CPHS Football: Bixby wins first-ever shutout in Sand Springs, 35-0

The Class 6A-II No. 2 ranked Bixby Spartans (7-1, 5-0) rolled to their first ever shutout of Sand Springs Thursday night at Memorial Stadium, dominating No. 11 Charles Page High School 35-0 to remain undefeated in district action.

The Sandites (2-6, 1-4) gave up a 28-0 first-half beat down before rallying defensively in the second half.

Bixby’s average drive was 45 yards on five plays in the first half. They scored on four of six possessions, punted once, and ran out of time on their final possession of the half.

Sophomore quarterback Mason Williams connected with Cade Cavender from 33 yards out on their opening possession, capping a seven-play 57-yard drive. Then the Spartans traveled 89 yards in seven plays with a fifty-yard touchdown run from Braden Roller. Freshman standout Braylin Presley one-upped Roller with a 53-yard scoring run just a minute into the second quarter.

The home team made their first red zone penetration after Caden Pennington broke a pair of tackles for an impressive fifteen-yard run on fourth down. Unfortunately, he threw his second interception of the night at the one-yard line soon after.

Clayton Barbour made a 32-yard interception return, setting up a five-play 67-yard scoring march for the Spartans. Roller ran it in from one yard out for the final score of the half and a 28-0 lead.

The third quarter was a double shutout with rough offensive outings for both teams. Pennington and Williams traded interceptions on their opening drives, with Daren Hawkins hauling in the pick for Sand Springs.

Joel Mackey blocked a 45-yard field goal attempt on Bixby’s next possession, but the Spartans got the ball back on the very next snap with a fumble recovery by Ryan Kerr. The Sandite Defense showed up once again to force a turnover on downs with pass-breakups from Justis Myers, Luke Bratcher, and Jerret Haley.

Barrett Daniel recovered a fumble for the Spartans at the end of the third quarter, setting up a six-play 58-yard scoring drive at the start of the fourth. Williams connected with Luke Creeger from eight-yards out and Reis Vernon kicked the final point of the night.

Sand Springs averaged six plays and 24 yards per possession with five punts, three interceptions, two fumbles, and a turnover on downs. The Spartans scored five touchdowns, punted twice, gave up one interception, and three turnovers on downs.

Pennington was 5-14-84-3 passing and 17-35 on the ground. He connected with Colton Roberts for three receptions and 64 yards. Trey Wilkerson led the ground game with thirteen carries for 64 yards.

Myers, Lucas Adcock, Hayden Cramer, and Brycen Peterman led the defense in tackles, with Myers recording a five-yard sack. Haley racked up four tackles and three pass breakups. Bixby sacked Pennington four times for 33 yards.

Sand Springs will return to action next Friday with a home finale against their arch rivals from No. 7 Sapulpa (6-2, 3-2). Bixby will look to remain undefeated in district action when they host Shawnee (2-6, 2-3).