The Perryton Wranglers ninth grade football team traveled to Bushland on Thursday, Sept. 24.
The Wranglers spotted the Bushland Falcons 21 points in the first quarter, and that proved to be more than the Wranglers could overcome, losing 21-14.
Perryton received the opening kick off and on the third play an interception set up the Falcons first and 10 on the Wrangler 39 yard line. Five plays later, Bushland capitalized on the interception, scoring from 6 yards out. The 2 point conversion was good, making the score 8-0 Bushland.
After the ensuing kick off, the Wranglers again threw an interception. The 20 yard short field was covered quickly in two Falcon plays. The extra point was no good leaving the score 14-0, Bushland.
Perryton had a good kick off return out to their 34 yard line, but could not move the ball and had to punt. The punt took an unkind bounce for the Wranglers. Again, as in the first two possessions, Bushland was working with a short field. It took the Falcons only 4 plays to score, with a successful 2 point conversion, and they led 21- 0.
Perryton got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter on a run by Julian Cervantes. The 2 point try failed, leaving the score 21- 6 going into the second half.
The third quarter saw both teams in a defensive struggle. Late in the third quarter, Cervantes went in again from 6 yards out. The 2 point conversion by Evan Hernandez was good. Heading into the fourth quarter, the score was 21-14, Bushland.
The fourth quarter saw multiple opportunities for the Wranglers to win the game. Bushland could only muster 2 first downs in the second half. Twice in the fourth quarter, Bushland fumbled the ball and the Wrangler’s Payton Sunday and Sammy Perez recovered. The Wranglers put together drives only to see the ball go over on downs.
Cervantes had 12 carries for 89 yards; Evan Hernandez, 5 times for 21 yards; Noel Ramirez, 3 times for 5 yards; and Sammy Hernandez, 4 times for 12 yards. Sunday had 3 receptions for 25 yards.
Turnovers plagued the Wranglers, fumbling 5 times, losing 4, and 3 interceptions.
The Wranglers host Pampa on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 5 p.m. at Ranger Field.
The loss the Wranglers’ record to 1-2 on the season.