By Jared Redding

EAGLE contributor

SOUTHAVEN — Waiting 21 more hours to play proved to be no problem for the visitors.

The Oxford Chargers avenged last season’s region loss and dominated this time around with a 30-7 win against Southaven. The Chargers have now won four straight games.

Despite inclement weather from the previous night and wet field conditions, the Chargers managed to stay hot, particularly in the first half.

“We did a good job of being focused,” OHS head coach Chris Cutcliffe said. “There was a lot of different stuff this week with coming up here last night and having to turn around and come back today to play the game. I was proud of our guys. We came out with a lot of energy and were focused and ready to play.”

Oxford had a three-and-out to begin the game offensively. After that, they scored points on all four of their remaining drives in the first half to bust the game open.

“I was really proud of that,” Cutcliffe said. We came out moving the ball early and didn’t finish. Then we did a nice job of scoring in the red zone and finishing drives.”

John Meagher completed 14 of 19 passes for 114 yards and a 40-yard touchdown pass to DeDe Pegues in the first quarter. Meagher also led the team in rushing with 42 yards and a score.

J.J. Pegues had a rushing touchdown late in the second quarter. Jack Tannehill finished one for two in field goals with a 23 yarder to get the scoring started.

Defensively, the Chargers pitched a shut out for 44 minutes until Southaven scored with a touchdown pass to Jeremiah Kimbrough.

But, all in all, Cutcliffe said the Chargers did a good job of defending in multiple facets.

“It was a big challenge,” Cutcliffe said. “They had a really balanced offense. They make you defend a lot of different things. I thought we did a great job.”

The defense also put points on the board with a 40-yard pick six by Byron Pearson off of a tipped pass. Scott Norphet also finished with an interception.

Oxford hosts South Panola next, a team that also defeated the Chargers last season in Batesville.

“We made a big deal of not digging ourselves in a hole,” Cutcliffe said. “Now we know we have a big challenge coming up in South Panola. They are always a tough, physical team and well coached. We have to be ready to play Friday night.”