Cats mount another comeback, but fall short this time

Oxford senior Ethan Williams (center) on the run. Photo by Aaron Johnston.
Oxford senior Ethan Williams (center) on the run. Photo by Aaron Johnston.

By Chaz Millard

Football Correspondent

The holiday weekend started with a great night for football as the Oxford Wildcats played host to the West Bloomfield Lakers.

The Wildcats entered the game riding the emotional high of last week’s dramatic come-from-behind victory against Romeo.

The crowd as ready as ever to cheer on the boys and things looked good early, as the Wildcats were able to hold West Bloomfield scoreless on the opening drive.

That would not last however as the first half saw the Lakers move the ball through the air with efficiency as Bryce Veasley was accurate with his throws tossing three scoring passes in the first half.

Anytime that Oxford would gain some momentum it would be quickly snuffed out by West Bloomfield and the Lakers had a 21-0 lead late into the first half. On the final drive of the half however Oxford, with a blend of runs from senior running back Ethan Williams (21 carries for 109 yards) and some clutch throws the Wildcats were able to claw their way to a touchdown with just over six seconds remaining in the half and went to the locker room trailing 21-7.

The game had a similar feel to the previous week as Oxford started slow and got themselves into a hole. Whatever head coach Bud Rowley said to his players last week inspired them to a dramatic victory. This week he must have hit a similar chord as the Wildcats would score on the opening kickoff of the second half and just like that Oxford was back in the game trailing 21-14.

Defensively the game changed, as well as suddenly, West Bloomfield had a difficult time moving the ball. They would be able to score on another throw from the quarterback giving him four touchdowns on the game.

However, they would fail on the conversion attempt and heading into the final frame the score was Lakers 27, Wildcats 14.

The defense continued to play well throughout the fourth and they added another score and trailed 27-21.

That is as close as Oxford would get.

The Lakers held on for the 6-point victory. Three turnovers coupled with a 21-point deficit proved too much for the Wildcats to overcome.

This team has a lot of heart and character to come back in consecutive weeks. Despite being down to their opponents they have the indomitable will to not give up. Although they fell short this time, they will continue to compete. This is a team that is easy to root for. Tough, hard nosed and blue-collar work ethic will do well for this team as they continue this season.

Up next for Oxford (1-1) is a trip to Clarkston (2-1) this Friday, Sept. 9. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Make the trip down and root on the Wildcats.

 

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