El Reno High School's “Blue Crush” defense resumed its quest for the school record in pass interceptions last week, picking off three passes and forcing five turnovers in the Indians 34-14 playoff win over Ardmore.
“The defense set the tone and when they did get close to the red zone, we were getting turnovers,” El Reno senior linebacker Cory Dauphin said.
The Indians now have 27 interceptions in 11 games, an average of 2.45 per game. El Reno has recovered 16 fumbles by opposing offenses.
Ardmore's quick running game did move the football on El Reno at times, gaining 124 rushing yards on 43 carries. The Tigers took to the airwaves for 200 yards on 14-of-23 passing.
However, 128 of AHS' 324 total yards for the game came on two touchdown drives in the final 6:02 of the game.
El Reno's defense limited the Tigers to 38 snaps and 121 total yards in the first half, while forcing four turnovers. The first came with 8:55 to play in the second quarter on a fumble recovery by Tank Mulanax at the Tigers 38-yard line – which led to a touchdown for EHS.
On Ardmore's next series, Jovia Franklin stepped in front of a Chad Smith pass for an interception – setting up the Indians fourth touchdown of the half.
Ardmore's next two possessions ended in turnovers. Tyler Palmer recovered a fumble by Cody Dauphin, which was then picked up by Travis Johnson – but the senior lineman was hit and lost the ball.
On the final play of the half, Matthew Pruitt picked off Smith at the EHS 35-yard line and returned it 45 yards to the Tigers 20 before being dragged down.
Ardmore opened the third period with a six-play drive out to its own 44-yard line before Cory Dauphin intercepted a Smith pass and returned it to the Tigers 25.
Cory Dauphin led all El Reno tacklers with 14 stops, eight of which were solo. Mulanax had 11 solo tackles and 12 total, while Palmer ended with seven solo tackles and 10 total.
Pruitt led those in single digits with nine tackles, seven solo, while Cameron Ross was close behind with five solo stops and eight total. Matt Yarbrough followed with six stops, Cody Dauphin added five and Franklin, Johnson and Skylar Abernathy made four tackles each.
El Reno had five quarterback pressures but no sacks.