick play early in the game that got us going. Also, Andy Davis did a good job catching the ball.”

He also noted that Caleb Cobb, Keandre Cortez, and Hatley did a good job running the ball.

Jack gave credit to the defensive side as well.

“These guys played a solid game for us,” Jack said. “Chesson Sims had one interception, one sack, and four tackles, Clay Koetting had one sack and 11 tackles, Davis had five tackles, Riley Shadle had seven tackles, Hatley had six tackles, three sacks, and a fumble recovery, Clint Franks had eight tackles and three sacks, Cobb had 13 tackles, and Nick Shadle had eight tackles and two sacks.”

The win was good for the Broncos and Jack knows it will give them momentum going into District play in a couple of weeks.

“This was something we needed from both sides of the ball,” Jack said. “It was a good overall win. We will keep getting better, get our linemen healthy, and be ready for Homecoming against Booker.”

The Broncos will take on Booker Friday, September 25, at 7:30 p.m. with queen coronation at 7:15 in Bronco Stadium.

 

By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos fought hard in Highland Park but were defeated, 13-42. The Broncos stayed with the Hornets for the most part in the first half, but they were not able to get anything going until they put six on the board in the final period.

According to head coach Gary Jack, the game was fairly even until right before halftime when the Broncos had a bad snap that the Hornets grabbed at the ten-yard line and were able to score before time ran out in the first half.

The Broncos started the scoring early in the game when the Broncos controlled the opening kickoff and Caleb Cobb took it across the goal line from seven yards out and Clay Koetting added the kick. But the Hornets were able to get the next six scores with three coming in the first half and three in the second. Riley Shadle scored in the fourth on a one-yard run to give the Broncos 13 on the scoreboard.

“They are a good team,” Jack said. “But their numbers helped them. They were able to move men in and out and we just don’t have the numbers. Our linemen did a good job for us; we just ran out of gas.”

The Broncos continued to fight hard throughout and kept battling the Hornets. Several Broncos did a good job and Jack made a note of their performance.

“Junior Ceniceros had some good catches for us,” Jack said. “He also had a fumble recovery and an interception. Clay Koetting had nine tackles and blocked an extra point, and Andy Davis caused a fumble. Bryce Hatley had seven tackles and some big hits, while Caleb Cobb posted six tackles.”

Nick Shadle racked up 13 tackles and had a good night according to Jack.

“We did some good things, but there’s just not enough of us,” Jack said.

The Broncos will take on Gruver at home this Friday night and are looking to get back on the winning track.

“Gruver is a decent team,” Jack said. “On paper, it looks like it will be a good match up for us. I hope we can get the edge on them.”

The Broncos will play at 7:30 p.m. in Bronco Stadium this Friday, September 18.

 

By Sandy Anderberg

Several Broncos, Lady Broncos, Colts, and Lady Colts participated in the Guthrie Cross-Country Meet Saturday, September 12.

Runner Bryce Grahn turned in a 17:27 for the three-mile course for a first-place finish in the meet over a field of 34 runners. The Broncos finished third overall. Gavin Wood did a good job and finished 11th at 20:01. Chris Bruce was 25th at 24:05, Philip Monds was 28th at 24:59, and Brandon Santos was 34th with a time of 35:36.

For the Lady Broncos, Brandalynn Ellis was 37th at 18.13 and Hannah Howard was 46th at 19:23.

The junior high Lady Colts finished third as a team out of six teams and 63 runners participating. Kira Weatherton finished 13th at 16:50 and Brooke Duncan was 14th at 16:52. Aubrey Jaramillo was 17th at 17:13, Amnesty Oatman was 18th at 17:14, Kailee Osburn ran 25th with a time of 17:33, Darcie Hunsaker was 34th at 18:49, Gracie Shadle was 40th at 19:13, and Kaylin Hicks was 41st with a time of 19:26. Kenny Overstreet finished 12th for the Colts with a time of 14:57, Clay Ward was 13th at 15:02, Tanner Burch was 19th at 15:39, and Jacob Casselberry was 30th with a time of 18:33.

Last weeks results: High School: Grahn 6th 17:25.40 and Word 67th 21:01.43; junior varsity: Christopher Bruce 88th 25:53.25, Monds 90th 26:26.41, and Santos 110th at 32:41.73.

JV Lady Broncos: Emilie Thompson 108th 19:14.62.

Jr. High Colts: Overstreet 33rd 14:45.31, Ward 43rd 15:14.59, and Burch 60th 16:11.

Lady Colts: Jade Benson 4th 14:33.61, Weatherton 64th 16:43.46, Jaramillo 73rd 16:50.65, Duncan 74th 16:51.30, Oatman 98th 17:39.92, Shadle 121st 18:06.14, Ashlynn Newsome 149th 19:05.20, Braylee Shields 171st 19:48.46, Hunsaker 176th 19:52.08, Hicks 182nd 20:20.52, Madisen Gay 204th 22:20.68, and Raynee Newsome 205th 22:23.58.

