Broncbusters’ Rally Falls Short at Dodge City, 26-21
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DODGE CITY, KS (Story Courtesy of Broncbuster Athletics) — Garden City Community College found itself in an early hole and mounted a second-half comeback, but the Broncbusters came up just short in a 26-21 loss to Dodge City Community College on Saturday night.
Dodge City controlled much of the opening half, putting together a 17-play, 96-yard drive for the game’s first touchdown. The Conquistadors extended the advantage to 10-0 early in the second quarter before a 55-yard interception return for a touchdown and a safety quickly pushed the deficit to 19-0. Dodge City added another touchdown late in the half to take a 26-0 advantage into the break.
Garden City began to turn things around after halftime. Travis Delaney Jr. connected with Rah’ Khem El for 29 yards during the Broncbusters’ opening possession of the third quarter before Delaney finished the drive himself with a 9-yard touchdown run. Tucker Rinker’s extra point cut the deficit to 26-7.
The Broncbusters continued to push in the fourth. Delaney completed a 13-yard pass to Adrian Scott and added a 14-yard run before finding Elijah West-Duah for 13 yards. He capped the 80-yard drive with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Landrum, pulling Garden City within 26-14 with 12:48 remaining.
Garden City’s defense kept the Busters within striking distance, holding Dodge City scoreless throughout the second half. The Broncbusters had another opportunity midway through the fourth, but a fumble ended the possession. Garden City got the ball back late and Dakeriean “DK” Johnson helped engineer one final scoring drive. With three seconds remaining, Johnson scrambled 18 yards for a touchdown, cutting the final margin to 26-21.
Despite being shut out in the opening half, Garden City outscored Dodge City 21-0 after halftime and gave itself a chance late before ultimately running out of time.
The Broncbusters now turn their attention to another road test. Garden City travels to Hutchinson next Saturday, Sept. 12, to face the nationally ranked Blue Dragons. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.