Head coach Aaron Dillard said last Thursday night’s 29-19 loss to Oklahoma Christian was a game of missed opportunities.

Purcell stumbled right out of the game, fumbling the opening kickoff that turned into eight point for the Saints.

Cash Cook’s 12-yard touchdown run later in the period brought the Dragons within two but the two point attempt came up short.

Quarterback Easton Resendiz sliced into the end zone from three yards out but the two point attempt again failed.

Cash Cook closed out the Purcell scoring on the receiving end of an 80-yard pass from Resendiz followed by a Cru Venegas point after kick.

Purcell had a 75-yard touchdown nullified by a penalty and dropped not one but two interceptions that would have resulted in touchdowns.

Things looked promising to start the third period when the Dragons forced a quick three and out setting up a short field for the offense.

They ended up settling for a field goal attempt that missed the mark.

Two fumbles and 10 penalties for 82 yards played a part in the loss.

The long pass play cut the lead to 20-19.

“We failed to get the big stops when we needed it,” Dillard said.

“I was proud of Ty Nichols,” Dillard said. “He started at running back and rushed for 112 yards on 26 carries. That would be a good night for any back but especially a freshman.”

Cook rushed for 51 yards and had 100 yards receiving while Cooper Selman added 44 yards rushing.

Dillard reported his defense ebbed and flowed.

“We started off not great on defense but settled in and played pretty well until they found some things they liked in the third and fourth quarters.

“They have an explosive offense that we held in check most of the game,” Dillard said. “Our two inside linebackers, Liam Cummings and Brody Walkup both had good games.”

They each finished with seven tackles. Ethan Colburn led the defense with eight tackles.

“And Jesus Cruz had a good game in the offensive line,” the coach continued.

Up next for the Dragons looms the Kingfisher Yellowjackets, who last week got beat in overtime at the hands of Marlow.

“They are super big and physical and look very similar, as far as sizes goes, like Marlow,” Dillard said. “They are very good and use a two quarterback system. One is a runner and the other is a passer and they use both of them.”

Dillard said Kingfisher is a run oriented offense that is very physical and super athletic.

The Yellowjackets base their defense out of an even man front.

Dragon notes:

Head coach Aaron Dillard nominated Ty Nichols as the Offensive Player of the Week. Nichols rushed 26 times for 112 yards.

Nominated as the Offensive Lineman of the Week was Jesus Cruz, who graded out at 80 percent against Oklahoma Christian.

Brody Walkup was nominated as the Defensive Lineman of the Week. He had seven tackles.

Dillard nominated Ethan Colburn as the Defensive Player of the Week. He finished the night with eight tackles including one for a loss.