Photos by RANDY PARKS

Johnny Sword stiff-arms a defender.

The Crane Mustangs broke out of the gate early in the OSAA Class 1A semifinal game with Adrian/Jordan Valley on Saturday, Nov. 23, but it was the Antelopes who came out on top in the long run, winning 74-18.

Crane received the opening kickoff and on the third play from scrimmage, Chase Joyce broke free for a 78-yard touchdown run, putting the Mustangs ahead 6-0.

The Antelopes answered in a big way, scoring on their next four possessions to grab a 30-6 lead, and then added one more score to go up 38-6 at halftime.

Adrian/Jordan Valley opened up the third quarter with a score to increase their lead to 44-6.

The Mustang offense then got back on track, putting together a 58-yard scoring drive, capped off by a 35-yard touchdown pass from Rixon Doman to Glen Starbuck.

The Antelopes scored quick after the ensuing kickoff, getting a 58-yard TD run from Michael Babcock and the two-point conversion to take a 52-12 lead.

The Mustangs started their next drive at their own 37, and Joyce scored his second TD of the afternoon on a 58-yard run.

Adrian/Jordan put three more touchdowns on the board, two in the third quarter and one in the fourth, for the final margin of victory.

Joyce finished with 198 rushing yards on 20 carries to lead the Crane offense.

Doman completed six of 17 passes for 150 yards with one TD and two interceptions.

Joyce was also the leading receiver for Crane, pulling in three passes for 75 yards.

The Adrian/Jordan Valley offense was led by Conley Martin who rushed for 185 yards and two scores on 27 carries, and completed 10 of 16 passes for 261 yards and three scores.

Michael Babcock added 153 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 12 attempts, and caught five passes for 224 yards and three TDs.

Crane finished the season with a 10-2 overall record.

Adrian/Jordan Valley will play St. Paul at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Hermiston High School for the 1A championship.