The next meet will be September 26 in Lubbock for high school only.

 

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.

 

By Sandy Anderberg
It was a well-rounded Bronco team that took the field last Friday night when the Tulia Hornets arrived for the Broncos’ season opener.

The Broncos remembered well, the defeat Tulia handed them last year and were more than determined to right that wrong.  They not only defeated soundly defeated them, they dominated their opponent in every aspect of the game even after an hour weather delay. “It was an awful big win for us,” head coach Gary Jack said.  “It was a dominating performance.  Our linemen set the tone for us.”
The Broncos felt they could run the ball at the Hornets and were able to do just that.  All seven touchdowns scored by the Broncos came on runs with the longest being made by Caleb Cobb at 55 yards.  The Broncos racked up 320 yards rushing and 15 yards in the air compared to only 104 total yards for the Hornets.
“Our defense played great,” Jack said.  “Cobb had 11 tackles, Taylon Knorpp had 10 tackles and a sack, and Clay Koetting also had 10 tackles.  Clint Franks had eight tackles and Riley Shadle had seven.  Chesson Sims had four tackles and one interception and Junior Ceniceros had five tackles and one interception, and Bryce Hatley had five tackles.”
Jack credited the line on both sides of the ball with executing and dominating on the field.  Seth Greer, Cooper Bilbrey, Knorpp, Raylyn Shelton, Justin Christopher, Nick Shadle, and Nick Shadle all did a tremendous job for the Broncos.
And offensively, he cited Clint Franks, Chesson Sims and all the receivers for doing an outstanding job blocking.  Keandre Cortez scored the Broncos’ first touchdown from 11 yards out and Caleb Cobb racked up the next two scores in the first quarter on runs of two and 55 yards.  Clay Koetting had back-to-back scores from three yards out to end the half.  Bryce Hatley and Clint Franks both found the end zone in the second half with Koetting adding all the extra points.
“It was a solid game for us,” Jack said.  “We picked up several turnovers, but didn’t have any.  We were pleased with the win and proud of the guys and the way they played.  We thought it might be hard to keep our focus during the delay, but they continued on with their dominance.  It has been a great four weeks and the kids came in with great attitudes.  It was a great game overall.”
The Broncos will travel to Springlake-Earth next Friday night and the game will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Jack knows it will be a tough game, but it will also be a good challenge for the Broncos.

By Sandy Anderberg

The 2015 Bronco football team has wrapped up their pre-season scrimmages and is anxiously awaiting their first scheduled game that will be played this Friday night at home against Tulia.

The Broncos met up with Electra last Thursday night in a scrimmage; and according to head coach Gary Jack, did a great job against a good team.

“Things went well for us,” Jack said. “We did a lot of good things in the scrimmage. Electra is a good team, and we responded well. Both the junior varsity and the varsity did a good job against them, and we liked what we saw.”

The Broncos will take on the Tulia Hornets at home in Bronco Stadium on Friday night at 7:30.

“We haven’t beaten Tulia in about three years,” Jack said. “And we know we have a few things to clean up, but it’s been an excellent three weeks in practice, and we are ready.”

Jack also wants to send out a thank you to Donnie Howard for the watermelon at Meet the Broncos last week.

“Donnie donated all the watermelon for the night and we want him to know we appreciate it,” Jack said.

“We haven’t had a Meet the Broncos night for a while and it was good to bring it back. Everyone enjoyed it.”

On Thursday night, August 27, the Bronco JV will travel to Tulia and play at 6:00 p.m.

 

By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos have been hitting it hard in two-a-days since the beginning of August and put their skills to the test in Bovina last week in their first scrimmage of the year. Going into the season, the Broncos are eager to prove their strength and maturity on the field after a season of valuable experience.

According to head coach Gary Jack, the Broncos made a good showing at Bovina last week and are gearing up for a tough Electra team on Thursday.

“I was pleased with the scrimmage,” Jack said. “We’ve had two great weeks practicing, and I like the attitude, leadership, and work ethic of the team. We have quite a few juniors and seniors this year, and that’s better for us.”

Jack noted that there were several bright spots on offense and the Broncos did a good job defensively. He knows there are things to work on this week before Electra, but feels the Broncos are on the right track.

“We’ll be okay this year,” he said. “Our early games on our schedule will be tough, but right now we are on track.”

The Broncos will take on Electra, who will probably be in the top 20 in the state on Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. Immediately following the scrimmage, there will be a “Meet the Broncos” on the field, a watermelon feed, and also a Bronco Parent meeting where Jack will speak.

Make plans to come to the Bronco Stadium Thursday night to watch some football and meet the Broncos.

