Tornadoes defense stands tall

The Booker High football team forced two turnovers and blocked an extra point attempt to hold on and beat Braden River 20-18 in non-district action Sept. 27.

Braden River took the lead on their opening possession when running back Titus Humphrey punched the ball in from 2 yards out, capping off a 12-play, 80-yard drive. However, the Pirates failed to convert the extra point after an errant snap.

Booker responded on its ensuing possession when running back Marlon Mack took the ball 80 yards down the sideline for a touchdown on the Tornadoes first play from scrimmage. The Pirates blocked the extra point to tie the game at 6-6.

Mack added a 41-yard touchdown run on the Tornadoes next possession to give Booker its first lead of the game.

Booker extended its lead early in the third quarter when quarterback Jeremiah Henderson connected with Artie Henry for a 21-yard touchdown.

Trailing 20-6 in the fourth quarter, Braden River backup quarterback Jacob Huesman connected with Justin Ross for a 12-yard touchdown, but the Tornadoes blocked the extra point attempt.

Huesman connected with Marcus Balliette for an 8-yard touchdown with one minute, four seconds left in the game, but the Pirates were unable to convert the two-point conversion.

Mack carried the ball 19 times for 251 yards and two touchdowns. Henderson completed 8-of-11 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.

With the win, Booker improves to 3-1 on the season. The Tornadoes return to district action Oct. 4 at Hardee.

Braden River (2-2) also will be on the road, as the team travels to Sarasota for a district contest.  

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].