Defense controls Carl Albert’s running game; Alexander adds up 242 yards

It was strength versus strength entering Friday night’s Halloween showdown between Carl Albert’s running game and Guthrie’s rush defense. In the end, the BlueJays held the Titans to six points and 77 yards rushing en route to a 21-6 win on Senior Night.

With the win, Guthrie (9-0, 6-0) sets a school record of 23 consecutive wins and extended their home winning streak to 33 in a row. More importantly, the Jays ensure themselves at least one more game inside The Rock come round one of the playoffs. The Jays will contend for the district title and two hopeful playoff games next week in the season finale at Deer Creek.

Carl Albert finishes third in the district and will be on the road throughout the playoffs.

Guthrie kept the Titans running game in check throughout the night and forced 24 pass attempts while holding to 5-of-14 on third down conversions.

Now with 36 quarters played, the BlueJay defense has shut-out their opponents in 28 quarters.

Listen to head coach Kelly Beeby’s post game radio interview.

The defense not only controlled the Titans offense, but running back Idae Alexander continued to prove he remains among the elite in 5A football. He finished with 242 yards, including 147 yards in the second half, on 28 attempts to go with two touchdowns.

The senior went over 3,000 career rushing yards on his first carry of the night.

Listen to Alexander’s post game radio interview.

Guthrie’s opening drive was aided by Carl Albert penalties that resulted in two first downs early in the possession. The Titans tighten up their defense inside the red zone and held the Jays to a 35-yard field goal from Nataneal Luevano.

Carl Albert took their only lead of the game three-plus minutes into the second quarter after quarterback Braxton Dickerson sneaked in from 1-yard out. The extra point was no good and the scoreboard showed 6-3.

It was just the second time this season the Jays were behind on the scoreboard (Guymon).

Just before the half, Guthrie put together a seven-play drive in less than two minutes to regain the lead, 9-6. Alexander got his first score on the night with a 17-yard run with :42 left.

The Jays added six more points on the first possession of the second half. This time, the Jays needed eight plays to go 62 yards. Quarterback Zane Maltz used his offensive lineman to push across a 1-yard score to increase their lead 15-6.

The game was solidified at the 6:18 mark of the fourth quarter when Alexander took off for a 55-yard score. The long run was his 17^th score on the ground in 2014.

Listen to the radio highlights of the game.

The Guthrie offense with 307 total yards and were only forced to punt twice.

Listen to assistant head coach Scott Mick’s post game radio interview.

Notes:

– The BlueJays have now five straight over the Titans to tie the overall series at 21 games. The win streak matches the 1970-74 Guthrie teams.

– When playing on television, Guthrie is now 14-3 since 2001.