Looking at the score, it appears Holly Pond High’s football team sputtered in its second game of the season — a 33-20 loss to Susan Moore.

That’s true, to an extent.

Yes, the Broncos sputtered. But it wasn’t for the entire game.

For three quarters, Holly Pond was able to execute its game plan. Unfortunately, there are four quarters in a game.

Heading into the Class 3A, Region 6 opener, Holly Pond’s game plan was to run the football right at Susan Moore.

The Broncos were able to do that in the first quarter — taking a 13-7 lead in the process.

But in the second quarter, Holly Pond’s offense stalled. And when it went, so did the Broncos’ defense.

Holly Pond head coach Steve Miller has said it before. He believes the best way to play defense is to not let the other team have the ball.

Long, methodical touchdown drives allowed Holly Pond to do that early in the game.

But after a pair of turnovers — one on a fumble and the other on downs — stalled a pair of drives in the second quarter, it gave Susan Moore a chance to take the lead.

The Bulldogs did exactly that.

For three quarters, Holly Pond moved the football with consistency. But the Broncos have to learn how to finish games if they want to contend for a postseason berth.

Finishing wasn’t the only problem Holly Pond had. The Broncos also gave up a few big plays on defense — with most of them coming in the first half.

Holly Pond proved it can play with good teams. Susan Moore has talent, and the Broncos didn’t exactly get manhandled by the Bulldogs.

If Holly Pond can find a way to maintain its intensity for four quarters, this is a team capable of winning a few football games — possibly contending for a home playoff game.