Christian Behney pulled up from his stance at left guard, turned to his right and made a beeline for the outside. His assignment was simple: Clear a path for running back Dominique Whaley, who was fast approaching after taking a reverse.
Ask any offensive lineman, and he’ll probably say the greatest satisfaction he has is coming up with that key block which springs a running back loose for a touchdown. That’s just what Behney did, and on the first play off the game too.
“I pulled out to the right and went to the perimeter,” said the 224-pound senior. “I saw one of their (Altus Bulldogs) guys come down to try and make the tackle. I just put my shoulder into him and stopped him. The next thing I saw was DW (Whaley) running down the sideline for a TD.
“We (linemen) don’t get a lot of recognition, or get put in the spotlight a lot, so it felt good to get out there in front of everybody and make a big block.”
The feeling, Behney said, was “pretty cool,” one he’d like to have over and over again. But Behney knows it’s a fleeting feeling, one which has a way of wearing off quickly. The feeling Behney wants, the feeling he and every other Highlander wants, is bringing home a state championship, something he and his teammates were one win shy of last season.
“I’ve had a bitter taste in my mouth since that day,” Behney said of Mac’s 14-10 loss to Midwest City Carl Albert. “Since we lost that game, all I can think about is getting back there, with a different outcome. I think that would be the greatest thing, to end my senior year by winning the Gold Ball.”
Behney will get an opportunity to contribute to the Highlanders’ cause like he’s been doing all season because he goes he plays both sides of the ball. On defense Behney splits playing nose guard with two other players.
“Christian has done just a fine job for us,” said Mac head coach Ernie Manning. “He’s mobile, but yet has the size to stay in there in the trenches and get the job done. He also has the mobility to get out there and work outside on our reverses and screens.”
Seeking to win the school’s first football state title, Behney is already part of history. Last week’s 52-32 win over Altus enabled the Highlanders to finish the season undefeated for the first time in school’s history.
“It feels really good to go into the playoffs 10-0 (against Woodward),” said Behney. “There are only two other teams in our bracket (Class 5A) who have done that, (Tulsa East) Central and Guthrie.
“I know after looking at film and just hearing what coach has to say about it, I’m really confident going into the playoffs that we have a chance of bringing back the Gold Ball.”
BEHNEY