Broncos earn first league win on the gridiron against the Wildcats

After a postponement of the Friday night game due to poor air quality, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos traveled to Wilbur on Monday, Sept. 11, to compete against the Wilbur-Creston Wildcats.

The league match up resulted in the Broncos’ first win of the season, as they recorded a 16-6 victory against the Wildcats.

The first quarter remained scoreless for both teams, as they adjusted to returning to the gridiron after limited outdoor practices.

Head Coach Greg Whitmore said the Broncos made solid and consistent runs down the field, but continually came up short of the end zone due to penalties or turnovers.

An interception by the Wildcats resulted in the first score of the game near the end of the first half. Bryce Kelly’s intended pass was caught by a Wildcat athlete, who returned the ball for six points.

After an unsuccessful two-point conversion, the Broncos remained determined and focused at earning a touchdown before the end of the half.

Whitmore said the focus and dedication allowed the team to move quickly down the field, and earn their first score of the game with a minute and a half remaining in the second quarter.

Austin Thompson ran the ball for five yards to earn the score, and Kelly hit Spencer Gering on a pass play to earn an additional two points.

The Broncos would hold on to their marginal lead until the fourth quarter, when they found the end zone for a second time and therefore secured the victory.

On a five-yard run, Mason Brausen earned the second touchdown for the Broncos, followed by another successful two-point conversion, this time between Kelly and Bryce Esser.

Whitmore said the game proved to be a good match for the Broncos, but the overall consistency from the team was lacking. While the defense played well, Whitmore said the Broncos gave up too many opportunities on offense.

The Broncos’ defense held Wilbur-Creston to only five first downs in the game. The Wildcats did not record any rushing yards, and only posted 108 total receiving yards.

Offensively, the Broncos racked up 181 rushing yards and 154 receiving yards, but also had nine penalties and four turnovers. Whitmore said the penalties not only resulted in a loss of yardage, but the team also struggled to gain back their intensity after the chains moved backwards.

With a relatively young and new time on the gridiron, Whitmore said the Broncos’ margin for error is very slim this season. The team will be focusing on reducing turnovers and eliminating penalties in order to remain competitive with the league’s stronger opponents.

Whitmore said the missed opportunities on offense during the Wilbur-Creston game are concerning, but the team also recorded moments of strength that will help them succeed in upcoming games.

Thompson and Brausen recorded strong performances for the Broncos, and Whitmore said the team will look to the duo to lead the team in yardage all season.

The game served as Brausen’s full return to competition after an injury last season, and Whitmore said he was a powerhouse on the field who helped control the ball and the tempo of the game.

Brausen recorded 20 carries for a total of 136 yards, and Whitmore said this was the first time in a long time that they have had an athlete net over 100 yards. Brausen also had 75 receiving yards on five receptions.

Thompson ran for 33 yards for the Broncos, and also had 58 receiving yards. Whitmore said the sophomore athlete continues to run the ball well and improve during each game, and he looks forward to seeing what Thompson will achieve this season.

The Wilbur-Creston game showed the Broncos the areas they need to improve on, Whitmore said, and they will be focusing on execution and consistency as they prepare for the next game.

The Broncos do not have much time to rest after the Monday game, and will host Northwest Christian on Friday, Sept. 15.

Whitmore said the Broncos will prepare the best they can given the shortened healing and practice time, but he is optimistic the team will play with intensity, coming off of the win.

He added competing against Northwest Christian is a tall task, as they have one of the strongest running backs in the league.

Primarily a rushing team, Whitmore said the Broncos are going to try to force the Crusaders to go to the air, but the Broncos will need to stay vigilant on pass protection.

He added the keys for success against the Crusaders will be moving the ball and controlling the clock.

Kickoff for Friday’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jimmie Snider Field.