In a commanding performance last Friday night, the Henryetta Knights delivered an unforgettable 34-0 shutout against the Antlers Bearcats, as Coach Weston McGill’s squad traveled south to face off in the high-stakes matchup. From start to finish, the Knights displayed unyielding tenacity on both offense and defense, leaving Antlers struggling to gain any momentum. The game showcased Henryetta’s discipline, skill and strategic execution, positioning them as a team to watch as the season progresses.
The Knights set the tone early, establishing their dominance on the field from the very first drive. Running back Jason Powders initiated Henryetta’s offensive barrage, powering through the Antlers’ defensive line on a 2-yard run for the first touchdown. Kicker Blaze Hill solidified the point after, giving the Knights an immediate 7-0 lead. Not long after, quarterback Brady Norman connected with wide receiver Gavin Williams on a stunning 38yard touchdown pass, extending the score to 13-0 by the close of the first quarter. Henryetta’s aggressive defense kept Antlers from making much headway, holding them to just a few first downs and preventing any real scoring threat.
By the second quarter, Henryetta’s defensive unit had tightened the clamps further. The Knights shut down every attempt by the Bearcats to move the ball, with tackles that kept Antlers pinned and struggling for yardage. Powders came through once again for Henryetta, this time on defense, securing a safety and increasing the lead to 15-0 just before halftime. Antlers’ offense appeared stymied, unable to find gaps against the Knights’ well-coordinated defensive line, and entered halftime with only seven net yards on offense.
After a scoreless third quarter where the defenses dominated, Henryetta kicked into high gear in the fourth. Powders once again broke through the Antlers defense with a powerful three-yard rushing touchdown, adding another six points to the board. The Knights’ depth shone as Norman connected with William Perez for a 36-yard touchdown pass, followed by another successful kick from Hill, pushing the score to 28-0. The final blow came courtesy of Nathan White, who clinched the game with a twoyard rushing touchdown, sealing Henryetta’s 34-0 victory.
Statistically, Henryetta outperformed Antlers across the board. The Knights racked up 19 first downs compared to Antlers’ six, and amassed 368 net yards to Antlers’ 67. Henryetta’s offensive line demonstrated significant strength, creating opportunities for a total of 185 rushing yards. Powders led the ground game with an impressive 107 yards on 13 carries, while Norman proved instrumental as quarterback, completing 13 of his 21 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns, boasting a solid 62% completion rate. Henryetta’s well-balanced attack and disciplined execution on both sides of the ball were on full display.
Antlers, meanwhile, found themselves consistently thwarted by the Knights’ powerful defense. Their leading rusher, Ethan Williams, contributed 42 yards, but Antlers’ offensive line struggled to hold off Henryetta’s defenders, resulting in several tackles for loss. Their passing game was even less productive, ending with just two net passing yards for the game and only one successful completion on six attempts.
The scoring by quarters illustrated Henryetta’s dominance:
• 1st Quarter: Henryetta – 13, Antlers – 0
• 2nd Quarter: Henryetta – 2 (Safety), Antlers – 0 • 3rd Quarter: Henryetta – 0, Antlers – 0
• 4th Quarter: Henryetta – 19, Antlers – 0
• Final Score: Henryetta – 34, Antlers – 0 The Knights’ determination and discipline allowed them to maintain a shutout throughout the game, with particularly strong performances in the first and fourth quarters. Henryetta’s victory not only highlights their well-rounded team dynamic but also reflects Coach McGill’s strategic planning and his players’ commitment to execution.
Looking ahead, Henryetta will return to their home field this Friday to face off against Spiro. With Spiro riding high on a three-game winning streak, they’ll arrive ready to contend with the Knights’ momentum. The game is set to kick off at 7 p.m., and fans can expect an intense showdown as Henryetta aims to protect their home turf and add another victory to their impressive season.