The Oakland-Craig Knights picked up a huge win at Fremont Bergan Friday night, winning 22-6.
Oakland-Craig was shutout in the first half as Fremont Bergan led 6-0 at the break. Head Coach Joe Anderson says his team had their chances early on. "I felt like for the most part we had a lot of opportunities that first half. You know, and first play of the game we had a guy run a wide open play 40 yards, you know and just were a little pumped up to start the game, and 3, 4 times we just overshot wide open guys whether it be with the protection or the throw or not a crisp route. But get out of the goal line on short yardage, and they make a great play and goal line stand, so it felt like man there was 21, 28 points left out there. So we thought if we'd just not panic, stay with our game, that we'd have a good chance to win."
Oakland-Craig got the job done in the second half, particularly the fourth quarter, as they scored 20 of their 22 points in the final 12 minutes of play.
Senior quarterback Cole Mitchell was 6-22 passing for 95 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Hos Smith was the team's leading rusher with 20 carries for 67 yards. Cody Mace ran for 41 yards on 8 carries while Mitchell rushed for 37 yards on 18 attempts, and scored two touchdowns.
Garrett Seagren led Oakland-Craig in receiving with 3 catches for 52 yards. Cody Mace had 2 catches for 34 yards.
Smith led the way defensively with 12 tackles. Conner Thiele totaled 7.
Oakland-Craig had 240 yards of total offense, including 145 rushing. The defense gave up 142 yards of total offense, 120 coming on the ground.
This was an absolutely huge win for Oakland-Craig. They stepped up their level of play in the second half and in the fourth quarter, and made the plays necessary to win. Oakland-Craig came through in the clutch, and you couldn't ask for a better result to start the season if you are them.
Oakland-Craig (1-0) has another tough game Friday night as the Knights take on Battle Creek (1-0) at home.
The Braves defeated Stanton 19-6 in their season opener, and appear to be a very strong team again.
Oakland-Craig is going to have to play a complete, four quarter game if they want to win.
That's not to say Oakland-Craig didn't play a four quarter game against Fremont Bergan, because they certainly played well throughout the game, but Oakland-Craig has to step up their game if they want to beat Battle Creek.
The Knights have to capitalize on all opportunities given to them. Oakland-Craig can't turn the ball over like they did in the first half against Fremont Bergan, and must score whenever they have a chance.
The Knights have to win the turnover battle, and must be very tough physically and mentally.
The Braves are a very good team, but so is Oakland-Craig.
We will definitely find out what the Knights are made of come Friday night.
I think Oakland-Craig has a chance to win, but it's going to be tough. The Knights definitely have their work cut out for them.
I expect things to be tight Friday night. The game could come down to who makes more big plays, and who avoids the costly turnover.
I wouldn't be surprised if the game comes down to the final drive. I really think these teams are evenly matched.
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