Deer Creek’s passing game too much for Jays

There was no hidden secrets with the Deer Creek Antlers and wanted they wanted to do offense. The question was how the Guthrie defense would hold up. Both sides had success, but the Antlers found the big play when needed.

Guthrie struck early following an Antler turnover, but Deer Creek held on for a 27-20 win to clip the Bluejays for the second consecutive season.

The Antlers (7-3, 4-2) will host Ardmore next week in the first round of the playoffs. Guthrie (6-3, 5-2) will travel to Altus in a rematch of last season’s opening round.

Deer Creek quarterback Clayton Sims completed 22 of his 32 passes for 310 yards, including finding Zach Kerstetter for eight receptions for 122 yards. Noah McGraw hauled in only two passes for 74 yards, but both were on difficult catches.

Guthrie senior Jalyn Morgan intercepted Sims and returned it to the Deer Creek 13-yard line and three plays later Zane Maltz spotted Kevin Blue for a 6-yard pass to give the Jays an early 7-0 lead.

Deer Creek responded with a 62 yard drive in just three plays to tie the game at 7-all after the first quarter.

Guthrie re-captured the lead, 13-7, midway in the second quarter with a 1-yard run by Maltz.

On the ensuing possession, Deer Creek traveled 90 yards in 11 plays to get the lead back, 14-13. A lead they would not surrender.

The Antlers collected two field goals of 25 and 39 from Parker Noble for the next two scores and a third and final Antler touchdown with 3:46 left in the game for 27-13 advantage.

Guthrie needing a score did just that. On a fourth down and one play, Maltz took off on the right side and past a blitz for a 31-yard touchdown score to pull with a score, 27-20, with 2:28 left in the game. However, Deer Creek was able to take the remaining time off the clock after a failed onside kick.