Oakland-Craig picks up playoff win at Gibbon

The Oakland-Craig Knights picked up a big win at Gibbon Friday night, winning 27-7 in the state quarterfinals.

Oakland-Craig led 6-0 at the end of one and won the second quarter 15-7 to take a 21-7 lead into the locker room.

The Knights added 6 third quarter points. The Buffaloes were held scoreless in the second half.

Here is the scoring summary for both teams:

First Quarter Summary

OC- 46 Yard pass from Cole Mitchell to Cody Mace (Run Failed)

Second Quarter Summary

OC- 69 Yard pass from Cole Mitchell to Seagren (Mace Kick)
Gib- 2 Yard run by Wyatt Kee (Escandon Kick)
OC- 3 Yard run by Hoss Smith (Run by Mitchell)

Third Quarter Summary

OC- 12 yard pass from Mitchell to Mace (Kick Failed)

Smith rushed for 115 yards on 31 carries, and scored once.

Mitchell was 14-20 passing for 257 yards with three touchdowns. Garrett Seagren hauled in four passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. Cody Mace made 6 receptions for 98 yards, and scored twice.

Conner Thiele made 14 tackles while Tommy Nelson totaled 9.

The Knights amassed 385 yards of offense, including 257 through the air.

The defense allowed 208 yards, 190 coming on the ground.

Oakland-Craig played a great game Friday night. Gibbon was without their starting quarterback, but the Knights still took it to the Buffaloes regardless.

Oakland-Craig (10-1) battles Battle Creek (11-0) in the state semifinals Friday night in Oakland.

The Braves defeated the Knights 41-12 back on September 4th. Head Coach Joe Anderson says things are different now than they were then. "Yeah, that was second game of the year. We had a whole new offensive line. And obviously they've improved a ton since that second week. They've gelled together a little bit. They're a big, physical team too so we got our work cut out for us. But in that game it was 14-6 at halftime, so we were in it. And it was a really hot night. And they're big and physical. They really wore us down. I think it was a 95 degree night. That second half they really wore us down. So hopefully we're in a little better shape. I think we're a little bit better a tackling team. I think we've developed a little bit more depth for this time of year. And we're going to turn it loose. No holding anything back now. And so like I said our passing game is clicking a lot better than it was at that time. And like I said we got a lot of weapons out there. So they're a ball control team, and we're going to have to stop the run again. And we're going to have to mix it up on offense. So like I said defensively they're really strong, and it will be a tough task, but hey it's a home game, and I know our kids number one goal is lets get back home, and get to play in front of fans one more time."

I think Friday night's game will definitely be closer than the regular season game was.

Oakland-Craig has made a lot of strides since that game, and is district champs.

This is for all the marbles. A chance to play at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. It doesn't get any better than that if you're a high school football player.

The Knights have to get fired, jacked, and psyched up for this game. This is winner take all, and Oakland-Craig has to rise up to the occasion and give it everything they got.

I definitely think the Knights can win, but it's going to be tough. I'm going to say it's going to be a close game either way.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. on 107.9 the Bull. Pregame is set for 6:40.