BLOG — Oxford’s run in the MHSAA Class 5A state football playoffs came to an abrupt end Friday night with a 28-7 loss to Starkville in a semifinal road contest.The Chargers and Yellowjackets were tied 0-0 at the half before Starkville took control of the contest in the third quarter with two touchdowns and two more in the fourth. Starkville (10-3 overall) never trailed in the contest thanks to two 1-yard touchdown runs from quarterback Gabe Myles.
The Yellowjackets also scored on a 90-yard kickoff return and a 15-yard run from Darius Grayer to cap the scoring for both teams on the night.
Oxford (11-2) got as close as 14-7 to Starkville early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Parker Adamson hooked up with tight end Zach Cousar for a 30-yard touchdown reception. Cousar’s catch capped a two-play, 80-yard drive for the Chargers, who struggled to move the ball consistently on the ground against Starkville and were forced to pass most of the second half.
Starkville didn’t let Oxford keep the momentum long after Cousar’s TD catch as Preston Baker returned the ensuing kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown to put the Yellowjackets back ahead 21-7.
The Chargers never mounted a successful drive after Baker’s kick return. Starkville will return to action Friday against West Point in the 5A North Half title game.
For more on the Chargers’ contest with the Yellowjackets, see Monday’s Sports section. (November 17, 2012)
