Hot Start, Strong Defense Leads OC To Win

A big first quarter and an opportunistic defense propelled the Clearwater/Orchard football team past Stuart, 54-16, Thursday.

The Cyclones took an early 20-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to touchdown runs by Chris Kester, Jacob Long and Eli Macke.

It was a defensive struggle for the next two quarters as each team mustered just eight points each heading into the final stanza.

The OC defense played stellar defense in the second half, picking off the Bronco's quarterback, Ethan Sattler, three times. Blake Hoke recorded two interceptions and Macke's pick led to a Kester two-yard TD plunge in the fourth.

The green and black outscored Stuart, 26-8 in the fourth to secure its third-straight win.

Macke led the offense with 173 yard on the ground and two touchdowns. Long and Kester each added two rushing TDs as well for the Cyclones.

Clay Thiele led the defense with a team-best 10 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. Hoke recorded two interceptions and Macke tallied a pick and a blocked punt for a safety.

Clearwater/Orchard (4-1) returns to action Friday against Twin Loup at 7 p.m. at Orchard.