ABILENE It was a tough night for the Odessa High football team.
There is, however, still light at the end of the tunnel for the Bronchos.
After watching the visitors jump out to a quick lead, Abilene High took control with a dominant first half en route to a 42-7 victory in District 2-6A play Friday at Shotwell Stadium.
The loss dropped Odessa High to 3-6 overall, 1-4 in district, yet it still has a chance to make the playoffs if several scenarios happen during the final two weeks of the regular season.
The Eagles improved to 5-3, 3-1 and put themselves in a prime spot for a postseason berth.
Wide receiver Ivan Carreon was the bright spot on offense for the Bronchos, with eight catches for 156 yards and one touchdown.
Odessa High was missing starting quarterback Diego Cervantes, who was a game-time decision after being injured last week against Midland Legacy.
Things started well enough for Odessa High.
After forcing the Eagles to go three-and-out on the opening possession of the game, the Bronchos had the chance to strike first.
Though it was a stuttering start, they did just that.
Taking the ball at its own 26 after a punt, Odessa High saw running back Javonte Delce stuffed for a nine-yard loss on first down.
Jones got the Bronchos out of that hole immediately, hitting Carreon with a 51-yard catch-and-run down the left side on second down.
That put Odessa High at the Eagles’ 32, where it was penalized for illegal procedure and then watched Delce get stopped for a two-yard loss.
Up stepped the Jones-to-Carreon connection for a second time on the drive, again down the left side, with the 39-yard connection resulting in a touchdown.
For the Bronchos, that was the final highlight of the night.
Abilene High, taking advantage of Jones’ inexperience behind center, increased its pressure, which resulted in three first-half turnovers.
The first was extremely damaging as Delce was stripped of the ball while running over the right side.
The ball was picked up by Abilene’s Jayson Henley at the Bronchos’ 23 and returned for the go-ahead score with 4:56 remaining in the first quarter.
>> Follow oasports on Twitter at @OA_Sports
