By Mark Rountree, Sports Editor

OWASSO — Trailing by five points with 2 minutes left in the game, the Enid Plainsmen needed a big play.

And Mark Johnson provided it.

The senior all-purpose player returned a punt 42 yards to midfield, setting the stage for a comeback win.

But that was the last big play the Plainsmen could muster Friday night, and the Big Blue dropped a 19-14 decision to Owasso in the District 6A-4 opener.

A run and three pass attempts failed to gain much yardage, and the Rams were able to run out the final minute to clinch the win on their homecoming night at Owasso Stadium.

The loss dropped the Plainsmen to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the league. Owasso improved to 2-2, 1-0.

Enid junior tailback Jonathan Burton turned in another impressive performance, rushing for 162 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown sprint in the first period. Through four games, Burton has rushed for 683 yards and five touchdowns.

He also caught three passes, including a 10-yard TD reception from Alex Patterson in the fourth period.

Patterson went the distance, completing 8 of 15 passes for 88 yards against a fast, aggressive Owasso defense led by Oklahoma Sooners commitment Aaron Colvin at strong safety.

After a scoreless first period, Enid had a chance to take the lead early in the second period but Matt Blakley’s 28-yard field goal attempt missed wide right.

Owasso then marched 80 yards in nine plays before Colvin lined up at quarterback and dashed 16 yards for the score.

But the Plainsmen answered on the first play of the ensuing possession as Burton broke a tackle along the Enid sideline and sprinted for a 79-yard touchdown.

The Rams took the lead for good on the first possession of the third period, driving 62 yards in nine plays before Kason Key connected with Matt Logsdon on a 4-yard TD pass. Key, a sophomore, finished 14-of-18 for 126 yards.

Owasso recorded a safety 2 minutes later when Enid snapped over the head of punter Miguel Bretado, who swatted the ball out of the back of the end zone.

Enid’s defense turned back a potential scoring drive with 5 minutes left in the third period when McLain Clemens recovered a fumble by Colvin at the Enid 14.

The Rams got a 20-yard field goal by Colin Foster to open the fourth period to take a 19-7 lead.

But the Plainsmen answered with a big play when Patterson hit Dillon Collums on a 31-yard pass play. Two plays later, Burton took a screen pass and bulled his way into the end zone for a 10-yard score that narrowed Owasso’s lead to 19-14 with 7:47 remaining.

Johnson’s long punt return gave the Plainsmen possession at the Owasso 48 with 1:44 left but Enid was unable to muster any offense from there.

The Rams’ offense had scored just 23 points going into Friday night’s game.

Senior tailback Michael Scales, a 5-foot-4 scatback, ran for 120 yards on 31 carries.

After three straight games on the road, all on the eastern part of the state, the Plainsmen finally return home next Friday against Stillwater at D. Bruce Selby Stadium.

OWASSO 19, ENID 14

ENID 0 7 0 7 — 14

OWASSO 0 7 9 3 — 19

SCORING SUMMARY

Second quarter

Owasso - Aaron Colvin 16 run (Colin Foster kick), 7:07.

Enid - Jonathan Burton 79 run (Matt Blakley kick), 6:45.

Third quarter

Owasso - Matt Logsdon 4 pass from Kason Key (Foster kick), 8:42.

Owasso - Safety, punt snap out of end zone, 6:42.

Fourth quarter

Owasso - Foster 20 FG, 9:54.

Enid - Burton 10 pass from Alex Patterson (Blakley kick), 7:47

TEAM STATISTICS

ENID OWASSO

First downs 10 18

Rushing 33-156 43-145

Passing 88 126

C-A-I 8-15-0 14-18-0

Penalties 5-55 9-70

Punts 4-41 5-39

Fumbles 0-0 2-1