Barnson’s big second half helps Spartans hold off Desert Shields

Cimarron-Memorial’s Michael Barnson ran for 220 yards on 20 carries, and the Spartans defense intercepted a pass late to hold on for a 19-12 road win over winless Cheyenne on Friday.

With less than four minutes to play and down 19-12, Cheyenne was pushed back to a third-and-27. Sophomore quarterback Anthony McConnico scrambled away from pressure and found Ashton Lawson downfield for a 25-yard completion. With Cheyenne (0-4) stopped just short of the marker, Jordan Johnson pushed his way through the line for a crucial fourth-down conversion.

On the next play, McConnico’s deep pass fell short of his intended receiver Deonte Perkins and into the waiting arms of Dallas Cervantes. Cimarron ran out the clock on the ensuing possession to seal the victory.

Held to 67 yards in the first half, Barnson exploded for 153 yards in the second, including a 71-yard run which set up the touchdown that gave the Spartans a 13-12 lead in the third.

The Spartans defense held Cheyenne to only 59 yards in the second half while not allowing Cheyenne to convert any of three lost Cimarron fumbles. Tenth-ranked Cimarron (2-0) also pulled in three interceptions, two by Cervantes and one by Savigon McIver.