Fans at Jelsma Stadium were treated to an electrifying season opener as two highly ranked teams clashed in a thrilling high school football game. In a nail-biter that kept everyone on the edge of their seats, the Tuttle Tigers secured a 31-24 victory over the Guthrie Bluejays with a game-winning touchdown in the final 16 seconds.
With the score tied at 24-24, Tuttle’s four-year starting quarterback, Brady McAdoo, delivered when it mattered most. Despite Guthrie’s stout defense holding Tuttle’s rushing game to minus one yard on 20 attempts, McAdoo’s steady performance throughout the night proved crucial. The Tigers showcased their offensive firepower, particularly with the help of their new transfers, but it was McAdoo who sealed the game.
Guthrie’s defense, despite losing 12 of their top 13 players from last season, impressed by keeping Tuttle’s ground game in check. The Bluejays’ offense also had its moments, racking up 234 rushing yards and completing 12 of 24 passes for 164 yards. Sophomore Daelon Rice and senior Kolten Carlock made their varsity debuts for the Jays, sharing quarterback duties and showing promise for the season ahead.
However, turnovers proved costly for the Bluejays. A crucial interception deep in Tuttle territory ended a promising drive and led to a Tigers’ touchdown. Guthrie started strong, taking a 3-0 lead with a 39-yard field goal from senior Marco Meza after a 56-yard drive on their opening possession. But Tuttle quickly responded with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Cruz Campbell, a transfer from Southmoore High School, to Jalen Lane.
The Bluejays regained the lead early in the second quarter when Rice connected with junior wide receiver Amare Watson for their first-ever touchdown together, putting Guthrie up 10-7. Carlock extended the lead with a dazzling 51-yard touchdown run, showcasing his speed and agility to make it 17-7 with 9:29 left in the half.
Tuttle fought back with a 40-yard field goal and a 12-yard touchdown run from McAdoo, though a missed extra point left Guthrie ahead 17-16 at halftime. The Tigers took the lead in the third quarter with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Campbell to CJ Simon, another transfer who made an impact with nearly 800 receiving yards last season at Moore High School.
Carlock tied the game at 24-24 with a spectacular 64-yard touchdown run, giving Guthrie a fighting chance with just over five minutes remaining. The Bluejays’ offense was on the move again late in the game, but a tipped pass on third down was intercepted by a Tuttle defensive back, who returned it to Guthrie’s 40-yard line with just over a minute left.
Tuttle capitalized on the turnover, again, driving to Guthrie’s 27-yard line. On first down, Campbell lobbed a pass into the end zone where McAdoo, despite tight coverage from Zane Thomas, leaped to make the catch for the game-winning score.
Cruz finished with four passing scores and 266 yards passing while completing 19 of his 30 passes.
Tuttle wins the first game of the series after Guthrie won the previous two meetings.
The Bluejays will have a bye week to regroup before traveling to Duncan on September 13 for their next game.
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