Odessa High Outlasts Monterey in an Offensive Sprint

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.

Odessa High’s defense stonewalled Monterey on offense on the first possession of the second half. The Bronchos’ offense thanked their defense with a two-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. After an incomplete pass, a short screen on the edge turned into an 80-yard touchdown.

Monterey responded well with a long touchdown drive, but the defense couldn’t stop the Bronchos' passing attack. Another Odessa High touchdown left the contest a two-score ball game entering the 4th quarter, 42-28.

Watch the 2nd Half Highlights below:

The 4th quarter devolved into a sprint where both offenses scored almost at will. Monterey struck first to pull back within seven points before Odessa High answered. Another Monterey touchdown made the score 49-35. The Plainsmen defense finally forced a takeaway to give the offense an extra possession the Monterey used to tie the game at 49-49. During this possession, the Plainsmen even converted a 3rd and 35 to set up the touchdown.

However, an explosive play from Odessa High resulted in another score. The Bronchos grew tired of the track meet and went for two. They were successful and led 57-49 with less than 3:30 remaining in the 4th.

Monterey’s offense responded with another productive drive down the field. Just outside the Odessa High’s 30-yard line, the Bronchos stepped up and forced a 4th down. The Plainsmen had no choice but to go for it with the time winding down and only one timeout remaining. Arrington dropped back to pass and threw a quick out to one of his receivers, but the ball glanced off his receiver’s hands and hit the turf.

Odessa High took over on downs, converted one 1st down, and kneeled out the rest of the clock. Monterey fell in another close contest, 57-49.

Head Coach Judd Thrash talked about his team’s fight after the game. Watch that interview below:

The Monterey Plainsmen open up district play next Friday, September 27, when Lubbock hosts Amarillo High at Lowrey Field. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.