OAKMAN – The Oakman Wildcats are now 3-0 in Class 3A, Region 5 with a cross-county win over the Carbon Hill Bulldogs. The ‘Cats were able to top the Bulldogs 35-20 in a hard-fought, physical contest.
The first half was a back-and-forth melee with both teams struggling to gain the edge and overcome multiple turnovers (4-OHS & 2-CHHS). The game started with an onside kick recovery from the Bulldogs, but they were not able to come away with any points. Oakman score the first and only touchdown of the half when quarterback Trace Cagle found tight end Luke Martin in the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown pass. The Wildcats led 7-0 at the half.
After Carbon Hill finished with 66 total yards the first half, Devon Daniel got the Bulldogs on the board going 65 yards untouched on the opening play from scrimmage of the second half, making it a 7-6 game with with 11:52 left in the third quarter. However, a few minutes later, the Wildcats got the break they were looking for when Carbon Hill, facing 3rd and 8 from their own 3 yard line, misfired the snap, resulting in a safety when quarterback Walker Kimbrell kicked the ball out of the end zone to avoid an Oakman touchdown. With a short field following the free kick, the Wildcats drove down the field and scored on 17-yard rush by Bridger Upton. Oakman’s momentum continued as Cagle rebounded from the two first half interceptions, throwing touchdown passes to Rick Johnson and Kaysen Dickerson, respectively.
Even after giving up 22 consecutive points, Carbon Hill refused to go away. A few minutes into the final quarter, Daniel closed the deficit to 29-14, after outrunning the Oakman defenders down the sideline for a 71-yard touchdown. However, Oakman punched back just three plays later with a 52-yard rushing touchdown from Rick Johnson. The Bulldogs scored the final touchdown of the game when Kimbrell connected with Zay Peoples on a 23-yard pass.
The Wildcats outgained the Bulldogs in total offensive yardage 342 yards to 196 yards. Both teams will be on the road this week in non-region play as Carbon Hill travels to Phil Campbell, while Oakman tries to keep its winning streak alive with a trip to Winterboro.
Standout players of the game:
OHS
- Peyton Mclemore – 4 tackles and 2 sacks.
- Rick Johnson – 88 yards rushing on 12 carries with 1 touchdown & 1 touchdown reception for 19 yards.
- Trace Cagle – 108 yards combined rushing/passing with 3 touchdown passes and 6 tackles.
CCHS
- Devan Daniel – 165 yards on 14 carries & 2 touchdowns.
- Zay Peoples – 2 receptions for 63 yards and 1 touchdown.
- Walker Kimbrell – 64 yards passing with 1 touchdown.
