FOOTBALL: Claremore upsets 4A No. 5 Wagoner in half-game scrimmage
Aug. 27—The Zebras are out to prove doubters wrong in 2022, and that mission started Thursday night with a shocking statement.
Class 4A No. 5 Wagoner's field goal sailed wide right as time expired in a half-game scrimmage at Lantow Field, giving Claremore a 9-7 victory. It is the program's first win over the 4A powerhouse in a scrimmage setting.
The impressive performance came less than a week after the Zebras lost to Coweta 28-0 in a similar exhibition.
"The defense has played well really in both scrimmages," Claremore coach Jarrett Hurt said. "The score didn't indicate that against Coweta, but they played well that night as well. They never really drove the ball on us. Our guys were running to the ball — we call it racing to the ball — and they've been playing with a lot of enthusiasm and getting line up correctly."
The Zebras scored on their first possession of the scrimmage via a field goal from Tate Hepler, and they added to their tally in the second quarter when Hepler intercepted the Bulldogs to set up a naked bootleg TD pass from Braxton Etheridge to tight end Josh Bump.
Caydon Sport also grabbed an interception.
Claremore is now eager to build upon its momentum as it prepares for its season opener against Bartlesville next week at home.
"After looking at the film, there are still so many things we can correct and improve upon, but yes, we are very, very encouraged," Hurt said. "We feel like we have a huge upside, and we can continue to get better as we go along. It's a big shot in the arm for our kids and our program. This is a boost of confidence to begin the season, but it's a scrimmage."
