BLOG — Five turnovers and some costly penalties doomed the Oxford High football team in its 16-15 loss to Grenada in the 2011 season opener for both teams.In a game where no team ever led by more than seven points, Oxford was unable to hold off a late surge by Grenada in large part due to its inability to hang on to the football in the second half.
Oxford threw two interceptions the final half, while a fumbled snap two plays after Grenada scored its go-ahead touchdown only compounded a comeback bid.
Friday’s contest also ended in wild fashion. Following Oxford’s final turnover of the game, Grenada quarterback Payne Horan and its starting tailback both drew personal foul penalties for apparently throwing a punch and were ejected.
Grenada punted the ball back to OHS after it was unable to pick up a first down thanks to the 30 yards of penalties tacked on to the normal down and distance. Oxford gained possession of the ball at its own 24-yard line with 56 seconds remaining, according to the side judge, who was relaying the time to OHS coaches due to the scoreboard not working.
Oxford’s first play from scrimmage was an incompletion by quarterback Parker Adamson. Prior to Oxford’s second play, the team was assessed a 5-yard penalty. The officials marked off the penalty, and placed the ball, but Adamson was never able to snap it again and the game concluded.
Coaches from both teams questioned the officials about the decision, even as the crew left the field. OHS coach Johnny Hill was given no explanation as to how the time continued to roll despite an incompletion and a penalty, two things that should have stopped the clock.
OHS will return to action at Charleston in Week 2. Kickoff is set for 7;30 p.m. For more on Oxford’s first game, see Monday’s Sports section. (August 20, 2011)
It was wild….the Oxford offensive line coach was throwing profanities by the truck load, after the game towards the officials and Grenada’s coaching staff. He had to be removed from the field.