Bison "clinch" playoff spot with rout of Lions

Carlisle's Devon Kendrick carries the ball during the third quarter of the Bison's win over Clarendon (Photo by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

lonokecountysports@gmail.com

CARLISLE — The Carlisle Bison needed a win against Clarendon to keep their playoff hopes alive. And that is just what they got.

The Bison pulled away from the Lions in the second half for a 58-34 win. Carlisle is now 4-5 overall and 4-3 in 2A-6 play. 

There are a few tie-breaking scenarios depending upon what happens in Week 10 but could finish anywhere from third to fifth in standings.

The Bison led 28-20 at halftime. Jacob Cagle scored on an 18-yard run in the first quarter. Chase Brazeal scored on a 1-yard run in the first quarter. He also scored on a 1-yard run int he second quarter while Cagle had a 26-yard scoring run.

The Lions forced Carlisle to punt on the first possession of the second half. That led to a 67-yard scoring run by Marderrius Amos with 8:37 left to cut the Bison's lead to 28-26. 

The Bison responded with a 68-yard, 7-play drive. Clinton Hampton scored on a 17-yard run with 5:59 left. Devon Kendrick scored the two-point conversion to make the score 36-26. 

Kendrick intercepted a Clarendon pass on the next possession. That eventually led to a 9-yard touchdown run by Hampton with 2:58 left in the third quarter. Tyler Teel added the two-point conversion, giving the bison a 44-26 lead.

Carlisle forced Clarendon to punt; the Bison pushed the lead to 52-26 when Cagle scored on a 29-yard run with 1:05 left in the third quarter. He also scored the two-point conversion. 

Clarendon did not go away. The Lions cut the Bison's lead to 52-34 with 11:15 left in the game. Donnie Lowery threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Amos. The Lions also scored the two-point conversion. 

Carlisle made the score 58-34 on a 20-yard run by Hampton with 7:10 left. Carlisle then sealed the victory when Kendrick intercepted his third pass of the game with 6:29 left. 

"We had to win to give ourselves any chance to get into the playoffs," Carlisle coach Jack Keith said. "I was very proud of the kids. Our backs were against the wall. They had to step up and take care of business and they did."

Keith said the Bison's offense is one that can wear on a team. 

"Toward the middle of the third quarter, they were starting to wear down," Keith said of Clarendon. "We were starting to get the 5-, 6- and 7-yard chunks. It just snowballed for us from there. They answered every score they made."

Hampton led the Bison with 209 yards rushing on 25 carries. Cagle had 190 yards on 26 carries. Kendrick had 34 yards on 8 carries. He also had three interceptions. 

The Bison will play McCrory at Fred C. Hardke Field in the regular-season finale Thursday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Jacob Cagle heads to the end zone for a two-point conversion.