Facing the top-ranked team in the state is a tall order. Facing the number one team riding a 59-game winning streak on the road is even tougher.
The Durant Lions ran into the buzzsaw known as fourtime defending Class 5A state champ last week and dropped a 49-0 verdict on the road to even their district record at 1-1 while dropping to 2-4 overall.
A pivotal league battle awaits this week when the Lions return home for Hall of Fame Night with their firstever meeting with the tradition- rich Midwest City Bombers. Long-time track and cross country coach Robert Bokies will officially be inducted into the Durant Athletic Hall of Fame during pre-game ceremonies.
Carl Albert flexed its defensive muscle throughout the first half, keeping the Lions backed deep in their own territory and took advantage of the field position edge to race to a 21-0 first quarter lead.
The Titans drove 45 yards to paydirt for their first score, blocked a DHS punt and recovered in the end zone for the second and then connected on a 67-yard touchdown pass to complete the early barrage.
Durant finally managed its initial first down on the third offensive possession on solid runs by Bladyn Brown and Joseph Flores before having to punt.
Defensive stalwart Braylen King burst through for a sack to thwart the Titans’ next possession and force the first Carl Albert punt of the night, but the Lions had to give it right back despite one of the best runs of the night from Draegen Baker.
The hosts then hit a pair of lengthy passes to tack on a touchdown with 1:41 left in the half for a 28-0 edge at intermission.
Baker ripped off another 15-yard burst on the Lions’ first play of the second half but that drive quickly stalled ahead of a Carl Albert 60-yard scoring pass.
The Titans tacked on a 12yard touchdown run on the final play of the third quarter and a final score following a 78-yard drive midway through the fourth period.
Carl Albert’s balanced attack accounted for 422 total yards, including 277 through the air, while Durant tallied 77 yards for the game.
Baker was the leading rusher for the Lions, carrying eight times for 36 yards.
This week’s opponent Midwest City snapped a threegame losing skid with a 27-10 triumph over Noble last week.
Despite some defensive struggles, the Bombers have scored at least 20 points every game this year with a bevy of athletic playmakers led by quarterback Denymn Friday and fleet-footed receiver Dayveon Cochren.
