ODESSA, TX — The Lubbock Monterey Plainsmen (1-2) traveled to Odessa on Thursday night, September 19, seeking the Plainsmen’s first road win in 2024 against the Odessa High Bronchos. The Bronchos proved a tough offense to stop throughout the first half, but Monterey answered every knockout swing with a counter punch of their own.
Odessa High leads Monterey at the half 28-21.
Both offenses jumped out to a hot start early in the 1st quarter, with each team trading touchdowns. After that, the Bronchos’ defense stepped up and forced Monterey to punt. The two straight stops allowed Odessa High to build a 21-7 lead, with time winding down in the 1st.
Monterey turned to their run game to slow down the Bronchos’ big-play ability. The Plainsmen’s Kyree Baxter took the football on several hard runs to push Monterey down the field. It seemed like it took three or more Bronchos’ defenders to bring him down as Monterey inched inside the 20-yard line. A few quick passes from Monterey’s quarterback Luke Arrington set up the Plainsmen at the 13-yard line. Baxter took the ensuing handoff into the end zone for a touchdown to bring Monterey back within a score, 21-14 early in the 2nd quarter.
The Plainsmen finally woke up on defense after that. Odessa High scored 21 points in the first quarter but did not score again until there were 31 seconds left in the half. Constant pressure and no running game forced Odessa High to punt the ball twice in the second.
On offense, Dez Williams took some carries away from Baxter but was just as productive. He scored from 16 yards out to pull Monterey even with four minutes to play in the half. Odessa High managed one more touchdown before the break and led 28-21.
Halftime analysis by the author, Ryan Chadwick:
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