The Odessa Bronchos (3-1) had late game heroics on Friday night, as the football squad took a 31-28 win over Clemens (2-3) on game winning field goal by Aidric Rivera- his second walk-off kick of the season.
The Bronchos led 14-7 after one quarter and then both teams scored 14 points in the second quarter. Odessa was looking like they would have a 28-14 lead at halftime, but the Buffaloes went off for a 50-yard pass play to make it a one score game. It was a 28-21 lead for Odessa going into the second half, and while the Buffaloes went for another big pass play, senior defensive back Jayven Gonzales had something to say about that with an acrobatic, leaping interception. It was a 28-28 game until the final seconds, and the Bronchos walked away with a three point win on the field goal.
Senior running back Dejuan Green had a terrific day running the ball with 206 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Quarterback Mikey Cota was 18-for-37 for 258 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Wide receiver Andrew Rodriguez caught four passes for 77 yards and a sweet, leaping touchdown, while University of Oklahoma commitment Ivan Carreon had two catches for 26 yards and a touchdown. Jalen Warren was the favorite target of Cota’s, hauling in six catches for 95 yards.
On defense for Odessa, Zayne Minjarez had 11 tackles to lead the team, which included one for a loss. Daniel Garcia had 10 tackles and one for a loss, as well as a sack and two hurries. Jacob Pornan also had a sack and two tackles. Gonzales had four tackles and an interception. Yobany Baeza also had a pick, while Pornan had a forced fumble.
This was the second time that Odessa has won on a walk-off field goal this year, with the last coming by Rivera in a 22-20 win over Americas Trail Blazers on August 31. Opponents of the Bronchos haven’t made it easy, as each game for Odessa has been decided by three points or less.
Odessa looks to make it three straight wins when they face Permian in the first game of district play on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. on the road.
Remaining games for Odessa:
Friday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. at Permian
Friday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m. vs. San Angelo Central
Friday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. at Midland
Friday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m. at Frenship
Friday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m. vs. Midland Legacy