by Jayce Osmus (@jayce_osmus)11/15/2021 9:56:36 AM
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Holden Thompson and Gage Gundy shined as Stillwater knocked off Booker T. Washington 35-26 in their 6AII quarterfinal last Friday.
Thompson, at running back, and quarterback Gundy, the Pioneers’ quarterback, combined for 52 rushing attempts, powering the offense throughout the course of the game.
Holden ran for 189 yards on 31 carries, while also accounting for three rushing touchdowns. Gundy ran for a touchdown and threw one to wide receiver Heston Thompson, Holden’s twin brother.
The Hornets played through their quarterback Lathan Boone, who completed 20 of 27 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns, with the last two coming in the fourth quarter in a comeback attempt.
The Hornet offense started hot, scoring on the first offensive play of the game as running back Ethan Washington took the opening play 57 yards.
The Hornets led 7-0 just a mere 14 seconds into the game.
At the start of the second quarter, Stillwater was able to tie it up with a 6-yard touchdown run by Gundy.
But the Hornet offense once again capitalized on a one-play touchdown drive. Boone connected with receiver DJ McKinney on a 61-yard touchdown pass and the Hornets took a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter.
The Stillwater offense drove down quickly after the score.
Gundy converted 4th and 1 close to midfield and Thompson capitalized later on a 5-yard touchdown run.
The Pioneer special teams came up with a huge surprise onside kick recovery, keeping the momentum in their favor.
A jet sweep pass to Thompson saw him scurry into the end zone down the sidelines and the Pioneers took a 21-14 lead into halftime.
The Stillwater offense got the ball to start the second half and Thompson gave up a fumble around midfield, the team’s only turnover of the game, but Stillwater’s defense forced a three-and-out.
Holden redeemed himself on the next drive with a carry of 20 yards and eventually a 21-yard touchdown run to increase their lead, 28-14.
Stillwater’s defense stepped up big again, this time popping Gentry Williams on a screen pass and forcing a fumble.
Working with a short field, Thompson scored his third touchdown of the game, this one 42 yards. The Pioneers led 35-14 at the start of the fourth quarter.
The Hornets’ first drive of the fourth quarter was done very quickly. Boone found his receiver Jordan Drew streaking down the middle of the field for a 72-yard touchdown.
In one of the bigger plays, the Stillwater special teams blocked the PAT, leaving the score 35-20 with just over 10 minutes left in the game.
A quick possession by the Hornets defense put the ball back into Boone’s hands.
Working against a 4th and 12, Boone threw a quick slant to Washington, who took care of the rest, outrunning the Pioneer secondary on his way to a 61-yard touchdown.
Forced to go for the two-point conversion, Boone threw to Drew, who just couldn’t reach the ball with his outstretched hand.
The score was 35-26 with six minutes remaining.
A failed onside kick attempt gave the ball to Gundy and his offense.
They got one first down, but were unable to get another, giving the ball back to the Hornets.
McKinney fumbled after a catch around midfield. Without any timeouts remaining for Booker T., Stillwater was able to run the clock out and advance to next week.
The Hornets season ends with a final record of 8-3.
The Pioneers move on to 9-2 on the year and have a meeting with No. 1 Bixby. That game will take place at 7 p.m. Friday at Langston University.