MANGUM - For the first two games of the year, the Mangum Tigers were an offensive machine. They defeated Hobart and Seiling and appeared ready for their game with Waurika on Friday night.

But the Tigers struggled offensively, committing six turnovers and that proved costly in their 18-7 loss to the Eagles.

Waurika scored 10 points off of turnovers and their defense limited the Tigers wishbone offense to just three plays in which they netted 10 yards or more.

Waurika had the only score of the first half after Dell Harris fell on a fumble at the Mangum 24. The Tigers defense held the Eagles to a minus one yard on three plays. Quarterback Preston Thomas, who is also Waurika's place kicker, booted a 40-yard field goal and the visitors led 3-0 with 2:15 remaining in the first half.

The first half was a defensive struggle. Both teams had only four first downs and it was Waurika defense that was crowding the line with eight to nine defenders, daring the Tigers to throw.

However that defense cost them on one play. On its second series of the second half Mangum found itself at its own 17 yard line. and it didn't take them long to score. Quarterback Jace Clayton handed off to fullback Paul Epperson, who burst threw a crowded line of scrimmage and broke a tackle 15 yards downfield. He then sprinted into the end zone for an 87 yard touchdown. Epperson also added the extra point and Mangum led 7-3 with 7:16 left in the third quarter.

Waurika countered with a big play of its own. Jared Wood took a hand-off from Thomas on a wingback reverse and dipped to the outside down the sideline. Clayton came across the field from his free safety position, and appeared he would make the tackle 15 yards upfield from the line of scrimmage. However Clayton was shielded from making the tackle by one of his teammates. Thomas then ran down the sideline to the Mangum one. Thomas scored on a quarterback sneak on the next play and then passed to Andrew Benedict for the two-point conversion. That put Waurika ahead 11-7 with 5:30 left in the third quarter.

Mangum had a great chance to score late in the third period when Thomas dropped back to punt and mishandled a snap. Thomas was smothered Dyllon Maldonado and Albert Adame.

That gave Mangum the ball at the Eagles 25, but two plays later, the Tigers fumbled.

It still appeared the Tigers had a good chance to win because it was clearly visible the Waurika players were not in shape. But Mangum could not take advantage of the situation. With six minutes left, Mangum began its final drive at its own nine. They moved to midfield, but with time running out a fumble was returned by Waurika's Chance Armstrong 40 yards for a score. That sealed Mangum's fate.

"We were outplayed by a team that is in pretty bad shape," Mangum head coach Mark Box said. "That's what hurts."

Wood led all rushers with 128 yards on 11 carries. Epperson finished with 120 yards on 14 attempts.

For the most part, Mangum's defense played well in recording eight tackles for losses.

How They Scored

Waurika - Preston Thomas 40 yard field goal, 2:15, 2nd qtr., WHS, 7-0.

Mangum - Paul Epperson 87 run (Epperson kick), 7:16, 3rd qtr, MHS, 7-3.

Waurika - Smith 1 run (Smith kick) 5:30, 3rd qtr, WHS, 11-7.

Waurika - Chance Armstron 40 yard fumble return.