Scoring once in every quarter, the Durant Lions rode a stingy defense to a 24-0 Homecoming whitewashing of Gravette, Arkansas Friday night at Paul Laird Field.
The shutout was the Lions’ first over a non-Tulsa Public Schools opponent since blanking Ada (14-0) in 2019.
The defensive unit was in control from the start, allowing the visiting Lions just seven total yards on two first quarter possessions and only 30 more yards and one first down in the second frame. Gravette finished with 161 total yards, most of which came in the final period.
“Our defense just dominated,” head coach Todd Vargas commented. “They played extremely well and controlled the line of scrimmage for the most part. We got a little tired at the end but held them out to preserve the shutout.
“I was proud of the fact that we had playmakers make plays offensively. Gravette gave us a lot of different looks, but Cole put the ball where it needed to be and our receivers made catches. We still had too many penalties that we have to fix. Overall though I am proud of the kids and their resiliency this week. Our demeanor and how we played was great.”
Although the Lions failed to score on their opening possession, that drive set the tone and Durant put its first opening quarter points on the scoreboard on its second series. Cleveland Williamson’s interception gave the Lions
Durant Lions played Gravette, Ark., during the homecoming game.
the ball at their own 28 and rode the arm of Cole Robbins quickly downfield.
The senior signal-caller completed all four of his pass attempts, including a 37-yard connection with Holdan Robinson. Robbins then culminated the 11-play march with a two-yard touchdown burst. Otto Baskin’s extra point made it a 7-0 edge with 2:16 left in the period.
Following a series of punts by each team, Durant took over at its own 20 with 5:45 remaining in the half and put together another workmanlike drive which lasted 12 plays. The final of those was an 18-yard touchdown from Robbins to Robinson with 1:31 to go. Baskin’s PAT gave the hosts a 14-0 advantage at intermission.
Durant muffed a Gravette punt on the first second half possession to give the Arkansas visitors scoring hope, but that was snuffed out two plays later when Aiden Polk covered a fumble at the Durant 18.
Stephen Manhard bolted 20 yards on the Lions’ first offensive play of the third and two players later Robbins found Kacin Mazey on a 40-yard completion down the middle. From there, Robbins raced 21 yards to paydirt with just over four minutes gone in the stanza.
Leading 21-0, the Lion defense continued its dominance, eventually setting up a Baskin 30-yard field goal with 9:56 left in the contest for the final points.
Durant finished with a massive 321-161 edge in total yardage with Robbins completing 13 of 21 for 164 yards as well as running for another 68 yards. Manhard ended with 19 carries for 80 yards on the ground with Robinson snagging four passes for 72 yards as the top receiver in the game.
The Lions will now roll into their bye week with a bit of momentum at 1-2 on the season with the district opener at powerhouse Booker T. Washington slated for a week from Friday.
“We have a great opportunity to heal a few bumps and bruises this week,” Vargas added. “We will re-tune some things and try to put a few different wrinkles in.”
