The Glenbrook Apaches welcomed the Riverfield Academy Raiders to Apache Stadium on Friday night for a pivotal home game with big district title implications.
The upset-minded Apaches knew going into the game it would require a tremendous effort to pull off the win versus the undefeated Raiders. Unfortunately, the Apaches came up short against the powerful run game of Riverfield, falling by a score of 56-22.
The Apaches had some momentum early in the game after getting a turnover and a score.
“We thought we would be able to run the football against them,” first year head coach Chris Norton said. “Our offensive line came out ready to go, Caleb Wilson ran the ball really hard and we were able to make some big plays on them.”
After starting off with a lead and the momentum things came undone for the home team.
“About a minute before the half we felt real good about where we were at,” Norton said. “But things just kind of slipped away from us at that point.”
Norton also said that fatigue played a factor in this game, but his team fought until the final whistle on senior night for 11 Apache seniors.
“These kids are a tough, physical bunch of kids,” Norton said. “We threw everything we had at them and they were just a little bit better than we were. We’re going to bounce back and get ready for next week.”
Caleb Wilson led the way for the Apache offense with 158 yards and a score on 14 carries. Clay Simonton added 74 yards passing and a score as well as 55 yards rushing. Hunter Vaughn completed five passes for 47 yards and a score. Caden Copeland led the receivers with three catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns and Cade Morgan had two catches for 17 yards. Austin Jones led the defense with six tackles and an interception and Morgan and Sam Marvin forced fumbles.