The Allen Mustangs put up a good fight Friday night, but lost to the Okemah Panthers, 36- 24. The game was mostly competitive and stayed so well into the third quarter.

First Half

Okemah received the ball first but turned it over on downs a few minutes into a drive.

Allen then drove to the Okemah 25, but the Mustangs fumbled at the Panthers’ 25 yard line, turning the ball over.

Okemah then drove the field and, as the Panthers were banging on the door of the end zone, the Mustangs recovered a fumble at their own four yard line. However, the Panthers were able to get a safety to put two points on the board.

The quarter ended shortly afterward with Okemah up 2-0.

The Panthers then scored on the ensuing drive and went up 10-0 early in the second quarter after the two-point conversion.

The following possession by the Mustangs ended in a punt, but Okemah was able to move the ball into the red zone, but Allen’s defense held strong and forced a turnover on downs.

The Mustangs then started a drive deep in their own territory at the 12 yard line.

During the drive, freshman Brayden Tatum had a big run, and, from the six yard line, ran the ball in for a touchdown. Tatum then passed the ball to junior Davyn Wilson for the two-point conversion to make it 10- 8, Okemah.

The score remained 10-8 into halftime. Second Half

Second Half

The third quarter was a virtual scorefest, but the Mustangs came out on the losing end.

About two minutes into the period, Okemah scored on a a 30-yard rush. After a failed two-point conversion, the score was 16-8, Okemah.

However, Allen responded on the following drive when junior Shawn Husband made a 57-yard rush for a touchdown. Brayden Tatum then rushed the ball in for a two-point conversion, knotting the score at 16.

With 5:33 left in the quarter, the Panthers scored on a Pick 6, and, after the two-point conversion, went ahead by a score of 24-16.

But the Mustangs wouldn’t stay down long, as Brayden Tatum took the kickoff and ran the ball 80 yards for a touchdown, then ran the ball in afterward for a two-point conversion to tie the score at 24.

But the good times wouldn’t last as Okemah scored one more touchdown in the third, then one more in the fourth to make the final score 36-24, Panthers.

Allen (3-2/1-1) will travel to play Liberty (1-2/0-0) Friday. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Game Statistics

The Mustangs had 253 yards rushing, and 31 yards passing for a total of 285 yards.

Offense

Rushing

Brayden Tatum rushed 17 times for 163 yards, one touchdown and two two-point conversions. Shawn Husband rushed 11 times for 90 yards and one touchdown.

Passing

Garrett Nix completed two of four passes for 28 yards, while Brayden Tatum completed one of five passes for three yards.

Receiving

Quinton Walker and Chad Milne each caught one pass, both for 14 yards, while Davyn Wilson caught one pass for three yards and a two-point conversion.

Defense

Tagus Howard made seven tackles and 11 assisted tackles, while Shawn Husband made six solo tackles and seven assists.

Other players with tackles and assists were Caden Howard, 5-14; Gage Husband, 5-3; Quinton Walker, 4-4; Coyt Bell, 4-2; Rodey Arnold, 2-6; Brayden Tatum, 2-1; Davyn Wilson, 1-4; Brayden Griffith, 1-3; Ethan Roniss, 1-0; Garrett Nix, 1-0; Clayton Shackelford, 0-2; and Emmett Koonce, 0-1.

Standout Plays

Quinton Walker, Gage Husband, and Coyt Bell each forced a fumble; Brayden Tatum intercepted the ball one time; and Caden Howard and Tagus Howard sacked the quarterback one time each.

NOTE Next week’s home game against Stroud will be a Thursday night contest.

Mask up for game at Liberty.

The Mustangs will be traveling to Liberty this Friday evening, October 9 ^th , to challenge the Tigers. Kickoff will be at 7:00 pm.

Fans planning to make the trip should be aware that the Liberty School policy says fans must wear masks or face coverings and social distancing is encouraged. Only players, coaches, officials and administrators will be allowed on the field/sidelines before, during or after the game. This means no spirit lines; fans will not be allowed on the field.

Liberty also requests that no outside food or drinks be brought to the game.