Broncbusters outlast Dodge City after overnight delay, 24–17

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics

Garden City, KS — The Battle of the Plains stretched into two days. What began Saturday at 7:00 p.m. was halted with 5:37 left in the first half due to severe weather. The game resumed Sunday at 11:00 a.m., and the No. 4 Garden City Broncbusters finished strong, scoring 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to defeat Dodge City, 24–17.

Early exchanges before the stoppage

Dodge City struck first with an 18-yard touchdown run at the 8:59 mark of the opening quarter. Garden City answered when Jaydyn Sisk connected with John Randle Jr. on a 46-yard touchdown to tie the score at 7–7. The Conquistadors added a field goal to go ahead 10–7 just before the weather delay with 5:37 left in the second quarter.

Defense keeps it close after the restart

When play resumed Sunday morning, Dodge extended its lead to 17–7 with a quarterback keeper in the third. Garden City's defense responded, with Michael Floyde delivering multiple key stops and hurries. A turning point came when Jer'Quise "JJ" Clayton intercepted a pass and returned it 20 yards to the Dodge 10. Two plays later, Sisk hit Ahmir Smith for the touchdown, trimming the margin to 17–14 late in the third.

Mitchell sparks the rally + the "doink"

In the fourth quarter, DaeOnte' Mitchell entered and gave the offense a jolt, ripping off runs of 27, 7, and 8 yards to march the Broncbusters into scoring position. The drive stalled inside the 10, but Lucca Alcaraz Valens hit a 27-yard field goal that "doinked" off the upright and through to tie the game at 17–17 with 6:07 left.

Blocked kick sets up the winner

On the next series, Dodge City tried a 51-yard field goal, but Nathan Baudry blocked it. Greg Johnson scooped and returned the ball 35 yards, with a horse-collar penalty moving the ball to the Dodge 20. Three plays later, Sisk dashed in from 11 yards out with 1:19 to play, giving Garden City the lead. The defense closed the door, securing a 24–17 rivalry win.

Notables

• Jaydyn Sisk — 46-yard TD pass to Randle Jr.; 11-yard game-winning TD run.

• DaeOnte' Mitchell — Provided the 4th-quarter spark with multiple chain-moving runs.

• Michael Floyde — Consistent pressure and key tackles on defense.

• Jer'Quise "JJ" Clayton — 3rd-quarter interception that set up a touchdown.

• Nathan Baudry — Blocked a critical 51-yard FG attempt in the 4th.

• Greg Johnson — 35-yard return off the block, setting up the winning drive.

• Lucca Alcaraz Valens — Tied the game with the upright-kissing "doink" FG and hit all three PATs.

Next Up

The Broncbusters return home to Broncbuster Stadium for another rivalry matchup, hosting Coffeyville Community College on Saturday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m.