The Glenbrook Apaches turned in a solid defensive effort but couldn’t overcome some early turnovers in a 20-6 loss to the Winnfield Tigers in their season opener Friday night at Glenbrook.
Despite the loss, there were some bright spots other than the defensive performance. The running game got going in the second half and Braxton Tibbitt hit some big passes down the stretch to Darron Hollingsworth.
Things started well enough for Glenbrook. The Apaches recovered a fumble on the Tigers’ first possession. But Winnfield intercepted a pass and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown.
The Tigers then recovered a fumble at the Glenbrook 28 after a big hit in the backfield. After a 22-yard pass completion, Winnfield scored on a quarterback keeper on third-and-goal from the 5.
The extra-point kick was no good and the Tigers led 13-0 with 3:51 left in the first quarter.
The Apaches lost a fumble at midfield early in the second quarter and the Tigers capitalized again with a touchdown on a short run with 2:11 in the half.
The PAT was good and Winnfield led 20-0 at the half.
Glenbrook forced a punt from deep in Winnfield territory early in the third quarter. The Apaches then drove 50 yards in six plays for a touchdown. Tibbitt hit Brayson Festervan near the Apache sideline and he took it in for the 7-yard TD.
A two-point conversion run failed and Glenbrook trailed 20-6 with 7:09 left in the third.
The Apaches forced a punt but lost a fumble on the return. The defense forced another punt and Glenbrook drove to the Tigers 39 behind some strong runs.
The Apaches appeared to reach the 30 after another good run. But a penalty on the play moved the ball back to the 39 and a fourth-down pass was incomplete.
Glenbrook recovered a fumble at the Winnfield 7 on the Tigers’ only scoring threat of the second half with 4:30 to play.
Tibbitt hit Hollingsworth for a 27-yard gain. A penalty moved the ball into Winnfield territory. Tibbitt scrambled and found Hollingsworth for 35 yards to the 9. But the Apaches were pushed back and the Tigers intercepted a pass in the end zone on fourth down from the 14.
Glenbrook visits Bossier Thursday. The Bearkats defeated North Caddo 42-7 in their opener.