Brandywine qualifies for state playoffs

Published 9:24 am Monday, October 15, 2018

PARCHMENT — A sloppy field from the rain and cold made for a high octane offensive game between the visiting Brandywine and Parchment Friday night.

After going back and forth throughout the first half, the Bobcat defense stepped up, getting two straight three-and-outs to start the second half, and was able to march down the field to score on every offensive possession in final 24 minutes to pull out a 53-30 BCS Athletic Conference victory.

“That is where the game was won,” said Brandywine coach Mike Nate. “Parchment is better than their record indicates. They played a very difficult schedule this year. I’m just so proud of these kids and the way they battled all game.”

Brandywine was looking to clinch a playoff berth against the Panthers, who are now 1-7.

The Bobcats (6-2) can start planning for the postseason for the first time since 2014.

“It’s good to get the pressure off (of making the playoffs),” Nate said smiling from ear to ear. “In the fashion we did it against a team we haven’t beaten. We will be ready for Buchanan to send out these seniors right.”

After Parchment fumbled away the football on their first offensive play, Brandywine drove 85 yards down the field which was capped off with a one-yard quarterback sneak by Bryce McLane.

Parchment would answer back on the second play of offense with a 67-yard touchdown run by Tyler Klepatz.

That kind of quick scoring and long drives would be a continuous battle for dominance as there was four lead changes by halftime.

The second half it was all Brandywine. The defense didn’t allow any first downs in Parchment’s first two possessions and the Bobcats would score quick with their two-headed backfield dragon on Jordan Abrams and Robert Gordon.

Abrams led the Bobcats with 29 carries for 201 yards and three touchdowns (one, two, 30). Gordon was keyed by the Panthers defense most of the game, but when Abrams became the center of attention, Gordon would make good with what he could get. He finished with 13 carries for 183 yards and three touchdowns (55, 83, 25).

The Bobcats tallied 478 total yards (395 rushing). Parchment totaled 375 total yards led by Ontayveon Fry, who had 29 carries for 210 yards and two touchdowns.