The Ringling Blue Devil defense continued its domination into the Class A playoffs, defeating the Mangum Tigers 35-0 Friday night at Rick Gandy Field.
Ringling (10-0), ranked No. 2 in Class A in the AP Prep Poll, held the Tigers (6-5) to just 109 total net yards. Mangum managed just 40 rushing yards on 36 plays and 69 yards through the air.
Prior to Friday’s game, the Tigers had been averaging 30 points a game. The Blue Devil defense has given up just eight touchdowns in 10 games.
“We had a great defensive performance again in this game,” Ringling coach Tracy Gandy said. “We came out very physical and basically dominated along the line of scrimmage. Our defense has a way of dictating the game’s flow.”
Ringling took the lead with 2:14 left in the first quarter when tailback Skylar Bartlett scored on a 6-yard run. Blue Devil quarterback Tyler Shoresthrew for two touchdown passes in the second frame to push the Blue Devil advantage to 21-0 by intermission.
Shores hit Matthew Farris with an 8-yard scoring toss with 3:45 remaining the half. With 27 seconds left, Shores found Barrett Austin for a touchdown pass that covered 11 yards.
“I was proud of our offense,” Gandy said. “Mangum stacked the box all night with extra people, and we were able to run the football. Our offensive line deserves a lot of credit for our success, because they work together so well.
“Every playoff win is important, but this was a huge victory for our guys.”
After a scoreless third quarter, the Blue Devils struck for two scores in the fourth. The first came on defense when Andrew Stoker scooped up a Tiger fumble and returned it all the way 66 yards for a touchdown. L.T. Pemberton broke free for a 49-yard scoring run with 8:45 remaining for the game’s final score.
Pemberton led Ringling in rushing with 12 carries for 103 yards. Bartlett, who had 36 yards on seven carries and one touchdown, left in the first quarter with a sprained ankle. Shores was 9-of-20 through the air for 93 yards, two TDs and one pick.
Ringling next Friday hosts Watonga (9-2), which defeated Okeene 34-8 in the first round.
