Keller-Odessa high school football game ends early due to lightning strikes in area
The Indians and Broncos were in the middle of a close game at Keller ISD Stadium heading into halftime.
Lightning was seen in the area, and the game was put into a delay. Although both teams waited for over two hours, the contest was eventually called late Friday night at Keller ISD Stadium.
The Keller Indians were the Star-Telegram’s No. 4 ranked team in the Fort Worth-area rankings heading into week three. Tré Griffiths, an Oklahoma State commit and the Star-Telegram’s No. 1 receiver to watch, had two receptions and 37 yards in the first half.
Next week, the Keller Indians will face the Haslet Eaton Eagles at Keller ISD Stadium to open district play.
An electric half of play
Keller opened the game with an eight play drive powered by runs from quarterback Beckham Robinson and running back Cameron Rayford. It was finished with a 15 yard passing touchdown from Robinson to Rayford.
The Broncos couldn’t get anything going in their first drive. They punted after defensive lineman Freddy Atamah sacked quarterback Mikey Cota for a 19-yard loss.
Keller took advantage of the big play. Running back Kyle Owens shuffled in for a 6-yard touchdown, but the Indians couldn’t complete the 2-point conversion.
The Bronco offense still couldn’t find a groove, and Odessa and Keller trade punts. Keller’s Cade Lington managed to put the Broncos on their own two yard line with a magnificent 73-yard punt.
With 98-yards to go, the Bronco offense came alive. Odessa got on the board with a nine play drive that culminated with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Cota to wide receiver Ivan Carreon.
The Inidans responded with a 42-yard field goal made by kicker Sam Keltner.
The Odessa offense continued its excellent play from the previous drive, scoring another touchdown aided by a Keller facemask penalty in a quick, 5-play drive. The Broncos wanted the ball back.
Odessa went for an onsides kick and recovered it, putting the Indians in a tough spot. The Broncos were within striking distance down 16-14 and could’ve taken the lead.
Defensive back Ryan Ventura ensured that wouldn’t happen, tallying an interception and returning it 31-yards. Keller, with a newfound momentum, took advantage of the situation with a six play, 59-yard touchdown drive capped off by a 14-yard rush from Rayford.
Odessa’s offense kept fighting, finishing a long, 12 play drive with a 10-yard touchdown run by Cota. Penalties from the Indian defense kept providing the Broncos with easier scoring opportunities.
Keller had 56 seconds remaining in the first half to extend the lead. The hurry up offense went to work and Robinson worked his magic, finding receivers for solid gains while stopping the clock.
With nine seconds remaining, Robinson heaved a deep ball to wide receiver Drew Roberts, who recorded a last second, 40-yard touchdown.
Notable performances
In one half of play, Rayford rushed for 90 yards and a tocuhdown on 12 carries. He also nothced a 5-yard score as a receiver.
Robinson finished with 118 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, completing 62% of his passes. He added 38 yards on his legs on two attempts.
Roberts led the receivers with 69 yards on three receptions. He averaged 33-yards per catch and also had a 40-yard score.
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