ARCADIA- The Okeechobee Brahman varsity football team completely dominated the DeSoto County Bulldogs 49-0 on Aug. 25.

The win makes Okeechobee 1-0 as they start their 2023 season.  DeSoto had previously beaten Okeechobee back-to-back in the last two seasons. But the Bulldogs faced a much tougher Brahman team on Friday night.

The Okeechobee defense completely shutdown the DeSoto offense in the first half. Andre Santiago had a big sack in the first quarter that forced the Bulldogs into a fourth and long, and Xavion Alewine grabbed an interception in the second quarter that killed another DeSoto drive. The Brahmans forced multiple three and outs throughout the game.

Offensively, the Brahmans enforced their will on DeSoto. The Okeechobee offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, opening up opportunities in the running game. Carriss Johns had two touchdown runs in the first half, including thrilling a 25-yard rush which saw him break multiple tackles en route to the endzone.

Ni'marion Bryant threw two touchdown passes to Corey Wilkerson in the first half. Bryant rushed for another touchdown near the end of the third quarter.

Symode Williams had an electric 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the third quarter for Okeechobee. Williams is coming off a knee injury, but may be one of the fastest Brahmans on the field.

Okeechobee plays on Thursday next week, Aug. 30. The Brahmans travel to Vero Beach to take on the St. Edwards Pirates.