Oxford’s chance to move another step closer to earning a spot in the Class 5A playoffs later this year was dealt a sizable setback Friday night by the Hernando Tigers at Bobby Holcomb Field.
The Chargers may have held the Tigers’ Wing T offense in check the first half of the Homecoming game, but the rarely seen offense definitely made an impact in the second half and in the overtime period of a game the Tigers ended up winning 31-30.
Hernando (3-5 overall, 2-2 Region 1-5A), garnered 300 yards on the ground against the young Chargers’ defense that now has three freshmen starting on the unit.
A good chunk of the rushing yards were picked up by wingback Ronnie Jones in the first half, while fullback Olajuwon Tanner and quarterback Travis McMahon carried the load late in the game that saw the Tigers rally from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter.
OHS coach Johnny Hill preached the importance of solid tackling and discipline when facing the Wing T prior to Friday’s game. After doing a fairly good job of holding down the Tigers in the first half, Oxford’s defense was unable to hold them down the final 17 minutes of the game. Hernando overcame a 21-7 OHS lead at the 5:24 mark of the third quarter to eventually take a 24-21 lead a mere seven minutes later. (October 17, 2011, Page 3B)