 

By Sandy Anderberg

Clarendon High School’s Zack LaRoe was named the Most Valuable Player by participating district coaches for the 2015 All-District Team. The District named Freshman Kade Hunsaker Pitcher of the Year as well. Also named to the First Team All-District was Bryce Hatley, catcher; Caleb Cobb, infield; Josh Cobb, utility player; and Izzy Osburn, outfield. Chance Lockhart was named to the second team at first base, Charles Mason was named to the outfield, and Nick Shadle was named to the second team as utility player. Honorable mentions went out to Ray Jaramillo and Andy Davis.

The Broncos made it to the Regional quarterfinals round where they were taken out by West Texas High. The Broncos lost game one 1-6 in eight innings.

“We started off good by scoring the first batter of the game, but were unable to do anything after that,” head coach Brad Elam said. “I thought Zack LaRoe pitched well for seven innings. Any time you give up one run in seven innings, you should win the game.”

The Broncos came back to fight hard in the second game, but were defeated by one run at 6-7.

“(This) game was back and forth until the end,” Elam said. “I thought we did a good job of staying with them. When we got behind, we could have quit, but didn’t. We had our chances in both games. I thought minus a few plays in the series, our defense played well. Hitting, we just weren’t consistent enough. Chance Lockhart came in again with the bases loaded and gave us six strong innings of work. At the plate, Joshua Cobb was three for three with two doubles.”

 

By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos had a great season but fell to West Texas High in the Regional Quarterfinal round.

The Broncos faced off against WT in a best two-out-of-three series last week and despite going into an extra inning in the first game they were defeated by only one run each game.

In the first game of the series, the Broncos scored the first run in their first at bat and held the Commanches scoreless until the third inning. WT was able to put one run on the board to tie the game at one all. The teams remained tied at the end of seven and had to go into an extra inning.

WT was able to post five runs in the eighth inning after an error by the Broncos allowed WT to put a runner on first base. The Commanches slammed a triple, which gave them the lead in the game. They connected once again on a two-run single that handed the Broncos their 1-6 loss.

The Broncos were determined in the second game of the series and gave it their all to try to get the win. But they had a little trouble on the mound, and the Commanches put up four runs in the first inning.

Chance Lockhart came in to take over and the Broncos worked their way back in the game. Bryce Hatley hit a triple that knocked some runs in and he was able to score on a wild pitch. That put the Broncos back in the lead at 6-5, but WT came back scoring two in the seventh to retake the lead. The Broncos were then able to load the bases, but failed to get anyone across the plate.

WT won the game 7-6 and took the series. The Broncos finished a great season at 16-10.

 

By Sandy Anderberg

The Clarendon Broncos are having a stellar season. They were able to claim a district championship with only one loss in their district schedule and because of that championship they received a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

After a two-week layoff period, the Broncos were eager to get on with post-season play. Last Friday, they traveled to Plainview to take on a good Tahoka team in the Area round at Wayland Baptist University. The Broncos bested their opponent in two out of three games, which catapulted them to the Regional quarterfinals the end of this week.

The Broncos won the first game of the series in an extra inning, when Nick Shadle hit a monster single with runners on second and third to win the game in the bottom of the eighth. Senior Zack LaRoe threw a no-hitter in the Broncos’ 1-0 win over the Bulldogs. He also struck out nine batters and walked only two. On the plate, Kade Hunsaker got a hit on each of his four times at bat and the Broncos as a whole hit the ball well according to head coach Brad Elam.

“We did get a lot of hits, but couldn’t drive in any runs until the eighth when Nick Shadle came through driving in Clay Koetting for the walk off win.”

Elam was also proud of LaRoe’s effort on mound.

“Zack threw a heck of a game,” he said. “Don’t see no-hitters much, especially in the playoffs and an extra inning game.”

The win prompted a game two for the Broncos and they were defeated 4-6. The Broncos led early, but failed to hold that lead when the Bulldogs took advantage of a wild pitch to get the lead.

“We didn’t play as well on defense and had some costly mistakes,” Elam said. “We had one big inning but failed again to drive in runs.”

A third game was needed to see who would advance and the Broncos, once again, showed their strength with their bats. Junior Bryce Hatley handled the pressure and got a good hit to left field to score Josh Cobb for the walk-off win at 5-4. Hatley was four for four from the plate with a single in the first, fourth, fifth, and seventh innings. His seventh inning scored Josh Cobb. In the fourth Senior Charles Mason slammed an RBI single that added to three other runs in the inning and helped to boost Clarendon.

“What a game,” Elam said. “Back and forth. We took a 4-2 lead, but were not able to hang on in the seventh. A few too many walks allowed them to tie the game, but with one out, Josh Cobb doubled off the top of wall and Bryce Hatley hit a dribble between shortstop and third base that squirted through and Cobb was able to score the playoff winning run. Very proud of the way the kids battled and played. Very exciting series with two walk off wins and a no hitter.”

The Broncos will play Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips at Amarillo High School this Thursday, May 21, at 5 p.m. and again on Saturday, May 23, at 1 p.m.