As many expected, Bethany’s senior night game against Madill turned into a 51-0 romp Friday (Nov. 8).

The only question was when the rain would stop for the festivities after the game.

Senior quarterback Jackson Payne was 6-of-8 for 52 yards and a touchdown before sophomore Brody McLaren saw some action, going 1-of-3 for 30 yards.

The Bronchos rushed for 203 yards as a team as nine players got touches and five players scored touchdowns on the ground.

Sophomore Wyatt Keefer had four carries for 58 yards (including a 50-yard run). Junior Judson Gilliland had 55 yards on four carries and two scores.

Senior Jackson Dull (28 yards) and junior Marcos Lopez (25 yards) each had touchdown runs. McLaren added 19 yards on five carries.

Seniors Cooper Johnson (12 yards) and Devonta Melton (four yards) also scored for Bethany.

“With the weather, being able to run the football was important for us early,” Bethany coach Jon Arthur said via phone. “But then, I was able to get some guys out and make sure we stay healthy going into the playoffs and get the younger guys some time in the game.”

Senior Wyatt Geissler led the receivers with 40 yards and a score on two catches. Freshman Breck Brady had 35 yards with three catches.

Senior Brock Cross set up the Bronchos’ opening score with a 64-yard kickoff return.

Bethany had 16 players make a tackle in the win. Junior Seth Greiner had seven tackles to lead the team. Greiner also had an interception. Senior Devonta Melton had two tackles for loss. Johnson, Dull, Tolle and senior Jonathan Salcedo each had a tackle for a loss.

Dull and Tolle each had two sacks.

BRONCHOS ROLLING SINCE EARLY DISTRICT LOSSES

Bethany (8-2) opened district play with two losses, against fourth-ranked Blanchard and third-ranked Tuttle. Since that point, the fifth-ranked Bronchos have outscored their opponents 182-23 in the final four games of the regular season.

“I think we’re definitely playing as well as we’ve played all year,” Arthur said. “I think our guys, coming off of that tough stretch to start the district play against Blanchard and Tuttle, we’ve certainly kind of settled into the things we’re doing on both sides of the ball.”

Despite the losses to two of the favorites for the 4A title, Arthur thinks the experience could help his squad.

“I’ve kind of seen a major switch in our guys in practice. They’ve, they’ve practiced extremely well (since those games).”

NEXT OPPONENT: Weatherford

Bethany travels to sixth-ranked Weatherford (8-2) Friday (Nov. 15).

The teams know each other well and have played several times in the past.

Weatherford head coach Taylor Sossamon coached under Arthur at Bethany. The Eagles’ offensive coordinator, Rob Renshaw, led Bethany to its only state championship, the 2A title in 2003.

“We’re very familiar with those guys and so it definitely makes it a little interesting for sure,” Arthur said.

“This is one of those full circle moments that people often suggest is too good to be true,” Sossamon told The Oklahoman. “They’re playing their best football at the right time and will be a tremendous challenge for us.”

Weatherford enters the game scoring 23.7 points a game while Bethany is averaging 42.7 points a contest.

The Eagles are averaging 180 yards a game on the road while passing for 78 yards a contest.

Senior Stone Chism has passed for eight touchdowns and 750 yards.

Chism has rushed for 307 yards and six touchdowns. Junior Ty Short has added 337 yards this season with four touchdowns.

Outside of a blowout 56-14 loss to top-ranked Elgin, Weatherford’s defense has allowed an average of 7.4 points a contest with four shutouts.

Class 4A OSSAA Football Championship
FIRST ROUND/FRIDAY, November 15, 2024
Elk City at Tuttle
Hilldale at Miami
Cushing at Ada
Bethany at Weatherford
Ardmore at Elgin
Grove at Sallisaw
Poteau at Wagoner
Clinton at Blanchard

QUARTERFINALS/FRIDAY, November 22, 2024
Tuttle/Elk City vs. Miami Hilldale
Ada/Cushing vs. Bethany/Weatherford
Elgin/Ardmore vs. Sallisaw/Grove
Wagoner/Poteau vs. Blanchard/Clinton

SEMIFINALS/FRIDAY, December 6, 2024
TBD

CHAMPIONSHIP/SATURDAY, December 14, 2024
TBD, 1 p.m. (University of Central Oklahoma)