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***Listen to the radio play back between Guthrie and Piedmont Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. on Guthrie Sports Page Radio.
Piedmont -- There are not many non-district games you can declare as a “must need,” but Friday nights victory over 4A Piedmont, could be classified as one.
Bryan Dutton got his first win as a varsity quarterback 34-14 over the Wildcats of Piedmont. Dutton was 19 of 28 for 237 yards and three touchdown passes as he had a coming out party. Dutton, contributed for four of the five Guthrie scores.
“Anytime you get a victory it’s great,” Guthrie head coach Rafe Watkins said, “especially when you’re 0-2 starting the season.”
However, it wasn’t as easy as the Bluejays expected. Austin Cowan hit wide receiver Dustin Hand for a 65-yard touchdown pass to shock the Guthrie faithful. Sophomore Josh Brown hit the PAT to give the Wildcats an early 7-0 with just 46 seconds into the game.
Dustin Bohanan got into the big play mix, with a 43-yard kickoff return to the Piedmont 46-yard line. Dutton hit senior Zach Olson for a nice 8-yard catch to begin the drive. That would be Olson’s first catch of many on the night, finishing with 8 catches for 88-yards, including a 32-yard reception.
Dutton and JP Bruner kept methodically moving the ball during the drive, picking up two first downs, but the drive stalled when Dutton was unable to complete his pass on fourth down.
Piedmont wasted no time coming out firing. Cowen threw his second touchdown pass in as many attempts hitting, Keith Vick for a 78-yard touchdown reception. Brown kicked the PAT pushing the score to 14-0 Piedmont with just a little over six minutes remaining in the first half.
Watkins talked about the first quarter, “We had a little adversity there in the first quarter, getting behind 14-0. I was really proud on how the kids showed their composure.“
After trading three and outs, the Guthrie offense, took the field, and after a Dutton incompletion, he hit Olson for a 24-yard reception, pushing the ball to the Wildcat 25 yard line. Dutton pushed the ball in from 12 yards out, Hank Hudson nailed the Pat. Guthrie finally ended their six quarter scoreless streak, making the score 7-14.
A fired up Guthrie defense came out and forced Piedmont backwards, as they punted on a fourth and eleven. With Guthrie back on the offense, Dutton again, hit Olson for a 33-yard reception, pushing the ball to the Piedmont 34-yard line. After a loss of seven and failed fourth down attempt, the Bluejays turned the ball over.
The Guthrie defense, who after the first two big plays, did not allow Piedmont to run a single play starting in Bluejay territory. Guthrie allowed a total of 153 yards total offense, 0 total offensive yards in the second half. 143 of the total offense of Piedmont were on the two big touchdown passes.
“I thought the linebackers and defensive line played really well tonight.” Watkins said.
Again after a fantastic defensive stand, Guthrie came out with a spark. Dutton hit a pass to junior Kentrell Brothers, for a 13-yard gain, and after a 12-yard run by Dutton, it was first and 10 at the Piedmont 13-yard line. That’s when Dutton got his second touchdown pass of the season, hitting Brothers, who snagged the jump ball away from the Wildcat defender in the corner of the end zone. Hudson was on mark with the extra point, making it 14-14.
All seemed right in Bluejay land after that, defense was outstanding and almost had a safety after Brothers who had a monster sack coming around then end, for a two yard loss. After a penalty and a fumble snap, it was time for Piedmont to punt again.
Guthrie got the ball back with about a minute left to go in the first half; Dutton was brought down for a loss of five yards, pushing the ball back to the Wildcat 40-yard line. With some decent protection, Dutton heaved the ball up and Hudson made a great comeback reception and was able to slip into the end zone for the touchdown. Hudson hit the PAT, and Guthrie was up 21-14 heading into the half. The score gave the Jays their first lead of the 2009 season.
“I thought the line blocked well,” Coach Watkins praised his team, “Receivers other than Kentrell came up with big catches.”
The second half was a much dominated Guthrie half. Piedmont would barely see the ball in the second half. Guthrie controlled the ball for 18 minutes and 48 seconds of a 24 minute half.
“It’s a total opposite of what we’ve been doing.” Watkins on ball control, “you can see their defense wore down.“
Guthrie started out with the ball to start the half, taking a deep and thorough drive to milk the clock, Dutton kept the ball for 5 and 6 yards to get the ball for a first down. Senior JP Bruner seemed to be in the flat for the easy dump pass when Dutton was in trouble. Guthrie, however, was forced to punt, keeping the score 21-14 midway into the third quarter.
Guthrie got the ball back after a great defensive stand, and Dutton started it off by scampering for 25-yards and pushing the ball into deep Piedmont territory.
On a late play in the drive, Dutton dropped into
the pocket, looking to pass, and threw a deep pass into the end zone,
hitting John Clark for a 28-yard touchdown pass. Hudson
nailed hit the PAT, 28-14. Guthrie is off and rolling midway through the
third quarter.
Dutton lead the troops back on the field again, beginning with a pass out to Olson, and then followed by a big run by Bruner. Guthrie then had Dutton keep it on the ground for two straight plays. Dutton finished with 63-yards on 19 carries and one touchdown score. After a stalled drive, Hudson was unable to hit the field goal attempt, pushing it wide left.
Devin Williams and the Guthrie defense continued their onslaught of the Wildcat offense. Forcing a fourth and 11, Bohanan took the punt and had a nice return. Dutton brought the Bluejays back onto the field, looking for another score.
Dutton hit junior Devonte McCully for a 21-yard pass, and Bruner had a few nice run plays as he was able to punch it in from the five yard line, and Hudson missed the extra point despite a poor snap. Guthrie was up 34-14.
Senior Christian Lamb saw his first snaps as backup quarterback in the fourth quarter, leading the Bluejays to a couple of scoring chances, one was on a field goal attempt, Another snap was high and Dutton had to roll out and improvise, but was unable to push the ball into the end zone on the fourth and goal situation.
Guthrie gets their first win as they improve to 1-2 on the young season. The offense finally caught fire, producing 400 yards of offense, 167 on the ground, and 233 in the air.
“I really thought we grew up a lot offensively.” Watkins said. “The pups, Dutton, grew up and not get happy feet tonight.”
Guthrie travels to Durant to take on the Lions (1-2) to open district play. Some are considering it the biggest game of the season.
“Durant has a great quarterback who moved in from McKinney, TX. A lot like (El Reno's) Jakeil Everhear.��� Watkins talked about the upcoming game. “As far as his running ability, hope not as his throwing ability.”
You can follow the Bluejays on the GSP radio on the website or travel with the team, a charter bus is available for $25 a person.
Charles Chaney is a contributing writer and alum of Guthrie High School.
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