Oakland-Craig wins at Crofton

The Oakland-Craig Knights earned a hard fought 19-12 win at Crofton Friday night.

Neither team scored in the first or third quarters. Both teams scored 12 second quarter points, and Oakland-Craig added 7 fourth quarter points to seal the deal.

Hos Smith had 118 yards rushing on 19 carries, and scored once.

Cole Mitchell was 11-20 passing with 178 yards and a touchdown. Cody Mace made 7 catches for 119 yards.

Connor Thiele had 18 tackles while Mace and Josh Dixon made 8 apiece. Mitchell, Smith, and Tommy Nelson recorded 7 each.

The Knights totaled 317 yards of offense, 178 coming through the air.

Oakland-Craig showed a lot of heart, determination, and character to come away with the win. Crofton isn't the easiest place to play, but the Knights got the job done.

Oakland-Craig (3-1) hosts Ponca (0-4) Friday night.

The Indians lost 42-6 at home to Battle Creek last time out, and have had a rough go of things this season.

However, Ponca has played a very difficult schedule, and nearly beat Hartington Cedar Catholic.

The Knights had better be ready to play because the Indians are capable of beating anyone they play.

Oakland-Craig can't be looking ahead to Stanton. The Mustangs are the last team the Knights should be worried about right now.

Oakland-Craig has to come out and run the ball with authority. Hos Smith has to have a big game rushing, and Mitchell needs to have a humongous game passing the ball.

The Knights need to have offensive balance just like they did against the Warriors.

This is a scary game for Oakland-Craig, in my opinion. Both teams played Battle Creek about the same, and the Indians gave Hartington Cedar Catholic a run for their money.

Ponca did lose 36-13 to Crofton, but this is still going to be a tough game for the Knights, in my opinion.

I think Oakland-Craig will find a way to win, but the Indians are a tough team despite their record. The Knights have to be ready for a four quarter battle.

It's the start of district play, and every game really counts from here on out. I think District C2-4 will come down to Stanton and Oakland-Craig, but if either team slips up a team like Wisner-Pilger or Ponca could contend for the district title.

That's why Friday night's game is so important. The Knights can't afford to lose.