Bethany football coach Jon Arthur hopes his team is ready to go on a playoff run.

If that run resembles anything like a certain play in the Bronchos’ 31-7 win over Elk City last Friday (Nov. 6), it might turn out to be pretty special.

The Bronchos had a commanding lead in the fourth quarter. Both teams made substitutions. Those two elements aren’t part of the comparison.

When backup Kemper Kenton took the handoff, he was immediately met by two Elk defenders four yards behind the line of scrimmage. The sophomore shed them and slid between two teammates for what might have been a six-yard gain.

But, the legs kept moving. He broke a tackle, spun around and was surrounded by Elks nine yards past the line of scrimmage.

The legs kept churning. Teammates started pushing and the pile kept moving.

A six-yard gain turned into a 36-yard play.

This season, the Bronchos had to keep their legs churning through early adversity.

After an 0-3 start, Bethany won three straight games. An 0-2 western Oklahoma road trip was followed by two straight wins at home to finish the regular season.

At 5-5, but more importantly 4-2 in 4A-1 play, the Bronchos finished third in district play.

“We’ve just kind of throughout the year gotten better in almost every area,” Arthur said after the Elk City win.

Even against 4A-1’s top team, Weatherford, the Bronchos moved the ball against the Eagles but struggled in the red zone.

Late August and early September seem like years ago when Bethany was outscored 123-6 by stout competition in the first three contests.

SCOUTING REPORT: ARDMORE

The first round game Friday (Nov. 13) at Ardmore promises more tough competition.

The Tigers (9-1) barreled through 4A-2. Their only blemish was a 41-6 thumping by top-ranked Tuttle, undefeated and a title favorite.

Ardmore’s average score is 40.9-13.5. Take away the Tuttle loss and opponents have averaged 9.7 points a game.

The rushing numbers are also eye-popping. The Tigers have averaged 325 yards a game on the ground. Senior Tyson Laster has racked up 789 yards and 12 touchdowns. Sophomore Da’rai Washington added 586 yards and seven scores. Junior Jamane Stubblefield follows with 564 yards and seven scores.

For the season, five Tigers have 500 or more yards rushing.

Senior Kdrien Miller directs the offense. He’s completed just under 60 percent of his passes for 585 yards and eight touchdowns. Miller has three interceptions, one coming against Tuttle.

Junior Jadence Wright has been the most productive receiver with 22 catches and 421 yards. He has six touchdowns.

Washington leads the defense with 98 tackles. Senior Geno Odom has 11 tackles for a loss and two sacks. Sophomore David Moody also has two sacks.

Senior quarterback and defensive back Brody McLaren said the matchup with run-heavy Elk City in week 10 was good preparation for Ardmore.

“Just knowing that we have to value our offensive possessions because we know they’re going to be limited, and keep our defense off the field and make Ardmore create drives,” McLaren said last Friday.

BRONCHO OFFENSE ‘PEAKING’

The Broncho offense runs through McLaren, who has rushed for 450 yards and four touchdowns. In the air, McLaren has completed 47 percent of his passes for 759 yards and five scores. He’s been picked off eight times.

“I think we’re peaking at the perfect time going into the playoffs,” McLaren said. “Going into Ardmore, a good opponent, we just have to stay disciplined and run the ball.”

Junior Xzavier McGee has 240 yards and five touchdowns.

Freshman Braxton Arthur has 18 catches for 259 yards and a touchdown. Seniors Cooper Willis and Eli Mars each had touchdowns. Willia adds 12 catches for 131 yards and Mars has nine receptions for 130 yards.

Senior Tristan Garrett leads the team in tackles with 50. He has eight tackles for a loss. Fellow senior Mitchell Pace follows with 49 tackles and junior Isaiah White has 48.

Senior Mattix Wright leads the team with three sacks.

Senior kicker Cody Martin in a perfect 14-of-14 on extra points. He is 4-of-5 in field goals. His longest kick is 48 yards. Kicking off, Martin has 10 touchbacks on the season.

Photographs courtesy of Kristie Escoe of Life in Action Photography.

2026 Bethany Football

Overall Record: 5-5  ·  District Record: 4-2 (4A-1)

HOME GAMES in bold

* District game

2026 Ardmore Football

Overall Record: 9-1  ·  District Record: 6-1 (4A-2)

HOME GAMES in bold

* District game