Despite a slow start in the first half, the Guthrie Bluejays had several positive moments in the second half, but it was not good enough in the season opener against the Class 6A Enid Plainsmen.
Enid jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the game’s first 6:38 and never looked back on the scoreboard with a 34-23 win. With the win, Enid wins their first season opener since 2014 and their first against the Jays since 2010.
Injuries played a role for both teams, but Enid proved to be much deeper.
Enid’s top play-maker, Will Phillips, suffered a fractured tibia on a 50-yard run along the Plainsmen sideline. He finished with 83 yards on seven carries. His backup was also lost to injury, but senior Marlo Hughes came in and had a night he will remember for a long time.
Hughes finished with 205 yards on 15 carries.
Meanwhile, the Bluejays were without the services of Isaac Lewis, who was expected to see valuable time on both sides of the football.
The game appeared to turn for good on a play involving two turnovers.
With Enid leading 14-3, Guthrie’s Dane Jenkins stepped in front of 4th down and 15 pass for an interception near midfield. However, Jenkins attempted to slide step a defender at the Enid 20-yard line, but only to have the ball popped out and the Plainsmen regaining possession.
Enid would then march 80 yards on nine plays to go up 21-3 and eventually 28-3 at the half.
In the second half, Guthrie outscored the home team 20-6 with three touchdown runs by Gavin Brison. The senior finished with 21 carries for 101 yards.
The Plainsmen finished the game with 573 yards of offense compared to the Jays’ 284.
Guthrie (0-1) entertains Shawnee on Friday for a 7 p.m. kick.
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