Oologah Shuts Out Claremore in Opener

The Mustangs get two first half touchdowns and beat the Zebras for the first time since 2006.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 5:44 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Sep 2, 2010 10:58 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

OOLOGAH, Oklahoma – The Mustangs got two first half scores against Claremore and played stellar defense in their season opener, shutting out their neighbors 16-0.

Oologah (1-0) excelled on offense against the bigger Zebras lineup. Quarterback Alec Brunson led two first half drives that ended in the endzone. On the Mustangs’ first possession, Alec led his team down inside the Claremore (0-1) 10-yard line. He handed off to Blake Cantwell who ran untouched for the 3-yard touchdown.

Just before the half, Brunson found Dalton Barnes down the sideline for a 45-yard gain, setting up first and goal on Claremore’s 5-yard line. Oologah scored two plays later on a Brunson pass to Dakota Hudgens. The Mustangs led 14-0 at halftime.

Claremore, competing in 5A this season after two years in 6A, never found a rhythm on offense. The Zebras tried to get their two-headed running attack going in the first half, but Oologah wouldn’t allow it. The Mustangs held Chris Sczinski and Chase Talbert in check for most of the game.

Zebras quarterback Levi Rudd had little success against Oologah through the air. Strong winds forced both teams to shorten the field, and Rudd couldn’t hit receivers downfield after his team fell behind.

Rain began to fall in the third quarter, making passing even more difficult for both teams. Oologah picked up a late safety to slam the door on any Claremore comeback attempt.

Oologah avenged a 42-20 loss to Claremore in 2009’s season opener.

Oologah senior running back Josh Collier left the game after the opening kickoff after slamming his knee on a Claremore helmet. He returned later in his team’s first drive but left the game after injuring his knee. He watched the second half in a t-shirt and shorts with ice packs on his knees.

Oologah picked up its first shutout since a 33-0 win over Catoosa last October. They beat the Zebras for just the third time since 2004. Oologah will host Skiatook in Week 2. The Bulldogs finished 1-9 in 2009.

Claremore failed to score for the third time in seven games dating back to last season. They will host Miami in Week 2.