MUSKOGEE — September was fun. October has been considerably less accommodating. In fact sometime between September and October, someone changed the locks on the end zones. For the first three weeks, you couldn’t keep Mannford out of there if you tries. Now they are a bit shy.
Mannford fell 32-7 at Hilldale Friday night, dropping the Pirates to 3-3 overall and 0-3 in district play after opening the season with three straight wins.
The difference has been stark. Mannford scored 125 points in wins over Catoosa, Cleveland and Bristow before district play arrived. In three district losses to Poteau, Sallisaw and Hilldale, the Pirates have managed 13.
Ity’snot that they are incapable of moving he ball. But on Friday, senior J.J. Hindsman provided nearly all of Mannford’s offensive spark. He rushed 20 times for 152 yards and the Pirates’ lone touchdown, averaging 7.6 yards per carry and breaking loose for a 76yard run.
The problem was everything else happening around him.
Hilldale recorded four sacks and consistently disrupted Mannford’s offense behind the line of scrimmage, preventing the Pirates from sustaining drives or building any offensive rhythm.
The Hornets entered the game 2-3 and 0-2 in district play, but Mannford became the cure for their own district troubles. Hilldale improved to 3-3 and 1-2 while handing the Pirates their third straight loss.
The district numbers ain’t pretty. Poteau beat Mannford 37-6. Sallisaw followed with a 42-0 shutout. Hilldale added another 32 Friday. That’s a combined 111-13 deficit in three games.
There isn’t much mystery in what has to change.
Mannford has to protect better, sustain drives and find ways to complement Hindsman’s production. One explosive run can change a possession, but it can’t carry an offense for four quarters.
The Pirates get their next opportunity Thursday when Tulsa McLain comes to Mannford for a 7 p.m. kickoff. At this point, Mannford doesn’t need to rediscover September all at once.
It needs a district win. Then build from there.