Blanchard edges Guthrie in 33-24 non-district showdown

In a highly anticipated matchup between 4A Blanchard and 5A Guthrie, the game lived up to expectations, coming down to the final minutes despite both teams struggling to take care of the football. The two squads combined for 10 turnovers, with Blanchard securing a late touchdown to clinch a 33-24 victory.

With this win, the defending 4A champions extend their impressive win streak to 15 games, improving to 3-0, while the Jays fall to 1-2.

Blanchard struck first, scoring within the first three minutes of the game and never trailing throughout the night. The Jays fought hard, managing to close the gap to within three points on four occasions, but despite generating 400 yards of offense and recording four more first downs than Blanchard, they couldn’t gain the lead.

Guthrie’s defense excelled in limiting Blanchard to just 39 rushing yards; however, they struggled against the pass, allowing 327 yards. In their two losses this season to Blanchard and Tuttle, the Jays have permitted just 38 rushing yards but a staggering 593 passing yards. Fortunately for Guthrie, they won’t face many pass-heavy offenses in the near future, as both the Tigers and Lions are currently ranked in the top four of 4A.

Blanchard’s Brayson Carter was instrumental, racking up 170 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while also making key defensive plays. Quarterback Noah Smith, a transfer from Westmoore, showcased his poise, connecting with a talented group of receivers.

Guthrie managed to score first with a 30-yard field goal from junior Carl Miller, but Blanchard quickly responded. Senior Blake Doles narrowed the gap with a 1-yard touchdown run, making it 13-10 with 7:08 left in the second quarter. However, Blanchard answered with a 43-yard touchdown pass, taking a 20-10 lead into halftime.

The third quarter saw a flurry of action, with both teams combining for five turnovers, bringing Guthry’s total to six for the game. Despite the setbacks, the Jays found the end zone twice—once with a 3-yard touchdown run by junior Elijah Smith and again with a 6-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Daelon Rice to senior Kolten Carlock. Both scores brought Guthrie within three points.

Carlock had a standout performance, finishing with 150 rushing yards on 23 carries. However, the game was ultimately sealed in the fourth quarter with a 6-yard touchdown run from Vaughan McIntyre, giving Blanchard a definitive lead.

With two losses in non-district play for the first time since 2019, Guthrie now shifts focus to district competition, set to face John Marshall on Thursday. The game was originally scheduled for Friday but was moved due to Taft Stadium’s prior commitments.