OAKMAN – The Oakman Wildcats opened Class 3A, Region 5 play Friday night at HD Collins Field with a 35-12 win over the Midfield Patriots.
The Wildcats drove the ball 67 yards in 8 minutes and 36 seconds to take a lead 7-0 lead after freshman Tyler Thomas plowed into the end zone from 1 yard out.
With just over 10 minutes left in the second quarter Payton Mclemore blocked the Midfield punt on the Patriot 11 yard line. Just 3 plays and 49 seconds later, Thomas scored his second touchdown of the night from 3 yards out with 9:13 remaining in the opening half. Thomas finished the night with 10 carries for 31 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Wildcats would carry the 14-0 lead into halftime behind a stellar defensive effort, holding the Patriots to just 28 total yards.
Oakman did not waste time striking in the second half. On the first play of the first drive, sophomore linebacker Logan Tarvin stepped in front of a Midfield pass, taking it 20 yards untouched for the OHS touchdown. Oakman led 21- 0 just 13 seconds into the second half. Tarvin had a sensational night on the defensive side of the ball, racking up 5 tackles and a fumble recovery on top of the interception and touchdown.
After a Midfield punt, the Wildcats were able to find the end zone once again when Rick Johnson bruised his way in, giving the Wildcats a 28-0 lead with 7:44 remaining in the 3rd quarter.
Midfield was able to get on the board for the first time of the night. The Patriot quarterback rushed through Oakman defenders from two yards out with only 2:55 left in the third quarter.
Oakman stalled any hope that the Patriots had left when they drove 60 yards on 7 plays for the Wildcats fourth rushing touchdown of the night. The junior running back, Kaysen Dickerson, topped the drive off with his first touchdown of the season with 11:54 left in the game. The junor workhorse led all rushers with 54 yards on 19 carries.
In the post-game interview, Head Coach Ryan Hall could not hide the excitement in his voice as he spoke about his team’s first win of the season. Hall said, “I am very proud of our kids and how they fought to get the win tonight while showing great class and composure. Our defense played real well and kept us in the game until our offense was able to break their will. It is always big to start region play with a win but the goal every week is to be 1-0.”
