In a thrilling high school football matchup on Friday night, Claremore High School emerged victorious against Bartlesville with a final score of 35-32, thanks to a late-game heroics from senior receiver Ayden Gaines and quarterback Kellen Gaede. The game, held at Lantow Field, was marked by a series of dramatic plays, particularly in the fourth quarter, where Claremore showcased resilience and determination to secure their first win of the season.
With just 48 seconds left on the clock and Claremore trailing by four points, the stage was set for a pivotal moment. Facing a crucial third down at the Bartlesville 11-yard line, Gaede found Gaines, who leapt above defenders to catch the game-winning touchdown pass. This connection marked their second touchdown of the night and ultimately sealed Claremore’s comeback victory. “Coach called slant wheel, and he knew I was going to be open,” Gaines remarked after the game, highlighting the trust between him and Gaede.
This victory not only marked Claremore's fourth consecutive win over Bartlesville but also improved their record to 1-1 following a narrow loss to Sallisaw in Week Zero. The Zebras are set to host Muskogee next week, which will serve as their final non-district matchup before diving into the heart of the season.
Throughout the game, Gaede completed 7 of 15 passes for an impressive 216 yards and two touchdowns, with Gaines accounting for a staggering 215 of those yards on six receptions. This performance showcased the duo's chemistry, which has been building since Gaines transferred from Oologah over the summer. “Ever since I moved over here, we’ve just been connected every day at practice,” Gaines said, emphasizing their commitment to improving together.
Claremore's offense was not without its challenges, as they faced penalties and turnovers that threatened to derail their momentum. The Zebras committed 12 penalties for 109 yards and fumbled twice during the game. However, they managed to overcome these obstacles, demonstrating their resilience. Claremore coach Jarrett Hurt praised his players, stating, “Our kids are resilient, our kids are tough, our kids are fighters. They didn’t quit fighting tonight.”
Bartlesville, now at 1-1, also displayed a formidable offense, amassing 451 total yards, including 281 rushing yards. Quarterback Michael Kent was a standout performer for the Bruins, rushing for 148 yards and two touchdowns while completing 16 of 28 passes for 170 yards. Despite his efforts, Claremore’s defense managed to intercept Kent twice, which proved crucial in the tight contest.
The game was characterized by a back-and-forth battle, with Claremore initially taking the lead in the second quarter after a 93-yard touchdown pass from Gaede to Gaines. However, Bartlesville responded with a series of touchdowns, including a 48-yard run from Kent that opened the scoring for the Bruins. The defensive efforts from Claremore, including interceptions from Bo Wolf and Evan Jameson, helped keep the game within reach.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, Claremore regained the lead with a touchdown from Kannon Kinnard, who rushed for a team-high 133 yards. However, Bartlesville managed to take the lead late in the game, setting the stage for Claremore's final drive. With time running out, Gaede's determination and Gaines' exceptional receiving skills culminated in a game-winning touchdown, showcasing the heart and grit of the Claremore Zebras.
Leave a Comment