Oh, for the missed opportunities. The Altus High Bulldogs had their chances in their game with Lawton Eisenhower on Thursday night. But they could not convert and Eisenhower walked away with a hard fought 10-0 victory over the Bulldogs on the turn at Cameron University in Lawton.

It was stellar defensive effort by the Bulldogs, who for the second week in a row held their opponents to less than 200 yards in total offense.

When it was over Ike took advantage of two golden opportunities handed to them while the Bulldogs could not score after the defense gave them good field position after creating two turnovers.

The first of those turnovers came on Ike’s first possession of the second half when Brandon Ybarra intercepted a pass and returned to the Eisenhower 39 yard line. However two negative yardage and an incomplete pass ended that threat.

Later in the period, defensive back Bob Laub came with a big play for the Bulldogs. Ike quarterback Ivan Rosas dropped back to pass on a third and 18 play from the Eagles 36. He overthrew the intended receiver and Laub intercepted on AHS 27 and returned it 43 yards to the Ike 30 yard line.

Struggling on offense in the previous possessions, AHS coach Lyn Hepner and offensive coordinator Stephan Seifried reached into their bag of tricks. Quarterback Austin Beisel pitched to wide receiver Dom Nortonen, who in turn threw down field. However, the pass was picked off by Ike’s Demetrius Marlow, who returned to the Bulldogs 36 and squelched another scoring opportunity.

“We have to convert on those (turnovers).” Hepner said. “What stands out in my mind is that we just had two many mistakes.” The effort was there.”

After the interception the Eagles marched to the Altus 17 where Colton Retancourt broke the scoreless tie with a 34 yard field goal with 1:41 left in the third quarter.

Early in the fourth period Altus had a first and 10 from its own 26. Beisel dropped back to and while under pressure threw an ill advised pass which was intercepted by Josh Napper. The Eagles took over on the Bulldogs’ 21 yard line.

On the ensuing play Altus’ Ramiro Flores knifed threw and sacked Rosas for an eight yard loss. Three plays later the Eagles faced a fourth an nine situation at the 22.

Rosas dropped back and threw to the end zone. Altus cornerback Lane Billarial had good position on the play. However, Adrian Woodard made an outstanding catch for a touchdown. The extra point made 10-0 with 7:10 remaining in the game.

That was just too much for the Bulldogs to overcome. On the Bulldogs final possession they drove to the Ike 30 before an interception killed the drive.

If you’re looking for a bright spot it was the Altus defense. Led by linebackers Ryan Feller, Tyler George, Laub, Ybarra and many others, the stopper unit gave the Bulldogs a chance to win. They created three turnovers and turned Ike away late in the first half when the Eagles had a first and goal from the six yard line.

“The defense played their rears off,” Hepner said. “What a great job. We got the goal line stand before halftime. We created turnovers and we tackled well. There were some break downs but offensively we have to be able to move the ball better and more consistently. We had times we looked good. We were breaking through the line, ripping off big gains. But weren’t consistent enough.”

Altus, 1-1 on the season, will host Lawton High on Friday.

Games notes: Altus High graduate Boone Copeland is in his second year as Ike head coach. He lost to Altus last year 28-7.

How They Scored

Ike – Colton Rancourt 34 yard field goal, 1:41 3rd qtr., Ike 3-0

Ike – Adrian Woodard 22 pass from Ivan Rosas (Tancourt kick), 7:10, 4th qtr., Ike 10-0

Individual Statistics

Altus

Rushing

Beisel, 5-11; Sterling 16-67; Feller 3-9; Harris 1- (-1); George 1-1

Passing

Beisel, 10-25-92 (2 INT); Nortonen 0-1-1 INT

Receiving

Laub 5-39; Nunez 1-7; Neely 1-9; Nortonen 3-39

Punting

Gomez 8-33

Fumble recoveries – Laub

Interceptions – Laub, Ybarra

Eisenhower

Rushing

Rosas 9 (-5); Durant 28-97; Locke 3-20

Passing

Rosas 6-14-68, 1TD (2 )

Receiving

Woodard 3-38-1TD; Jenkins 2-21; Durant 1-9

Kicking

Rancourt 1-1 PAT; 1-2 FG

Punting

Rancourt 6-34.5

Fumble recoveries – McDonald

Interceptions – Napper, Morrow, Charles