By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Excitement in the hallways. Packed student sections. Dominant performances on the field.
It’s been a while since Branson Football had a season like this, and the Pirates are relishing every moment.
“As a senior, it means the world,” said Pirates running back Will Funderburk. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had playing football. This is one of the most fun teams I’ve been around. It’s just so fun every day.”
Branson added another accolade to its impressive 2024 season on Thursday night, beating Logan-Rogersville 56-14 on the road in an Ozark Mountain Conference clash.
As Branson (8-0 overall, No. 7-ranked in Class 5 state poll) continues to win, Pirate Pride becomes more palpable.
“The student sections have been packed at our games because people are really happy that we’re doing good,” said Branson fullback Smith Quigg. “We’ve brought that Pirate Pride that we had in the 80s back. It’s been great. The whole community is behind us.”
The victory gives Branson, at worst, a share of the inaugural OMC championship.
The Pirates, who last won a conference title in 1997, can clinch the OMC crown outright with a win at home over Hillcrest next Friday.
“This is a big deal for our football program and community,” said Branson coach Aaron Hafner. “I’m just super proud of the guys for how they’ve reacted to going to a new conference – a lot of unknowns and different things. Our kids have handled it well.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
The Pirates overcame an early offensive storm by Logan-Rogersville and cruised to their fifth turbo-clock victory of the season.
Branson tallied about 400 yards on the ground behind its option attack. Sophomore quarterback Jr Pastrana led the way with 112 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries.
Hafner said that Branson’s regular starting quarterback, senior Luke McCormick, was held out for injury precaution. McCormick is expected to return in time for postseason play, Hafner said.
“He could’ve played tonight,” Hafner said. “He was chomping at the bit (to play) tonight. With him getting banged up last week, we just felt it was a smart move to keep him out and get ready for districts.”
Three other Pirates tallied 80 or more rushing yards: Quigg (96), Blake Weber (87) and Funderburk (80).
The undersized Quigg (5’10”, 175 pounds) is a force up the middle as Branson’s rugged fullback.
“I just run with my head down, that’s all you gotta do,” Quigg said. “Run with your head down and get as many yards as you can. ‘Four more every play,’ is what (offensive coordinator Chad) Depee says.
“I just run hard. I’m not the fastest or biggest guy, but I just run hard and play with my heart.”
The Pirates scored touchdowns on all eight of their offensive possessions.
Early on, Branson was just trying to return serve as Logan-Rogersville put up a pair of first-half touchdowns behind the play of freshman quarterback Kasimir Manczuk.
Manczuk finished 15-for-25 for 238 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was the quarterback for six of Logan-Rogersville’s nine offensive series, with junior Sam Frieze getting the other reps.
Logan-Rogersville junior Nate Knowles caught four passes for 130 yards. The Wildcats (3-5 overall) close the regular season at Bolivar next week.
Branson once again got a huge lift from its special teams play. The Pirates blocked two punts – senior and special teams ace Zyere Fair had at least one of them.
Hafner estimated that Fair now has “six or seven” blocked punts on the season.
“He’s had quite the year. He’s very explosive off the edge on those punt blocks,” Hafner said.
Branson currently sits as the top seed for the upcoming Class 5 District 6 Tournament. The Pirates could secure a first-round bye and home field advantage with a win next week.
“When you win football games, it brings a different energy to the school for sure,” Hafner said. “And it brings a different energy to the community. Our crowds on Friday night keep getting bigger. People want to come out and watch the Pirates play.”
Branson 56, Logan-Rogersville 14
Branson 21 21 7 7 — 56
Logan-Rogersville 7 7 0 0 — 14
First quarter
Branson – Giles 16 run (Efird kick)
Logan-Rogersville – White 18 catch from Manczuk (Knowles kick)
Branson – Pastrana 1 run (Efird kick)
Branson – Quigg 5 run (Efird kick)
Second quarter
Logan-Rogersville – Shinkarevich 2 run (Knowles kick)
Branson – Pastrana 5 run (Efird kick)
Branson – Wilson 5 catch from Pastrana (Efird kick)
Branson – Pastrana 1 run (Efird kick)
Third quarter
Branson – Quigg 14 run (Efird kick)
Fourth quarter
Branson – Funderburk 9 run (Efird kick)
STAT LEADERS (unofficial)
Branson passing: Pastrana 1/1 for 5 yards, 1 TD
Logan-Rogersville passing: Manczuk 15/25 for 238 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Branson rushing: Pastrana 19/112, 3 TDs; Quigg 15/96, 2 TDs; Weber 6/87; Funderburk 7/80, 1 TD
Logan-Rogersville rushing: Manczuk 6/21
Branson receiving: Wilson 1/5, 1 TD
Logan-Rogersville receiving: Knowles 4/130; Hale 6/51; White 3/44, 1 TD; Vaughn 4/42
