With conversations rolling of a possible playoff berth for the first time in 13 years, the Durant Lions saw a two-game winning streak snapped last week in a 28-7 loss on the road at Shawnee.
Slipping to 2-5 overall and 2-2 in district play, Coach Todd Vargas’ squad faces a virtual must-win this week when Coweta visits at 7 ‘clock Friday night in order to keep those hopes realistically within grasp over the final two weeks of the season.
The Tigers are just 1-6 on the season and 1-3 in league but also still have playoff hopes on life support ahead of this week’s matchup following a 47-7 thumping of Tulsa Edison. They dropped a narrow 20-14 verdict to Shawnee the week prior to that.
Durant struggled to move the ball early against the Wolves on Friday, which proved to be an omen as they managed just one first down and 20 total yards in the opening stanza.
A Lion fumble at the DHS 16 set the hosts up with a short field and they needed only three plays to cash in the game’s first touchdown with 1:33 to play in the quarter.
The next Durant possession lost a yard on three plays and following a punt Shawnee cruised 68 yards on four runs and a pair of Lion penalties to make it a 14-0 edge with 10:33 to play in the first half.
Shajen Davis’ 39-yard kickoff return briefly sprung life into the Lion offense as they worked into the red zone on a pair of Stephen Manhard rushes, only to have the scoring opportunity thwarted by an interception.
A pair of first down completions to Darien Almos and Manhard along with a season-best 30-yard run by Cole Robbins moved Durant into Shawnee territory again late in the half before the march ended on downs at the Wolves’ 36.
Shawnee cashed in a short field following an unsuccessful onside kick by the Lions, adding to the lead with a seven- yard touchdown only 2:31 into the second half.
Joseph Flores bolted 51 yards into Wolves’ territory moments later but that drive again fizzled resulting in a punt.
A 53-yard scoring drive early in the fourth made it 28-0 on the Wolves’ fourth rushing touchdown of the night.
Durant had one final chance in Shawnee territory in the waning minutes, capitalizing on a pair of Wolves penalties as Robbins connected with Holdan Robinson for a twoyard touchdown toss with 26 seconds remaining. Otto Baskin booted the extra point for the final margin.
Shawnee outgained the Lions by a 366-197 margin in total yardage as Robbins led the way with 55 yards rushing and 50 through the air. Manhard tallied 45 yards on 18 carries.
