Published: September 06, 2008 02:45 pm            

Lions beat Buffs 24-7 in season home opener

Last season’s home game against the Durant Lions had huge implications in the Class 5A football playoffs. While the game between the two schools has become a rivalry, Durant is no longer a district opponent for the Buffs and this game did not hold the same implications for the Buffs.

That’s a good thing for McAlester, as Durant was a 24-7 winner over the Buffs.

Both teams struggled during their first game of the season with penalties.

The difference in the game was Durant’s Max White, the key play-maker for the Lions.

Hook Eales Stadium was filled with Buff’s supporters and Durant had a large number of fans attend the game.

Durant got on the board first with 6:23 left in the first quarter. The PAT gave them the 7-0 lead.

Buffs runningback Caleb Carney answered quickly with a slashing 71-yard touchdown run.

Buffs quarterback Brady May completed a quick screen pass to Carney. Offensive lineman T.J. Nooner made a great block for the Buffs that allowed Carney to get in the middle.

Carney broke a Durant players arm-tackle attempt, which caused him to nearly stumble, quickly he re-gained his balance and cut to the outside.

After the quick move, it was a foot-race and Carney poured it on leaving the Lion defenders nipping at his heels.

Durant scored again on a drive that was aided by Buff penalties.

The Buffs defense stood tall; Durant facing a fourth-and-three at the Buffs 26-yard line. An offside penalty gave Durant the first down.

Later in the drive a pass interference call on what looked like a tipped ball gave Durant a first-and-goal from the eight-yard line.

The Buffs defense, lead by key tackles from Jesse Patton, Chance Carey and Don Brown fought the Lions to the end of the first quarter.

The Lions scored on their first play in the second quarter on a three-yard run. The PAT gave Durant the 14-7 lead.

Buffs quarterback May did a good job running the ball for the Buffaloes and scrambled well.

As you would expect in a typical first season game, May was having trouble getting in rhythm with his receivers and the long ball was not a weapon for the Buffs.

The Buffs drove down the field and a completion to Wanzo Johnson gave them fourth-and-five at the Durant 20-yard line.

The Buffs went for the first down.

May stepped back for the Buffs threw a pass over the middle that was intercepted by White who returned the ball to the 50- yard line.

The half would end with Durant leading 14-7.

At 4:05 in the third quarter White made a successful field goal from the Buffs 25-yard-line making it 17-7 Durant.

At 7:09 in the fourth Durant scored a final touchdown. The ensuing PAT gave them the 24-7 lead, the final score of the game.

The Buffs will once again be at home Friday where they will play the Broken Bow Savages. The game will start at 7:30 p.m. at Hook Eales Stadium.

Look for upcoming previews of the game and an interview with McAlester head football coach Bryan Pratt in future editions of the McAlester News-Capital.

Contact Glen Eller at geller@mcalesternews.com

        

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